A promotional product, also known as branded merchandise, is any product branded with a logo, image or message that represents a company, organisation or cause.
From the pen on your desk to the uniform on your team, branded merchandise puts a brand into people’s hands and keeps it there. Unlike an ad that’s scrolled past, a useful product is kept, used and seen again and again. That’s why businesses of every size use it to build awareness, reward customers and staff, support events and strengthen their brand.
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Branded merchandise works best as part of a planned marketing strategy, not an afterthought. It sits alongside digital and traditional channels and adds something they can’t: a physical, lasting connection with your audience.
There are tens of thousands of products to choose from, and many can be custom-made to suit a specific brief. Popular choices include:
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Apparel and uniforms T-shirts, polos, jackets and caps |
Drinkware Mugs, drink bottles and keep cups |
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Office and tech Pens, notebooks, chargers and accessories |
Bags and travel Totes, backpacks and luggage tags |
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Event essentials Lanyards, signage and giveaways for trade shows and conferences |
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Branded merchandise reaches you through a supply chain of specialist businesses:
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SuppliersSuppliers manufacture, import or source products and sell them to the trade. |
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DecoratorsDecorators apply your branding through printing, embroidery, engraving and other techniques. |
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DistributorsDistributors work with you to develop ideas, source the right products and manage your order from brief to delivery. |
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End buyersEnd buyers are the businesses and organisations using the merchandise, who put it to work in their marketing. |
Some businesses do more than one of these, such as suppliers who also decorate.
APPA members agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct, which sets standards for honest representations, product safety and quality, and ethical business practices. Working with an APPA member means working with a business committed to doing things the right way.
Search APPA’s supplier, decorator and distributor members across Australia and New Zealand.
Want to know why it works? Read about the benefits of promotional products
