Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Promotional Products

Avoid These Pitfalls for Perfect Promo Every Time

Ordering promotional products sounds simple—until something goes wrong. A missed detail, a last-minute rush, or a poor-quality product can turn what should be a smart branding move into a costly headache. At promohub, we’ve seen it all—so here are the most common mistakes to avoid and how to make sure your order goes smoothly.

1. Leaving It to the Last Minute

The mistake: Many businesses underestimate production and shipping times. Leaving your order too late means you either pay rush fees or settle for products you didn’t really want.

The fix: Plan ahead. Most promo items take 2–3 weeks from order to delivery, and custom branding can add time. If you’ve got an event coming up, start the process at least 4 weeks in advance.

2. Ignoring Minimum Order Quantities

The mistake: Falling in love with a product, only to realise you need 100 units—but the minimum order is 250.

The fix: Always check minimum order quantities (MOQs) before you commit. At promohub, these are clearly listed on every product page so you know upfront what to expect.

3. Skipping the Artwork Proof

The mistake: Approving an order without reviewing a digital mock-up can lead to logo misplacement, wrong colours, or blurry prints.

The fix: Never skip the artwork proof stage. At promohub, we always send you a digital proof before production so you can check logo size, colour, and placement.

4. Choosing the Wrong Product for Your Audience

The mistake: Giving out items that no one wants—or worse, that don’t reflect your brand (hello, flimsy plastic pens).

The fix: Think about your audience and purpose. If you’re targeting professionals, a sleek branded notebook or drinkware will impress. For active lifestyles? Branded hoodies or gym towels are a hit.

5. Focusing on Price Over Quality

The mistake: Going for the cheapest option might seem like a win for your budget—but low-quality merch can damage your brand reputation.

The fix: Always consider quality first. A well-made product gets used (and seen) again and again, delivering way better ROI than a cheap item that ends up in the bin.

Conclusion: Get It Right the First Time

Promotional products can be a game-changer for your brand—but only if you avoid these common mistakes. Plan ahead, choose wisely, and work with a partner who gets it right from start to finish.

Ready to order with confidence? Explore our full range at promohub and let’s create merch your audience will love.