Treating merch as an afterthought is a mistake

When planning a campaign, many overlook one crucial element: the merchandise. Waiting until the last minute to organise campaign merch can cause serious problems. It’s not just about ordering some branded items; it’s about timing, quality, and making sure your merch truly represents your message. Merch is often the part that people notice, remember, and talk about long after the campaign ends. Ignoring this can cost you valuable impact.

Campaign merchandise samples laid out for quality check

Start Early with Conversations

The first step is to begin discussions about merch as soon as the campaign is in the planning phase. Waiting until the last minute means rushing decisions and missing out on options. Early talks help you:

• Understand what items fit your campaign goals

• Set realistic budgets

• Plan timelines that include production and delivery

  
  

For example, if you want custom t-shirts, you need to consider artwork approval, fabric choices, and printing methods. These steps take time and can’t be squeezed into a tight schedule.

Allow Time for Samples and Quality Checks

Samples are essential. They let you see and feel the product before committing to a large order. Skipping this step risks receiving low-quality items that don’t reflect well on your campaign.

Samples also help catch mistakes early. Maybe the colours don’t match your brand, or the print fades after washing. Finding these issues before full production saves money and embarrassment.

Plan for Courier Delays and Customs Hold-ups

Shipping can be unpredictable. Couriers might face delays due to weather, high demand, or logistical problems. If your merch comes from overseas, customs can hold packages for days or weeks.

Build extra time into your schedule to handle these delays. For example, if your supplier estimates a two-week delivery, add at least a week as a buffer. This way, you avoid last-minute scrambling or missing your campaign launch.

Understand Lead Times for Production and Packing

Production isn’t instant. Depending on the item, it can take days or weeks to produce your merch. Packing and preparing shipments add more time.

Some items, like embroidered hats or engraved pens, require longer lead times than simple printed items. Ask your supplier for detailed timelines and plan accordingly.

Get Artwork Sign-Offs Early

Artwork approval is often overlooked but critical. Designs must be finalized and signed off before production starts. Delays in approval push back the entire schedule.

Make sure everyone involved in the campaign agrees on the artwork early. Use clear communication and set deadlines for feedback. This avoids last-minute changes that can cause costly reprints.

No Recovery Window After Printing

Once merch is printed, there’s no turning back. If you discover errors or quality issues after production, fixing them means reordering and waiting again.

This is why every step before printing matters. Early conversations, samples, and approvals create a safety net. Without them, you risk wasting time and money on unusable merch.

Merch Creates Lasting Impressions

Merchandise is more than just giveaways. It’s a tool to create lasting impressions. People keep and use merch, which keeps your campaign message alive.

Think about the last time you received a branded item. Did it make you feel connected to the campaign? Did you show it to friends or colleagues? Good merch sparks conversations and builds awareness beyond the initial event.

Practical Tips to Avoid Last-Minute Mistakes

• Start planning merch at the same time as the campaign concept.

• Request samples early and test them thoroughly.

• Build extra time for shipping and customs.

• Confirm production and packing timelines with suppliers.

• Get artwork approvals from all stakeholders before production.

• Keep communication clear and deadlines firm.

  
  

By following these steps, you avoid the stress and risks of last-minute merch orders.