Custom promotional products can be one of the smartest investments a business makes – or one of the most frustrating.
When done right, branded gear builds recognition, creates loyalty, and keeps your name in front of customers long after an event ends. When done wrong, you’re left with boxes of unusable items collecting dust in a storage room.
After working with businesses, teams, and organizations of all sizes, we’ve seen a few common mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? They’re all avoidable. Here are the six biggest mistakes to watch out for when ordering custom promotional products – and how to get it right the first time.
MISTAKE #1: Choosing Price Over Purpose
Budget matters. We get it. But going with the cheapest option often ends up costing more in the long run. Low-quality items break, wear out quickly, or end up in the trash – which means your brand does too.
Instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest option?” ask, “What will people actually use?” A well-made shirt, a durable tumbler, or a quality bag may cost a little more upfront, but it delivers far more brand exposure and value over time.
MISTAKE #2: Not Thinking About Your Audience
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is ordering promotional products they like, instead of what their audience will appreciate. What works for a corporate sales team may not work for a youth sports league or a construction crew.
Think about how and where the product will be used. Is your audience active? Outdoorsy? Office-based? On the field every weekend? When your promotional product fits seamlessly into their daily life, it becomes something they keep – and that’s where the branding magic happens.
MISTAKE #3: Ignoring Fit, Sizing & Comfort
This one comes up a lot with custom apparel. A great design on an uncomfortable shirt won’t get worn. Period.
Choosing the right fabric, cut, and sizing options makes a huge difference. Soft blends, performance materials, and inclusive size ranges ensure more people actually wear your branded gear. And more wear means more visibility for your brand – simple as that.
MISTAKE #4: Rushing the Design Process
We’ve all been there: an event is coming up fast, and suddenly you’re scrambling to order promotional items. When timelines are tight, design details can get overlooked – logos too small, colors slightly off, or text that’s hard to read from a distance.
Giving yourself enough time allows for proper proofing, tweaks, and expert input. A clean, well-balanced design not only looks more professional, but it also reflects positively on your brand. When in doubt, less clutter and clearer branding usually wins.
MISTAKE #5: Underestimating Production & Shipping Timelines
This is one of the most stressful mistakes – and one of the easiest to avoid. Custom products take time to produce, especially during busy seasons or for large orders.
Always build in buffer time for production, approvals, and shipping. Planning ahead helps you avoid rush fees, limited product options, and last-minute compromises. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing your order will arrive when you actually need it.
MISTAKE #6: Treating Promotional Products as a One-Time Thing
Promotional products work best when they’re part of a bigger strategy – not a one-off purchase. Ordering random items without a plan can lead to inconsistency in branding and messaging.
Think long-term. What products make sense for onboarding new employees? Trade shows? Customer appreciation? Team uniforms? When your promotional products align with your brand identity and marketing goals, they become a powerful extension of your business, not just freebies.
Ordering custom promotional products doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the right planning, quality products, and a clear understanding of your audience, branded gear can become one of your most effective marketing tools.
At Match-Up, we believe promotional products should work as hard as you do. That’s why we focus on quality, fit, function, and strategy – so you don’t end up with wasted products or missed opportunities. When you’re ready to create something people actually want to wear, use, and keep, we’re here to help you make it happen. Contact Match-Up today to get started!
