Economy Claims Checklist for Political Merch and Ecommerce

Verify employment numbers using BLS CES or CPS series, choose seasonally adjusted vs not, and log the series ID and retrieval date. Your PDP copy should state the metric and adjustment choice so buyers know exactly what the number represents.

Use BEA real GDP and clarify SAAR vs year-over-year in copy. Export the data to CSV, store it with your evidence pack, and annotate the PDP with the exact quarter and measure to avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons.

If a design references records, pull S&P 500 or Dow Jones official close data and cite the date and index. Note whether you are using index levels or total return so your line art and copy match the metric.

Identify the HTS codes for your apparel and accessory SKUs, calculate ad valorem duties, and show how tariffs roll into COGS and retail price. A small footnote on the PDP can link to a cost breakdown that buyers appreciate.

When a design mentions who benefited from tax cuts, pull distributional tables from JCT or CBO and summarize the income deciles in plain language. Save the table PDF and a screenshot in your evidence folder and link it under Receipts.

If your graphic references unemployment, state whether it uses the headline U-3 rate or broader U-6. Include the specific month and rate on the product page so customers cannot confuse different measures.

Jobs and GDP get revised. Export a snapshot of the dataset at time of design and archive it to your evidence pack so your QR code shows what you used. Add a PDP note that revisions may occur and link the latest series too.

For each SKU, collect primary sources, transcripts, official data links, and fact-checks in a single folder with a unique claim ID. Store both canonical URLs and archived snapshots so links are durable.

Point QR codes to a lightweight evidence landing page that canonicalizes to your full Receipts page. Mirror key sources with web archives and test mobile load under 3 seconds to avoid bounce.

Append UTM tags for product, design version, and print batch. This lets you attribute offline QR scans to a vendor or run and optimize future reprints.

Adopt a naming convention like claimID_source_YYYYMMDD.ext and track changes in a shared document or repo. This simplifies audits and takedown responses.

Create a short timeline of when the economic claim first appeared and key repeats. Display it on the Receipts page so customers can see the pattern in one scroll.

Add product metafields for evidence_url, metric_type, source_updated_at, and claim_id. This enables templated PDPs and ensures QR links remain editable without a reprint.

Set minimum QR size of 0.8 in on tees and 1.0 in on curved mugs at 300 dpi with error correction level M. Maintain a quiet zone of 4 modules around the code and test on actual substrates before a full run.

Use at least 11 pt equivalent on tees, 7 pt equivalent on stickers, and always include units like million, percent, or index points. Add a small asterisk that points to the QR page for definitions like SAAR or real vs nominal.

If you print a micro-chart, avoid truncated axes, label the start and end dates, and mark recessions with light shading. State whether data are seasonally adjusted in a micro-caption that routes to the QR for details.

Avoid placing QR codes near seams or pockets on hoodies, keep codes off heavy ribbing, and for mugs limit QR width to the flattest area. For vinyl stickers, spec a protective laminate so fine lines do not chip.

Create two art variants that express the same vetted claim, one witty and one direct, and assign unique SKUs and UTM tags. Compare add-to-cart and QR scan rates to guide future tone choices.

Avoid official seals and campaign logos and rely on parody typography. Include a tiny parody and commentary disclaimer in the collar print or hangtag to reduce confusion.

Use a mockup where the QR is visible and write alt text that mentions the economic metric, date, and that receipts are included. This naturally ranks for economy claims and builds trust at a glance.

Add a blog post with ClaimReview structured data that explains the claim, rating, and sources, then link it from the product page. Search engines prefer fact pages over PDPs for queries about a statement.

Embed a collapsible Receipts section listing primary sources, datasets, and archived links. Use anchors so the QR can jump directly to each source on mobile.

Create collection pages for Jobs, GDP, Stocks, Tariffs, and Taxes and link between PDPs and explainers. This helps customers browse by interest and strengthens topical authority.

Include a short What this number means note that defines the metric and time period. Keep it under 300 characters and send longer details to the evidence page.

Use first-party analytics or server-side events to record QR page hits with product and batch metadata. Tie scans back to SKU performance and creative iterations.

If buying ads around political content, complete authorization and disclaimers or pivot to organic and creator whitelists. Creative should avoid calls to vote and stick to merch plus receipts.

Do not promise economic outcomes or financial benefits on PDPs. Keep shipping, returns, and business details accurate and ensure the evidence page matches the claim printed on the product.

Rely on organic posts and community content for political merch. Keep captions focused on the design and link the receipts in bio rather than making policy calls.

Tag items as political commentary and avoid unsubstantiated factual claims in titles on Etsy or similar. Keep evidence links on a landing page rather than in marketplace descriptions if policy-sensitive.

Keep a dated packet of sources, datasets, and screenshots for every design in case of complaints. Truth and fair comment are stronger when your receipts are organized and immediately accessible.

Add a small commentary and parody disclaimer on hangtags or inserts and include a shortened QR URL. If you reference union labor or domestic manufacturing, ensure it is accurate and documented.

If you import blanks or accessories, add applicable duties and brokerage to landed cost and re-run margin targets. Document the math on an internal sheet so discounts do not erase profit.

Lock lead times with your print-on-demand partners and pre-position backup vendors. Keep a minimal safety stock of best sellers to survive platform pauses or printer outages.

Bundle a one-sheet with the claim summary, QR to receipts, UPC, MSRP, and case pack details. Include a tiny easel card with the evidence QR for shelf displays.

Embed claim_id and version in SKU codes and update the version any time numbers or phrasing change. Redirect the old QR to a notice that explains the revision.

Set final-sale policies for sizing issues while honoring defects and misprints. Make this clear on PDPs and packing slips to reduce chargebacks.

If you run a monthly subscription, ensure clear cancel links and billing disclosures and package each shipment with an evidence card. Rotate between jobs, GDP, tariffs, and taxes themes by season.

If you mention USA-made blanks or union print, keep vendor certificates on file and align this with product tags. Inaccurate origin claims create legal and trust risk.