Monetizing your Radio Brand with an Online Store

Since the introduction of “drop-shipping,” it’s easier than ever to get your station swag into the arms of your loyal fans. Drop shipping means that your swag is coming directly from the manufacturer. You don’t have to warehouse boxes of shirts and stickers in the prize. The supplier prints the shirt, sweatshirt, or hat and sends it directly to the fan via on online store.

Today, we’ll offer three options for online stores. One is for items you have maintained stock of, and the other two are for drop shippers. If you maintain stock, it means that you must store and ship the items yourself.  With drop-shipping, you supply your logos, and they take care of everything else. All three services handle shipping fees and payment processing, so you don’t have to worry about additional payment processing fees from services like Paypal.

Online Stores on Your Website is Discouraged

We do not advise hosting a store directly on your radio station website. While selling merchandise or products related to the station’s brand on your website might seem convenient, managing an online store can be resource-intensive and distract from the station’s primary focus: delivering compelling content to listeners. Additionally, security concerns, logistics, and the need for continuous maintenance can outweigh the potential benefits. Instead, we recommend stations consider partnering with established e-commerce platforms or local businesses for merchandise sales.  This will allow you to focus on what you do best – delivering top-notch entertainment and information to your audience.

They handle the payment processing with no upfront fees and no service fees.

Ecwid.com

• For swag that you have in stock. You must create the images, descriptions, etc for each item.
• Some stations have used it effectively for discount/half-off deals.
• They calculate shipping from your location to the customer and charge accordingly.
• They can maintain inventory.  You tell it how many items you have and it will disable items once the inventory number gets to zero.
• A WordPress plugin is available that integrates the store into your website seamlessly.

Here’s one of our affiliates using Ecwid on their website: https://www.963thepossum.com/store/.

RadioSwagShop.com

• A Benztown product with a proven track record.
• It’s not used for discount/ half-off deals – promotional items only.
• Embroidery is available on some items.
• No WordPress integration. A separate site.

ShreadShop.com

• It is used by thousands of stores worldwide.
• It’s not used for discount/ half-off deals – promotional items only.
• Seemingly more product options than RadioSwagShop.
• They offer large bulk orders.
• No WordPress integration.  A separate site.

Visit our Spreadshop Store: https://skyrocket-radio.myspreadshop.com

Conclusion

Offering an online store for station merchandise is an excellent opportunity for additional income and a great way to service your station fans. However, it should not deter you from your goal of providing great content to your audience.  Many online store options are available, but hopefully, these three will help set you on your journey.