Top 5 Mistakes Clients Make When They Need a Rush Promotional Products Order
In the world of marketing and events, timelines don't always go as planned. Whether it’s a last-minute trade show, a surprise product launch, or an urgent internal initiative, rush promotional product orders are more common than you’d think. While it's absolutely possible to get high-quality branded items fast, there are common pitfalls that can turn a rush order into a stressful (and costly) experience.
Here are the **top five mistakes clients make when placing a rush promotional product order—**and how to avoid them.
1. Waiting Too Long to Ask for Help
The Mistake: Many clients hesitate to contact a promotional products partner until the last possible moment, either trying to figure things out themselves or assuming it’s too late.
The Fix: Call early—even if you're still finalizing details. A good distributor can help you quickly narrow down options based on your deadline, budget, and quantity. The sooner the conversation starts, the more choices you'll have.
2. Not Being Flexible With Product Selection
The Mistake: Insisting on a specific product that may not be available for a rush timeline or requires overseas shipping.
The Fix: Be open to alternatives. There are thousands of in-stock items available domestically that can still make a strong impact. Flexibility allows your promo partner to guide you to options that meet your needs and can ship on time.
3. Overlooking Artwork and Approval Time
The Mistake: Delaying the submission of logo files or not quickly approving proofs can kill even the fastest production timelines. The Fix: Have your vector artwork ready (AI, EPS, or PDF formats), and assign someone to approve proofs immediately. Time is of the essence—every hour counts in a rush order.
4. Ignoring Shipping Realities
The Mistake: Not factoring in how long shipping takes—or assuming "overnight" always means next-day delivery.
The Fix: Discuss shipping options early. Your promo provider can help determine the fastest and most cost-effective shipping method. Also, remember that production time and transit time are separate—fast production doesn’t help if the items can’t get to your location in time.
5. Not Setting a Clear In-Hands Deadline
The Mistake: Clients often say they “need it fast” but don’t specify when the items must be in their hands, leading to confusion or missed expectations.
The Fix: Clearly communicate your “in-hands” date (and time if it’s for an event). This helps your provider reverse-engineer the production and shipping schedule to meet your exact need.
Final Thoughts
Rush promotional orders don’t have to be a disaster. With the right approach and a responsive partner, you can get eye-catching, brand-boosting items even on a tight schedule. Avoid these five common mistakes, and you’ll be on track to make your last-minute order a success—not a scramble.
Need something fast? We're here to help. Just remember: the earlier you reach out, the more we can do.