7 Costly Mistakes When Ordering Branded Promotional Products

Ordering promotional products for your business should be exciting. You're about to create something that'll represent your brand and connect with your audience. But we've seen too many campaigns fall flat because of avoidable mistakes.

Over the years, we've worked with thousands of Australian businesses at EverythingBranded, and we've noticed the same errors pop up again and again. The good news? Every single one is preventable. Let's walk through the seven biggest mistakes we see, so you can avoid them and get the results you're after.

Rushing Without a Clear Strategy

Here's the thing: promotional products work best when they're part of a bigger picture. We often get calls from businesses who need 500 branded pens "by next week" without really thinking about why.

Before you pick up the phone, ask yourself a few questions. Who are you trying to reach? What's your budget? When do you actually need these products? What impression do you want to leave?

We've seen companies order expensive tech gadgets for a budget-conscious audience, or choose cheap items for high-end clients. Neither approach works well. Your promotional products should align with your brand values and speak to your specific audience.

Take time to plan. It'll save you money and frustration down the track.

Skimping on Quality to Save Money

We get it. Budgets are tight, and it's tempting to go for the cheapest option. But here's what we've learned: cheap promotional products often do more harm than good.

Think about it from your customer's perspective. If you hand them a pen that stops working after two uses, what message does that send about your business? They're not thinking "great value." They're thinking "poor quality."

We always recommend finding the sweet spot between cost and quality. You don't need to break the bank, but invest enough to ensure your products actually get used. A slightly more expensive item that people keep and use regularly will give you much better return on investment than a cheap one that ends up in the bin.

Our account managers can help you find products that fit your budget while still representing your brand well. 

Ignoring Your Brand Guidelines

Your logo is precious. It represents everything you've built. So why do so many businesses let it get massacred on promotional products?

We see this all the time: logos that are stretched, squashed, or printed in completely wrong colours. Sometimes businesses try to fit too much text into a tiny space. Other times, they choose products where their branding simply doesn't work.

Our in-house graphic design team knows how to make your branding shine. We'll make sure your corporate colours are spot-on and your logo looks crisp and professional. If something won't work well on a particular product, we'll tell you upfront and suggest alternatives.

Remember: every promotional product is a mini-billboard for your business. Make sure it's sending the right message.

Choosing the Wrong Products for Your Audience

Not all promotional products are created equal. What works for a tech startup might be completely wrong for a law firm. What your customers love might not resonate with your suppliers.

We've seen businesses order branded stress balls for formal corporate events, or expensive wine accessories for companies with alcohol-free policies. It's painful to watch.

Think about your audience's lifestyle and values. Are they environmentally conscious? Consider our eco-friendly range. Do they travel for work? Tech accessories or quality travel items might be perfect. Are they attending a summer outdoor event? Branded sunglasses or water bottles could be ideal.

The key is matching your product choice to your audience's needs and preferences. When you get this right, your promotional products become genuinely useful items that people actually want to keep.

Leaving Everything Until the Last Minute

Urgent orders are expensive and stressful. More importantly, they limit your options. When you're in a rush, you can't be picky about quality, design, or even product choice.

We do offer express orders because we understand that sometimes deadlines sneak up on you. But whenever possible, give yourself breathing room. Standard production times exist for good reasons: they ensure quality control, proper colour matching, and attention to detail.

Planning ahead also means you can take advantage of quantity discounts and seasonal promotions. You'll have time to request samples, make adjustments, and ensure everything's perfect before your event or campaign launch.

Forgetting About Practical Considerations

Here's a mistake that catches people off guard: not thinking about the practical side of their promotional products.

We've had clients order thousands of items without considering how they'll store them, transport them, or distribute them. Heavy products are expensive to ship. Fragile items need special packaging. Oversized products might not fit in your event setup.

Think about the full journey of your promotional products. Where will they be stored? How will they get to your event? Who's responsible for handing them out? Do you need additional packaging or presentation materials?

These practical considerations affect both your budget and the success of your campaign. Factor them into your planning from the start.

Not Working with Experienced Suppliers

This might be the biggest mistake of all: trying to navigate the promotional products world alone.

At EverythingBranded, we've been helping Australian businesses make smart promotional product decisions for years. We've seen what works, what doesn't, and what can go wrong.

Our dedicated account managers guide you through every step of the process. We'll help you choose products that fit your budget and audience, ensure your branding looks perfect, and deliver everything on time.

We also act on customer feedback constantly. That's how we've built our five-star reputation. When you work with us, you're not just buying products. You're getting expertise, support, and peace of mind.

Getting It Right From the Start

Promotional products can be incredibly powerful marketing tools when you get them right. They create lasting connections with your audience, increase brand awareness, and generate genuine goodwill.

The key is avoiding these common mistakes. Plan ahead, invest in quality, respect your brand, know your audience, and work with suppliers who understand your goals.

We're here to help you succeed. Whether you're a small business planning your first promotional campaign or a large corporation with ongoing needs, our team has the experience and products to make your vision a reality.

Ready to create promotional products that actually work? Let's chat about your next campaign and make sure you avoid these costly mistakes from the start.