Scoping questions
This guideline applies if you answer yes to either:- Are you giving away free items (tchotchkes, pens, notebooks, buttons, stickers, shirts, etc.)?
- Are you selling any items (shirts, hats, stickers, figurines, pins, etc.)?
Implementation guidelines
General
Variety- Offer a mix of swag and merch types.
- Include passive items (stickers, posters, figurines) that don’t require active use like pens, mini-fans, or squishy balls.
- Include tactile items (figurines, action figures, squishy balls) for those with little or no vision.
- No sharp edges (no pocket knives, for example).
- Avoid items designed to go in a mouth (like whistles).
- Avoid artificial fragrances.
- Where possible, make text and iconography tactile — raised or etched — for low-vision guests.
- Add braille to rigid items where feasible. Not everything fits — the product name alone is enough when space is limited.
- Consider grips (like rubber pen grips) that make items easier to hold.
- For merch that’s hard to see from certain vantage points, or for low-vision guests, offer a catalog with large one-per-page photos, large high-contrast text, item names, and prices.
- Where possible, include a braille catalog or a short URL to an accessible website with descriptions and pricing.
- Accept multiple payment methods: cash, credit card, and tap-to-pay.
Wearables
Sizes and styles- Shirts, jackets, and pants should span XS through 3XL (or larger).
- Prefer natural materials. Avoid polyester, rayon, nylon, spandex, and latex when possible.
- Avoid feathers.
- For rings, necklaces, and similar, publish the metal type (stainless steel, silver, gold).