Often, when people think of Ren Faire revenue, they picture big-ticket items like, well, the ticket, or the VIP experience, but not merchandise tables. It turns out, selling goods at your faire can be a terrific strategy for increasing revenue and marketing your brand.
Merchandise revenue can be especially useful for free events as it still gives you an opportunity to monetize your audience.
Consider these five game-changing advantages of selling merchandise at your faire.
Advantage # 1 Increased Revenue
Our statistics show that add-ons increased the average order by 10%, and conversion rates by 13-18%. What does this mean for you as a faire organizer?
If you want to stuff your (modern-day) treasure chest, think beyond ticket sales and sell some merch!
Pro tip: To make cashless onsite sales a breeze, activate Mobile Pay Pass.
Advantage # 2 Brand Promotion
The benefits of Merchandise extend far beyond revenue. Merchandise puts your brand and event out in the world and creates a lasting impression on your attendees.
Imagine thousands of your attendees sporting their “Shield Wall” shirts or “Ren Fest 2023” hats for the rest of the year. They’ll be telling stories of defending the treasure from the Vikings for years to come!
Advantage # 3 Increased Attendance
One of the lesser-known advantages of merchandise is its positive effect on attendance. If your faire sells specialty-crafted bows and arrows, for example, local aspiring archers will feel compelled to check out the event. Or, if your faire is known for its limited edition quills, you’ll attract creative writers from near and far.
Advantage # 4 Engagement
When designing your merch strategy, it’s time to think beyond the mugs and stickers. Merchandise can also be interactive. Whether it’s a “props ‘n polaroids” photo booth or a professional ink portrait station, interactive items and customizable merchandise encourage attendees to engage.
In the faire universe, engaged attendees are happier and more likely to spread their joy on social media, too.
Advantage # 5 Convenience
If an attendee shows up to an Elizabethan-themed Ren Faire dressed for the wrong era (perhaps as a pirate), they’ll understandably feel out of place. Costumes are such a central part of faires, that it’s not unheard of for attendees to leave an event just to purchase better attire.
Save them the hassle and keep your attendance high at the same time. If you sell costumes on-site, attendees can conveniently buy a cloak or a hat and go about their day.
Alas, it’s time to get started on your merchandise offerings!
If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact our support team.
We’re here to help you have the best faire ever!
— The TicketSpice team
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