A Friendly Reminder....Merchandise

[DirtyBoy]

MEPD merchandise is defined as any item bearing the name and/or logo of the MEPD produced for consumption by current or hopeful members of the detachment in quantities of two or more. An individual producing their own business cards, for example, would not be required to seek the approval of the Merchandise Officer. However, if an individual was doing a run of business cards for members of the MEPD, approval should be sought.

Approval Procedures

Before any merchandise is offered for sale or put into production which contains the MEPD logo, "MEPD", "Mos Eisley Police Department" or any derivative or the likeness thereof, approval must first be obtained. This ensures that the 501st charter rules are being followed as well as makes sure a merchandise project does not conflict with another project already under way.

All merchandise must be approved by the MEPD XO TD-4401 Rick "Dirty Boy". To obtain approval, simply email or PM a description of the project, price, time table, and sample artwork. Also indicate if approval has been obtained by other necessary parties, if applicable. If merchandise is related to a Garrison, Squad, Outpost or Detachment, the leaders of the respective group also needs to approve the material. For Squad merchandise, approval should be made by both the Squad Leader and Garrison CO. Merchandise containing the 501st Legion logo or derivative or likeness thereof must meet all the rules for 501st merchandise as well.

Listing Merchandise

If you have approved MEPD merchandise (including Garrison, Squad, Detachment, or other official group material) available for order that you would like posted here, please post:

Type of Product (t-shirt, patch, etc.)

Link to an image of product or design

Price of product (i.e. your production cost)

Shipping charges (don't forget overseas shipping options)

Payment method(s)

Estimated production timeline (if not already produced)

Deadline for payment

Who to contact with questions

[DirtyBoy]

501st Legion Merchandise Rules and Procedures

I Charter Rules

II Definition of Merchandise

III Approval Procedure

IV Promotion & Sales

V Restrictions

VI Expectations and Responsibilities

I Charter Rules

Per Article VIII of the 501st Charter, the following rules apply to all 501st Legion merchandise (including Garrison, Squad, Outpost and Detachment material):

1 - Any items bearing the words "501st Legion", "Fighting 501st", "Vader's Fist" or the 501st Logo are considered representative of the 501st Legion club. Such proposed items are to be submitted to the Legion Commander and administrative staff before being produced. The Legion CO, Legion XO, and administrative staff have final word on approval. [Note: In practice, the Legion CO has granted approval powers to the Legion Merchandise Officer]

2 - 501st items must be free of vulgarity.

3 - 501st items must be as free of copyrighted material as possible.

4 - 501st items must be sold only to club members and at cost.

5 - 501st items must not be advertised openly on eBay or other forums to the general public.

6 - 501st items must not be tied to any outside commercial entity or venture.

7 - 501st items must not misrepresent or misidentify its user/wearer in any role other than as a member or supporter of the 501st Legion fan club. No shirt will bear the label 'Security' or 'Staff' unless created with the full permission of an event organizer and labeled specifically for that event only.

8 - 501st items specifying a sub-unit of the club are allowed and encouraged. Such examples would be items promoting 501st Garrisons, Squads, and Detachments. Out of the above eight rules, the one that deserves special note is #4. 501st material should never be sold to non-members of the 501st Legion. The exception to this rule is members of the Rebel Legion, whose status as sister club to the 501st permits sales to those members. The price on any and all merchandise should not exceed the cost of production, distribution, and any transaction fees incurred during the sale of merchandise.

II Definition of Merchandise

501st merchandise is defined as any item bearing the name and/or logo of a 501st entity produced for consumption by the Legion membership in quantities of two or more. An individual producing their own business cards, for example, would not be required to seek the approval of the Legion Merchandise Officer. However, if an individual was doing a run of business cards for members of their Garrison, approval should be sought.

III Approval Procedures

Before any merchandise is offered for sale or put into production, approval must first be obtained. This ensures that the charter rules are being followed as well as makes sure a merchandise project does not conflict with another project already under way.

All merchandise must be approved by the Legion Merchandise Officer. To obtain approval, simply email a description of the project, price, time table, and sample artwork. Also indicate if approval has been obtained by other necessary parties, if applicable. If merchandise is related to a Garrison, Squad, Outpost or Detachment, the leaders of the respective group also needs to approve the material. For Squad merchandise, approval should be made by both the Squad Leader and Garrison CO.

IV Sales

Sales of 501st Legion merchandise should only take place in non-public forums and email lists operated by the Legion. Merchandise should not be sold via online public stores, such as Cafe Press, or in any area of a website accessible to the public.

V Restrictions

All members of the Legion in good standing are permitted to produce 501st Legion merchandise with the following exceptions:

* Members on disciplinary probation.

* Garrisons, Outposts, Squads and Detachments during their first six months of existence (including any probationary period).

501st Merchandise should not include:

* Copyrighted material that we are not authorized to use.

* References to alcohol or drugs.

* Obscene images or references.

VI Expectations and Responsibilities

Certain expectations and responsibilities are required of any member producing 501st Legion merchandise. These are:

* Sell merchandise at your cost. Rounding up a little to ensure your expenses are covered is fine, but adding $2 per piece for your time is not permitted. Time is donated when you choose to engage in a merchandise project.

* Don't spend the money before you pay for the merchandise. In the event that a project falls through, you should have the funds on hand to make immediate refunds.

* Communicate regularly with buyers on their order status.

* Deliver a product that is identical to what you offered the membership. If a change needs to be made, notify the members and allow for refunds if anyone does not agree.

* Keep good records of your orders so mistakes are not made. Always double check sizes and quantities before you place a final order.

* Submit a final photo of the product the 501st webmaster for inclusion in the Memorabilia Archive.

_________________

Scott Will

TK/TD/TS/TB/TI/TA/BH-408

Legion Merchandise & Branding Officer