5 Benefits of Offering Branded Merchandise

Whether your business is a retailer or a service-based company, a one-person operation or a company staffing hundreds, a new entity, or a business that’s been around for a few years, you might be wondering if branded merchandise is a worthwhile investment for you and your brand. To help you with that decision, we’ll dive into five core benefits of selling or giving away branded products. But first, let’s cover the basics.

 

What is branded merchandise?

 

The phrase “branded merchandise” may initially bring to mind images of disposable pens with company contact information printed on them, or mini notepads with a business’s logo taking up half of the writing surface area. While functional products are always a perk when considering what type of merch your company could offer, the possibilities for branded products extend well beyond office supplies.

 

Branded merchandise is any product (to be sold or given away) that features a brand’s name and logo. Yes, that can include pens, but it also can include clothing items and accessories, water bottles, travel mugs, toys, home goods, and more. The possibilities are endless, and the opportunity for creativity is ripe when it comes to finding products that align perfectly with your brand.

 

But why exactly should you incorporate branded merchandise into your business plan? There are a number of reasons why offering branded products might be the right decision for you and your business. Let’s dive into five primary perks.

 

What are the benefits of offering branded merchandise?

 

1. Can organically increase brand recognition

Branded products can be a great way to organically increase brand exposure. A single promotional item has an average of 344 impressions per month, and 89% of consumers can recall the brand on a promotional product they received in the last 2 years. In a competitive market, branded merchandise can help potential customers remember your company’s name, making your business stand out from competitors who don’t have branded products. And since the majority of individuals will pass along promotional products they no longer need, branded merchandise is the gift that keeps on giving in the brand exposure department.

 

2. Can draw a connection between your brand and the products or services it offers

By selecting the right branded merchandise to offer to consumers, you can not only increase brand recognition, but also draw a clear connection between your brand and the products or services it offers. For example, a store that sells makeup and skincare products might sell or giveaway makeup travel bags featuring the store’s logo. A business that provides handyman services might offer branded pocket screwdrivers featuring the company’s logo and contact information. Choosing merchandise that clearly aligns with your brand helps potential customers remember exactly what your company offers, so you can be top of mind when they need that special product or service your business provides.

 

3. Can expand your brand’s product offerings

Branded merchandise is one way to expand your business’s line of products. For example, an electronics retail store might consider offering branded phone power banks, branded dashboard phone mounts, screen protectors in branded packaging, or other electronics accessories at the cash register. Branded merchandise offers an opportunity to provide your customers with something your business isn’t already offering, all while increasing brand exposure.

 

4. Can be used to build and maintain customer relations

Businesses may use different approaches to sharing their branded merchandise with consumers depending on their specific priorities. You may choose to sell your branded products, give them away for free as a way to entice potential customers to do business with your company, or both. Complimentary merch can be a great tool to help build and maintain customer relations. Consumers are 2.5 times more likely to have a positive opinion of promotional products over internet advertising, and 85% of people who receive a promotional product end up doing business with that company.

 

5. Can be used to bolster employee morale

Another great benefit of creating branded merchandise for your business is its potential to boost employee morale. In fact, 59% of employees who receive a promotional product from their employer have a more favorable impression of their workplace afterwards. Including complimentary branded products in new hire gift bags, employee birthday gifts, staff holiday gifts, and prize swag bags at team bonding events are just a few ideas of how you can spread the love to your staff.

 

Branded products can be a great way to take your business to the next level. Whether your company sells products or offers services, branded merchandise can help potential customers remember your company, draw a connection between your brand name and the products or services you provide, expand your company’s product line, build and maintain customer relations, and boost employee morale.

 

If you’re ready to find the perfect product to customize for your business, TVCMALL, a one-stop shop, is here for you.

 

 

Statistic References:

Petan, Gianna. “50 Crazy Stats and Facts About the Promotional Products Industry.” Quality Logo Products Blog, 5 January 2023, https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/blog/50-stats-promotional-products/