How to choose before you browse
Ask three questions first. Will you sell it, give it away, or put it on your team? What is your guest like, and would they wear it outside the café? And how many pieces can you realistically sell in a season? The answers narrow 25 ideas to three or four.
Wearables guests buy
- Dad caps. The easiest entry point. Soft, unstructured, one small embroidered logo.
- Beanies. One size fits most, so no sizing headaches, and they sell best in autumn and winter.
- Heavyweight tees. A thicker fabric feels like a product, not a giveaway. Keep the print simple.
- Hoodies and crewnecks. Higher price, higher margin. Order a small run and reorder what sells.
- Socks. Surprisingly popular as a small gift and a good use for a pattern or illustration.
- Bucket hats. Good for summer terraces and festivals.
- Bandanas and scarves. Low cost, flexible, and a fun canvas for a brand pattern.
- Kids sizes. A small tee or cap for families builds loyalty with the whole table.
Things guests carry
- Canvas tote bags. The classic. A heavier canvas with a strong print is used for years.
- Bread or pastry totes. A narrower, taller tote built for baguettes and boxes. Great for bakeries.
- Coffee bean pouches (fabric). A drawstring cotton pouch as a refillable gift.
- Laundry-friendly produce bags. A small cotton mesh or muslin bag for market-style shops.
- Waist bags and crossbody bags. More considered, higher perceived value.
For the counter and the table
- Tea towels. Cheap, giftable, and printed all over with an illustration.
- Cloth napkins. A quiet brand touch that guests notice.
- Coasters in felt or cotton. Small, collectible and easy to ship.
- Cushion covers. For a lounge-style space or a retail corner.
- Blankets for terrace seating. Useful in cooler months and good for photos.
For your team
- Aprons. Choose fabric and pockets for the work, then add a clean logo. See our Journal for fabric tips.
- Staff caps. A consistent look behind the bar, and a good first merch piece for guests to copy.
- Team tees or polos. Easy to wash, and a clear uniform for events and pop-ups.
- Work jackets or chore coats. A durable piece for baristas and bakers who want to wear it daily.
- Name badges in fabric. A woven or embroidered patch with the first name.
For special moments
- Anniversary or opening drops. A short, numbered edition creates a reason to buy now.
- Collab merch. A shared design with a local artist, roaster or bakery doubles the audience.
Pricing and quantities when you sell
A common retail rule is to sell at roughly two to three times your landed cost, but check what your regulars will actually pay. Start with small runs of two or three products, watch what sells in the first month, and reorder the winners. A neat, limited drop usually sells better than a wall of every size and colour.
Three mistakes to avoid
- Too many products at once. Two good pieces beat ten average ones.
- A giant logo. People wear small, tasteful marks and avoid billboards.
- Ignoring the season. Beanies in July and bucket hats in December sit on the shelf.
Tell us what you sell and who your guests are. We will suggest two or three pieces and send a mockup.
Frequently asked questions
What merch sells best in a café?
Caps, tote bags and beanies are the easiest to sell because they are affordable and easy to wear. Heavyweight tees and hoodies sell at higher prices to your most loyal guests.
How many pieces should a small café order?
Start small, with a run of a few dozen per product, and reorder what sells. Your quote will state the minimum quantity for each product.
Should I give merch away or sell it?
Do both on purpose. Give a small piece to staff and good regulars, and sell the rest. Free items build goodwill, while sold items prove demand and cover their cost.
Can I get merch made in small quantities?
Often yes, depending on the product. Tell us what you want and how many, and we will tell you what is possible.
