Bad merch happens, just not on our watch.
If you’ve landed here because your current supplier has delivered anything less than perfect products, take notes. Most of the time, the merch mishaps we see out in the wild are preventable.
This is your practical, hands-on guide to getting the most out of your merch provider.
Here are the questions we hear the most, the mistakes we see, and how to get the absolute most out of your merch partnership.
1. The Merch Supplier In Question
Sometimes, lousy merch all comes down to the merch supplier, and it’s as simple as that. Switch suppliers, and all your branded product problems disappear.
If you’re thinking a change might be needed, we’ve broken down how Switching Branded Merch Suppliers in Australia works, too.
Actionable Step: Take a close look at your current supplier. Are they actually delivering what you need?
2. Not Utilising Your Account Manager
Next up: the underutilised account manager. If your AM is just an order taker…see point #1.
A great account manager knows your long-term goals, anticipates what’s coming, and brings ideas before you even ask. They make the merch process easy, efficient, and impactful. The more they know about where you’re heading, the quicker they can help you get there.
Actionable Step: Ask your account manager for ideas. Let them bring the proposals, concepts, and solutions to the table.
3. Cutting Corners
Deadlines are real.
Yet, we’ve delivered high-quality merch in as little as 24 hours and still maintained top-notch standards.
Don’t get us wrong, more time allows for bigger ideas: more creative designs, a wider range of materials, colours, and finishes. But whether you’ve got 24 hours or 2 months, what’s possible might be limited, but quality should never be sacrificed.
If your current supplier is blaming time for poor results, it’s probably time to look elsewhere.
Actionable Step: Talk capabilities with your account manager, make sure they can deliver at the speed and precision you need.
4. Losing Focus on the End User
The biggest mistake we see? Losing sight of who will actually use the product. Every design decision, from concept to delivery, should focus on the end user and the outcome you want.
With thoughtful planning and guidance from your supplier, branded products can be functional and memorable.
Actionable Step: Keep your target user front of mind every step of the way. Reiterate it in all communication.
5. Not Planning for Maximum Impact
Yes, we can move fast, but give your merch supplier more time, and you remove the ceiling on what’s possible.
Custom products give you full control over size, branding, printing, and materials. With product designers on board, you can create truly unique, curated pieces. Your account manager should balance urgent needs with future goals, making sure every item is purposeful and impactful.
Actionable Step: Start conversations about custom products now. See what upcoming campaigns or events you can line up with something truly one-of-a-kind.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Merch Partnership
Lean on us.
Your supplier should have the specialists, processes, and infrastructure in place to support you with:
- Clear communication from ideation to fulfilment
- Proactive ideas and suggestions from specialists
- Shared goals, shared vision, and maximum impact for your branded products
With the right partnership, your branded merch can exceed expectations every single time, even with a pressing deadline.
Common Merch FAQs
Can you help with distribution?
Yes. We have our own warehouse and can manage stock for you. Our national footprint (NSW, VIC, QLD) means on-demand stock, rapid fulfilment, and delivery, all with a 99.4% on-time delivery rate.
Where do I start?
We’ll bring ideas to the table, propose custom designs, and guide you through every step. You don’t need to tell us what to do.
How soon can you deliver?
Whether it’s as fast as 24 hours or up to 10–12 weeks, we can accommodate your schedule without compromising quality.
How much time do you need from me?
All our systems are cloud-based and designed for minimal effort on your part. Your marketing manager can review, approve, and track orders directly from their phone or computer.
Where’s my order?
Our digital infrastructure lets you track your order at every step. From confirmation to fulfilment, you’ll be kept up to date in real time.
Let’s create Good Things.
Get in touch to plan your next custom product and see how good your brand can look in the flesh.
