Should You Sell Merch at Your Comedy Shows?
Ah, merch. The sacred tradition of hawking your soul in T-shirt form. If you’ve ever left a show thinking, “Wow, that was fun, but I also wish I had a mug with that comic’s face on it,” congratulations—you’re already halfway to understanding the art of comedian merchandise.
So... should you sell merch at your comedy shows?
Short Answer: Yes, Darling. But Make It Worth It.
Merch isn’t just about making a few bucks—it’s about turning fans into superfans. And superfans? They wear your catchphrase to brunch.
What Should You Sell?
Let’s break it down:
T-Shirts: The holy grail of comedy merch. But don’t just slap your name on a Gildan tee and call it a day. Make it clever. Make it wearable. Make people say, “Where’d you get that?”
Stickers & Buttons: Great for beginners. Cheap to make, easy to carry, and your face on a 2-inch circle is always a conversation starter.
Hats, Mugs, or Tote Bags: If you’ve got a podcast or a running gag that hits every time—put it on something useful. Because nothing says “I support comedy” like sipping coffee from a mug that says, “I peed a little.”
Download Cards or USBs: Got an album? A sketch? A weird spoken-word poem about Tinder? Give the people a way to take it home.
The Set-Up: Don't Be a Creep About It
You don’t have to go full used-car salesman after your set. Just give people the option. Mention it in your act (“You guys have been so great, I’ll be by the merch table afterward if anyone wants to take me home—on a shirt”). Keep it breezy. Keep it cute.
Have a little sign. A price list. And change, for the love of PayPal.
The Real Secret? Your Merch is Part of Your Act
If your jokes are funny and your vibe is lovable, people will want a little souvenir of the experience. So think of your merch table as an encore. One where you don’t even have to tell another joke. You just have to smile and say, “Cash or Venmo?”
A Few Final Tips:
Don’t overspend on inventory until you know what sells.
Keep your branding consistent. (Yes, comedians have brands now. Welcome to 2025.)
Practice your “Thanks for supporting live comedy!” smile in the mirror. You’ll need it.
Yass, dahlink!
Selling merch isn’t selling out—it’s buying in. To your career. To your audience. To the fact that laughter is fleeting, but hoodies are forever.
So go ahead, comic. Turn your punchlines into products. And remember: if all else fails, people will always buy a tote bag.
