Ever find yourself working in high pressure environments? Juggling more than one project to plan?

We understand the pressure of ordering merchandise in bulk ready for an event like a product launch or exhibitions. Whatever the occasion, we’ve put a blog together to help clarify when the best time is to start looking for merchandise.

Why Do I need to Order Merchandise Ahead of Time?

Factors like budgets, securing quotes, going back and forth to approve artwork, product lead times etc. are all crucial factors to consider when ordering merchandise.
The biggest mistake companies make is leaving it too late. This is often due to the lack of understanding of lead times. We touch up on this further down the blog!

Over to You…
Opt for Express Service but Don’t Rely on it

Some suppliers do provide an express service. This means that products can be shipped to you quicker than the standard time. Do ensure you ask for this. Suppliers like us at Gilt Edged Promotions offer this express lead time service. It’s advised not to rely solely on this because product ranges may be limited.

Whilst we ensure that our express range is extensive, the biggest selection of promotional products with 10,000+ to choose from is from our standard range. If a client is looking for a promotional product, we therefore advise to start their search early on. Who wouldn’t want to choose from a bigger selection of products right? Start early to gain the maximum benefits to wow your attendees.

Remember Each Product is Unique
You may find yourself asking when is the best time to order merchandise? Every product is different with unique lead times. In our standard range, some products have 10-day lead times or less, whilst others have a 20-day turnaround time or more, especially for completely bespoke products which can take much longer than this to produce.

Ask if Your Supplier Has Specific Print Runs
Some products go by print runs – For example, the earliest time to order specific company printed advent calendars in time for Christmas is September. If we go by a particular merchandise partner, they take orders from June until end of September/ early October and deliver in October and early November. Last orders are usually first week in October for a week a 46/47 delivery slot.

How Early is Too Early?
There is no such thing as too early! Well, we don’t believe so anyway – especially the initial enquiry stage. This applies to the ordering of both corporate gifts and promotional giveaways.

The first step is to find out the lead times on the products you want. Then you will know when to start the purchasing process. This means browsing through multiple options and liaising for a quote to suit your budget. There’s nothing worse than looking at a lead time, parking that to one side, then when you’re ready to order, you come to realise the price is over your budget. It’s also about constructing the perfect brief – Ever had someone else create something for you and it’s the opposite to what you imagined? Say hello to the perfect brief!

You may find this helpful: merch tips manual – the secrets to constructing the perfect brief and how to plan.

Give Yourself Peace of Mind
As previously discussed, it is recommended that you buy your merchandise in plenty of time ahead of your occasion. You must allow extra time in case of delivery issues that are beyond yours and the supplier’s control (although this is a rare occurrence, when it does happen and you don’t have your merch on time, the impact is significant). A week’s leeway should be enough. If you have the storage, allow for four week’s leeway. This will give you peace of mind and avoid any last minute panic.

The Ultimate Checklist for Success
Allow time for the following:
✔️ Obtaining quotes on your desired items and similar options
✔️ Ask if your supplier has specific print runs
✔️ Artwork submission to supplier
✔️ Liaising with changes for artwork (logo placements)
✔️ Product lead times (all varied)
✔️ Shipment delays beyond yours and the supplier’s control

The Biggest Mistake
The most common mistake that businesses make is thinking that their event, big day, or occasion is far away. This leads to them forgetting and then come to realise that they can’t order in their favourite item in time. To avoid disappointment, begin to enquire about your merch at least two-three months ahead of time, with four months for some completely bespoke products. Sometimes, you will need to order your event merch last minute. We also have you covered!
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Our Express Service 🚗
If you want something super quick, we can turnaround our personalised calendar production within a day with next day delivery. This is because we have the facilities in-house, just like promotional clothing and diaries that we brand. Need your merch quick? Order our calendars and tailor to your industry and business today by calling 01604 671 671. ________________________________________
And Remember…… This is Your Answer!
Ordering branded merchandise at least two-three months ahead of time, with four months for bespoke gifts is ideal. Remember that this is a guideline only as each product will have different lead times and stock availability. To be super organised, start thinking about the perfect gift six months ahead to give you the best start. Avoid the biggest mistake companies make with the checklist above.

View our promotional merchandise.