How to Sell Merch for an Event (Free to Start)
Event merch is both extra revenue and free advertising — every T-shirt or tote someone wears keeps promoting you after the event ends. This guide covers what to sell, how to set up a storefront, pre-selling to cover costs, and taking payments at the door with a QR code. You can start for free and keep every sale minus only the card fee.
Quick answer
To sell merch for an event, set up a free storefront with a tool like OneSol (onesol.io), list each item with photos, sizes, and prices, and connect your own Stripe so sales pay out directly to you. Share the link beforehand to pre-sell, and put a QR code on your merch table so people can buy at the door from their phones.
1. Decide what to sell and pre-sell it
Start with a few proven items — T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, posters — and open pre-orders before the event to gauge demand and cover printing costs. Pre-selling tells you which sizes and quantities to bring so you don't over- or under-order.
2. Build your storefront
In OneSol, add each product with clear photos, a short description, price, and variants for size and color. Set stock counts per variant so sold-out sizes close automatically and you never sell what you can't deliver.
3. Take payments and pick fulfillment
Connect your own Stripe so every sale lands directly with you, minus only Stripe's standard fee. Choose per item whether it's shipped, mailed, or picked up at the event, and state that clearly so buyers know what to expect.
4. Sell at the event with a QR code
Print a QR code linking to your store and display it big at your merch table and on stage. Attendees scan, pay on their phone, and show the confirmation — which cuts checkout lines and lets you sell even after you run out of change.
Ready to start? OneSol is free.
Sell, book and get paid from one link — no card needed.
FAQ
Can I sell merch before and during the event with one setup?
Yes. The same storefront link works for pre-orders and at-the-door sales — just show a QR code at the event so people can buy from their phones.
How do I handle sizes and stock?
Add size and color variants to each product and set a stock count per variant, so options sell out and close automatically as you run low.
What does it cost to sell event merch?
The OneSol storefront is free with no commission on sales; you only pay Stripe's standard processing fee on each order.
Do I need a card reader at the door?
No. A QR code to your store lets attendees pay on their own phones, so you don't need any extra hardware.
Related guides
How to Sell Music Online for Free as an Independent Artist (2026)
Sell tracks, albums and merch directly to fans for free. Set up a music storefront, keep 100% of sales and share it from one link in your bio.
Read guideHow to Accept Payments for an Event (Free, 2026)
Sell tickets and collect event payments for free: connect Stripe, create ticket tiers, share one link with a QR code, and check guests in from your phone.
Read guideHow to Create an Event Page (Free) in 2026
Learn how to create a free event page that promotes your event, sells tickets, and captures RSVPs in minutes — no website or tech skills required.
Read guideHow to Run a Paid Virtual Event (Free to Start) in 2026
Charge for a virtual event or online class: sell tickets, collect payment to your own Stripe, and deliver the join link automatically. Free to start.
Read guide