Is your merch not selling at your gigs? Or not selling as much as you think you ought to be selling?

If you have an opportunity to perform in front of an audience you should be able to monetize it unless:

• It’s the wrong audience - Don’t just take any and all gigs that comes your way. Focus your time and efforts on your target audience.
• You’re not connecting - Make eye contact, tell personal stories, work on your stage presence and confidence. Try to connect with your audience. Interact.
• You’re not asking - Did you tell your audience that you have a merch table? It sounds obvious, but it’s a common mistake. Don’t be afraid to sell.
• You need to refine you music - This is the hardest to admit, but maybe your music needs a bit more polish before people will be willing to invest in it.

So if your merch sales don’t meet your expecations at your next show, ask yourself these questions and try to identify the problem. Be honest. Be proactive.