Custom Merchandise for Your Business: 5 Tips to Get It Right the First Time

All photos: Xiao daCunha

What Are the Benefits of Custom Merchandise for Your Business

Custom merchandise consists of different products like bags, mugs, and T-shirts that contain a business’ logo and brand. These items are usually given out at corporate events and other functions where they can give you these benefits:

A gift is one of the easiest ways to make you feel more comfortable with someone. Put that in a business perspective, and the use of custom merchandise allows you to stir that same emotion with your clients. For instance, giving out T-shirts or water bottles makes your event more personal than any other regular function, and that could encourage people to attend future events knowing that they will be getting something of value when they support your business.

One of the secrets to running a successful business is showing customers that you care about them and not just the money they put into your business. Custom merchandise will help you build that trust and loyalty with your brand because it shows that you put a lot of thought into giving them something that they can use daily.

5 Tips on Choosing the Right Custom Merchandise for Your Business

Now that you know the benefits of using custom merchandise for your business, it’s also very important to learn about these tips that will help you choose the right products for different purposes:

If you’re hosting a trade show or corporate gathering, it’s best to go for functional custom merchandise like pouches, bags, water bottles, or pen holders. Giving something that customers can use will not only help them remember you, but it will also give more opportunities for your brand to get good exposure organically.

If you’re sponsoring a fundraiser, concert, or fair, you should go for hoodies, shorts, T-shirts, jackets, and hats with your logo and some of the details of the event on the print. You can also choose a custom merchandise that’s related to your business. 

For instance, if you’re participating in a travel fair, you can give out custom passport holders, clutch bags, and luggage tags if you’re a travel agency.

If you’re organizing a personal event such as a Christmas party, a Thanksgiving gathering, or your business anniversary, consider giving away meaningful souvenirs. Options like personalized bags or laptop cases, pen holders, and even cozy pajama sets can help remind guests of your special event and foster lasting connections.

If you’re giving out gifts to loyal or VIP customers, you should go for something that’s more stylish and chic. These types of customers really love personalization because it makes them feel extra special. So try to go for personalized makeup pouches or bags, monogrammed cases, and other more luxurious custom merchandise.

To maximize merch sales at sports conventions, leverage the event’s energy. Create eye-catching displays featuring team colors and mascots. Offer exclusive, limited-edition items like player-designed apparel or personalized jerseys. Engage attendees with interactive games or contests, offering merch as prizes. Partner with popular athletes for meet-and-greets or autograph sessions, boosting sales and fan excitement. Finally, utilize social media to promote your merch and engage with attendees before, during, and after the convention.

Final Thoughts…

There are many ways for you to customize your merchandise based on your needs and preferences. The first and most common option is through printing and embroidery which works best when you put logos and brand names on apparel, bags, and hats. On the other hand, you can use engraving for metal and glass items that you’ll use as merchandise.

At the end of the day, customising your merchandise will really help you elevate your brand to a whole new level and give your business the exposure that you need to keep up with the competition. Of course, you also need to find the right partner in creating your merchandise to ensure excellent quality every time.