When it comes to ordering promo products, most people think it's a pretty straightforward process - choose the product you want, send over your logo, and approve the order. However, there is more that goes into the process than just a few simple steps. If you want a product that will last a long time, looks good, and is high quality, it's important to avoid making these common mistakes. Make sure you take the time to get your order exactly how you want it, and you'll always be happy with your promotional products.
Not ordering enough items. This one seems like an easy mistake to avoid, so it's surprising that it happens all too often. People will order the minimum quantity of an item in order to save money, but often the minimum quantity just isn't enough. You may run out faster than you anticipated (people take extras, employees take some for themselves, items get misplaced, etc), and not have enough, meaning you'll have to order more, which could be costly in the long run. Avoid this mistake by making promotional products part of your budget, instead of thinking of them as an extra expense, and don't forget to order extras.
Putting too much on one item. As in, there isn't enough space on your item for the design you want. We get it, you want to make sure people know as much about you as possible, but a promo product maybe isn't the best place to do so. The design should be simple and minimal. If it's too busy with information, it may not look as good since the elements are smaller. The best way to avoid this mistake is to think about the size of the item you're ordering. Also remember that how the item looks is a key part of how people perceive the item, if they like it, and if they'll use it.
Thinking color and design aren't very important. It's not just as simple as putting your logo on an item. You really need to consider the color and design of your item, and a big mistake that's often made is just selecting colors or designs that end up looking off and not working. The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to work with a company, like us (BrightPoint Creative), that has a design department and can help you through every step and make sure your item looks exactly how you want.
Waiting until the last minute to order. We understand - things happen, you aren't given time to order, you get distracted, underestimate timelines, or forget. That's why this mistake is the most common of all. It happens too often, and ends up being far more expensive for you and your company. If you wait too long, the promo item you want may not be in stock, or it could take too long to produce and won't make it in time for your deadline. If it is in stock, and you can get it in time, you risk paying rush fees and high shipping costs. Waiting until the last minute to order is stressful, and often disappointing. Avoid this mistake by planning out your timeline and giving yourself enough time to choose the items you want, have them look the way you want, and receive them in time.
Ignoring your target audience. It happens all the time - companies pick a great promotional product that they want instead of considering what their audience wants. That is a big mistake, because people will hold onto a product if they find it useful, and what people find useful can change based on who the audience is. You can avoid this mistake by taking some time to think about what your audience would want to receive, and ordering that instead of what you want.
Focusing on budget over quality. Just because a product is inexpensive doesn't mean it's the one you should order. Promo products are a big part of how the people who receive them perceive your company, so giving out cheap items can be harmful to your brand. Your employees won't want to give out cheap items, and people don't want to receive cheap items. Avoid this by always remembering that your promo products are a reflection of your company, and you want your company to look good. Working with a company, like us, is a great way to help you choose a cost-effective item that is still high quality and something people will love.
The best way to avoid all of these mistakes is to work with a promotional product expert, like us, who can be with you every step of the way and make sure your product turns out perfectly.