Hypothetically speaking, if we were to start selling “merch” (gear with our logo or something RVtravel.com-related), what would you be most interested in seeing or buying?
Would you just love to have your very own RVtravel.com mug? Or T-shirt? What about a tote bag for your groceries or gear? Would you put an RVtravel.com bumper sticker on your RV or tow vehicle?
Please note: You can select up to TWO answers, so pick your top two choices. And if you choose “other,” please leave a comment and tell us what that would be. We’re listening…
I understand the appeal of selling merchandise, but I would suggest you keep it simple, and not let it become your business. I like the idea of being subtle, and simply letting people know we are aware of you, and the great work you do. I prefer to think of merch as conversation starters, and would not like becoming a walking billboard. (Unless you want to pay me for wearing it. Any sponsorship deal in the works?)
I agree, Tom!
Nope, not interested in wear billboards for anything.
Hat to say it, but nothing, we have way toooooooooo much of all these items and need to start unloading them. Hats over a 100, T-shirts maybe 150, coffee mugs more than a cabinet full and there’s only two of us, get the idea. lol
I would like to see beer can, and or bottle, koozies.
Just not that interest in any branded merchandise.
Sometimes you step beyond what you are good at.
You claim to be a Journalist not a Capitalist.
Stay that way!
A real coffee mug. At least 16 ounces. Not those little 8 oz ones.
I prefer to just get a good newsletter without a bunch of ads to buy things. There is enough junk sent thru e-mail already
I absolutely agree. One of the things I especially like about the newsletter is the LACK of advertising junk. More than enough on the market already. Honestly, who needs another T-Shirt??
Brand usable gadgets for rv like kitchen, grilling, pets, phone etc.
I would like a Beer Bottle Koozie.
That’s an awesome idea
I voted for the tote bag. With all the concern about environmental pollution, reusable bags make sense. The cheap plastic store bags are good for one use at best and the either end up in landfills or blowing around the landscape and ending up in waterways. 90% of these bags are not recyclable.
We carry multiple cloth tote bags in our vehicles. Stronger for heavy items, reusable and no litter.
Plus, we have a least one insulated bag.
The plastic are GREAT for trash in the camper, just right size for any trash can along the way.
Branded merch should be part of your advertising budget not goods for sale. When I had my business of 25 years I gave away branded mech to current and potential customers. My customers were all businesses. To keep my business name in front of customers I gave them branded mugs, pens, pads of paper, etc. To my employees I gave branded T-shirt, jackets and caps. They wore them when out on deliveries and installations. Never thought to charge anyone for branded merchandise.
RVTravel might consider a Welcome Wagon type package of branded merch for new RV owners and new subscribers, at no charge.
I don’t buy items that are “branded”. Why should I pay to wear advertising? I won’t even drive a car off the lot if it has the dealer logo on it.
Agree, why would people pay good money for a coat that say’s Ford or anything else advertising that product. Shouldn’t they pay you or give it away. Nobody will buy a coat with my business on it.
We collect stickers to add to the inside of our Moho door everywhere we travel, I would definitely want one. Reusable grocery bags is a must.
I collect iron on patches. If people wanted a hat you buy a “blank” hat and Iron on the patch. I have a floppy hat with lots of patches. I have many pocket vest with iron on patches. I have a much loved quilt which is 5 inch squares each with an iron on patch.
Thank you for the opportunity to voice our opinions. Here’s mine! Already have too much “stuff”. Constantly purging excess.
Anything WITHOUT the logo shown on the coffee mug.
Nothing. I have too much crap already and am constantly purging all my “Merch” free stuff.
Chip Clip
Nothing. Rarely ever buy branded merchandise.
Just got an email that said Black Friday sales are…
Down To The Wire
How about actual camping stuff inspired by RVers at a very reasonable price.
Nothing.
A road atlas for RV’s, similar to the truckers version, maybe with campgrounds and points of interest marked, also a calendar.
None of the above. UNLESS, it’s free. I dont advertise. When I get a new ( car, rv. whatever the dealer has to remove its name. I am not going to advertise for free.
Sorry, if it’s “Blast Off to Adventure” I probably won’t buy it…
I voted for a mug. But it needs to be a nice ceramic mug that holds at least 18oz of coffee.
I’m with Thomas D except even if it’s free I don’t advertise. I once walked out a deal over a car because the dealership would not remove their logo. A few days later they called to inform me they would have it removed, unfortunately for them I bought the same model elsewhere for the same price without the logo.
Sadly, I do not care for the logo.
I would not buy any RV Branded merchandise
T shirt with a pocket for my reading glasses.
I think you missed an opportunity to assess the percentage of people that don’t buy branded merchandise at all by not having that as a choice in the poll.
I never purchase branded “trinkets” or clothing. Brand symbols mean absolutely nothing to me.
That said, I have purchased T-shirts or sweatshirts or coffee mugs (usually “The Mountain” apparel products for best quality) that have wildlife scenes on them with “Black Hills” or “Yellowstone National Park” etc. in small print somewhere on the item (sleeve, pocket, etc.) So perhaps a really nice color outdoor picture with a simple “rvtravel.com” might be more attractive.
I’m sorry, I’ve never liked your logo. I wouldn’t buy anything with it.
My head must be misshappen or my tolerance for baseball caps that slip down my forehead and intrude on my field of vision must be much lower than that of my peers. Either way, I detest the things and wear them only to shield my eyes from falling precipitation (Is that redundant? Can precipitation rise? Guess not. Please strike “falling” from my explanation. Thank you!). PS, I love the logo!
Yes…steam. 🙂
nothing, our days of buying stuff like that are gone. we’re in the process of getting rid of stuff.
ditto
I only buy stuff that can be worn for that reason.
Me too.
The poll didn’t show but by reading the comments I get the picture.
I have always liked your logo and quick poll of the two couples we are caravaning with agree. We range in age from early 50s to early 70s.
As I’ve been requesting for a few years .. How about a 4″x4″ bumper sticker and/or a window decal. If you could add a little color, great!
A good way to start a conversation with people passing by where we can discuss and “sell” the many merits of RV Travel newsletters.
I don’t wear baseball caps, refuse to clutter vehicles with stickers, have dozens of coffee cups that take up cupboard space but never get used, and have a stack of unused totes. That narrowed the selection quickly for me. I actually prefer hoodies.
I don’t buy “Branded” stuff. You want me to advertise for you, pay me.
Wow!, Richard. I have been saying that for decades. Equipment manufactures used to give away caps at fairs, etc. Everyone gave away free yardsticks and even umbrellas and of course bumper stickers – every attraction would put one on your bumper without asking and you would have to figure out how to get it off (way before googone). Once someone evidently asked to buy one – they found another profit center. RVT, no disrespect, it seems to have become an accepted practice and I guess most people enjoy it. Go for it.
How about something more useful and very visible like a sturdy table cloth for picnic tables??
I don’t think the comments went the way the author expected. Lol.
A ball cap or window cling. I have enough clothing and coffee cups.
Thank you Chuck for my RVTravel mug… love it! I like the suggestion from MrDisaster for window clings. I wouldn’t use bumper stickers because my bumper has ridges so nothing will stick but I would put a static cling on my window. And I would advertise RVT on a sweatshirt! I like your logo in black and white.
It is my opinion all the items listed in the questionnaire should be marketed. And many consider RV bed spreads, towels, hand towels, wash cloths set. Door mats bathroom floor rugs. Runner rugs. Dish and cup sets. Wine glasses. Bumper stickers. Tire covers. Cutting boards spatulas. Pencils, pens note pads. Make a few and use the revenue to start up others.
I’m already contributing monthly to minimize ads and that doesn’t seem to be doing much good. If ads offering your branded merchandise start showing up I’ll spend my donation dollars elsewhere.
I love your logo! Guess I’m with the early 70’s bunch LOL!!
Short and long sleeved t-shirts, with an understated (classy) logo. Ask your subscribers to submit images as a competition then make it a voting event….generates interest among your readers.
There was no “none of the above” option.
Other: none of the above, I don’t see why I would want RVTravel ‘Merch’.