TOP 10 TIPS ON SPECIFYING PROMOTIONAL CLOTHING

by Liz Karn, MD, Merit Promotional Clothing Ltd

1. Put personal colour and style preferences to one side, this is a commercial decision, not a personal one.

2. Ask for, and heed, advice on the latest trends in fabrics, styles and branding techniques. Your supplier will know the current trends and also the forthcoming retail trends, to ensure your garments are in fashion, whatever your target market.

Think about the product or brand you are promoting and its target market and make sure the design and quality specified will reflect the brand and appeal to the target audience.

Create a realistic brief before you approach a supplier. Include budget, lead time, quantities and as much information about the brand and the use of the garments as possible.

Consider whether the garments will need packaging or supplementary labelling, which all add to the perceived value.

Supply clear artwork of any brand logo you intend using on the clothing, packaging or labelling.

Always ask for a sample before going into production of bulk order.

Ensure that the company you are dealing with is professional and financially stable. Ask for a company profile. Also, for your own protection, try and work with a company that’s a member of a recognised association, such as the British Promotional Merchandise Association.

Make sure you generate and receive clear paperwork, including an order confirmation containing all the details.

If your garments are to be used to launch a new and, as yet, secret brand, make sure samples or deliveries do not get into the public domain before the launch date and steal the element of surprise!

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