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

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!