Choosing the right branded products for your PR campaign can be a tough call. But deciding who to buy it from is also a challenge.

So, what are the different types of promotional merchandise suppliers are out there and which is best for you and your campaign? With honest advice, we can help you decide which supplier is most suited to your needs and ensure your merch meets campaign demands.

Where should I buy my merch?

There are two main types of distributors in the world of branded merchandise. The age and experience of the business, the service they provide and the additional options they offer vary significantly with each type. Below we describe how they differ.

The typical online supplier

Many promotional product distributors allow you to order branded items straight from their online store. Ordering from an eCommerce site is great if you want to personalise a standard product. Just select the number of items you’d like, drag and drop your artwork, pay and the swag is yours.

The typical online supplier will offer a limited catalogue of universally available off-the-shelf products with the most popular items including pens, clothing, drinkware, bags, notebooks, office accessories, gadgets and technology – but keep in mind, chances are, the supplier will not have seen or handled the products they’re selling to you, and they won’t have assessed them for quality, durability or value for money.

From product research to delivery, you might not be able to speak to anyone about your order or receive any feedback, advice or recommendations about the products you’re buying. And you can’t place bespoke orders or purchase unique items.

Specialised corporate gift suppliers

All suppliers offer a specialised service but to varying degrees. As we’ve said, online distributors selling low-cost items will offer little to no added value. Although all branded product suppliers have access to the same catalogue of products, some are pickier about the items they are happy to use, perhaps assessing for quality or suitability to your project. But they still might not be able to discuss the different options you have.

However, the more specialised corporate gift suppliers will provide a holistic service to help you achieve your marketing goals. They’ll meet with you (virtually or in person), understand your marketing campaign, suggest a range of suitable products, and even provide visuals, samples and mock-ups before production takes place. They’ll also be willing to search further afield for specific promo items or tell you about more suitable or cost-effective alternatives.

What if I want something completely bespoke and unique?

If you want complete control over your PR campaign, you will need to find a distributor who consistently goes the extra mile. Of course, they will have access to the standard catalogues, but that won’t be all they use.

Instead, they will actively search the globe (yes, internationally!) for new, unique or innovative merchandise that matches your specific campaign criteria and assess items for their quality, cost-effectiveness, and even eco-friendliness if that’s a desired consideration.

But, the most important characteristic that sets this type of distributor apart is their interest in your campaign. They might ask about its purpose and whether you have specific deliverables. They could suggest alternative promo products you may not have considered but which could add an extra dimension to your project. And they will help you find the most cost-effective way to achieve an exceptional result.

What are my payment options?

Distributors that offer an online-only service will require payment upfront when you place an order. And unless the goods are faulty on delivery, you may not have any comeback if the product(s) or branding doesn’t match your expectations.

The more specialised distributors, however, will offer credit. And, depending on your credit rating, you can pay 30 or even 60 days after delivery. With complete confidence in the finished product, these distributors will also guarantee that the swag you order is exactly what you are expecting.

Can I get involved in the production process?

Yes, if you work with a specialist supplier, you can definitely get involved in the production process. You may be able to see examples of promo products to assess their qualities before you decide which to choose. You will receive visuals and print proofs to approve before production begins, and on larger-scale projects, you will even receive a physical pre-production sample  of the finished product just to make sure it fits the bill.

Although these services may come with an additional cost, the benefit of using them is enormous. You can have full control over the merchandise and complete satisfaction that your investment will more than pay off.

Can you deliver my order for me?

Yes! Experts in their field, some branded merchandise suppliers will fulfil your order on your behalf, both nationally and internationally. In fact, they can provide you with everything your project needs. Even those campaigns that require multiple individually-sourced elements arranged in a presentation box won’t be a problem, for example, corporate gifts like a bottle of wine, some cheese, a personalised glass, and a unique bottle stopper.

From procuring all the components of a campaign package to branding specific products, these professional distributors will then package your items and post them to individual addresses worldwide. Here at GB Merchandise, we even have our own packaging and fulfilment department, which means everything is done in-house without recourse to contracting other firms to complete part of the order. You won’t find this standard of service with an online distributor.

At GB Merchandise, we will engage with your campaign to the full. If you need unique, bespoke items, we can source them for you. If you want to impress your clients in a way not done before, you can count on us. We are a company that will rise to any challenge. Whether it’s a lightning turnaround time, a wholly unique campaign, or anything in between, we will do everything we can to help you stand out from the crowd.

Which is the right merchandise supplier for me?

There is a branded merch distributor suited to every type of PR campaign, promotional project or marketing strategy; you just need to choose the right one for you. And it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you want one standard product to give away at a corporate event, an online supplier might suit you. But if you want something unique, innovative and fulfilled, and you want assurance throughout the process, your best bet is a specialised promotional product supplier, like us.

At the end of the day, an effective PR campaign shouldn’t cost you anything, and with the right promotional merchandise distributor, you can ensure that.

Do you want to increase brand awareness, make your existing customers feel special and entice new customers in? Then get in touch. Contact us on 020 3818 0270 or 07912 600 141 or email info@gbmerchandise.co.uk to arrange an exploratory discussion.