[Nachlas]

Is there any cool merch for sale anywhere yet? Let's use this thread as a place to update each other on any interesting merchandise.

There will be more Rivian gear soon -- Rivian just posted a new job posting for a person based out of Palo Alto to lead their merchandise efforts: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/merchandise-manager-at-rivian-1668097436/

"Rivian’s Digital Commerce group is responsible for developing and managing the digital properties that generate revenue and link consumers to physical services. This includes the sale of Rivian branded accessories, gear, and clothing. The Merchandise manager will identify brands to partner with, curate sustainable products to offer, and control product quality on a digital retail platform. The merchandise manager will collaborate closely with the digital product and brand teams to help integrate our brand into our customers’ lives. Our accessories and branded clothing will enable our customers to express their enthusiasm for electric adventure, which makes it essential for our merchandising manager to connect deeply with the Rivian mission."

It looks like we can expect brand partnerships coming soon. Seeing Rivian partner with REI or something could be cool.

 

[R99]

It looks like an official merchandise store is on the horizon.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1225844905601191936

Other than that the only thing I've seen so far for sale is this T-Shirt on TeeSpring.

Rivian Automotive Club Truck T-Shirt

Discover Rivian Automotive Club Truck T-Shirt, a custom product made just for you by Teespring. With world-class production and customer support, your satisfaction is guaranteed. - This shirt was created for owners and...

teespring.com

 

[MilesK]

Rivian now says their online store is set to launch this year.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1288166597320781824

 

[EyeOnRivian]

I suspect Rivian is motivated to delay this as long as possible. Someone mentioned (in another forum) while attending a Rivian event they asked Rivian about selling Rivian merchandise. Rivian's response was if they sold merch it would change their tax status, implying they would have to pay more in taxes that would not justify the revenue from the merch sales, at least not yet.

Perhaps once they start officially taking orders (vs. pre-orders) or whatever process that would constitute a financial transaction (profit?) to the IRS, like perhaps when the vehicle configurator goes online and (additional) funds are required or perhaps when the purchase is finalized (?), their tax status will change and thus be an appropriate time for them to start selling Rivian themed merch.

 

[MilesK]

I suspect Rivian is motivated to delay this as long as possible. Someone mentioned (in another forum) while attending a Rivian event they asked Rivian about selling Rivian merchandise. Rivian's response was if they sold merch it would change their tax status, implying they would have to pay more in taxes that would not justify the revenue from the merch sales, at least not yet.

Perhaps once they start officially taking orders (vs. pre-orders) or whatever process that would constitute a financial transaction (profit?) to the IRS, like perhaps when the vehicle configurator goes online and (additional) funds are required or perhaps when the purchase is finalized (?), their tax status will change and thus be an appropriate time for them to start selling Rivian themed merch.

I didn't even think about that as a reason to hold off but that makes sense. They don't want to get ahead of themselves, especially since the plant isn't finished yet.