Company merchandise budgets: compare what matters

Define the use before the number

Start with the audience, occasion, quantity and required delivery date. A welcome pack, a permanent uniform and an event giveaway have different priorities. Allocate the budget around the role of the product.

A small range of well-chosen pieces can be more coherent than a large selection spread too thinly across the budget.

Separate the cost lines

• Product reference, material, size range and quantity.
• Branding technique, colours, dimensions and positions.
• Labels, packaging, inserts and assembly.
• Samples or creative work where agreed.
• Transport and delivery requirements.

Ask whether prices include or exclude VAT and which extras are still to be confirmed. The quote should make this easy to understand.

Compare like with like

A lightweight promotional t-shirt and a heavyweight relaxed-fit garment are not equivalent products. The same is true of simple print and dense embroidery. Compare the specification before comparing totals.

If a proposal is outside the budget, identify what can change: product, quantity, number of positions, packaging or distribution. Do not remove details that are essential to the intended use.

Keep timing and reorders visible

A tight deadline can narrow product options. Share it early and have feasibility confirmed before committing to a design. Reorders should be discussed in terms of availability, colour continuity and minimum quantities.

Budget for the initial project separately from possible future demand. A larger order may reduce unit cost while increasing cash tied up in stock.

Prepare a clear request

Send the recipients, occasion, product ideas, quantities, branding and delivery plan. An estimated budget helps the Studio prioritise suitable options. You can start from the catalogue or describe a bespoke idea.

Prepare our project budget