Answers to common questions about buying promotional products and working with APPA members. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us or call 1800 69 2772 (AU) or 0800 527 503 (NZ).
They're largely the same thing. "Branded merchandise" is increasingly used to describe the quality, useful products people choose to keep, wear and use, from apparel and drinkware to tech and corporate gifts. Learn more in What is a promotional product?.
Handing out products without a plan wastes your marketing budget. The product is only one part of a campaign, and the creativity behind it is what drives a response. APPA members bring local knowledge, understand the cultural details that can make or break a campaign, and know the products, trends and pitfalls.
Yes, when they're part of a planned strategy. A product becomes advertising once it's linked to a promotion, and the most successful campaigns combine the right product with a clear objective and creative thinking. See the evidence in our APPA Industry Research.
Choose products people will keep and use, as a useful item is a sustainable item. Ask your APPA member about options made from recycled or responsibly sourced materials, with minimal packaging, and about any certifications behind sustainability claims.
To protect your budget, your business and your message, make sure the company you deal with is an APPA member.
APPA members are bound by our Code of Conduct and Constitution. They are respected professionals who bring quality products and creative thinking to their clients' campaigns, and they are behind some of the best promotional campaigns and most innovative products in the Australasian region.
Search the APPA Member Directory by company name. If you're unsure, contact us and we'll confirm a company's membership for you.
Alternatively contact APPA via info@appa.com.au
Start by searching for a member near you by city or postcode, or look through the winners of the APPA Industry Awards to find leaders in creativity and supply.
We recommend meeting prospective providers to understand their business and discuss your requirements. You can also call us on 1800 MY APPA (1800 69 2772) in Australia or 0800 527 503 in New Zealand to talk through what you need.
Yes. APPA represents the promotional products industry across Australia and New Zealand, and you can search the Member Directory for members based in New Zealand.
Most APPA members supply a full range of promotional products and can advise on the best way to brand them. You can also use APPA Search to browse products by type, keyword, colour and more, then contact members for pricing and delivery timeframes.
Be wary of a promotional products company that says or suggests:
Buying directly from overseas can seem cheaper, but many marketers have found the mistakes can cost thousands of dollars. Common pitfalls include:
APPA members are experienced in sourcing, importing and manufacturing, and stay across trends, safety requirements and international labour standards. Read more in Why buy from an APPA member?
As early as you can. Lead times depend on the product, the branding method, the quantity and whether the product is held locally or made to order. Talk to your APPA member at the start of your planning so they can recommend options that fit your deadline.
It's the smallest number of units a supplier will produce for an order. MOQs vary by product and branding method, so ask your APPA member what applies to the items you're considering.
Setup costs cover preparing your artwork for production, such as making screens, plates or embroidery files. They're usually charged once per design, which is why the cost per unit often drops as quantities increase.
Yes. You'll typically receive a digital proof showing how your logo will appear on the product, and you should check and approve it carefully before production begins. Physical samples or pre-production samples are often available too, so ask your APPA member what they can provide.
It depends on the product, the number of colours in your logo, the look you want and your budget. For example, embroidery suits apparel and bags, while laser engraving gives a premium finish on metal and wood. Your APPA member can recommend the best option for your product and brand.
Every APPA member is expected to address modern slavery and ethical sourcing risks within the resources available to them. Ask your provider how they manage these risks in their supply chain, and read more on our Modern Slavery page.
Common methods include screen printing, pad printing, embroidery, laser engraving, digital printing, heat transfers, debossing and full-colour sublimation. Each suits different products, materials and designs.
Ask your provider whether the product meets Australian and New Zealand safety standards and whether it has been tested. Take particular care with toys, products for children, electronics and items containing batteries or magnets. Learn more on our Promotional Product Safety page.
Vector files are best, such as AI, EPS, SVG or a vector PDF. Vector artwork can be scaled to any size without losing quality, so your logo looks sharp on anything from a pen to a banner. If you only have a JPG or PNG, your APPA member can advise whether it's suitable or needs to be redrawn.
