Have you seen the branded merchandise you like and are asking yourself what are the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them?
This post examines the most common problems and how to avoid them.
The biggest issues clients have faced are:
1. The product is not what I expected
- Obtain an unbranded sample first
2. The branding looks rubbish
- Provide files in the correct Vector format
- Ask for a visual of the logo on the product
3. The cost was not the one on the website
- Obtain a specific detail quote
And the biggest of them all
4.They arrive too late
- Planning
Looking at each in turn:
1.The product is not what I expected
When choosing a product from a website or old-fashioned print catalogue there is a danger that the glossy image shown turns out to be a long way from what you were expecting. The pen feels light weight and cheap and does not write too well. The T shirt is thin, and the sizing is all wrong. You get the idea
The answer, if you have time, is to get a sample of the promotional merchandise – unbranded but it will give you an opportunity to hold it and examine it.
Many promotional product samples are free. The more expensive products, particularly tech products can be sampled at a small cost. WE DO NOT make money on samples we will only look to recover our costs and if the project goes ahead waive the cost anyway
2.The branding looks rubbish
This could mean that your logo is distorted or even that on the product is look clunky or awkward. Two things you can do
- Provide a Vector logo (.eps .ai .svg and not .jpg or .png) – for a full explanation of this see the post We would strongly recommend that you do not buy from anybody who does not insist on this format of logo
- See a visual of the product – obtain a visual showing the logo in situ. This can be done before you commit to anything and, in our view, essential.
3. The cost was not the one on the web site
Promotional product websites often quote a price. This offers a helpful indication, so you know we are talking £3 per item and not £30. However, the pricing of branded merchandise in complicated by
- Quantity – it is very volume sensitive
- Number of colours in the logo
- Branding method - screen vs. digital transfer
- Shipping cost – single UK delivery or distribution.
Ensure you get a final quote for exactly what you want. Some distributers will hide the branding set up costs and delivery costs to make themselves appear cheaper.
4. They arrived too late
Beware of this.
Web sites will often quote a lead time – or the quotation will come with a lead time. Beware of four things:
- Lead time equals the time from proof sign off to either delivery or despatch (we always work on delivery date – some don’t).
This means the clock does not start ticking when you first enquire, it starts ticking when the order is placed and confirmed.
- Lead time of 10 days – ensure you know whether that is 10 working days or 10 actual days.
- Assume that carriers inevitably have delays
You can help with accurate delivery addresses and for international shipments, all the required information (we will help with this)
The best thing you can do is PLAN AHEAD - we do recognise however, that in the world of marketing this is not always possible, and you will have requirements when turnaround needs to be quick. There are products that can be produced Express, and we promise to be open and honest about what is achievable and what is not. If we have doubts, we will tell you, even if it means losing the order.