I love good merch and hate bad merch and I don't think I'm alone in hating wasted spend on bad merch. One thing I've learned is that stickering off-the-shelf goods to customise them for your brand lasts maybe a year, sometimes less — most stickers will start to pick up scratches and fade (which we don't want) very quickly if your merch is in regular use (which we want). If at all possible, use laser engraving. If laser engraving is not possible, consider supergluing a 2D printed logo to merch items.
rather than messaging you this I will comment to say that I was actually extremely impressed with how Good At Merch organisations with Mardi Gras Fair Day stalls have gotten over the last decade - I feel like when I was an undergrad it was all stress balls and ugly pens? This year I got three (3) carabiners without really trying, every second stall had mini sunscreens with their logo on, or lip balm, or fans, or glasses cleaners (also huge this year, I think I got offered about five?), roll-up water bottles, sunglasses... very interesting to reflect on!
I love good merch and hate bad merch and I don't think I'm alone in hating wasted spend on bad merch. One thing I've learned is that stickering off-the-shelf goods to customise them for your brand lasts maybe a year, sometimes less — most stickers will start to pick up scratches and fade (which we don't want) very quickly if your merch is in regular use (which we want). If at all possible, use laser engraving. If laser engraving is not possible, consider supergluing a 2D printed logo to merch items.
These are great ideas! Laser engraving is a nice touch too. Not too simple, but also not over the top.
rather than messaging you this I will comment to say that I was actually extremely impressed with how Good At Merch organisations with Mardi Gras Fair Day stalls have gotten over the last decade - I feel like when I was an undergrad it was all stress balls and ugly pens? This year I got three (3) carabiners without really trying, every second stall had mini sunscreens with their logo on, or lip balm, or fans, or glasses cleaners (also huge this year, I think I got offered about five?), roll-up water bottles, sunglasses... very interesting to reflect on!
Incredible I could now attend fair day/Mardi gras and call it a business expense for research!
Loved the inspo! I'm looking into merch/gifts for this year, and your article gave me some ideas!
Hip hip hooray! Definitely come back and tell me when you've picked something!