Merch at an Entertainment Event
Posted by joshburgess

Just wondering what is and is not kosher relating to merchandise at an entertainment event. If we were to perform, could we sell shirts at the venue? Or hand out stickers?

Trying to get a sense of what flies and what doesn't so we don't inadvertently break any rules.

Posted by narzat

Check out page 19 of the event host policy.  Bottom line is that it seems that you are unlikely to get permission to sell stuff, but can ask.  https://files.gencon.com/genconeventhostpolicy.pdf

Posted by colbrook

Promotional stickers tend to be a no-no, they often end up stuck around the venue/hotels and Gen Con gets charged for the removal.

Posted by joshburgess

Just so anyone else who visits this is aware, for entertainment events it does appear that selling t-shirts during the scheduled event is okay as long as you register with Indiana as a business to collect sales tax, which you can do through the InBiz government website.

https://inbiz.in.gov/
 

Posted by narzat joshburgess

joshburgess wrote:
Just so anyone else who visits this is aware, for entertainment events it does appear that selling t-shirts during the scheduled event is okay as long as you register with Indiana as a business to collect sales tax, which you can do through the InBiz government website.
https://inbiz.in.gov/
 

Good catch, the relevant Gen Con policy language is "Performers are given a limited license to sell merchandise during their scheduled event only. For more information, email [email protected]. Refer to Monetary Transactions & Product Sales for basic requirements, including needing an appropriate business license."

Posted by narzat colbrook

colbrook wrote:
Promotional stickers tend to be a no-no, they often end up stuck around the venue/hotels and Gen Con gets charged for the removal.

Yep, page 34 of the event host policy says this: "Adhesive backed decals and stickers may not be given out at Gen Con by any client, exhibitor, or individual. Any costs incurred to remove any decals/stickers affixed to floors, walls, windows, doors, escalators, handrails, facility equipment, etc. inside the facility will be billed to the client associated with the sticker/decal. "

Posted by billdevoe

I know that some creators I talked to aren't planning to sell things but are charging enough for the event that they can give away their product as a "freebie" for attending. I'm not planning to sell directly but let people know they can buy our game online and then we'll do fulfillment after the con.

Good to know that the performers get a free pass on selling merch!

Posted by derekguder

Just make sure to discuss your needs/plans with us ahead of time before you arrive onsite, so we're fully informed and can plan accordingly.

-
Derek Guder
Director of Events
Gen Con LLC

Posted by joshburgess derekguder

derekguder wrote:
Just make sure to discuss your needs/plans with us ahead of time before you arrive onsite, so we're fully informed and can plan accordingly.
-
Derek Guder
Director of Events
Gen Con LLC

What's the proper venue for that? Because we are planning on having a merch table available at the end of our show.

Posted by derekguder

Email [email protected] with your event details just to confirm what you are planning, what you'll be selling, etc. so we're aware of it and can plan accordingly.

-
Derek Guder
Director of Events
Gen Con LLC

Posted by niko0508
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Posted by chronicdr2000

If given permission, and we are registered as an LLC in general, will we still need a business license as well to sell things like shirts/posters at an event/show? If so any help with that process. Just wanna make sure covering all bases and being on the up and up!

Posted by joshburgess chronicdr2000

chronicdr2000 wrote:
If given permission, and we are registered as an LLC in general, will we still need a business license as well to sell things like shirts/posters at an event/show? If so any help with that process. Just wanna make sure covering all bases and being on the up and up!

You'll still need to register with Indiana to collect sales tax on physical goods sold within the state. It takes about 20 minutes to fill out the form and costs ~$25. There was a 10 day turnaround for us to receive our license in the mail though.

Posted by chronicdr2000

Managed to get the "Registered Retail Merchant Certificate" with my accountant's help. It was super fast, I was able to go into my messages on my https://intime.dor.in.gov/eServices/_/ account, which has the letter they are sending me with the accompanying certificate. Posting this in case anyone else panics and needs to get this it was like 24 hours after creating the request on their site.

Posted by westleykuhn
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space waves

Posted by asssilem

Usually, selling merch at events requires prior permission. It is unlikely to be possible. Most events have sponsors and organizations promoting the event. Merch from unrelated organizations will probably not be accepted. Candy Clicker

Posted by hughjack91

You have to ask the event organizers or venue for approval and check with local authorities to make sure you’re compliant with tax, and business regulations.
flappy bird

Posted by jellyjohn12

This event was excellent! The mood, performances, and intensity were all outstanding. I was struck by how many people were dressed stylishly, particularly the aviator jacket mens. It's a great option for any occasion because it's the appropriate balance of classic and trendy. I adore the way it combines style and functionality to create a confident, sleek appearance. It's definitely something I'll be wearing at the next event.

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