WMA Merchandise Agreement Template

DOWNLOAD MERCH AGREEMENT TEMPLATE HERE: MERCH AGREEMENT TEMPLATE

The purpose of the WMA Merchandise Agreement is to help artists, performers, vendors, exhibitors, creators, event organizers, promoters, galleries, and venues clearly document expectations related to the sale and display of merchandise within live event environments.

This agreement template is not intended to function as a substitute for formal legal counsel, nor is it presented as a comprehensive commercial vendor contract. Instead, it is designed to serve as a practical and professional working agreement framework that may help reduce misunderstandings, payment disputes, vendor conflicts, setup confusion, percentage disagreements, operational issues, and verbal misunderstandings commonly encountered during live events and public exhibitions.

The downloadable agreement provided on this page is intended as a customizable starting point. Users are encouraged to review, modify, expand, or simplify the agreement as necessary to fit their particular event or merchandise situation.

While many WMA resources focus specifically on musicians and live performance environments, merchandise and vendor arrangements frequently extend beyond music alone. Modern live events often involve a wide range of independent sellers, creators, exhibitors, and artists operating within shared event spaces.

This type of agreement may be useful for:

  • Bands and musicians
  • Touring artists
  • Festival vendors
  • Visual artists
  • Galleries and exhibitions
  • Comic and convention vendors
  • Independent clothing brands
  • Content creators
  • Podcasters
  • Authors
  • Photographers
  • Craft vendors
  • Pop-up exhibitors
  • Livestream event vendors
  • Independent creators and sellers

Merchandise arrangements are frequently handled informally through verbal discussions, text messages, emails, or last-minute event coordination. While many events proceed professionally without issue, problems become significantly more difficult to resolve when expectations surrounding merchandise percentages, table placement, staffing responsibilities, payment handling, setup access, exclusivity, inventory security, or operational procedures were never clearly documented and acknowledged by all parties involved.

The core philosophy behind this agreement is simple:

  • If it matters, it should be written.
  • If it is written, it should be acknowledged.
  • If it is acknowledged, it should be signed.

Whenever possible:

  • Important sections should be initialed by all parties.
  • Final agreements should be signed and dated.
  • Copies should be retained by everyone involved.

Merchandise and vendor arrangements often involve assumptions regarding:

  • Venue merchandise percentages
  • Vendor fees
  • Payment collection procedures
  • Staffing responsibilities
  • Table and booth placement
  • Setup and breakdown times
  • Internet or power access
  • Inventory storage
  • Security responsibilities
  • Exclusivity arrangements
  • Sales tax responsibilities
  • Refund procedures
  • Event cancellation procedures

Likewise, venues and event organizers should avoid assuming that vendors automatically understand:

  • Venue operational policies
  • Access schedules
  • Staffing expectations
  • Restricted sales items
  • Insurance requirements
  • Security limitations
  • Settlement timing
  • Load-in and load-out procedures

If disagreements later arise regarding merchandise percentages, setup access, sales handling, damages, cancellations, placement, operational responsibilities, or financial arrangements, documented agreements may provide important clarification regarding what was originally discussed and agreed upon.

The WMA Merchandise Agreement is intended to encourage:

  • Clear communication
  • Professional accountability
  • Organized event preparation
  • Mutual operational understanding
  • Respectful working relationships
  • Better vendor coordination
  • Stronger professional standards throughout live event environments

The long-term goal is not to create unnecessary bureaucracy within independent event culture. The goal is to encourage clearer expectations, stronger professionalism, and healthier working relationships between artists, vendors, venues, organizers, exhibitors, and event staff alike.