How can adding merchandise (like t-shirts, mugs, puzzles) help my art business?

Merchandise creates impulse purchases and gift items that don’t require wall space or approval from a significant other—both of which add friction to buying art. Items like phone cases, sweatshirts, tote bags, pillows, and puzzles can turn into $100-$300 orders when bundled together. They lower the barrier to entry for buyers and let people across the economic spectrum buy from you. One member sold thousands of dollars of a new Santa image in just weeks, much of it on merchandise. Merch also creates additional revenue streams from your existing artwork without extra creative effort. It’s an easy way to increase average order value and reach more buyers.

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Asked by an artist considering adding merchandise · Answered by Nick Friend and Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2021-01-05