5 Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Promotional Products

Align your branded merchandise strategy for maximum impact, and fewer headaches. Here are five common pitfalls, and how to avoid them. 

1. Skipping Brand Adaptation for Different Product Types 

What often goes wrong: Many businesses assume one logo or variant works everywhere. But what looks sharp on a website or business card can become illegible—or awkward—on a pen cap, tote, or tech accessory. 

Why it matters: EverythingBranded stresses the importance of context-aware design, noting how color, typography, and logo proportions often need tweaking across product types. 

How to avoid it: Provide your supplier with logo variations optimized for a range of applications—think simplified, monochrome or single-color versions, and scalable vector files. 

2. Ignoring Material and Printing Constraints 

What often goes wrong: Not all materials handle branding methods the same. A script font may look elegant in digital form but become fuzzy or unreadable when embroidered or printed on darker, textured surfaces. 

Why it matters: As pointed out in the EverythingBranded blog, practical considerations—like color contrast and font legibility—are critical for creating merchandise that looks premium rather than amateur. 

How to avoid it: Ask your supplier for mockups on intended materials. Opt for cleaner fonts, test contrast on dark backgrounds, and consider simplified printing techniques as needed. 

3. Overlooking Packaging and Unboxing Experience 

What often goes wrong: You might order great products, only for them to arrive in plain, generic packaging that dilutes the brand impression. 

Why it matters: According to EverythingBranded, packaging isn't an afterthought—it's part of the promotional product story. Thoughtful packaging enhances perceived value and encourages emotional connection. 

How to avoid it: Invest in branded packaging - consider quality boxes, tissue paper, embossed or foil finishes, or custom labels, that aligns with the ethos of your brand. 

4. Prioritizing Novelty Over Usefulness 

What often goes wrong: Clients sometimes opt for quirky or unusual items, like novelty gifts that are fun once, but quickly discarded. 

Why it matters: EverythingBranded highlights the value of usefulness: everyday essentials like pens, drinkware, or bags offer ongoing brand exposure—sometimes lasting over a year. 

How to avoid it: Choose products that people will use in their daily lives. Practicality extends brand visibility and reinforces positive associations. 

5. Failing to Set Clear Goals and Metrics 

What often goes wrong: Without defined objectives, your promotional product campaign may feel aimless, and you’ll struggle to measure success afterward. 

Why it matters: As Everything Branded shares in its event branding guidance, campaigns perform better when tied to measurable goals, whether that’s social engagement, signups, or brand awareness. 

How to avoid it: Define what you want the merchandise to achieve: 

• Increase social shares? Add a hashtag to gift tags. 

• Boost email subscriptions? Include a QR code linking to your newsletter. 

• Strengthen internal culture? Choose premium, useful products and track who’s using them. 

Why This Matters for Your Business 

Avoiding these missteps ensures your promotional products don’t get lost in the shuffle. When brand consistency, product quality, packaging, utility, and metrics align, your merchandise becomes a high-performance branding tool—elevating recognition, building loyalty, and embodying the values of your business. 

Quick Reference Table: Mistakes to Avoid 

Final Thoughts 

With these insights in mind, you'll be better positioned to order promotional products that look fantastic, reinforce your brand, and deliver real value—internally and externally.