It's crazy to say I have about 4 years of merch experience by now, this is something I've always wanted to try and you all made it possible and you stayed with me through all the hurdles and I can't thank you enough! And glad am I that those hurdles happened because it's the fastest and sharpest way to learn how and what works. So for returning buyers or for new ones, I want to highlight few changes that are happening in my merch process based on what I learned ♥
~PACKAGING~
Unpacking merch is an experience on its own, one I've neglected to consider in chase for approachable materials and small costs for my buyers. I still try to respect this, but I now have connections with providers that allow me to pack each order with more care, so you can look forward to:
backdrop image for certain charms/standees/pins
each item/set of items packed for extra protection
mystery bags are non see-through and thematically chinese
padded envelopes properly fitted for each order
gift wrapped~
In the past I've always took my merch as just printing out/providing a physical item of what I had drawn before, but now I'm making merch-making an art branch on its own and there will be many unique designs made specifically/exclusively for merch! I also now own quality printer so Art Prints and Postcards can be made on request even outside of my selection ♥
~PRE-ORDER TIME PERIOD~
I've tended to overestimate myself in terms of how long (short) things take to make, pack and send, with half of it being outside of my control as I work with 3rd parties, and for that reason, to not stress my buyers out or waste their time with them having to contact me for schedule updates, I will be giving my pre-order periods enough time to get everything done even when LifeTM happens, so you know what to count on. I will also include a public document that I will be updating with progress, so everyone has an idea of what's going on without having to have Twitter account or ask themselves♥
~CALCULATIONS~
Calculations proved challenging in the past as there's plethora things to consider and I've always managed to forget one part of them. For those who don't have idea how these things work, every material production starts on higher cost /per piece and the more you order at once, the lower the cost is /per piece (not to mention enamel pins having HUGE point of entry, usually around minimum qty of 50 pieces for about 300$ so small productions are not possible). This irregularity makes it difficult to set up a "fair" price, because I simply cannot guess if I will have 3 buyers or 20, so I always try to have faith and go half-way. But that's not all! Shipping of materials, envelopes/boxes/folders/tapes are all materials that one would think negligable until you're actually trying to buy for 100 buyers and then the costs eat into profit huge amount. So let's say production of one character charm is 5$, but counting shipping to me+ packaging material sets it up on 10$, and in that we're also counting my time/effort in designing the product, organizing orders and packing/shipping everything being valued at about a 1$ out of that item.With all this said, I will make sure to do interest checks before pre-orders open on bigger items like art zines so I can set up price properly with expectations ♥
~SHIPPING~
Shipping is one thing that rarely can be moved, but I did find a way! It'll be 5$ difference to some, but up to 20$ to others! In the past, I was using big companies like FedEx to bulk pick-up all orders at once and also have some sort of insurance through their tracking number system. Using my local post office makes everything a bit less convenient, having to drive to the city and being only able to do 5 orders-a-time, but it allows me to ship out orders sooner and for less! But it being a small country's post, the tracking number system is slightly different and tracks only within the republic, then it enters The Void TM and eventually it'll arrive at your door. Don't ask me how it works, it baffles me too, but so far every package arrived!US orders will have the options to do Group Orders (through my person, prolongs shipping period but will be cheaper) or Solo Ship (sending through aforementioned post office)
Thank you for reading and for supporting me, I hope you feel the difference in my approach and are satisfied with it ♥ Nowadays, not only with capitalism being the way it is but also the suffocating art climate, it's heartwarming to see that there's still a way to do this and I get to share something I love with a few wonderful strangers and friends ♥
Update spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LDoMWKMT3Lng0g2BMNnqcQsq9Zr5jHOheLS95t3Rldk/edit?usp=sharing
Update/question discord: https://discord.gg/PZkUCRvSnQ