Subscribe to blog updates

How to use samples to increase merch sales

Did you know featuring your merch in promotional content can increase your sales by 50%? Whether you’re a creator, gamer, or internet marketer—showing off the quality of your products to followers and fans can significantly help increase your sales.

Keep in mind you can order samples of your products at base cost within the “Listings” section of your account at any time. Get inspired by the creators in this post and check out all the ways they’re featuring merch samples in video + photo content to increase their sales. 



Wearing merch in promotional content is a key step in selling. Thousands of creators are using merch samples to generate engagement and hype around their personal brands. Sharing photos and videos of your merch is one of the most effective ways to increase your sales. 

 

Merch photo inspiration

Check out examples of how Teespring creators use merch samples to promote their products in an engaging way.

@moriahelizabethofficial (3.77M subs)

Moriah wears her merch to create hype for her new collection.

@quietcoolkid (184K subs)

Quiet Cool Kid uses merch photos to promote the sale she’s running.


@xfor3v3rfaithfulx (621K subs)

Ellen announces her new merch line with a sale.

@unfollowcarter (254K subs)

Miles organizes a photo shoot to show off his newest products.

 

Merch video inspiration

Our team has compiled several of our favorite promotional merch videos. Some creators go full-on to produce top quality branded content, others explain the story behind their designs to connect with fans, and some simply wear their merch and remind viewers where they can purchase it. As long as you’re wearing your products and reminding fans where they can get their own there’s no way to go wrong! Check out the list of merch-promoting videos and get inspired.

@Simplicissimuss (329k subs)

An engaging video-essay channel, Simplicissimus used Teespring to create a totally custom apparel brand called CultureCulture. They used a range of products from their line to create a stunning video segment and photoshoot using models to showcase the product range. They also created a dedicated Instagram account to promote the collection.

@MaxDiamond (1.3K subs)

Max is an amateur magic creator whose channel features trick tutorials, product demos, and commentary content. In addition to creating a standalone merch promo video he also hosted a giveaway (see section above) and wears his merch in videos to promote sales.

@PetrolHeadGarage (71.3K subs)

This channel is run by a group of mechanics (and friends) based in Spain. We love this video because it calls out the quality of their new Teespring merch line and focuses on how important their community is to the channel.

@Wintergartan (1.5M subs)

Wintergarten takes his merch promo to a whole new level by turning blueprints of his amazing music machine into custom posters. In this video this Sweden based creator explains the design process and showcases all the product available in custom poster collection

@ItsYeBoi (2.33M subs)

ItsYeBoi showcases his new merch collection in the beginning of his video. Apart from wearing his merch, showing new products available, and calling out where to buy them—he also reminds followers to tag him in photos once they receive their order and hints at an upcoming giveaway.

 

Using merch for giveaways & events

Apart from featuring merch in promotional content many creators also order their merch for giveaways and events.

Giveaways

Consider hosting a contest or giveaway to increase channel subscribers, newsletter subscriptions, social media followers, increase purchases, etc. When it’s time to reward the winner order your merch from your dashboard and once it arrives, mail it to your winner and add a personal touch like a note or photo in the package.

Max Diamond celebrated reaching 1k subscribers on his channel by launching his new merch line with a giveaway. The first 10 people to order a tee or sweatshirt also received a deck of cards. Followers could also win freebies by subscribing to his channel too.

 

Events

Planning to attend an event? Order your merch ahead of time to give away or sell. The team from Holding Space Films ordered poster merch samples in preparation of their film tour—they’ll give away items as prizes and also hang posters at screenings to promote their film + drive online merch sales in their Teespring store.

 

Building your brand

Make merch samples an integral part of building your brand with Teespring. Once you’ve created your merch, order a sample, promote it and start selling–check out the video below to see how easy it is!

 

 

94 responses to “How to use samples to increase merch sales

  1. Shane says:

    Is there a minimum order for items? A friend said he has 2 items in his cart, but received a message stating that 3 more orders must be placed? Or do ordered (even a minimum of 1) print after ordered? Thank you

    1. Kate Shoaf says:

      Hey Shane! Yes, when a campaign is created you can select your sales target/goal. The artwork quality determines if you can select a goal of 1. Learn more here: https://community.teespring.com/answers/setting-your-campaign-goal/

      1. Kimberly Washington says:

        Hi I have a question and you guys are super awesome btw!

        If I wanted to order a bulk order of T-shirt’s I was looking at the examples I just want to make sure I understand I will pay my price correct?? I wanted like 12 shirts

        1. Erica Bickel says:

          Hey Kimberly, if you follow the steps above you will pay the price you set.

      2. AegeanTradingCompany says:

        I suspect Teesrpring has so many queries about how to order your own sample products because they don’t have a clear link called: How to buy your samples at cost price

        Neither do they have a member of staff prepared to offer any other help than “Have a look at our FAQ’s”
        I am a new seller testing the water and frankly, I am not impressed right now…… Let’s see if Teespring care enough to just answer the “How to” question in four bullet points of less.

        1. Erica Bickel says:

          Hey there, can you clarify your question? This article tells you how to order your samples at the base cost.

      3. Shane says:

        Please help me change the price of some of the shirts as well as order some of the shirts at my cost.

        1. Erica Bickel says:

          Hey Shane, email [email protected] for assistance with this!

  2. Ted Harris says:

    Hi;
    Question: This all looks simple and easy to launch which brings the question… I found your company reading of another’s campaign on tweeter… Therefore I would not need to by that person’s produce I can now make my own directly through you… So you tell me… I want to try a campaign or direct product by designing and launching a group of products..i.e. T-Shirts, Hoodies, Mugs, or even calendars.. Now I put order into to you at “Teesprings” and do you launch the my product via your web site/store in my small biz name or your company name “teespring”?..
    2/ How much or what would be estimate for you to make and handle orders etc if I initially set target for 5 products to sell? .. And as request come in I just keep increasing until I feel I can make a bigger order commitment?
    3/ How is sale/pricing setup?
    4/ If you get my drift… If the product is sold off of your web/store potential customers could flip that strategy and just go to you direct…whereas if store sale is in my name or my company name they may not look any further as to if “teespring” is the mover on the product…

    Thank you and await your reply..

    1. Kate Shoaf says:

      Hey Ted – please check out the training center (starting with section 1) https://community.teespring.com/training-center/how-does-teespring-work/ ~ you should be able to find the answers your looking for there 🙂

    2. Mauricio says:

      Hey I wanted to ask how I can get my own merchandise for free and get it shipped here.
      I did read the steps but i got confused on how i need to pay the ? Amount of money and for it to be free.

      1. Erica Bickel says:

        Hey Mauricio + Ted, this sample would be at base cost, not free.

  3. Light and silky says:

    Can your company send me free samples of my own merch ?!so I can recommend it to people ?!

  4. My family all the time say that I am killing
    my time here at web, but I know I am getting know-how daily by
    reading thes pleasant posts.

    1. shanta w says:

      Are the samples of my merchandise free?

      1. Erica Bickel says:

        Hey Shanta, yes this is free!

        1. Fabian says:

          How do I order dsamples of my own merch?

          1. Erica Bickel says:

            Hey Fabian, follow the steps above to order your own merch.

        2. Fabian says:

          How can I get free samples of my merch.?

          1. Erica Bickel says:

            Hey Fabian, we are not offering free samples of merch at this time.

  5. AJay says:

    I Would Like to know if you’d give a free sample of my own merch so i could recommend it to people?

  6. Ryan Orberg says:

    Can I have a sample to my email? I want it shipped to my house! My name is Ryan Orberg and yeah please and thank you very much member of Teespring.

  7. jeffrey says:

    hi …
    im a newbies here do you have any tips on how sell

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Jeffrey, beginners usually start out reading through our training center and consulting our creator guide for sales tips. Best of luck to you!

  8. Anthony James Burns Sr says:

    In business

  9. KORI says:

    Hi
    I want to expand on some of your products
    Such as multi-colored tight pants

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Kori, great idea! I’ll pass that along to the team. In the meantime, we do have leggings available to design (probably the closest product option to “multi-colored tight pants”).

  10. Aidan says:

    i’d like a sample of my merch

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Aidan, please e-mail [email protected] for questions regarding merch!

  11. Logan Domm says:

    What about unisex joggers?

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Logan, coming soon 😉

  12. Dave planka says:

    I was told that once you sell 10 items your store or products are now able to be seen be everyone . i have sold 10 items and my stuff is still not able to be searched off your main site search engine! Whats the deal? Also where is there a number of someone i can talk to. This customer service isnt great.

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Dave, we are currently working on improving our search feature. Thanks for your patience!

  13. cielita barrow says:

    I would like samples of my merch

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Cielita, follow the steps above to order your own merch!

      1. Jay says:

        Why am I only allotted 4 samples. I have many different designs and tried to get a sample of each design to see how the market takes to it. and now I can’t order a sample but I can order from my own store? This is nonsense

        1. Kate Shoaf says:

          Hey Jay – you can order as many samples as you like. Right now you’re able to order samples from one listing at time, so if you want to order all of your different products you’ll need to either create one listing with everything or place orders on each one. Sorry for the inconvenience.

  14. Tye says:

    I may have missed something but I was wanting to order a free sample like a free hoodie. Is there any possible way for me to order a sample that’s completely free?

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Tye, not at this time. Thanks for your patience!

  15. Jacob Allen says:

    Can I get A sample of the hoodie i just created? It is called school approved

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hi Jacob, follow the steps above to order your sample!

  16. Michelle says:

    Hi,
    We are looking to make some items in youth sizes? This is not listed on your website, can you pls tell us how we can do this?

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Michelle, we do offer kids/youth sizes! Be sure to click the “kids & babies” icon in the design launcher to do so.

      1. Michael says:

        Ok thank you and you spelt my name wrong but it is okay by the way it is spelt michael

  17. Soy Tribu says:

    It’s not that easy to me… I would appreciate so much an explaining video!

  18. sabrina says:

    Would love to see some car magnets and buttons too! Please bring back raglan tees and update sizing guide with new apparel descriptions. I have to look at 3 articles to determine if it runs small – confusing!

  19. Scott says:

    Is this info still valid as of the present time? I tried following the steps but didn’t see what was described in Step 3. If this info is no longer valid, is there a new method for a creator to order a sample of their product? Any info and help is appreciated. Thanks!

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Yes!

  20. Grayson Morley says:

    Can I purchase my own appeal for free?

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Grayson, we are only offering merch purchases at base cost at this time.

  21. Rikaylah says:

    can I get my merch samples for free

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Rikaylah, we are only offering merch at base cost at this time.

  22. Terrell Mitchell says:

    How do we get free sample of our merch??

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Terrell, follow the steps in the post outlined above to order samples of your own merch.

  23. Jaquil Dickens says:

    I’m proud of this product I made 😀

  24. Jacquelyn Lopez says:

    I created a base price campaign but in the updated version I don’t see where I select pick up from seller to have them shipped to me at no cost like the video tutorial explains

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hi Jacquelyn, this feature is no longer available. I apologize for the inconvenience.

  25. Reagan says:

    How do i get samples of my own merch

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Reagan, follow the steps in the post outlined above!

  26. Paige Scott says:

    Hi, I was wondering if you can maybe update this or try to make the instructions more clear on how to get a sample. I tried this and my total still came out to be around 70 or so dollars… I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

  27. Scott says:

    Can I design a direct design, and have it shipped to different addresses? I.E. friends and family, so it doesn’t cost extra or “make a profit”? I do not wish to create a business campaign..

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Scott, when you’re designing a t-shirt, you have the option to either “buy” or “sell.” In the pop up window that appears after you select the t-shirt option, select “buy.”

  28. Larisa Hunterq says:

    I would like it if they added plush for everyone, custom plush

  29. Juliana Ferrer Franco says:

    Hi! i ordered a sample like 3 months ago, but never arrived 🙁

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Oh no! Please email [email protected] for assistance tracking your package and/or for a refund.

  30. shine says:

    Hello,
    where can i find the exact size measurement 🙂
    thanks guys!

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Shine, click here for our size guide.

  31. James Himes says:

    is there a way to add samples after the store has been created and already published? i would also like to know what size the XLT is on the orders that allow people to purchase that size. Lastly is there a way to edit the pricing after the designs are published? the price of my original shirts are a few dollars too high and that will affect the volume i am able to sell.

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey James, I’m not sure what you mean in regards to ordering samples. You can still order samples after your store and listings have been published. As of right now, you can not edit the price of a live listing.

  32. Brian says:

    i want a sample of my long sleeve melon shirt

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Brian, feel free to do so using our launcher!

  33. Timothy Cook says:

    Hello! How many free samples of one of my t-shirts would I be able to order before I have to pay? Thanks.

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Timothy, all products would be at base cost.

  34. Jack says:

    Are the samples of my merchandise free? I see that someone asked this question already but I don’t understand how this is possible if I must pay every time I order.

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Jack, the samples are at base cost.

      1. Mauricio says:

        What do u mean base cost
        Because I dont get how this is free cause I always have to pay and then u say it’s at base cost nas IDK what that means

        1. Erica Bickel says:

          Hey Mauricio, base cost is the minimum price you have to set your products at.

  35. Myles says:

    Hello! I know people have asked different forms of this question, but just trying to confirm how exactly is it “free” to order my own merchandise? If I order it at the base cost, would all the money go to Teespring? I noticed one part of the article says that you receive your profit back if you order it from your storefront, but does that include the whole amount paid or simply the money I would be making off of a regular order?

    Thank you!

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Myles, ordering samples is not free. You can order samples by setting your price to the base cost—just as you’re required to do when creating products to sell. This base cost covers the price of the item + Teespring’s portion. If you order without setting to base cost, it’s essentially the same thing as the “profit” will just be returned to your account.

  36. wanda king says:

    Is there a way to add more colors to my tshirts? Only a couple of colors showed up. I would like to have several bright colors. Is is possible to edit the tshirts?
    Wanda
    Deep South Homestead

    1. Erica Bickel says:

      Hey Wanda, we are currently working on a feature that will allow you to edit live listings.

  37. James Johnston says:

    Just want to buy a Aphmau hoody but seems like it’s not working

  38. pixeljellyfish says:

    is there a way to order a free hoodie?

    1. pixeljellyfish says:

      do you know when you will have the offer

      1. Jay says:

        There probaby will never be a free sample. Who covers the cost of print, material etc. If you’re a creator you shouldn’t want anything for free, because that will come back to bite you

        1. Kate Shoaf says:

          Hello! We actually do offer free samples and Teespring sponsored merch giveaways. These are new initiatives that are being rolled out. Creators can unlock these prizes through their sales. We’ll share more information as this becomes more widely available.

  39. Markus says:

    Hi!
    Can i use the “order sample” to order products from my store and directly send them to an influencer who accepted to promote them? Or is it only possible to send the samples to my home address?

    1. Lucy Ford says:

      Hey Markus, sure! Just enter their address into the form when going through the sample ordering flow

  40. j henderson says:

    hi
    I want to order some of my designs for promotion. I would like to order a couple of designs but it seems to only allow me to order one design per order. Is this the case or can I order multiple designs in one order? it seems a little strange to have to pay multiple delivery charges when I want to place one order

    1. Lucy Ford says:

      Hey there – right now you’re able to order samples from one listing at time, so if you want to order all of your different products you’ll need to place orders on each one. Sorry for the inconvenience. Shipping costs are based on where the product is produced. Some items are printed and shipped from different facilities. We know this isn’t ideal and are working on a solution.

  41. George says:

    I want to offer some tshirts to my followers in a giveaway. Can I arrange these as samples so I am paying for them and ship in different addresses? Thanks!

    1. Lucy Ford says:

      Hi George, sure! When your giveaway has ended you can place separate sample orders and add in your followers’ address in each one

  42. Anas Altatari says:

    Hello everyone
    How many sample i have to buy to have my store public?

    1. Luiza Jordan says:

      Hey, it doesn’t work like that. Marketplace search results are ranked based on an algorithm combining buyer search terms, listing keywords, sales history, and seller trust scores. To increase your ranking in search results we recommend optimizing listings, driving sales, and complying with our design policies.
      https://community.teespring.com/training-center/seller-trust-score/
      https://community.teespring.com/training-center/campaign-description-tips/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to blog updates

creator-menu

youtube-menu