diff --git a/.changeset/two-dolls-call.md b/.changeset/two-dolls-call.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..8800b49b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.changeset/two-dolls-call.md
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+---
+'@guardian/commercial': minor
+---
+
+Move im below inline1 to reduce revenue impact when the im won't serve ads"
diff --git a/src/insert/spacefinder/article.ts b/src/insert/spacefinder/article.ts
index 65ec218ef..7514a9ea1 100644
--- a/src/insert/spacefinder/article.ts
+++ b/src/insert/spacefinder/article.ts
@@ -498,14 +498,14 @@ const init = async (fillAdSlot: FillAdSlot): Promise<boolean> => {
 		return Promise.resolve(false);
 	}
 
+	await addInlineAds(fillAdSlot);
+
 	const im = window.guardian.config.page.hasInlineMerchandise
 		? attemptToAddInlineMerchAd(fillAdSlot)
 		: Promise.resolve(false);
 	const inlineMerchAdded = await im;
 	if (inlineMerchAdded) await waitForAdvert('dfp-ad--im');
 
-	await addInlineAds(fillAdSlot);
-
 	await initCarrot();
 
 	return im;