If you’ve ever been gagged over merch prices, we’re here to break it down.
Related: FYI, Your Financial Status Doesn’t Determine Whether You’re A Real Fan
Stans are more than ready to share their admiration for their idols in any way possible. Whether it be attending concerts, having stan accounts, or simply streaming their music, they’re ready to show their faves all the love. Another way stans support artists is through buying merch. Merch comes in any and every form now, from small items like stickers and keychains to larger pieces like clothing and posters. Owning merch is something special, because it’s a physical and tangible object to showcase support the way streaming music can’t. Yet, many fans seem to be pausing before they hit the checkout button these days because of how pricey merch has become.
Stans from multiple different fandoms have posted their frustrations online, claiming that it’s just too expensive for what it’s worth. Artists across different genres have faced criticism in the past for selling products that go beyond fans’ budget, or the quality offered isn’t up to par with the price tag. Just go to a concert, especially from an international artist, and chances are you’ll find shirts that will run you 2k pesos or more. Truthfully, artists are not the ones setting the prices, so they aren’t solely at fault here. But the question remains: What exactly goes into the pricing of these items? And is it fair for the fans?
WHAT’S MERCH FOR?
ICYDK, artists don’t make much money through streams. Unless you’re someone like Taylor Swift, streams don’t necessarily secure the bag. With streaming platforms like Spotify only paying artists around $0.004 (PHP 0.23) per stream, it’s difficult to earn through just relying on that. With that in mind, they have to think of other ways to make bank, which is where merch comes in. It’s one of the best ways for artists to continue earning, as it provides a way to make money other than performing, concerts, and streams.
Selling merch also allows artists to expand their brands and form relationships with their supporters. For fans, it lets them show their support and express their interests, serves as a collectors item of sorts, and it’s always a plus to cop a cool design from your fave, whether that be in a form of a shirt, hoodie, cap, or more.
HOW DOES PRICING WORK?
When it comes to selling anything, profit is key. It’s what helps the artists earn in the first place, after all. Before earning, they also have to consider the other costs of making it, such as designing, sourcing, and shipping. Other fees for licensing and other services may come up as well. There’s also the not-so-little secret that since these items are attached to either a personality and popular IP, prices go up just because of it. Then, they have to consider the costs of producing the item. This can vary depending on the kind of merch, quality, and how it’s made.
For example, Chappell Roan’s T-shirts are made of 100% reclaimed waste cotton with an ethical supply chain within North America. The dedication to ethics and ensuring everyone is paid fairly (including the production team and her) are reflected in the price, which is $40 (PHP 2,400). Chappell’s route does not always reflect how merch is made, but it can show us where money goes.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Despite this, many fans still question whether it’s fair for them to be sold items at that price, especially from established artists who don’t need merch sales to keep them afloat. This question goes beyond Chappell, as many other fandoms have also been discussing this in their circles. Is it fair to pay that much money for merch? Honestly, it’s something that can go both ways. There is merch out there whose quality does not reflect the price or the budget is just not feasible, and fans have every right not to buy it and voice their concern. On the other hand, there might be artists (especially smaller ones) who rely on merch sales to make their income.
It’s complicated, yes, with many stakeholders in the conversation. And while we may not have all the answers to this situation, one thing’s for sure: Being a fan isn’t reliant on whether or not you buy merch. If it’s within your means and you feel like it would be a good investment, go for it! If you feel like it’s not totally worth it, that’s also valid.
Another thing to bring up is the fact that not buying merch does not make you any less of a fan. Just because you aren’t buying the newest lightstick or photocard doesn’t make you any less dedicated to your faves. The merch you own and the items you collect does not make a fan, it’s a genuine support and liking of an artist that makes the essence of being a stan.
We can understand the FOMO that comes with it, but your support for them is enough to prove that you are a fan through and through. A bigger wallet doesn’t mean it puts you at the top of the stan list, it just means you have greater means to financially support your fandom. So, whether you see yourself getting that band tee or not, your love for your idols will continue to shine no matter what.
Continue Reading: 6 Red Flags Every Stan Should Avoid
