Top 10 Tips for buying Promotional Clothing

By Jeremy Goldsmith, Director, Event Merchandising Ltd

Event Merchandising develops and markets merchandise to a worldwide audience. The company works closely with new and established brands on projects which range from corporate requirements for blue chip companies to selling at live events, and from setting up licensing programmes to running online shops.

Event has over 25 years experience in the industry and the company’s news stories frequently feature on Promo e-News.

Jeremy Goldsmith, Director of Event Merchandising Ltd gives his Top 10 Tips on sourcing Promotional Clothing.

1. Price point – make it clear from the outset what sort of price bracket you are after, as garments vary in price and quality.

2. Most manufacturers have a strict code of conduct on clothing, but it is worth checking that the terms are in place and acted upon.

3. Eco-friendly garments do vary, it is particularly important when buying organic cotton to request the organic certification which outlines the origin of the cotton. Note there is a very clear difference between natural, organic and fair trade cotton.

4. Things to look out for with clothing are the fabric quality (poly/cotton mix or 100% cotton?), weight of material and finish of material.

5. Perceived value of giveaway clothing can be greatly increased depending on how it is presented and the sort of packaging used. Does it need to be relabelled or packaged in a polybag? Think about the wastage too.

6. ‘Made to order’ on small quantities is possible, obviously the fewer ordered the more you pay per item. The lead-time can vary from 4 weeks to 12 weeks dependent on where they have been manufactured and how they are transported.

7. If your client has ethical and environmental policies, lookout for Earth Positive clothing, we are currently working with factories using wind power, natural dyes and local resources.

8. Current trends in clothing include a soft feel, fluorescent range in bright vivid colours, also retro style garments are back in fashion, including old school large baggy t-shirts and also fitted pique polo shirts.

9. Stock quantities do vary, it is possible to select a product only to find that it is not in stock, so ensure that you have other options and can be flexible.

10. When requesting samples, remember to send them back otherwise you may be charged for them.

Jeremy Goldsmith
Director
Event Merchandising Ltd

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