Promotional product distributors

What is a promotional products distributor?

A promotional product distributor is a company that sells promotional products to businesses and organizations. These products are often imprinted with the name, logo, or message of the company or organization and are used for marketing and advertising purposes. Promotional product distributors often work with a variety of suppliers to offer a wide range of products, including branded clothing, bags, pens, mugs, and other items that can be customized with a company's branding. The distributor typically handles the order process, including taking orders, processing payments, and coordinating the production and delivery of the products.

Are you looking to purchase promotional products for your business or organization? Promotional product distributors can help you find the right products to meet your needs and budget. In this article, we will outline the steps you can take to find a good promotional product distributor and work with them to get the products you need. From determining your needs and researching distributors, to requesting quotes and placing an order, we will provide an overview of the process so you can make informed decisions and get the best value for your promotional product purchases.

Picking a promotional products distributor

There are several factors that can contribute to a promotional product distributor being a good partner. Some of these include:

Wide range of products: A good promotional product distributor should have a wide range of products available, including a variety of styles, colors, and price points. This allows them to meet the needs of a diverse group of clients.
Customization options: The distributor should be able to customize the products with a company's branding, including logos, colors, and text.
Good customer service: A good distributor should have knowledgeable and helpful customer service representatives who are able to assist clients with product selection, customization, and order processing.
Competitive pricing: A distributor should offer competitive pricing on their products and services.
On-time delivery: The distributor should be able to deliver products in a timely manner, meeting the deadlines agreed upon with the client.
Quality products: The products provided by the distributor should be of good quality and meet the client's expectations.

Promotional product distributor pricing

Promotional product distributors typically offer a wide range of products at different price points, and the price of a product may depend on a number of factors, such as the quantity ordered, the type of product, and the level of customization.

In general, promotional product distributors work with a network of suppliers to source the products they sell. The distributor will typically mark up the price of the product to cover their own costs and make a profit. The markup may vary depending on the product and the distributor's business model.

Some distributors may offer bulk discounts for larger orders, and others may have tiered pricing based on the quantity ordered. Customization, such as adding a logo or printing a specific message, may also affect the price of the product.

It is a good idea to request quotes from multiple distributors and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best deal. It is also important to consider the overall value of the product, including its quality and durability, as well as the level of customer service provided by the distributor.

Working with a promotional products distributor

Here are the steps you can typically expect to follow when working with a promotional products distributor:

1) Identify your needs

Identifying your needs when working with a promotional products distributor involves thinking about what types of products you want to purchase, the quantity you need, and your budget. Here are some questions you can consider to help identify your needs:

What is the purpose of the promotional products? Do you want to use them as giveaways at an event, as part of a marketing campaign, or to thank customers or employees?
Who is the target audience for the products? Are you trying to reach potential customers, current customers, employees, or another group?
What types of products are most appropriate for your needs? Consider the types of products that will be most useful or appealing to your target audience, as well as any other factors that may be important, such as eco-friendliness or durability.
What is your budget for the promotional products? Determine how much you are willing to spend on the products and try to find options that fit within your budget.
Do you need customization options, such as adding your company's logo or a specific message to the products? Consider any customization options you may want and be sure to communicate these to the distributor when requesting quotes.

By considering these factors, you can develop a clear understanding of your needs and be better prepared to work with a promotional products distributor to find the right products for your needs.

2) Research distributors

There are several ways you can research promotional product distributors to find the right fit for your needs:

Ask for recommendations: Reach out to colleagues or industry professionals for recommendations on distributors they have worked with and had a good experience with.
Search online directories: Look for online directories of promotional product distributors, such as the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) or the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI). These directories often include detailed information about the distributors and the products they offer.
Check out the distributor's website: Many distributors have websites that provide information about their products, services, and policies. You can use the website to get a sense of the types of products they offer and their level of experience in the industry.
Read reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from past clients of the distributor to get an idea of their level of customer satisfaction. You can search online for reviews or ask the distributor for references.
Contact the distributor: Reach out to the distributor and ask any questions you have about their products and services. This can be a good way to get a sense of their level of expertise and customer service.

By following these steps, you can research and compare different promotional product distributors to find the one that best meets your needs.

3) Request quotes

Contact several distributors and requests quotes for the products you are interested in. Provide the distributors with detailed information about your needs, including quantity, customization, and delivery deadlines. Here are some tips for approaching the quoting process when searching for a promotional products distributor:

Request quotes from multiple distributors: It is a good idea to request quotes from multiple distributors to compare prices and ensure you are getting the best deal. This will also give you a sense of the range of prices that are available for the types of products you are interested in.
Clearly communicate your needs: Be as specific as possible when requesting a quote, including the types of products you are interested in, the quantity you need, and any customization options you require. This will help the distributor provide an accurate quote.
Consider the overall value: When comparing quotes, consider the overall value of the product, including its quality and durability, as well as the level of customer service provided by the distributor.
Negotiate if necessary: If you receive a quote that is higher than your budget, you can try negotiating with the distributor to see if they are willing to offer a lower price.
Ask about discounts: Some distributors may offer bulk discounts for larger orders or other discounts for certain types of products. Be sure to ask about any discounts that may be available.

By following these tips, you can approach the quoting process in an organized and informed way and make the best decision for your needs.

4) Compare quotes

When comparing quotes from multiple merchandise distributors, it is important to consider more than just the price of the products. Here are some additional factors to consider:

Quality of the products: Make sure to compare the quality of the products offered by each distributor. Consider the materials used, the durability of the products, and any warranties or guarantees that are offered.
Customization options: Consider the level of customization that is offered by each distributor and whether it meets your needs.
Delivery times: Compare the delivery times offered by each distributor to ensure that you can receive the products in a timely manner.
Customer service: Consider the level of customer service provided by each distributor. Are they responsive to your inquiries and requests? Do they have knowledgeable staff who can assist you with product selection and customization?
Return policies: Review the return policies of each distributor to see if they offer any guarantees or allow for returns if you are not satisfied with the products.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision and choose a distributor that offers the best value for your needs.

5) Place an order

Once you have selected a distributor, place an order for the products. This may involve providing the distributor with artwork or other design elements for customization and making a payment. Some distributor such as Stitchi provide in-house design service for little or no cost.

6) Review and approve proof

Before approving a merch proof, it is important to review it carefully to ensure that it meets your specifications and that you are satisfied with the final product. Here are some things to consider when reviewing a merch proof:

Product details: Check that the product meets your expectations in terms of material, size, shape, and color.
Customization: Review the customization, including any logos, text, or other design elements, to ensure that they are accurate and meet your specifications.
Spelling and grammar: Check for any spelling or grammar errors and make any necessary corrections.
Layout and design: Review the layout and design of the proof to ensure that it is visually appealing and meets your expectations.
Branding guidelines: If you have specific branding guidelines, such as specific colors or fonts that must be used, be sure to review the proof to ensure that it adheres to these guidelines.

7) Production and delivery

The distributor coordinates the production and delivery of the products to you or your customers. You may be able to track the progress of their order through the distributor's online ordering system or by contacting the distributor's customer service team.

The production and delivery process performed by a promotional products distributor typically involves the following steps:

Production: After you have placed an order and approved the proof, the distributor will begin the production process. This may involve sourcing materials and components, as well as manufacturing and assembling the products.
Quality control: The distributor will typically have a quality control process in place to ensure that the products meet their standards and the specifications of the order.
Packaging: Once the products are complete, they will be packaged for shipping. This may involve placing the products in boxes or bags and adding any necessary documentation, such as invoices or packing slips.
Shipping: The distributor will arrange for the products to be shipped to you using a carrier such as FedEx or UPS. They will provide you with tracking information so you can follow the progress of your shipment.
Delivery: The products will be delivered to the address you provided when placing the order. It is a good idea to have someone available to receive the delivery and inspect the products to ensure that they are in good condition.

Working with a promotional products distributor can provide a number of benefits for your business or organization. They can help you find the right products to meet your needs and budget, and offer customization options to ensure that the products align with your branding and marketing efforts. In addition, they can handle the production and delivery of the products, freeing up time and resources for your business. By providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, a promotional products distributor can help you create a successful promotional campaign and strengthen your relationships with customers, employees, and other stakeholders.