Custom merchandise serves two primary purposes: It markets your band, business, or event by spreading your name far and wide, and it serves as a significant source of revenue. By buying merchandise, fans advertise the product they identify with, and you earn the money to keep making that product. Everybody wins. Especially in the music industry, merchandising is now integral to a band’s business model – it’s where a band makes most of its money. An investment in merchandise is hugely profitable; it leads to higher sales in everything, including tickets. Onsite merchandise also enables you to sell directly to your target audience. It’s an approach that solidifies and strengthens your brand in the minds of potential clients.

Additionally, unlike merchandise licensing companies, when you work with Red Star you own your merchandise outright and don’t need to part with a percentage of your sales. It’s a client-friendly business model that lets you be the proprietor of your artwork.

Red Star relies on individual customer service to get the job done. Start by calling us at (434) 872-0890 or by e-mailing us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). We will quickly assign you to a project manager who will track your job every step of the way. We offer both onsite and offsite meetings as well as constant e-mail and phone contact. You will not be routed through a 1-800 number with us; all our communication is direct.

We pride ourselves on being able to put your name or image on pretty much anything. Both excelling at and transcending the t-shirt concept, Red Star has also printed water bottles, wine labels, hats, blankets, posters, belt buckles, sunglasses, lapel pins, and more. We try our best to print diverse materials the way you request, although physical limitations can sometimes stand in the way. For instance, polo shirts can’t be printed; they must be embroidered. But our research team loves a challenge, and Red Star will go above and beyond to get you the product you want.

What you provide us with depends on your individual needs. Some clients come to us equipped with completed artwork and fully ripe ideas, but others come with a blank slate.

If you lack original artwork for your merchandise, we employ a diverse network of talented artists all over the country to generate designs. We can customize a plan for you. We can also work with your own designer. You can have as much or as little involvement in the process as you desire. Some clients have a hands-off approach while others like to monitor production every step of the way.

After our initial consultations, we give you a price estimate for your order. Your timely order process begins after you sign off on our estimate. We also offer clients the option of pre-production proofs, samples, or even (much faster) digital mock-ups, which obviously delay final approval. We recommend that you see samples as colors can vary somewhat between digital and tangible copies.

We accept ai, eps, layer, or vector art files. We also accept all file formats supported by Adobe Photoshop, such as .bmp, .psd, pict, et al. Bear in mind that spot color designs are easier to reproduce than 4-color process designs and hence less expensive in many cases. You can e-mail your artwork directly your account manager.

Please keep in mind that all artwork submitted to or produced by Red Star Merchandise is required to be in full compliance with applicable laws regarding trademark, service mark, copyright, right of privacy, patent or similar protection. The unauthorized use of trademarks and copyrights is illegal. We assume that by submitting art, you have the legal right to use it. Red Star accepts no liability.

On average, all goods are delivered within 14 business days. Production time begins upon the receipt of a signed estimate and finalized artwork (see FAQ about artwork). If you require an expedited order (less than 5 business days), we will do our best to make that happen, although you may be subject to a rush charge. Some of our vendors take longer than others and depending on what you ordered and where you need your merchandise delivered, you may encounter some variation on the average production time.

We know that selling your merchandise can be an added hassle on the road. We offer you the option of personally setting up shop wherever you happen to be. Red Star can place people on the road with you to handle everything merchandise related or let our tour support staff work with your existing merch rep to help things run more smoothly. We can also rent credit card machines to you for your larger shows or festivals.

If you would like to sell your merchandise online, Red Star has many successful e-commerce relationships and can discuss your online store options. We also offer storage facilities for your merchandise.

You don’t have to be in a band to work with Red Star. Our clients have included restaurants, wineries, universities, local and national businesses, and more. Bands may have started as our bread and butter, but we have since expanded to include all nature of clients. No business is too big or too small to get the Red Star treatment.