In 2022, the size of the promotional product market grew to a monetary value of $19.1 billion. With that being said, more businesses are looking into different ways to promote their brands, with offering promotional swag being one that has risen to the top of the idea pile. However, along with a great idea also comes some promotional swag mistakes you want to avoid at all costs.

Below we’ve created a list of mistakes that can help you make the most of the promotional swag ideas you use for your business.

1. Having Zero Distribution Plans

Once you select a list of promotional swag ideas for your business and have the products manufactured, the first mistake to avoid is not having a plan when it comes to delivering promotional swag. If you need a plan for sending this swag out to customers, you could set yourself up to spend more money and save time figuring out what to do.

When determining how to distribute your promotional swag, you need to consider where it’s used. Is the purpose for in-house use (packages given to employees), or is it being delivered to customers?

If you send the swag packs to customers, find a vendor to house the products until they’re ready to be shipped. This will keep you from having to pay double in shipping costs.

You might still need a vendor if you’re sending the swag packs straight to your employees homes as well.

2. Creating Low-Quality Swag

The promotional swag you use for your brand speaks volumes about your company. If you’re looking to save money, the best idea to save money would be to buy cheaper promotional products, but this can backfire quickly.

For example, although you bought shirts that are cheaper in cost, customers aren’t going to like when the shirts fall apart after they’ve received them.

These promotional items are branded with your company logo; therefore, they will assume that everything your business produces will be poor quality, and they won’t want to buy from you in the future.

3. Ignoring the Sample Batch

Before products for marketing are sent to you, the manufacturer will send you something called a batch or sample size of the products. Another common mistake brands make is not taking the time to review the sample batch sent to them.

This is a mistake because when you review the sample batch, it gives you a chance to note any problems or issues with the batch that need to attention.

Remember it’s your company’s name on the product; therefore, you need to ensure everything is correct and accurate before it’s sent out to customers.

4. Settling for a Bland Product Design

Promotional swag is your ability to choose a design that stands out from your competitors. The last thing you want to do is to choose a design template that is bland and overly simple.

Putting your contact information on promotional items is one of many ways to go if you want the products to look engaging.

We aren’t saying to make the design overly complex, but you should ensure the logo correctly showcases and promotes your brand.

Promotional Swag Mistakes to Avoid

There are several promotional swag mistakes that we’ve identified above. Mistakes such as needing to review the sample batch or opting for a bland product design. Promotional swag is a great way to promote your brand, which is why it has to get done right the first time around.

There’s only one company to contact when you’re shopping for promotional swag: Alexa Springs. Contact us today, and let us show you what we can do for you.