February 2011
18 posts
2 tags
hello merch people are crew also
hey merch dude merch is going in the bay? what the fuck! can I have an attic? (2 load bars and a piece of wood)
All merch dude/girls have been caught in this situation, Bands call you so you can sell merch for them, they are nice guys, you even like the band, everything is great! but then the first day of the tour you get to the venue, the merch delivery arrives you count all the itmes then when...
January 2011
52 posts
1 tag
“someday stupidity will NOT be rewarded with a TV show but with a slap to the...”
– themerchdude
“TV can make anything look cool, look what they did for jersey”
– themerchdude
“someday we will hear talented musician on the radio”
– themerchdude
“When you name drop people wont remember your name”
– themerchdude
bands, planes and automobiles
I assume if you work on the road you have all those frequent flier memberships for every hotel chain and airlines (if you dont you should helps you out tons) early check in late check outs, free breakfast, upgrades and even a free room for every X amount of nights (helps out those bands that are touring on a tight budget) every crew member loves getting an upgrade, best thing is to say to your...
“the rock & roll business died as soon as it became a business”
– themerchdude
1 tag
what we deal when local production is high (video)
Made this video from quotes and experiences me, fellow merchies and crew guys go thru, yes all this shit does happen! REBLOG IF YOU HAVE HEARD OR SAID ANY OF THESE QUOTES!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQaqh7t77ZA
“keeping your legs closed may open more doors”
– themerchdude (inspired by tourmomsay)
canthavecourt15-deactivated2011 asked: Ah, thank you so much. :) So another question on top of that, when touring with the band how does that work. Such as do you drive yourself or do you tag along in their van/buses. Thank you so much for all your help, I appreciate it SO much!
“nothing smells better than coffee in the morning it should be a perfume”
– themerchdude
2 tags
Friends and even some music
Last night was one of the few times I have gone to a concert for fun, usually I am working them. I realized that working merch for a living has made me block noises people talking (why cant i block stupid people questions) and the music. Last night was actually one of the few times I LISTEN and LISTEN even to the opening bands specially the one that did a remix of that G6 song they actually made...
1 tag
Instructional video of what not to ask at merch
sorry for reposting but this needs it own subject!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kly61PB2Krg
Anonymous asked: which band would you work for free.
roroindahouse asked: what do you think about listener-determined pricing and do you think it works, long run/short run? We were talking about that in my music marketing and promotions class today and I was wondering what your take is on it.
For example, for CDs he said he'd rather have the fan leave with the music instead of leaving without any at all so he sells it for whatever the fan has to...
For example, for CDs he said he'd rather have the fan leave with the music instead of leaving without any at all so he sells it for whatever the fan has to...
Ways to get rid of old merch
Every tour I do I find myself getting these old shirts that bands want to get rid of (merch dude/girl hates this) so to avoid having fellow merch people having to deal with this shit here are a few of the trick most of us use to move old inventory.
1) the magic sign that says limited edition shirt!
2) Autograph (10 or 20 of them per show) and sell them for the SAME PRICE as your new tees (dont...
batgirlana asked: Well mister merch dude, I must thank you for teaching me merch etiquets. I feel like I have taken a course and now I know how to buy merh at concerts and not irritate the merch gals or dudes who work so very hard. Have a lovely day!!!
P.s. Your dog is adorable(:
P.s. Your dog is adorable(:
Anonymous asked: Who do you or did merch for?
“Instead of record labels creating a merch division merch companies should create...”
– themerchdude
grysorensen asked: If you were to name one little bar/pub/club in any city in the world to be your favorite - which one would it be, and why?
Anonymous asked: I've heard many different definitions for the difference between a band groupie/stalker/obsessed person vs person band calls a friend. What is your definition?
“Even when you have a man as tour manager he is still known as the tourmom”
– themerchdude
jazminlee23 asked: You speak a lot of truth and I'm glad I came across your blog. Keep up the good work man. And seeing as those were statements rather than questions, I guess I'll ask... What's the funniest/craziest thing to happen while on the road between shows? (specific names and such need not be included.)
“It’s not insomnia if your waking up at 4 pm everyday”
– Themerchdude
“My merch job doesn’t rule my life but my merch job makes my life rule”
– Themerchdude
“Nothing bothers a merch dude/girl more than a question which answer is right in...”
– themerchdude
kaleighbytheway asked: How are we ever supposed to meet you and tell you how awesome you are if you won't reveal your identity?! (Although, I personally tell almost every merch guy and gal that's they're amazing, because they are.)
Anonymous asked: I know there are questions you don't answer, but is there a reason in particular that you won't reveal your identity?
Anonymous asked: I see you talk about your wife quite a bit on here. How is it being on the road for you and your significant other? I know being away from loved ones for a period of time is difficult, but damm Periods of time must even tougher. Also when you are on the road and have days off what is that you find yourself doing?
“24 hour breakfast dinners and gaff tape are a tour peeps best friend”
– Themerchdude
checkyesjade asked: Thank you for that. I read them and they are all very insightful and pretty helpful about what life is like.
How did you get your manager?
And do you work for a label or just on you own?
How did you get your manager?
And do you work for a label or just on you own?
checkyesjade asked: Hey I want to break into the "merch scene", not cause I want to bang the band guys, but because I love music and being around it. I feel that is the place for me. I am a girl and I feel that already puts me sorta down. My mom used to tour way back when and she always tells me stories of the road and I feel that is where I belong and reading this blog I feel it even more. Do you have any...
“Asking for respect without having self-respect gets no respect”
– Themerchdude
1 tag
Dignity seems to be second to becoming famous
Yep my title says it clearly when it come to becoming famous some people will lose all “dignity to be famous”. Just look at any magazine all these people saying “I slept with that famous athlete, band guy or politician” all just to become famous!
Its a trend and we all know how trends are, everyone has to do it. I mean no one forced you to put that famous person dick in...
Anonymous asked: do you have nightmares of white t shirts attacking you and choking you to death? i do, it scares me..
embilysays asked: I don't really have a question, I just wanted to say I enjoy your blog. (:
Anonymous asked: I look up to you as an inspiration. I want to be a merch girl more than anything. I'm a hard worker, and I have experience working local shows making sure everything runs smoothly. What should I do to put my name out there so I can sell merch on a tour?
Your "word" is the most important "tool" on "tour"
About 6 years ago I had just got off a great tour and had nothing scheduled.
while getting a hair cut I texted a band that I had gotten along while touring in europe they were also doing the european festivals (they were from the US of A) I asked if they needed a merch dude well I got a text back that said my manager will call you in 5 minutes (scoooooore).
The manager called and said we...
If real life was like touring life
Talking to a guy from a band over twitter he asked me what’s your name? I said I never say my name, he respected that (as several people that I have worked with that never say my name here, thanks by the way)
Then he asked: Do I know you in RL? the uncool person that I am I had no freaking clue what he asked so I said what the hell is RL? he said REAL LIFE that made me think what is the...
listen to your merch dude/girl you sell more merch...
This is something I usually tell the bands and artist I work for.
The merch dude/girl is in direct contact with your fans actually the merch dude/girl talks to more of your fans at a show than the band, managers or “papegment” (if you have your parents managing your band).
So why don’t you take full advantage of this when you are gonna start doing your merch on your next...
“Once again record labels prove they don’t care about the music business...”
– Themerchdude
makelife asked: How did you get into selling merch? What was the most important step you took?
“Say anything about my mom on tour and I’ll laugh say something about...”
– Themerchdude
Amount of items to sell on a tour
I always wonder what were some of the bands/artist/singer song writers thinking when they did the merch items to sell on the road. Is it really necessary to have 50 items? Is that gonna make you sell more? Well the answer to those two questions is NO.
To have successful merch sales you have to think speed, you ask yourself “what the hell is this guy talking about speed?” Well if you...
Mama and papa vs big merch companies
Having worked for Both sides I have found that bigger may not always be better.
The mama papa merch companies treat the bands like rock stars, the larger ones only throw Rock star “cash advances” at them so most bands go with the larger ones because everyone needs money right? Remember you get a huge advance but you pay that money back before you see any money.
Many successful...
alwayscandace asked: Not a question, just a response to the touring 25 years ago thing (hell even 10 years ago.)
As far as food, venue staff "where's a close place that won't give us food poisoning or suck up our entire per diem?"
The cash thing is a scary thought...but you know that's what they did. Everything else was probably done as far in advance as...
As far as food, venue staff "where's a close place that won't give us food poisoning or suck up our entire per diem?"
The cash thing is a scary thought...but you know that's what they did. Everything else was probably done as far in advance as...
How the hell they toured 25 years ago
I am sitting next to my wifey (she is snoring) I started Thinking about how the hell they toured 25 years ago?
if you don’t tour have in mind you have to advance many things from the productions, sound,motors to lift rig, lights, back stage riders, towels for showers and most important of all the merch!
While we are touring now and have iPhone, ipads, laptops and smart phone that get...
Anonymous asked: Do you have any tips for journalists doing interviews with the bands? Anything you have seen that annoys the band? Any topics that should not be brought up?
“Sometimes Acting like a geek is the coolest thing you can do”
– Themerchdude’s 9 year old nephew
“Dreaming of doing is what dreamers do so wake the fuck up and do”
– Themerchdude