Using luxury business merchandise in your marketing strategy will significantly impact the public’s perception of your brand and attract ideal clients in competitive markets. 

While high-end promotional gifts and luxury merchandise certainly don’t make up for ineffective branding, the right branded products can elevate a brand just enough to be competitive in challenging markets.

Considerations For Purchasing Luxury Business Merchandise

Whether you’re eyeing luxury corporate gifts or items for promotional gift boxes, making a lasting impression is key.

Here are six things to consider when purchasing luxury business merchandise for your organization.

1. Brand Image

What is your brand ethos?  How does your brand present to the world?  These characteristics must align with the branded products you use in your marketing.

Think about Apple.  Its mission, vision, numerous stated values, and culture all revolve around inclusion, supporting people in what they do, and taking care of the planet. 

Apple has a modern, elevated feel, so any branded products it uses need to align with each of these characteristics.  Not all products they choose will be modern or edgy, but they will most likely be elevated versions of basics. 

For example, instead of a basic cotton tote, they will choose an organic cotton tote; instead of a regular pencil, they will choose a mechanical pencil or one with an interesting design.

Before you purchase branded products, consider what best aligns with your brand ethos.

2. Visuals

When purchasing luxury branded merchandise, consider all brand visuals, including fonts, colors, design elements, and overall style. 

Most promotional product companies focus solely on color, but we like to go further by considering unique design elements and the overall look and feel of the products.

We look for design elements that we can carry through to the product.  For example, if your logo is round and flowy, we’ll usually focus on rounded products with no hard angles. 

If your branding includes a submark, we’ll use it in an interesting print location.  And yes, we’ll ensure the color (no matter the PMS number)  is on point so the branded products align beautifully with your brand.

3. Product Category

Choosing a promotional item in the correct category is also essential when purchasing luxury branded merchandise. By product category, we consider the product type (apparel, drinkware, office accessories, etc.), market trends, and co-branding opportunities.

Market trends usually focus on categories such as tech, drinkware, self-care, and eco-friendly products.  They may also focus on colors such as neons, earth tones, or pastels.

Some trends last more than a year, while others are a tiny blip on the radar, so lean on us to ensure you are targeting the right trend for your brand and the trend that won’t be outdated before you can blink.

4. Co-branding

Co-branding is a great way to elevate your brand by aligning with another brand with similar values.  Do you want to emphasize your commitment to sustainability?  We can help you partner with brands like Cotopaxi, Miir, and Patagonia. 

Maybe you want to showcase your brand’s long history and heritage.  Brands known for their longevity, such as Brooks Brothers, Igloo, and Bose, could be the perfect match. 

5. Quality & Value

We cannot express enough how vital product quality is to your brand’s reputation.  No matter your brand ethos, you want your brand to be associated with quality.  We constantly sample products and use them daily before recommending them to clients. 

We want to know not only how long a product works and looks good but also how it feels in your hand, what the imprint looks like, and if there are any special details, such as trims, linings, or coatings, that give it an elevated feeling.

We also considered the product’s perceived value. You may know how much a product costs, but your client or end-user determines its value. We know that a high-quality product will also have a higher perceived value, no matter the actual cost of the product. 

We can find quality products at relatively lower costs to elevate your brand and make the most of your budget.

6. Branding Challenges

Your brand image and branded products must align with market perception for your customers and clients to have a smooth experience. 

Any incongruence will feel jarring and cause the customer to question your brand’s authority and reliability.  This harmony is even more critical when working with discerning, high-end clients because they notice discrepancies quickly.

Let Us Help Your Brand With Luxury Business Merchandise 

There is much more to choosing a branded product than finding the right product color.  We love obsessing over the small details and brand nuances that make a huge impact on your marketing. 

The right luxury branded merchandise can elevate your brand and attract ideal clients in a saturated market.  Not sure what to do next?  Contact us to learn how we can help you.