Marketers often face the challenge of making the most out of limited budgets. Every choice they make must be strategic because they have an abundance of marketing channels and activities they could allocate their budget to. So the decision whether to spend their budget on high-quality branded items or opt for a larger quantity of more affordable merch is one that frequently comes up when it comes to selecting branded merchandise.

There is no one size fits all answer. It all comes down to who you’re giving the merchandise to and why. Are you trying to impress a small group of VIP clients? Or are you looking to make an impact at a busy trade show?

From more conventional options like branded notebooks, water bottles and tote bags to more unusual choices like personalised wireless chargers and power banks, environmentally friendly seed paper products or luxury gift packages, marketing merchandise comes in a variety of forms. Making a choice that fits your objectives and target audience requires knowing why you are giving away anything in the first place.

When to choose quality vs. quantity branded merchandise

When to choose quality over quantity

• Targeting high-value clients: When building relationships with key clients or business partners, opt for high-quality, premium items that reflect your brand’s professionalism. Think leather-bound notebooks, insulated stainless steel water bottles or branded wireless chargers. These items not only look and feel premium but also demonstrate your commitment to quality.

• Employee recognition or milestones: Milestones and internal celebrations deserve something special. For instance, custom apparel like branded jackets or premium drinkware sets can be perfect for recognising achievements or anniversaries, reinforcing your brand culture.

• Building long-term brand loyalty: If your promotional merchandise is meant to become part of daily routines, quality matters. Durable tote bags, well-crafted tech accessories or premium office stationery can ensure your brand stays visible for longer.

When quantity makes sense

• Event giveaways: Of course you will want to have enough stock to hand out freely so it is only logical that when you need to reach a large number of people quantity to take priority. In this case go for affordable but practical items like branded pens, keyrings or lanyards. These are easy to distribute and can help spread your brand message efficiently.

• Seasonal promotions or campaigns: For one-off marketing campaigns, quantity helps maximize reach. Items like budget-friendly tote bags, cotton t-shirts or reusable water bottles are great for creating buzz without overspending.

• Internal campaigns or large-scale events: If you’re providing merchandise for a large internal event, it’s more important to have enough to go around. Consider cost-effective notebooks, branded mugs, or drawstring bags.

Common mistakes to avoid

In addition to disappointing recipients, cheap, subpar products that break or wear out quickly also reflect negatively on your brand. If a product breaks or wears out quickly, it reflects poorly on your brand. No one wants to be remembered for a pen that doesn’t work or a bag that tears after one use. Quality doesn’t always mean expensive but it should always mean thoughtful.

Another common pitfall is buying in large quantities without a clear plan in place. While purchasing in bulk can lower the price per item, it frequently results in excess inventory that doesn’t meet your brand’s ever changing demands. Consider how your merchandise will align with future campaigns or events before making a big order. It’s also critical to understand the preferences of your audience. Purchasing expensive goods for a large-scale giveaway may seem impressive, but they might not have the intended effect if the target audience doesn’t find them valuable. Ensure to make decisions that would allow you to balance the product’s quality with the intended recipient and context.

Need help finding the right merch mix?

Whether you’re planning a standout giveaway or looking to impress key clients, we’re here to help you strike the perfect balance between quality and quantity. At Limelight, we make branded merchandise easy. From sourcing and personalisation to packing and delivery. Get in touch today and let’s create something your audience will remember.