With over 30 years in the promotional products industry, we’ve seen it all—from what really works to what really doesn’t. To help you make the most of your budget, we’ve rounded up some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when it comes to ordering branded merch.
Here’s what we’ve seen—and how you can avoid the same mistakes:
Winging It
No plan? Big problem.
Without a strategy, promotional products can turn into clutter instead of powerful tools. Always start by asking: What are we trying to achieve? Who are we trying to reach? How will this product support that goal?
No Goals
If you don’t define your goals, you won’t know if your promo worked. Whether it’s brand awareness, lead generation, customer appreciation, or employee engagement—your goal should guide the product selection and distribution plan.
Ignoring Your Audience
It’s not about you—it’s about them. Consider your recipients’ lifestyle, preferences, and needs. What’s useful to a college student might not land the same with a corporate executive. When your promo feels personal and relevant, it becomes memorable.
Personal Bias
Does something on our website really jump out at you? Before making a snap decision on what YOU like, take a second and think about who will be receiving this gift or giveaway. Is it something they will like and use? Giving people something they will enjoy will make your brand go a lot farther than something that will sit in a closet or trashcan.
No Budget Boundaries
Promo can be exciting—but it’s easy to get carried away. Setting a realistic budget (and sticking to it) helps narrow your options and avoid surprises. A clear budget also allows your promo partner to find the best value for your goals without over- or under-spending.
Price-Only Decisions
Saving money usually isn’t a bad idea—but if your product selection is based solely on the cheapest items, you may be inviting more problems than it’s worth. Poor quality can reflect badly on your brand, and broken or unusable items end up in the trash. Think value, not just cost.
