The down-side to 'merch' is that you can find yourself left with a whole lot of product that you just can't shift.

If there was a way to have it made on demand - sites like redbubble, for example - that can be better, although not necessarily cost-effective. And, as you say, you don't have it on hand for things like conferences.

For those kinds of events, it's better to have a small amount of very desirable merch that is 'limited' to that event, and given out rather than sold. That way, it can be targeted directly to the types of people turning up to the event, something cool and commemorative, that only they will have.

Those silver rounds that people are getting are pretty bloody cool, for instance!!

I've also been considering the idea of 'merch' for fund-raising and promoting the Natural Medicine Tribe... but unsure how to go about it. On one hand, those within the community may be interested in buying a T-shirt or a mug or something. T-shirts and wearables are a great way to promote, especially at events. But I'm just not sure people wanting to pay for something that is promotional (unless its a desirable brand, for example).

Promotional merch needs to also be functional to an extent. Pens tend to get around, so they can be good, and no one is ever going to knock back a free pen! Mugs maybe not so much. And I'm just not into hats/caps, but love T-shirts.