Swag Gone Wrong? 7 Common Mistakes When Ordering Company Swag (and How to Fix Them)
7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Company Swag
Company swag. Done right, swag boosts brand visibility, delights recipients, and delivers a strong return on investment. Done wrong? It's a one-way ticket to the back of the closet, or worse, the trash bin. That’s wasted money and missed opportunities.
At PROMOrx, we've seen it all—and we’re here to help you steer clear of the pitfalls. Here's how to make your branded swag purchases count.
Mistake 1: Prioritizing Rock-Bottom Cost Over Quality & Value
Cheap swag is tempting. But when products are flimsy or break after one use, it's your brand reputation that takes the hit.
- Why it’s a problem: Low-quality items reflect poorly on your brand and are often thrown away. (Ask about the client who found their giveaways in the trash on their way out of the exhibit hall!)
- The Fix: Choose high-value, long-lasting items that align with your brand’s values.
PROMOrx Tip: Check out this quality insulated bottle and these cool tech giveaways for swag that sticks around.
Mistake 2: Not Knowing Your Audience
One-size-fits-all, well, rarely fits period. If your swag doesn’t match the needs or interests of your recipients, it won’t be used.
- Why it’s a problem: Irrelevant swag gets ignored or tossed.
- The Fix: Define your recipients. Consider job roles, lifestyle, and pain points.
PROMOrx Tip: Run a quick internal survey or check your CRM data to get insights into your audience.
Mistake 3: Generic, Off-Brand Designs
Slapping your logo on a bland item won’t win hearts. Worse, an off-brand design confuses your message.
- Why it’s a problem: Boring or inconsistent branding weakens recall and the connection to your brand.
- The Fix: Use thoughtful design which includes colors, taglines, and placement. Keep it true to your brand.(We could mention a top of mind brand who never seemed concerned about the shade of green they selected. Most of us would pick a very specific shade. It always seemed 'off' to the PROMOrx team when they went lighter or darker.)
PROMOrx Tip: Let us help you make sure your brand colors are as close as they can be! Is there time to order a sample? Ask us!
Mistake 4: Poor Timing and Rush Orders
Ordering last-minute limits your options and drives up costs with rush fees and expedited shipping. Lack of inventory only makes it worse!
- Why it’s a problem: Delays and errors are more likely. Stress levels rise. ROI drops.
- The Fix: Plan ahead. Ideally, start 3–12 weeks in advance depending on the item.
PROMOrx Tip: Reach out early so we can help you build a swag calendar that keeps you ahead of deadlines.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Practicality
Sure, quirky is fun—but if it’s not useful, it won’t stick around.
- Why it’s a problem: Unused swag means no brand exposure or lasting impact.
- The Fix: Choose items that solve problems or improve daily life.
PROMOrx Tip: Try fan favorites like this branded power bank which includes an A/C plug, a classic Moleskine Journal (check the new colors!) and or the coveted promotional LePen with your logo. (And don't miss all the details about ordering the best branded power banks !)
Mistake 6: No Clear Goal for Your Swag
Ordering swag “just because” is a missed opportunity. Define the purpose and choose items accordingly.
- Why it’s a problem: No strategy = no results and wasted dollars.
- The Fix: Set a clear objective: brand awareness, lead gen, employee gifts, etc.
PROMOrx Tip: Share your campaign goals with us so we can help you select the right swag for the mission.
Mistake 7: Overlooking Sustainability
Your audience cares about the planet. If you don’t, it could hurt your brand.
- Why it’s a problem: Unsustainable or unethically sourced items may damage your brand reputation.
- The Fix: Choose swag made from recycled, organic, or biodegradable materials and let your recipients know!
PROMOrx Tip: Discover our Eco-Friendly Swag Collection for products that do good and look good.
Your Swag Success Checklist
- DO: Prioritize value, usefulness, and relevance.
- DON’T: Cut corners on quality or wait until the last minute to order.
- DO: Align swag with your brand identity and goals.
- DON’T: Ignore sustainability or ethically sourced swag.
- DO: Know your audience inside and out.
Ready to Create Swag That Works?
When done right, swag is a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and impress. Avoid these common mistakes, and your next order could be your most successful yet.
The PROMOrx team is here to help! We offer curated collections to make sure the swag you order impresses!
