Custom merchandise is important because it acts as cost effective advertising as custom merchandise increases brand visibility as it keeps brand logos and names exposed. Therefore fewer resources need to be put into other forms of paid advertising. However, this is only effective if you have created useful merchandise. Customers who use your custom merchandise can act as a brand advocate. Even if the users don’t encourage others to make a purchase, it still enhances brand credibility, as people are more likely to trust a company that they recognise and know others shop from. Increased brand recognition and recall from custom merchandise makes users more likely to remember your brand when purchasing, due to constant exposure and reminders of your company’s existence. It also helps the merchandise user connect to the brand as they may be a daily user of your merchandise product. 

Custom merchandise ideas

Eco friendly merchandise 

If your company values the environment, using eco-friendly merchandise communicates your brand values. Customising your merchandise to be eco-friendly positions your brand as ethical and if your company holds these values, it can increase the authenticity. If your brand values the environment but uses a lot of standard plastic merchandise, this inauthenticity undermines your advertised values. Using natural materials and informing your customers ensures cost-effective communication of your values. You could add a note to the merchandise showcasing the materials used in the product and packaging, and informing customers of the merchandise’s origin. Explore our eco friendly merchandise options by looking at our website or getting in contact with our marketing experts to talk through different options. 

Custom stickers

Using custom sticks can be a cost effective method to enhance your packaging. Packaging is the first point between a customer and your company. Whether customers are receiving the product in the post of receiving it at an event, packaging can influence the customer’s perception of the product. Custom stickers can communicate to the customer that you have thought deeper into the product than just the product itself. If your company sells a range of products that are not produced by your brand, it can enhance your brand presence.

For example, if you sell refurbished items, your logo is not on the item. Adding stickers can reinforce your branding and it reminds the customer when the product was bought from. Even if the customer does not use the stickers, it still increases the likelihood that poeple will recognise and recall the brand. Therefore it can produce sales at a further date. Ready to design your custom stickers? Click here to send your logo to our merch experts and they can create digital mock ups so you can visualise it. 

Calendars and Planners

Calendars are great to ensure your product is in front of your customers for the entire year. People tend to keep calendars in a visible area of their home. If your calendar is customised with information about your company this can act as a cost effective form of marketing. A creative way to differentiate your calendar is to include pictures of your product throughout the calendar. Additionally adding your company milestones like company anniversaries can create a connection with the user. It can also remind the user where the calendar is from further enhancing your brand presence. Click this link to discover our calendar options. 

Customised lanyards

Customised lanyards work well for events. Customers can wear the lanyard at events which increase your brand’s visibility as others at the event will see it. The user who wears the lanyard will be more likely to remember your brand whilst at the event and also is more likely to remember your brand after. They are likely to take the lanyard off once they have arrived home which furthers the connection between customers at an event.

Without a tangible item that users can can take home it decreases the likelihood that they will remember your brand. If customers like the services you offer, the lanyard can act as a reminder for where to look once they get home. They can can conduct an information search or make a purchase. Users may also use the lanyard after the event for other events too, further brand visibility and recognition. Ensuring the lanyard is easy to swap the information card will enable longevity in the product. Our website has many options for reusable cost effective lanyards, check it out.

FAQs

I’m unsure where to start with merchandise for my brand? No worries, we provide Complimentary Marketing Consultations with Every Order ensuring you receive merchandise that fits your audience and brand mission. Get in touch today if you want to create customised merchandise.

Purchasing merchandise for your business might seem simple, but without asking the right questions, you could end up with items that don’t reflect your brand or fail to impress your audience. From choosing the right materials to considering colours and packaging, there are crucial factors that can make or break your merchandise’s impact.

Explore three key questions you need to ask before making a purchase to ensure your merchandise is high-quality, effective, and memorable.

1. What Material is used?

Different materials affect your items’ durability, usability, and overall impression. If you’re sending garments to be printed on, you should ensure the printing company can print effectively on that fabric. 

Cotton for Screen Printing: Cotton is ideal for screen printing because it absorbs ink well and provides a smooth, vibrant finish. It works seamlessly with standard screen printing inks, ensuring bold, long-lasting designs.

Non-Cotton Materials: If you’re not using cotton (e.g., polyester or blends), you’ll need to switch to speciality inks, such as plastisol or discharge inks, that adhere to synthetic fabrics.

Using the wrong material or ink combination can result in poor-quality prints and dissatisfied customers. Always confirm the fabric to ensure it’s suitable for the type of ink and printing technique being used.

2. What Background Colours Will Work Best?

Companies often use the Pantone Matching System to communicate the exact colour they want, and it’s usually their corporate company colours. However depending on the background of your garment, the colours can show up differently. As merchandise experts, we advise that you ask your printing company what they think as you may receive your garment back and the colours look off- even when your company colour has been used. 

For example:

On White Backgrounds:
A light green (e.g., Pantone 372 C) will appear vibrant and true to its intended shade because white does not alter the color. This creates a clean, crisp contrast that makes the green stand out.

On Black Backgrounds:
The same light green may look duller or muted when printed on black because the darker background absorbs more light. In some cases, additional underlay printing (a white base layer beneath the color) may be needed to ensure the green looks vibrant.

3. Are You Going to Handle the Packaging?

Packaging matters as much as the merchandise itself. Once you have received the garments, are you expecting your employees to package every individual item? This is an important consideration if packaging is required.

• Ask the supplier: Will they handle the packaging, and what options do they offer (e.g., branded boxes, eco-friendly materials)?
• Consider branded packaging: Custom boxes or bags with your logo create a memorable unboxing experience.
• Logistics: Ensure the packaging is durable enough for shipping to prevent damage.

If the supplier isn’t handling packaging, be prepared to manage it yourself or collaborate with a packaging company.

Choosing the right merchandise is about more than just picking an item with your logo on it. By asking the right questions about materials, colours, and packaging, you can ensure your merchandise not only meets your standards but also leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Thoughtful, high-quality merchandise reflects your brand’s values and sets you apart in a competitive market. Take the time to plan and invest wisely—it’s worth it!

Ready to create high-quality merchandise that truly represents your brand? Contact us today for expert advice and a free consultation. Let’s bring your ideas to life!

Read Time: 4 minutes

The world of merchandise gifting is constantly changing, shaped by societal shifts, trends, and technological advancements. Businesses must understand how societal shifts influence consumers to ensure their merchandise gifting remains relevant, practical, and memorable.

Here are three societal shifts that should shape your merchandise gifting in 2025.

1. Society’s Tech Adaptations and Shifting Habits

With Apple shifting to USB-C chargers and the number of people exploring non-Apple devices increasing, this should be shaping your merchandise gifting decisions. People will start to demand universal charging options. Brands looking to gift tech-related merchandise must consider adaptable solutions that cater to a variety of devices. Whether it’s multi-port charging stations or universal cables, tech adaptability is now a must-have feature for modern promotional items.

2. Society’s Shift Towards Digitalisation

As more people in society shift to digital calendars and files, traditional paper-based gifts, such as planners and notebooks, may not be as effective as they once were. Instead, companies should shift to merchandise that supports digital habits, ensuring a return on investment. Tech stands, screen cleaning kits, or accessories that enhance productivity in a digital-first world are excellent alternatives to keep your brand interesting and at the forefront of practicality and innovation.

3. Society’s Shift to Alternative Storage Solutions

With the increasing popularity of cloud storage, fewer people rely on USB flash drives. Instead, items like SD card transfer devices or tech that supports content creation are becoming more relevant, especially with the rise in digital content creation needs. This shift highlights the importance of aligning merchandise with current trends and consumer demands.

Why Societal shifts matter when merchandise gifting

Merchandise gifting is no longer about giving generic items; it’s about providing value and functionality that align with modern lifestyles. By understanding and adapting to societal shifts, your merchandise purchases can help your brand stay ahead of the curve.

At ADGift Discounts, we specialise in helping brands stay relevant with fresh and practical merchandise solutions. 

Contact us today for a free consultation with our merchandise experts, who can advise you on what social shifts to consider when purchasing merchandise in 2025.

Email us at sales@adgiftdiscounts.com or maya.lauryn.clarke@adgiftdiscounts.co.uk.