How Local Restaurants Can Sell Merch Without Buying Upfront Inventory

Walk into almost any popular restaurant, bar or boutique in the Lehigh Valley and you’ll see regulars wearing their hoodies and hats. Branded merchandise isn’t just an extra revenue stream — it’s free walking advertising for your business.

But for most small business owners, launching a merch program sounds risky. Buying 200 t-shirts in every size takes thousands of dollars up front, and you end up with boxes of unsold sizes gathering dust in the back room.

The Vinyl Press Business Starter Store: Zero Inventory

We designed our Business Starter Store so local restaurants, breweries, bars and boutiques can offer quality apparel without tying up working capital.

1. A print-on-demand web store

We build you a branded online store with tees, hoodies, hats and accessories, your logo color-matched. When a customer orders, the item is made to order and packed for pickup or delivery — and your markup is paid out to you.

2. Pay From Sales ($0 down)

Don’t want to pay a setup fee today? Choose Pay From Sales. We launch your store for $0 up front and the $185 setup fee is recovered from your first sales (with a markup of at least $7.50 per item). Once it’s covered, every dollar of markup is yours.

3. Wholesale pricing for counter sales

Want a few popular sizes behind the bar or at the front desk? Store owners can order stock at a set wholesale price — no markup — to sell on site, at pop-ups or at markets, keeping the full retail difference.

A Dual-Revenue Example

• Online: a customer orders a $30 hoodie from your store. It’s made and shipped, and you earn your markup without touching a box.
• On site: you buy 25 tees at wholesale, stack them at the host stand, sell them at retail and keep the difference.

Whether you run a coffee shop, a neighborhood pub or a boutique, offering custom gear has never been lower-risk. Pickup is available at our shop at 925 Northampton Street, Easton.

👉 See how it works: explore our sample business merch store or view the $150 / Pay-From-Sales program options.