Amplify Merch

Category Amplify Merch Member News

Amplify Merch Was Built for You—Let’s Keep It Moving Forward

We created Amplify Merch to support artists, bands, and small businesses—to take the weight of merch off your shoulders so you can focus on creating, performing, running the day-to-day of your business, and growing your brand.

But lately, we’ve hit a few bumps in the road.

🚫 Stores are live—but fans & customers don’t know they exist.
🚫 Designs are finished—but they’re not being shared.
🚫 Orders are slow to non-existent, and momentum is fading.

Let’s be real—we believe in this. 100%.
We believe in artists. We believe in community.
We believe in building something bigger than any one of us.

But this only works when we’re all in.

We’re still doing our part—creating designs, running ads, fulfilling orders, managing stores, and making sure the backend runs smoothly. But we can’t do it alone.

We need you to show up:
📢 Share your merch
📢 Tag us in your posts
📢 Promote your store like you believe in it
📢 Tell your fans where to find it

If you’re ready to grow, we’re here and fired up to grow with you.
If you’re not—that’s okay too. But have to be more intentional about where we invest our energy moving forward.

And if you’ve outgrown Amplify Merch, or if it’s just not the right fit anymore—no hard feelings. Just let us know, and we’ll remove your items to make room for those actively building with us.

We’re here for the doers, the dreamers, and the teams that want to rise together.

Let’s make it count.

—Team Amplify Merch


Choosing the Right T-Shirt Printing and Materials

A Guide for Bands and Brands

At Amplify Merch, we know that choosing the right T-shirt for your merch line isn’t just about picking a cool design—it’s about making smart choices that balance cost, comfort, and perceived value. Whether you’re selling merch at a gig or online, the type of T-shirt and the printing method you choose can make a big difference in how fans connect with your brand.

Let’s break down the most popular printing techniques, what types of materials work best with each, and how Amplify Merch helps you make the right call for your band or business.


🎨 Printing Methods: Pros, Cons, and Price Points

1. Screen Printing

  • Best For: Bulk orders (25+ shirts)
  • Works Best On: 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends
  • Cost: $$ (More cost-effective at higher quantities)
  • Pros: Long-lasting, vibrant prints with a soft feel. Great for bold logos and simple color schemes.
  • Cons: Less efficient for small batches or designs with lots of colors.

Why choose it: If you’re stocking up for a tour or festival run, screen printing is cost-effective and delivers a high-quality, pro-level look.


2. Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

  • Best For: Small batches or full-color designs
  • Works Best On: 100% cotton (especially ringspun or combed cotton)
  • Cost: $$$ (Higher per-shirt cost, but no setup fees)
  • Pros: Unlimited colors, perfect for photo-quality prints and on-demand orders.
  • Cons: May fade faster than screen printing if not properly cared for.

Why choose it: Ideal for limited-edition drops or online stores where each shirt is printed when ordered.


3. Heat Transfer (Vinyl or Digital)

  • Best For: Short runs, personalization (names, numbers)
  • Works Best On: Cotton or cotton/poly blends
  • Cost: $$ (Slightly less than DTG)
  • Pros: Sharp detail, good for smaller custom runs
  • Cons: May feel heavier on the fabric; not ideal for breathability.

Why choose it: Great for event shirts or athletic-style tees where personal details matter.


4. Sublimation

  • Best For: All-over designs
  • Works Best On: 100% polyester or poly-blend white/light shirts
  • Cost: $$$
  • Pros: Ink becomes part of the fabric—super vibrant and breathable.
  • Cons: Only works on polyester and light-colored garments.

Why choose it: Perfect for bands looking to offer something unique and eye-catching.


👕 Choosing the Right T-Shirt Material

Your print will only look (and feel) as good as the shirt you print on. Here’s how different materials stack up:

Heavy Cotton (e.g., Gildan 5000)

  • Pros: Sturdy feel, budget-friendly, high perceived value
  • Cons: Can feel hot and stiff, especially under stage lights
  • Best For: Fans who want a classic tee with substance

Amplify Insight: Heavy cotton shirts make great merch table staples because they feel “worth it” to fans—but they’re not always the best choice for your band to wear while performing.


Ringspun Cotton (e.g., Bella+Canvas 3001, Next Level 3600)

  • Pros: Soft, breathable, high-quality feel
  • Cons: Slightly more expensive
  • Best For: Stage wear, premium merch, retail-style collections

Amplify Insight: These shirts feel great on the skin and take DTG prints beautifully—perfect for when your band wants to look sharp on and off the stage.


Tri-Blends (Cotton/Poly/Rayon)

  • Pros: Ultra-soft, lightweight, stylish
  • Cons: Pricier, some printing methods may not look as bold
  • Best For: Fashion-forward fans, boutique merch drops

Amplify Insight: Tri-blends are ideal for fans who live in their band tees. Pair them with DTG or subtle screen prints for a modern, worn-in vibe.


100% Polyester (Performance Shirts)

  • Pros: Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking (quick-dry feel)
  • Cons: Not compatible with all print methods (sublimation preferred), sometimes seen as “less premium” for casual wear
  • Best For: Activewear, summer merch, or stage wear under hot lights

Amplify Insight: These shirts are a great choice when comfort and breathability are the priority—like when you’re sweating it out on stage. We often recommend them for athletic-style designs, festival merch, or outdoor summer events. With sublimation printing, you can get stunning, all-over graphics that feel like part of the fabric.


🤝 How Amplify Merch Helps You Choose

At Amplify Merch, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We take the time to understand your goals—whether it’s maximizing profit, offering premium gear, or keeping your band cool on stage. Here’s how we help:

  • Tailored Recommendations: We guide you through materials and printing options that fit your brand and budget.
  • On-Demand Solutions: Our online platform supports DTG printing, which means no upfront inventory costs.
  • Bulk Order Support: For tours or big events, we help you plan cost-effective screen printing runs.
  • Sample Program: Want to try out a shirt before committing? We can send samples so you can see and feel the difference.
  • Design & Production Support: Need artwork adjustments? We’ve got you covered there, too.

🎸 Final Thoughts

Your merch is more than just a shirt—it’s a walking billboard, a connection to your fans, and a revenue stream that supports your art. Whether you want to keep things classic or experiment with new styles, Amplify Merch is here to help you strike the perfect balance between form, function, and finance.

Ready to find your perfect merch fit? Get in touch with our team or start exploring your options today.

Thanks for reading! You can use the coupon code RightShirt to get 10% off any purchase!

Creative Ways to Boost Merch Sales with Amplify Merch-online and at the Merch Table

Creative Ways to Boost Merch Sales with Amplify Merch

Merch sales are a crucial revenue stream for bands and businesses, but managing inventory and maximizing sales can be challenging. With Amplify Merch, you can take a smarter, more creative approach to selling your merch—both at the table and online. 

Here are some innovative strategies to help you increase sales, minimize risk, and engage your fans in new ways.  

1. Offer Show-Exclusive and Online-Only Merch

One way to create buzz and drive sales is to offer exclusive merch items only available at shows or online.  

Show-Exclusive Merch: Create a limited-run design only sold at your live events. This encourages fans to buy on the spot knowing they won’t be able to get it later.  

Online-Only Items: Promote certain products as “web exclusives” on your Amplify Merch page, making them available only to those who couldn’t attend your shows.  

Pro Tip: Promote these exclusives in advance on social media and let fans know that once they’re gone, they’re gone! 


2. Offer Intro Pricing and Limited Quantity Drops 

Create urgency and encourage impulse buys by offering:  

*Limited-Time Introductory Pricing*: 

When launching a new product, start with a special discounted price for the first few days or the first X number of orders.  

*Low-Stock Alerts: Make it clear that only a few items are available. If you have a small batch at a show, let fans know they need to **grab one before they’re gone**.  

With Amplify Merch, you can also start small and increase production only when demand rises—keeping you from over-ordering and getting stuck with unsold stock.  


3. Reduce Shipping Costs for Fans with a Smart Sales Strategy 

Shipping costs can sometimes deter online shoppers. Here’s how to minimize that issue:  

*Stock a few key items at shows: Bring a small selection of your best-selling designs to sell in person while promoting your full catalog on amplifymerch.com. This reduces your risk while still offering on-the-spot purchases.  

*Encourage Pre-Orders: If an item sells out at a show, direct fans to pre-order online, allowing you to produce exactly what’s needed without excess inventory.  

*Bundle Deals: Offer special deals for fans who buy multiple items—such as a T-shirt + sticker pack—to make shipping feel more worthwhile.  


4. Leverage Amplify Merch’s Huge Product Variety

With Amplify Merch, you don’t have to guess which items will sell—you can offer tons of different products without carrying inventory.  

*Test new designs and products online before committing to large orders.  

*Offer unique items that fans might not expect, like **shoes, hoodies, leggings, or beanies**.  

*Run seasonal promotions, like limited-edition holiday merch.  


5. Use Creative Marketing to Drive Sales  

A strong marketing plan can take your merch sales to the next level. Here are some tactics to create hype:  

*Announce new merch drops with countdowns on social media.  

*Show behind-the-scenes content of the design or production process.  

*Create exclusive merch for fans who support your band on Facebook or other platforms.  

*Offer discount codes for fans who engage with your posts or attend multiple shows. 

*Offer discount codes from amplifymerch.com to fans who post and tag you in photos wearing your merch. 

Bonus Tip: When your limited stock at a show sells out, create urgency by directing fans online! Post a “Sold Out! message and encourage fans to visit amplifymerch.com for more options.  

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder

With Amplify Merch, you can sell more merch with less hassle. 

By using these creative strategies — ”limited releases, smart pricing, exclusive items, and online pre-orders”—you can keep fans engaged and excited while avoiding unsold inventory.  

Ready to take your merch game to the next level?

Start using Amplify Merch to maximize your profits and focus on what you do best—making great music!