How to Excel as a Tour Merchandise Manager: Insider Tips
Tour merchandise managers play a crucial role in the music industry. They are responsible for creating and managing merchandise sales for a touring band or artist. This includes everything from designing and producing merchandise to setting up and managing merchandise stands at concerts. If you’re interested in a career as a tour merchandise manager, there are some key skills and knowledge areas you’ll need to master to excel in this role.
1. Merchandise Design and Production
One of the most important skills for a tour merchandise manager is the ability to design and produce high-quality merchandise. This requires a strong understanding of graphic design principles, as well as knowledge of production processes like screen printing, embroidery, and vinyl pressing. You’ll need to be able to work with vendors to ensure that merchandise is produced on time and to the highest quality standards.
2. Inventory Management
Another critical skill for a tour merchandise manager is the ability to manage inventory effectively. You’ll need to be able to forecast demand for merchandise, order products in advance, and ensure that you have enough stock on hand to meet demand at concerts. You’ll also need to be able to manage inventory levels to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
3. Sales and Marketing
Tour merchandise managers are also responsible for sales and marketing. You’ll need to be able to create compelling product descriptions and pricing strategies that appeal to fans. You’ll also need to be able to set up and manage merchandise stands at concerts, ensuring that they are visually appealing and easy to navigate. You’ll need to be able to train staff to sell merchandise effectively and handle cash transactions accurately.
4. Tour Logistics
Finally, tour merchandise managers need to be able to manage logistics effectively. This includes everything from coordinating merchandise shipments to different tour stops to managing the setup and breakdown of merchandise stands at each concert. You’ll need to be able to work closely with tour managers, venue staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Career and Education
To excel as a tour merchandise manager, you’ll need a combination of practical skills and knowledge, as well as a passion for music and the music industry. A degree in business, marketing, or fashion merchandising can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary. Many tour merchandise managers get their start as interns or entry-level staffers at record labels, music management firms, or concert venues.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a tour merchandise manager, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, consider getting an internship or entry-level job in the music industry to gain experience and build your network. You can also take courses in graphic design, production, and inventory management to build your skills.
Key Takeaways
Tour merchandise managers play a critical role in the music industry, responsible for designing, producing, and managing merchandise sales for touring bands and artists.
To excel in this role, you’ll need skills and knowledge in merchandise design and production, inventory management, sales and marketing, and tour logistics.
A degree in business, marketing, or fashion merchandising can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary. Many tour merchandise managers get their start as interns or entry-level staffers at record labels, music management firms, or concert venues.
Consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the music industry and build your skills as a tour merchandise manager.
