The end of year can be a hectic time.
Christmas is just around the corner and the list of things to get done is piling up. Before you’re sipping Mai Tais down at the surf club there are still gifts to be organised and leftover budget to use.
The promotional products industry typically shuts down over the Christmas period and into early January. So it’s recommended that you get started as soon as possible if you are wanting merchandise by the end of the year.
You also have the option of getting invoiced before the year ends and then getting the final goods delivered to you in the new year. This is a popular choice for those that have a calendar year marketing budget with leftover spend.
Why is merch a great end-of-year marketing idea?
- Merch can be scaled to meet both big and small budgets so it’s flexible for big corporates and small businesses
- You can utilise your leftover budget now and receive the benefits in the future
- It’s a common time for gifting and allows you to wow your clients and stand out from your competitors
- Many people make changes and new purchasing decisions in the New Year so brand awareness at this time is critical (which promotional merchandise does well)
- They help to maintain customer loyalty and are a tangible thing that can be held, used and seen
Merchandise use ideas
- Employee rewards
- Gifts for clients or employees
- Forward planning for future events (for example O-Week for Universities)
- Mail out campaign products
- New uniforms or gear for your team
- Daily business operations
- Awareness giveaways
- Fundraisers
General Cut-off dates to receive goods by the end of the year
Please note these dates are to be used as a general guide, speak with us for estimated production times for your situation.
This is when your order must be placed and artwork approved. It may vary depending on the product selected and production schedules.
- Standard cutoff time for products: December 5th
- To get invoiced: December 22nd
- Limited option express products: December 15th
Summing Up
Whether you need some last-minute Chrissy gifts or want to utilise that leftover marketing budget ordering is still possible before the New Years’ ticks over.
Just keep in mind that production schedules can fill up quickly and freight is not the best around this time of the year so it’s always better to get in early or risk missing out.
Speak with a member of our team today to get the ball rolling on finishing off the year with a win.
Matt has spent over eight years in Australia’s promotional products industry. As part of the Promotion Products marketing team, he manages product catalogues and content, keeping brands up to date with what’s new and what works. A contributor to the APPA Magazine, Matt brings practical insight into how quality merch helps businesses stand out.