Gaming Streamers should consider starting their own merch shops

Hey fellow streamers! Are you looking for a way to make some extra cash and give your audience a way to support you? Print-on-demand (POD) might be just what you’re looking for.

POD is a service that lets you order custom-printed merchandise, like t-shirts and hats, without having to buy a ton of inventory upfront. This means you can test out different products and designs to see what works best for your audience, without worrying about getting stuck with unsold stuff.

Another big advantage of POD is that it’s a super easy way to make some extra dough. By offering merchandise for sale, you can give your fans a way to show their support and connect with your content in a tangible way. This can be especially cool for streamers with a dedicated and engaged audience, since merchandise can be a great way to foster a sense of community and get repeat business.

So, how do you get started with POD? Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Choose a POD provider: There are tons of companies that offer POD services, so do your research and find one that fits your needs. Consider factors like product selection, quality, price, and customer service.
  2. Decide on your product offering: Think about what types of merchandise your audience would be most interested in. Some options might include t-shirts, hats, stickers, and other physical items. You can also consider offering digital products, like wallpapers or ebooks.
  3. Design your merchandise: Once you know what you want to sell, it’s time to create the designs for your products. This can be as simple as using a pre-made template or hiring a designer to create custom artwork.
  4. Set up your online store: Most POD providers have an online store option that lets you sell your merchandise directly to your audience. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to manage your sales and fulfill orders.
  5. Promote your merchandise: Once your store is set up and your merchandise is available for sale, it’s time to let your audience know. Use social media, your stream, and any other channels you have to promote your new offerings and encourage your fans to support you by buying your merchandise.

POD can be a great way for streamers to diversify their income streams and give their audience a way to support and engage with their content. By choosing the right POD provider, deciding on your product offering, designing your merchandise, setting up an online store, and promoting your products, you can effectively use POD to boost your streaming career.