You’ve got an event coming up.
Maybe it’s a launch, a campaign, a conference.
Almost all the boxes have been ticked.
Everyone’s briefed. Everything is booked. The EDMs and socials are scheduled.
Then you realise you’ve forgotten one thing.
The merch.
Suddenly, you’re sending frantic emails, comparing suppliers, and having visions of your team sitting around the office until the early hours of the morning, sticking logos onto a thousand pens by hand.
If only you knew how long branded merchandise actually takes.
So, how long does branded merchandise take?
The short answer? It depends on what you’re creating.
If you need something quickly, stock merchandise is usually the way to go. These are products already sitting in the warehouse, patiently waiting for your branding to be added, making them ideal when time is limited.
Now, if you want more control over the final product, that’s where custom merchandise comes into play. You’ll have more flexibility over the design, materials and finer details, but with that freedom comes a little more planning.
As a general guide:
- Need it urgently?
Our express apparel range can be completed in as little as 48 hours*. - Have a few weeks?
Stock merchandise offers faster turnaround times while still giving you plenty of branding options. - Creating something custom?
Allow around eight weeks or more from initial conversation through to delivery.
*Timing begins after artwork approval and payment.
What does turnaround time actually mean for branded merchandise?
First things first, let’s clear something up.
Turnaround time doesn’t start when you send an enquiry.
This is a common misconception when ordering branded merchandise.
Turnaround time refers to the production period between placing your order and your merchandise being completed.
This timeline begins once:
- Artwork has been approved
- Payment has been received
It doesn’t include time spent on enquiries, quoting, samples, mock-ups, artwork changes, or freight.
That’s why having a clear idea of what you’re looking for can make a big difference. Prompt feedback and approvals help keep everything moving, especially when you’re working towards a tight deadline.
To keep things simple, at Good Things, our systems are cloud-based and designed to make the process as easy as possible for you. You can review, approve and track orders directly from your phone or computer. If you’re ever unsure where your order is in the process, your account manager is always happy to help.
How long does custom merchandise take?
Custom merchandise typically requires at least eight weeks from initial contact through to delivery.
Why does it take longer?
These products are made from scratch specifically for your brand.
They don’t exist until we make them.
From sourcing materials and creating samples to production and freight, custom merchandise has a few more moving parts than stock products.
The extra time is 100% worth it if you’re looking to create something completely unique for your brand.
I need an urgent delivery. Where do I start?
Been there, done that, got the express t-shirt.
If you’re in a real pinch, our express branded apparel is your answer.
We’ve made it easy to find the products that can be turned around fastest, so you can quickly work out what will fit your timeline.
Once you’ve found a product, check the pricing table and turnaround times to make sure it works for your deadline.
Our Express Apparel skips over the quote stage with direct-to-garment, full-colour printed apparel for lightning-fast turnaround times.
For stock merchandise, the more information you provide upfront, the faster we can get things moving. If you have artwork ready to go, make sure it’s uploaded with your enquiry, along with any other relevant details.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t stress. Our team can guide you through the process and help you find the fastest option available.
How far in advance should I order branded merch?
We know that’s not the answer everyone wants, but as early as possible.
The more lead time you have, the more options you have.
Product selection, materials, colours, finishes and packaging are often the things that turn a good piece of merch into a great one.
If you’re working towards a fixed event date, we can work backwards from your deadline.
Where’s my merch order?
“Will it arrive in time?” is not something we want anyone fretting over.
99.4% of our jobs are delivered on time, and we’ve set up digital infrastructure to let you track your order throughout the process. From confirmation through to fulfilment, you’ll receive updates along the way so you’re never left guessing.
How do I get started?
Whether you’ve got an urgent branded merchandise request or plenty of time to create something completely custom, we’re here to help.
You can browse our range of branded products or get in touch with the team to start dreaming up your next branded product.
And if you’ve left it to the last minute, don’t panic, you’re not the first.
