Discover expert tips, strategies, and advice to maximise the impact of your branding through effective and engaging merchandise solutions.

Questions You Haven’t Considered Asking Before Purchasing Merchandise—But Absolutely Should

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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!

What Makes the Perfect Merchandise Gift? Three Easy Rules to Follow

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Have you ever wondered, “What makes a perfect merchandise gift?” Whether you’re creating branded giveaways for events, corporate gifts for clients, or promotional items for campaigns, choosing the perfect merchandise gift can make all the difference.

3 simple rules to help you create memorable, impactful gifts:

1. Make Sure the Merchandise Gift is Useful

The best merchandise solves a problem or makes life easier for the recipient. When customers see your merchandise as useful, they’re more likely to pick it up—and less likely to toss it aside. Practical items like reusable water bottles, phone stands, or tote bags get used frequently, keeping your brand in front of them and boosting your recall value.

2. Choose a Merchandise Gift That Stays Visible

Merchandise should not only be functional but also visible. Items that sit at the back of a cupboard won’t have the same impact as those used daily. Think about desk accessories, keyrings, or even tech cleaning kits—anything that can remain in the customer’s line of sight. The more they see it, the more they’ll associate your brand with reliability and value.

3. Select a Merchandise Gift That’s Built to Last

A gift that breaks or wears out quickly does more harm than good. It can make your brand seem cheap or unreliable. On the other hand, durable merchandise communicates quality and care. Invest in well-made items that will last for years, such as sturdy notebooks, premium pens, or high-quality apparel. A durable gift reinforces your brand’s reliability and encourages customer loyalty.

The bottom line on choosing the perfect merchandise gifts

Perfect merchandise gifts are not just about slapping a logo on a random item. It’s about creating something useful, visible, and durable—something that recipients will genuinely appreciate and want to use again and again.

At ADGift Discounts, we specialise in custom merchandise that keeps your brand fresh, relevant, and memorable. All we need from you is a few quick questions and we can create a mockup image of what your potential merchandise could look like. Contact us today to get a free consultation.

3 Societal Shifts Shaping Merchandise Gifting

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3 Societal Shifts Shaping Merchandise Gifting

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. 

Essential Rules When Choosing Merchandise Items for Events

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Essential Rules When Choosing Merchandise Items for Events

Many companies expect their marketing departments to achieve incredible results on a tight budget. However, with the right merchandise strategy, you can make a big impact with your handouts. To save you the hassle of trial and error, we’ve compiled a guide with all the rules to optimise your presence with merchandise at events.

Rules when Preparing Event Merchandise

Before the event begins, you need to ensure people know how to find your stall. Clear signage pointing attendees to your location is essential. Whether you’re inside a networking venue or outdoors at a food market, if people can’t find you, your merchandise is irrelevant.

  1. Use directional signage around the event to guide attendees to your stall.
  2. Upload a map or guide to social media or your website with clear instructions on how to locate your stall.

Rules Once the Event is Underway- Ensure your branding is highly visible:

    • A tall banner above your stall can help attendees spot you in a crowd.
    • Staff should be wearing branded clothing so attendees know who to approach with questions.

    Remember, merchandise needs to align with the purpose of your attendance. Each company’s goals during the event will differ, so it’s crucial to choose merchandise that supports your specific objectives.

    Rules when Choosing the Right Merchandise for Events- Understand why you are at the event:

    R

    1. Selling Items During the Event

    If your goal is to sell products at the event, branded packaging is a must. Imagine being at a food market and seeing someone enjoying a delicious snack—but it’s in a plain container. You wouldn’t know where to find it. Branded packaging solves this by ensuring your product remains visible and recognisable. Branded packaging also helps consumers remember where they purchased the product, making it easier for them to recommend it to others.

    To draw people to your stall, interactive games or simple competitions can create a buzz.

    Merchandise Recommendations:

    • Branded bags or boxes for packaging purchases.
    • Handout items to encourage interaction.
    • Interactive merchandise or games to drive foot traffic.

    2. Generating Leads

    Lead generation is all about capturing attendee details and leaving a memorable impression. Your stall’s setup should be visually appealing and professional to encourage potential leads to stop by. Practical branded items with QR codes or web links ensure your leads can easily access your contact details after the event. Although traditional business cards are effective for some, consider pairing them with more practical and tangible items to make a lasting impression.

    Merchandise Recommendations:

    • Business cards to exchange details.
    • Tangible items with QR codes or web links.
    • Practical giveaways like pens or notebooks with your branding.

    3. Building Relationships

    When your goal is to build strong, lasting relationships, high-quality handouts are key. Giving out premium merch shows attendees that you value them and leaves a positive impression of your brand. On the other hand, cheap or poorly made handouts can damage your reputation. Business cards are also effective in this scenario, as relationship-building often involves mutual interest and follow-ups.

    Merchandise Recommendations:

    • Premium merch like branded drinkware, notebooks, or tech accessories.
    • Business cards to foster ongoing communication.

    4. Announcing, Educating, or Launching Something

    If you’re launching a product or educating attendees about your services, provide tangible merchandise that allows people to test or experience your offering. This hands-on approach reinforces your aim of promoting your new product and leaves a lasting impression. Traditional brochures are fine, but to stand out, try something creative like handing out branded notepads with QR codes linking to online content. This approach ensures attendees engage with your brand long after the event.

    Handout Recommendations:

    • Informational materials like brochures or booklets.
    • Creative items like notepads with scannable links to videos or podcasts.
    • Product samples or demo kits for hands-on experience.

    Key Takeaways

    • Signage is critical to ensuring attendees can find your stall.
    • Align your merch with your event goals, whether that’s selling products, generating leads, building relationships, or announcing something new.
    • Choose high-quality, practical, and engaging merch to create a lasting impression.
    • Use creative methods like QR codes on tangible items to drive post-event engagement.

    Need expert advice on event merch? Contact us today to speak to our experts, who will provide a free strategy tailored to your goals for a successful event!