Merch can be magic. When done right, it fuels brand loyalty, sparks conversations, and creates lasting impressions. But when it’s not done right? You’re left with a garage full of unsold tees, awkward giveaways, and a whole lot of "meh."
At TVP NYC, we’ve seen it all—because we fix it all.
We specialize in turning merch into a meaningful extension of your brand, not an afterthought. So let’s talk. Here are five of the most common mistakes brands make with merch—and how to avoid them (while, ahem, letting us do the heavy lifting).
Mistake 1: Thinking Merch Is Just About Slapping a Logo on a Hoodie
Let’s say there’s a fictional brand called Pineapple & Co., a trendy wellness startup. They decide to make merch for a product launch. They pick a hoodie, drop their pineapple logo dead-center, order 500 in bulk, and call it a day.
Sounds efficient, right? But here’s the problem: it doesn’t say anything. It’s merch without meaning. Sure, it has a logo, but no message, no vibe, no narrative.
How to Avoid It:
Merch is an opportunity to tell a story. At TVP NYC, we work with you to create narrative-driven products. Maybe Pineapple & Co. creates a line of cozy loungewear with embroidered affirmations like "Breathe Deep" or "Unpeel the Day." Now that hoodie isn’t just swag—it’s self-care. And it sells.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Quality (Your Merch Is a Reflection of Your Brand)
Imagine another fictional company: Thunderloop, a slick tech brand known for innovation. They cut corners on their merch budget, ordering ultra-cheap tees with a pixelated design.
A month later, customers complain about shrinkage, faded prints, and scratchy fabric. Suddenly, Thunderloop’s cutting-edge brand looks... cheap.
How to Avoid It:
Your merch is your handshake with the world. If it looks and feels cheap, your brand will too. At TVP NYC, quality is non-negotiable. We source premium materials, obsess over color matching, and ensure every product meets the standard your brand deserves.
Even if you're doing a quick pop-up tee drop, we guide you to the right blank, the right print technique, and the right feel. And, by the way, we’ve often heard from clients that premium merch is significantly less expensive than they expected it to be.
Mistake 3: Treating Fulfillment and Logistics Like a Side Project
Let’s say BloomBrew, a fictional coffee brand, launches a merch line: mugs, tees, tote bags. It does great on Instagram. Orders roll in. But behind the scenes, chaos ensues. They’re printing shipping labels by hand. Tracking numbers go missing. Customer DMs pile up.
Suddenly, the merch launch becomes a full-time logistics nightmare.
How to Avoid It:
Fulfillment and logistics isn't a footnote—it's a crucial part of the customer experience. With TVP NYC, we don’t just design and source your merch. We can warehouse it, integrate it into your Shopify store, and handle shipping, tracking, and returns like pros. We can even create your Shopify store!
Your job? Celebrate the drop, tell your story, and build community. Ours? Make sure the experience is seamless from click to doorstep.
Mistake 4: Not Building Hype or Community Around the Merch
Say hello to our imaginary band, Glitter Doom. They drop new merch on their website with zero fanfare. No preview, no countdown, no collabs, no reason for fans to care beyond, "It's available now."
It flops. Not because it was bad, but because it was invisible.
How to Avoid It:
Merch isn’t just product—it’s culture. We help brands launch like it’s the Super Bowl. Think pre-drop teasers, influencer seeding, digital lookbooks, and immersive landing pages. All managed through your custom-built Shopify site.
Glitter Doom could have teased merch during live shows, built a waitlist, collaborated with a tattoo artist on a limited run design, and sold out in hours. We’d help them make that happen.
Mistake 5: Thinking Merch Is One-and-Done
Our final case study: Faux Flame, a lifestyle brand with a cult following. They did one merch drop three years ago. It did okay. They never did another.
Meanwhile, their fans keep asking for more. Faux Flame leaves money and brand equity on the table every day they don’t follow up.
How to Avoid It:
Merch is not just a marketing play—it can be a revenue stream, a content engine, a customer loyalty tool. At TVP NYC, we help brands treat merch like a living, breathing part of their ecosystem.
That means seasonal drops, event-based capsules, evergreen products, and limited edition collabs. We handle every stage, so you can focus on growing your brand while your merch moves with it.
The TVP NYC Solution: White-Glove. No Guesswork. All Glow-Up.
From concept to closet to customer, TVP NYC is your behind-the-scenes dream team. Whether you're a startup testing your first capsule or a global brand looking to elevate, we offer:
- Creative Direction – No more blank canvases. We pitch full concepts based on your brand ethos and audience insights. That includes designing aesthetic directions, mood boards, slogans, graphics, product pairings, and even campaign ideas. It’s not about guessing—it’s about aligning with your voice and expanding it into wearable form.
- Sourcing & Production – We don’t just find stuff. We find the right stuff. That includes premium blanks, custom dyeing, embroidery, puff prints, appliqués, and sustainably sourced textiles. Whether it’s a 100-piece run or 10,000 units, we ensure every stitch supports your brand values and aesthetic.
- Shopify Integration – Your merch store shouldn’t feel like an afterthought. We build beautiful, on-brand, high-conversion Shopify experiences that match your primary website or campaign. From custom layouts to smooth checkout flows, we make it easy for your customers to fall in love (and check out).
- Inventory Management – No more Excel sheet chaos. We manage warehousing, stock updates, and automated alerts so you're always in control without having to touch a tape gun. You’ll know what’s low, what’s hot, and what’s ready for a restock.
- Fulfillment & Customer Service – Orders go out quickly, accurately, and with care. We handle everything from boxing to tracking to post-order support, ensuring your customers have a seamless, delightful experience. And if something goes wrong? We fix it—fast.
Go Beyond Basic. Go TVP.
Merch done right is more than fabric and thread. It’s identity. It’s loyalty. It’s brand storytelling in its most wearable form.
The mistakes we’ve outlined here are avoidable—and with TVP NYC, they’re already avoided. Because we don't just make merch. We make moments, movements, and memories.
Ready to drop something unforgettable? Let’s talk.
