Promotional products are one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit. They boost brand recognition, reward loyal customers, and make your brand memorable — but only if you get them right
Whether you're handing out swag at an event or sending out branded business products to top clients, getting the details right makes all the difference.
Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to waste time and money on items that fall flat. Whether it's a wonky logo, an off-brand product, or a missed deadline, the wrong promo item can do more harm than good.
To help you avoid a swag fail, here are the top 15 mistakes to steer clear of when ordering promotional products — plus some pro tips to make sure your next order hits the mark.
- Not Setting a Budget (or Sticking to It)
Promotional products can cost anywhere from pocket change to premium pricing. If you don’t set a budget upfront — and include extras like setup fees and shipping — things can spiral fast. Make sure you break your budget down per item and stick to it. Avoid getting upsold on features that don’t bring real value.
- Overloading the Design with Text
Your promotional item isn’t a flyer. Don’t cram in your mission statement, three hashtags, two calls-to-action, and your life story. Keep it clean. Focus on a strong logo, short tagline, or a single, clear call-to-action.
- Forgetting the Important Stuff
Minimalism is good — but forgetting your website or key campaign info? Not so much. Always include your most important branding elements, and triple-check for typos. A wrong URL printed 1,000 times is no one's idea of a good day.
- Choosing Products That Don’t Fit Your Brand
Your branded business products should match your brand values, audience, and tone. A disconnect can confuse — or worse, alienate — your audience.
- Ignoring Color and Design Basics
That navy-blue mug may be sleek — but does your dark blue logo disappear on it? Use brand-friendly colors with good contrast. Make sure your logo pops, not hides.
- Not Having a Clear Strategy
Ordering "whatever’s cheap and fast" might seem efficient, but what’s the goal? Are you building awareness? Gaining leads? Thanking loyal customers? Let your marketing strategy guide product choice and messaging.
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Forgetting About Your Audience
What you love isn’t always what your customers want. Think like your audience. A wellness brand might go with branded water bottles; a tech startup might opt for personalized wireless chargers or custom webcam covers.
- Choosing Cheap Over Quality
Sure, that bargain pen might save you a few bucks — but if it leaks, breaks, or looks cheap, what does that say about your brand? Quality matters. Aim for the best promotional product you can afford without blowing your budget.
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Ordering Too Late
Rush orders limit your options, cost more, and risk missing your event. Always order early to allow time for proofs, production, shipping, and any unexpected curveballs.
- Ordering Too Many (or Too Few)
Stuck with 500 leftover tote bags? Or worse — running out halfway through your event? Estimate carefully based on your event size, audience, and distribution plan.
- Sending the Wrong Logo File
Blurry, pixelated logos are the stuff of brand nightmares. Always provide high-resolution vector files for best print quality. And check what file types your vendor prefers.
- Skipping the Proof Review
It might feel like a formality — but that proof is your final chance to catch mistakes. Check it carefully. Look at layout, colors, spelling, and logo placement. If anything seems off, pause and fix it.
- Ignoring Shipping Costs and Timelines
Shipping can eat into your budget fast, especially with heavier items or international orders. Ask about delivery dates and total shipping costs upfront, and plan for delays.
- Not Planning How You’ll Distribute
Will people want to carry a giant water bottle around a trade show? Are you mailing items that cost more to ship than produce? Think logistics. The best promotional item fits seamlessly into your audience’s experience.
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Not Measuring Results
Branded business products are an investment — but are they paying off?
Use custom QR codes, discount links, or campaign tracking to measure success. Learn from each campaign and improve next time.
Making Your Investment Count
The right promotional product can turn a casual contact into a loyal customer — but only if it’s thoughtful, well-made, and on-brand. Avoiding these common mistakes means your swag will work for you, not against you.
So, before you place that next order, take a step back. Think strategy. Review your proofs. Know exactly who you’re trying to wow. Because even the smallest item can pack a huge punch — when it’s done right.