Merch at an Entertainment Event
Posted by joshburgess
#1

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
#2

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
#3

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
#4

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
#5

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
#6

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
#7

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!

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