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Custom merch is a game-changer for any community group, youth program, or nonprofit. Whether you're prepping for a big event, raising funds, or just looking to boost team spirit, the right swag can bring people together and spread your message far and wide. But before you dive in and place that bulk order, there are a few things you need to watch out for. Mistakes can lead to wasted money, frustrating delays, or even merch that no one wants to wear. Let’s break down the most common pitfalls and how you can avoid them!
Why it’s a problem: Ordering merch just because it “seems like a good idea” often leads to wasted money and boxes of unused swag collecting dust in a storage closet.
How to avoid it:
Ask yourself:What is the goal of this merch? Are you using it for fundraising? Team unity? Event branding? Giveaways?
Choose items that align with that goal. If it's for a youth program, practical and fun items like T-shirts or water bottles might work best. If it’s for a fundraiser, higher-quality, limited-edition items might be more effective.
Have a plan for distribution—how, when, and to whom will you give out or sell the items?
Why it’s a problem: Your merch should reflect what your community actually wants. If your audience won’t wear, use, or appreciate the item, it’s wasted effort and money.
How to avoid it:
Survey your community before placing an order. A quick online poll or informal feedback from staff and participants can help you gauge interest.
Consider cultural relevance, style, and practical value. A beanie might be great for a winter fundraiser in Canada, but not so useful for a summer youth program.
Order a mix of popular sizes or items to accommodate different preferences.
Why it’s a problem: A cluttered, overly detailed design can make your merch look unprofessional and increase printing costs.
How to avoid it:
Stick to simple, bold designs that are easy to recognize from a distance.
Limit colours—every extra colour in your design can increase printing costs.
Ensure fonts are readable and logos are properly sized. Too small, and they disappear; too big, and they overwhelm the design.
Work with a professional designer or ask your print shop for design recommendations.
Why it’s a problem: Printing mistakes, wrong colours, low-quality material—it’s too late to fix these once you’ve ordered 500 units.
How to avoid it:
Always request digital proof before production. Double-check spelling, placement, and colours.
If possible, ask for a physical sample before placing a large order. This small upfront investment can prevent expensive mistakes.
Have multiple people review the proof to catch any errors you might have missed.
Why it’s a problem: Cheap materials and bad printing reflect poorly on your organization. Low-quality merch often ends up in the trash, defeating its purpose.
How to avoid it:
Balance affordability with durability. You don’t need premium products for every order but avoid the absolute cheapest options.
Ask your supplier for product recommendations based on your budget and quality needs.
Read reviews or ask for samples before committing to a bulk order.
Why it’s a problem: Ordering only one size (or the wrong mix of sizes) can lead to unhappy recipients and wasted inventory.
How to avoid it:
Get a breakdown of sizes from your community beforehand.
If uncertain, order more medium and large sizes, as they tend to be the most universally fitting.
Consider gender-neutral sizing for easier distribution.
Why it’s a problem: Rushed orders can lead to higher costs, limited options, and stress when your merch isn’t ready in time for your event.
How to avoid it:
Plan ahead! Most bulk orders take 2-4 weeks for production, sometimes longer during peak seasons.
Factor in time for reviewing proofs, shipping, and potential reorders if something goes wrong.
Work with a local print shop to avoid long shipping times and support your community.
Why it’s a problem: Too much merch means wasted money and storage headaches. Too little means running out early and missing opportunities.
How to avoid it:
Estimate demand based on previous events or interest levels.
If it’s a new initiative, start with a smaller order and restock based on demand.
Consider ordering a few extra items for last-minute needs, but not so many that you’re stuck with leftovers.
Why it’s a problem: Cheap, disposable merchandise can harm the environment and contradict your organization’s values.
How to avoid it:
Choose eco-friendly options like recycled fabrics, reusable tote bags, or bamboo-based products.
Work with suppliers who prioritize ethical production.
Opt for timeless designs so the merch remains relevant beyond just one event.
Why it’s a problem: If no one knows about your merch, it won’t get used, worn, or sold.
How to avoid it:
Promote your merch through social media, newsletters, and at events.
Encourage staff and volunteers to wear and showcase items.
Create a launch event or online store to boost excitement.
Use limited-edition designs to create urgency and demand.
Ordering bulk merch the right way ensures your organization gets the most out of its investment—whether it's for branding, fundraising, or building team spirit. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and headaches while ensuring your community actually enjoys and uses the merch you provide.
So, before you place that bulk order, take a step back, plan strategically, and choose quality over quantity. Your community (and your budget) will thank you!
Need help with your next order? Reach out to your local print shop for expert guidance on making your merch work for you!Title: "Merch Madness: Avoid These Common Pitfalls When Ordering Bulk Swag!"
Bulk ordering custom merchandise can be a game-changer for your community organization, youth program, or nonprofit. Whether you're gearing up for a big event, a fundraiser, or team-building initiatives, custom swag helps build identity, boost engagement, and even raise funds. But before you hit that "order" button, let’s make sure your merch doesn’t turn into a costly mistake! Avoiding common pitfalls will save your organization time, money, and stress while ensuring your merch truly serves its purpose.
Let’s dive into some of the most common missteps when ordering bulk merch and how you can avoid them.
Why it’s a problem: Ordering merch just because it “seems like a good idea” often leads to wasted money and boxes of unused swag collecting dust in a storage closet.
How to avoid it:
Ask yourself:What is the goal of this merch? Are you using it for fundraising? Team unity? Event branding? Giveaways?
Choose items that align with that goal. If it's for a youth program, practical and fun items like T-shirts or water bottles might work best. If it’s for a fundraiser, higher-quality, limited-edition items might be more effective.
Have a plan for distribution—how, when, and to whom will you give out or sell the items?
Why it’s a problem: Your merch should reflect what your community actually wants. If your audience won’t wear, use, or appreciate the item, it’s wasted effort and money.
How to avoid it:
Survey your community before placing an order. A quick online poll or informal feedback from staff and participants can help you gauge interest.
Consider cultural relevance, style, and practical value. A beanie might be great for a winter fundraiser in Canada, but not so useful for a summer youth program.
Order a mix of popular sizes or items to accommodate different preferences.
Why it’s a problem: A cluttered, overly detailed design can make your merch look unprofessional and increase printing costs.
How to avoid it:
Stick to simple, bold designs that are easy to recognize from a distance.
Limit colours—every extra colour in your design can increase printing costs.
Ensure fonts are readable and logos are properly sized. Too small, and they disappear; too big, and they overwhelm the design.
Work with a professional designer or ask your print shop for design recommendations.
Why it’s a problem: Printing mistakes, wrong colours, low-quality material—it’s too late to fix these once you’ve ordered 500 units.
How to avoid it:
Always request digital proof before production. Double-check spelling, placement, and colours.
If possible, ask for a physical sample before placing a large order. This small upfront investment can prevent expensive mistakes.
Have multiple people review the proof to catch any errors you might have missed.
Why it’s a problem: Cheap materials and bad printing reflect poorly on your organization. Low-quality merch often ends up in the trash, defeating its purpose.
How to avoid it:
Balance affordability with durability. You don’t need premium products for every order but avoid the absolute cheapest options.
Ask your supplier for product recommendations based on your budget and quality needs.
Read reviews or ask for samples before committing to a bulk order.
Why it’s a problem: Ordering only one size (or the wrong mix of sizes) can lead to unhappy recipients and wasted inventory.
How to avoid it:
Get a breakdown of sizes from your community beforehand.
If uncertain, order more medium and large sizes, as they tend to be the most universally fitting.
Consider gender-neutral sizing for easier distribution.
Why it’s a problem: Rushed orders can lead to higher costs, limited options, and stress when your merch isn’t ready in time for your event.
How to avoid it:
Plan ahead! Most bulk orders take 2-4 weeks for production, sometimes longer during peak seasons.
Factor in time for reviewing proofs, shipping, and potential reorders if something goes wrong.
Work with a local print shop to avoid long shipping times and support your community.
Why it’s a problem: Too much merch means wasted money and storage headaches. Too little means running out early and missing opportunities.
How to avoid it:
Estimate demand based on previous events or interest levels.
If it’s a new initiative, start with a smaller order and restock based on demand.
Consider ordering a few extra items for last-minute needs, but not so many that you’re stuck with leftovers.
Why it’s a problem: Cheap, disposable merchandise can harm the environment and contradict your organization’s values.
How to avoid it:
Choose eco-friendly options like recycled fabrics, reusable tote bags, or bamboo-based products.
Work with suppliers who prioritize ethical production.
Opt for timeless designs so the merch remains relevant beyond just one event.
Why it’s a problem: If no one knows about your merch, it won’t get used, worn, or sold.
How to avoid it:
Promote your merch through social media, newsletters, and at events.
Encourage staff and volunteers to wear and showcase items.
Create a launch event or online store to boost excitement.
Use limited-edition designs to create urgency and demand.
Ordering bulk merch the right way ensures your organization gets the most out of its investment—whether it's for branding, fundraising, or building team spirit. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and headaches while ensuring your community actually enjoys and uses the merch you provide.
So, before you place that bulk order, take a step back, plan strategically, and choose quality over quantity. Your community (and your budget) will thank you!
Need help with your next order? Reach out to your local print shop for expert guidance on making your merch work for you!