We get a lot of compliments on our swag around these parts (because we don’t skimp!), and I thought it might be helpful if we open sourced how we think about it.

So I asked our resident guru James what he might share with others who want to up their swag game…

1. Don’t skimp! If you wouldn’t replace something you currently own with the swag you’re ordering, don’t bother. Because if you feel that way, everyone else will too and so no one will use or wear it. 

2. Be tasteful. How you decorate your swag can make or break it and there is an inverse relationship between how big you make your logo and how often someone will use or wear the item. Design accordingly. 

3. Customize. Your stakeholders (customers, employees, suppliers, investors, and the world) all have very different use cases for your swag. Optimize accordingly. Consider who the swag is for before slapping your logo on it.

4. Take advantage of wholesale and bulk order discounts. If you want to customize a premium product, reach out to the brand directly. If they don’t personalize, you can always receive the goods and then have a local business personalize the item. This is much more cost-effective than engaging a middle man (and you’ll get exactly what you want). 

5. Perceived value is king. You don’t have to spend a fortune (particularly if you order in bulk) to impress your target audience. Look to up-and-coming brands to find affordable, high quality items and your curation in finding those brands will speak volumes about the thoughtfulness you put into your own business.

So that’s that: Five secrets to swag that will have people wearing and using your stuff without breaking your budget.

– Tim

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