Show HN: Merchbar – An app to discover and buy merch from your favorite bands | Hacker News Reader

Show HN: Merchbar – An app to discover and buy merch from your favorite bands

mrchbr.co

41 pointsoo7jeep14 comments

I don't understand why this is only an app, or even an iOS exclusive app. Maybe I am no longer the norm, but I do most of my shopping on the web. So even if I had an iOS device, I wouldn't be into the idea of needing an app to buy a T-shirt from a band I like.

Edit: I came off more negative then I intended. I really love the idea, I am just a bit confused and number about it being locked up as an app.

Don't worry, we don't take it personally. :)

I'll just add two quick things - First, we have the ability to create a more unique and interesting experience on a native application than via the web. For example, we can access a fan's iTunes library and Facebook with just one click. Thats pretty much impossible on the web. Second, this is just our first product. We plan to bring Merchbar everywhere, hopefully one day somewhere you'll love it.

Pretty cool! A couple of the bands I searched for only had albums, what sources are you pulling from? Merchnow has a bunch of apparel for the bands I was searching for. (Parkway Drive and Bring me the horizon)

We've done deals directly with a bunch of merch companies as well as the largest vinyl distributor in the world.

Merchnow has a great collection of indie artists- will work to find a way to partner with them.

Ahh cool! Wasn't sure if they either had/have an api to integrate with (MerchNow). Good luck with the app!

The first app I've downloaded that doesn't ask to push notifications to me. <prayer hands emoji>

there is a solid reason to ask: amazing engagement http://andrewchen.co/2014/09/16/new-data-on-push-notificatio...

But you can do it wrong. Too many pushes for one. Or asking too abruptly.

I agree and know it works. I am just so used to being asked that I've developed modal window scars.

How do you do the personalization?

Creator here - AMA! :)

Lots of music startups have to deal with headaches around old world music industry types. How did you deal with that?

1. Show them technology they can't (or haven't made themselves) 2. Build a team that has a history of making the industry money - my co-founder was the first person to sell rock shirts in mass retail (read: $$$) 3. Make something artists want.

I've heard that bands get a higher profit margin from merch than their actual music. Any truth to that? (I ask because, if true, you're doing a big favor to bands!)

This is actually how many bands stay in business. So yes, buying a t shirt at the show is the best way to help them out.

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