So... Merchandising?

[Aerones]

I've only had time to create a Swimsuit Calendar based on my webcomic, but has anyone else had any success selling items? Any horror stories? Anecdotes? Metaphors? Urban Legends?

[Warren]

I've tried to sell stuff in the past. I even bought stuff from one former 'spacer.

But you need a pretty huge following if you expect to move much merch. Like thousands of readers.

I looked at your calendar and it's pretty good, but I'm one of those cheap bastards who won't ever pay $20 for a calendar. Hopefully your mileage will vary.

[SergeXIII]

The only thing I've managed to sell is minicomics, though thats the only thing I tried to sell, truth be told.
I could give you some tips about that if you want.

[Bustertheclown]

I can't even give shit away.

[Komiyan]

Ignoring the spambot.. I do extra minicomics and sell the PDFs for a donation of anything over £1, that works out pretty nice, especially when someone gives you more than the minimum.

I figure, they're there for your comic, they like the comic, give 'em more comic. If you're hoping to profit, it's probably the best way- a swimsuit calendar is a pretty specific product that a fair few people wouldn't really be interested in even if they enjoy your comic. Erm, unless your comic is entirely about bikini babes, then I take that back!

[Charlos777]

A few years ago I got a hold of one of those button making machines and made like 15 buttons and sold all but 5 of them. No cost to me because it was a campus party where button making was one of the activities YES!

[Aerones]

I may have to try this minicomic idea sometime... It's really just a matter of having the time to make one.

[Komiyan]

I may have to try this minicomic idea sometime... It's really just a matter of having the time to make one.

Man yeah, you're telling me The only way I can push myself to get one done is to book a table at a con thus giving myself a solid deadline to work to.

[Spaceprincess]

i was disappointed you calender didn't have naked men in it. Merch can be good advertising more so than a source of income. handing out buttons and stickers for free at cons can drum up some interest. than u sell em the tee shirts.

[Aerones]

i was disappointed you calender didn't have naked men in it.

Well, to be fair, neither were the ladies.

[Themacnut]

I've made print issues of the chapters of my webcomic. I've sold some copies of them online, but I mainly sell them at local conventions. Haven't been to one in a few months though, have to get back in the habit-when it gets warmer.