Volume over service
We’ve all seen the ads: “Custom mugs for $2!” or “Promo gear delivered in 48 hours!”—and they sound almost too good to be true. Spoiler alert: they often are.
If you’ve ever ordered from a big promotional product website and felt underwhelmed when the items arrived—or worse, felt completely stressed during the process—you’re not alone. These massive, faceless promo companies are built for volume, not service. And while their prices might seem unbeatable, the hidden costs—both financial and emotional—can really add up.
In this post, I’m going to break down what really happens when you order from a big-box promo site, the risks you might not even know you’re taking, and how working with someone like me changes the game completely.
1. The Price Isn’t Always the Price
Big promo sites often lead with incredibly low pricing—but those numbers don’t include:
- Setup fees
- Rush fees
- Artwork conversion charges
- Shipping (sometimes charged per box, not per order)
- Upcharges for multiple logo placements or colors
By the time you’re done, that $2 mug might be costing your company $6—and it still may not arrive on time.
When I quote you a price, I explain everything up front. You won’t be surprised by unexpected fees, because I believe in transparency. And if there’s a way to lower your costs without sacrificing quality, I’ll find it.
2. Zero Personalized Service
Ordering through a large site often means:
- No point of contact to answer questions
- Chatbots or long hold times when you need help
- No one reviewing your artwork before production
- No one checking if your deadline is actually possible
With me, it’s different. You can text, email, or call me anytime. I’ll walk you through the timeline, suggest better options if needed, and make sure everything is running smoothly behind the scenes.
3. No One to Catch Mistakes
Imagine this: you upload your logo, pick a product, and place an order. But…
- Your logo prints way too small
- The ink color blends into the background
- The sizing runs extremely small (or big)
Big sites won’t check. I will.
I send you mockups, help adjust sizing, and let you know if something just doesn’t work. I’d rather push back and make a change than let you receive something that doesn’t reflect your brand well.
4. Low-Quality Product Selection
Many big-box sites offer the cheapest items possible. They’re not thinking about:
- Durability (Will it break after one use?)
- Print quality (Will the logo peel off in the wash?)
- Wearability (Will your team actually wear the apparel?)
I help you choose high-quality items that feel good, last longer, and make a better impression. Your team and clients will notice the difference—and so will your brand visibility.
5. No Timeline Accountability
When you order through a massive site, your order is just one of thousands. If your shipment is late or stuck, it’s on you to figure it out.
When you work with me, I track your order personally. I check in with the supplier, update you if anything changes, and even expedite production when it’s possible. I take responsibility for your timeline because your event date matters.
6. Cookie-Cutter Results
Massive sites are built for one-size-fits-all. But your company isn’t cookie-cutter. You have:
- Specific brand guidelines
- Unique event needs
- A certain vibe you’re trying to create
I take all of that into account. I help you make choices that feel personalized and thoughtful—whether it’s thread color, packaging, or the way a shirt fits your team.
7. Lost Time = Lost Value
You might think you’re saving money by ordering from a big site, but how much time are you spending:
- Researching options
- Reading fine print
- Tracking down customer service
- Redoing orders when they go wrong?
Working with me means you can offload that stress. I handle the research, coordination, and communication. You just approve and enjoy.
8. Lack of Accountability
When something goes wrong with a large site, it’s hard to know who to call. You might get bounced between departments, or worse—get told there’s nothing they can do.
With me, you always know who to call. I’m here to make it right. I take pride in my work, and I care about your experience from start to finish.
Final Thoughts
Big promo sites might work in a pinch—but they often come with big headaches. What you save in dollars, you often lose in quality, time, and peace of mind.
When you work with me, you get a partner who’s invested in your brand, your deadlines, and your experience. You get service that’s responsive, creative, and completely focused on making you look good.
Because your promo items shouldn’t just show up—they should stand out.
Let’s create something better, together.
