Avoiding Common Problems with Branded Promotional Merchandise
1. The product is not right – do not rely on web site images, obtain a sample to feel the quality
2. The product colour is not right – colour on screens can be unreliable – again sample first
3. Does not arrive at the event on time – customs and unreliable delivery companies – give yourself time
4. Rushed product decisions - plan for the event season if you want ‘creative’ products
5. Obsolescence – don’t order large quantities merely to reduce unit cost and watch for brand changes
As a branded merchandise company, we have seen our fair share of problems, and the stress caused. Below are the common problems and ways to avoid these issues.
1. The product quality is not right – choosing products from web sites is the most convenient way to do things. The problem is that all companies show images of the product in the best light – why wouldn’t they? But when you touch and feel the product it sometimes is not what you imagined. For example, the pen is too light and does not write well or the T shirt that feels thin and cheap.
2. The product colour is not right – we have a separate blog on the science of colour – here https://www.pdi.co.uk/insights/why-your-brand-colours-maybe-wrong-on-your-merchandise - the issue being that the colour seen on screen can be different to the colour we see when looking at the product. Choosing a product on screen which matches your brand colour may lead to disappointment. The solution again is to obtain a sample.
3. Product does not arrive on time at the event. Whilst you have two weeks before the event and the web site says the lead time is two weeks – beware. International deliveries will require the preparation of customs documents and can take a number of days, even if customs don’t decide to do a spot check on your shipment. And they always delay the urgent ones! Also, with events it is often the case that you cannot deliver directly to the exhibition hall. Instead, deliveries need to go to a forwarding warehouse or logistics company. These companies often ask for deliveries 2 days sometimes 5 days prior to the exhibition. Product that does not get to the event is wasted. Solution, planning and give yourself time.
4. Rushed product decisions. Choosing your giveaways at the last minute will present another problem. Whilst the lead time of some products is short – sometimes just a couple of days – these are the common products. If you want to create a ’buzz’ with your marketing and have something a bit more creative, you cannot do this a t the last minute. Solution is again planning and giving yourself time.
5. Because the unit cost of a branded promotional item falls with larger quantities, mainly because of the amortisation of set-up costs, there is a temptation to increase the quantity ordered. Whilst this will achieve the lower unit cost it may also lead to product being kept in storage for long periods and ultimately leading to obsolescence and disposal. This is particularly true if there is a brand change. Solution is awareness and planning.
PDI is happy to chat about our experiences and share best practice, just give us a call and maybe we can help things run a little more smoothly.
Video on the subject is here: https://youtu.be/HWg8mO4rov8
AUTHOR: David Platt, BSC, BA, MBA. Dip. M
David has been involved in print and promotional products for 30 years, as Executive Director of PDI – he has the scars of dealing with problems with branded merchandise over many years, as well as a formal education in Business Management and Marketing.