Are you taking advantage of merchandising opportunities for your gaming team? This combination is an excellent way to bring in another source of income for your team and stoke the excitement of your fans at the same time. It’s a win-win situation!
You already have a lot going on to manage your Esports team, which might be why you have not pursued merchandising options yet. But the truth is that selling merch is easier than you might think. There are many ways you can set up a digital shop and sell branded merch without having to manage product storage and shipping.
Benefits of Merch for Gaming Teams
There are three main benefits you can expect when offering merch for your gaming team:
● Fan Loyalty: Fans love the option to wear merch because it sends a message to the world about something they feel passionate about.
● Advertise Your Team: The merch is a source of advertising for your brand, helping to expand awareness every time someone sees your logo.
● Income Source: Every time someone buys your merch, it is another stream of income to provide the financial support your gaming team needs.
● Attract Sponsors: The more your brand grows, the higher likelihood that you will be able to attract the attention of sponsors who are interested in partnering with your gaming team.
What Kind of Merch Should You Sell?
While there is always a demand for classic jerseys, don’t limit the options in your digital store. Remember that your fans have unique preferences and styles. So, offering different types of merch is a great way to cater to everyone’s desires.
The truth is that team jerseys tend to bea bit on the pricier side, which means that you could be missing out on sales if part of your demographic has a tighter budget. So, consider offering cheaper options as well, such as:
● Mugs: In addition to enjoying a morning cup of coffee with their favorite mug at home, fans also like to take their branded mugs to the office. People are excited to rep their team and create a conversation starter with their coworkers and clients.
● Posters: If someone is looking to add a bit of color and style to their wall, then a poster can be a great option. Your fans will love them! Offer posters of different sizes so fans can hang them on thewall or in smaller places, such as their cubicles at work.
● Hats: Offer different types of hats, including beanies, trucker caps, and wooly hats. The great thing about hats is that they come in unisex sizes and are popular for people of all ages. Hats are both functional and stylish at the same time.
● T-shirts: A classic t-shirt is a staple in every closet. These shirts can be great for everyday wear, as well as lounging around the house or enjoying a day out in nature. Offer both women’s and men’s t-shirt sizes, as well as various design options with crew neck, V-neck, tank tops, and more. Consider investing in screen burning materials to make your t-shirt merch in-house!
● Hoodies: Everyone needs a good hoodie to lounge in. Hoodies are comfortable, warm, and practical. Depending on your target demographic, your fans might be living in their hoodies for at least half the year in the colder months.
● Smaller Items: Sometimes people prefer smaller trinkets and items, such as branded pens, stickers, bobbleheads, keychains, and more.
Not only can you design merch with your team logo, but also consider fun ways to make the merchandise more appealing. Fun graphics, slogans, and other unique designs create the “wow” factor that motivates people to buy. The good news is that you don’t have to be a graphic designer, because you can always hire an expert to help with the design.
As you can see, offering gaming merch doesn’t have to be complicated. The benefits are well-worth the effort!