How to Produce Branded Merchandise in Australia: The Complete Guide for Startup Founders

One of the fastest ways to make your brand tangible is through merchandise. A T-shirt, water bottle, or tote bag does more than carry your logo—it carries your story into the world. For founders, branded merchandise is a marketing strategy that boosts visibility, loyalty, and team culture all at once.

When you produce branded merchandise, you’re not just printing logos on objects.

You’re investing in promotional products that people use, see, and share. And unlike ads that disappear, merchandise sticks around—reminding customers, clients, or staff of your brand daily.

I saw this firsthand when I handed out branded notebooks at a Sydney networking event. Months later, people were still emailing me with, “I’ve been using your notebook—I should book a session with you.” That little piece of merchandise outperformed campaigns I spent thousands on.

Produce branded merchandise and it becomes your brand asset.

Turn merchandise from “giveaways” into brand assets.

What Exactly Is Branded Merchandise?

Branded merchandise refers to physical products customised with your company’s name, logo, or message to promote your brand.

Common formats include:

• Apparel: T-shirts, hoodies, caps.

• Drinkware: coffee mugs, reusable bottles, keep cups.

• Stationery: pens, notebooks, calendars.

• Tech accessories: USB drives, chargers, headphones.

• Eco products: tote bags, bamboo cutlery, reusable straws.

Example:

• Who Gives A Crap sells branded toilet paper rolls wrapped in bold designs, turning packaging into merchandise.

Done right, merchandise is more than swag—it’s mobile advertising that deepens your brand visibility.

Why This Could Make or Break Your Business

Founders underestimate merchandise because it seems “old school.” But here’s why it matters:

• Brand visibility: Every time someone wears or uses your merch, you get free exposure.

• Customer loyalty: High-quality merchandise builds goodwill and makes customers feel valued.

• Marketing strategy: Branded merchandise can support campaigns, launches, or events.

• Corporate gifts: Helps strengthen B2B relationships.

• Culture: Gives employees a sense of belonging and pride.

Skip it, and you miss out on a simple, low-cost brand amplifier. Invest in it, and your brand goes wherever your people go.

Before You Start

Before producing branded merchandise, prepare:

• Clear goals (customer giveaways, staff uniforms, event handouts).

• Budget (per item and total).

• Target audience (what will they actually use?).

• Design assets (logo files, brand colours, fonts).

• Supplier shortlist (local vs offshore).

• Storage or fulfilment plan (where will items live until distributed?).

This upfront clarity ensures your merchandise works strategically, not randomly.

How to Produce Branded Merchandise:

Step by Step

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Be specific:

• Staff onboarding packs.

• Client gifts.

• Trade show giveaways.

• Online store upsells.

Result: You choose merchandise that aligns with your strategy.

Step 2: Select the Right Products

Choose items people will actually use.

• Everyday items: pens, mugs, notebooks.

• Lifestyle items: tote bags, T-shirts.

• Premium gifts: headphones, wine sets.

• Sustainable products: bamboo utensils, eco bags.

Mentor Tip: Prioritise utility. The more useful, the more visible your brand.

Result: Your merchandise doesn’t end up in the bin.

Step 3: Design with Brand Consistency

Apply your visual identity.

• Use brand colours for backgrounds or accents.

• Stick to your fonts where possible.

• Place logo where it’s visible but tasteful.

• Keep designs clean—less is more.

Result: Merchandise looks professional and represents your brand.

Step 4: Choose Suppliers and Printers

Options in Australia include:

• Local promotional product companies (fast turnaround, lower risk).

• Offshore manufacturers (lower cost per unit, longer shipping).

• Online platforms (Vistaprint, Redbubble, Printful).

Warning: shipping costs, minimum order quantities, and quality guarantees.

Result: You partner with suppliers who match your budget and needs.

Step 5: Request Samples

Never skip this step.

• Order prototypes with your design.

• Check colour accuracy and logo placement.

• Test product quality (durability, washability).

Result: You avoid embarrassing mistakes at scale.

Step 6: Place Bulk Orders

Once satisfied, confirm:

• Quantities (consider extra for future events).

• Unit price including tax and shipping.

• Production timeline.

Result: You get the stock you need, when you need it.

Step 7: Plan Distribution

Decide how merchandise will reach people.

• In-person events.

• Customer gift packs.

• Employee onboarding kits.

• Online store or giveaways.

Result: Merchandise lands in the right hands, not forgotten in storage.

Step 8: Track ROI

Measure effectiveness.

• Use discount codes on merchandise.

• Track social mentions (people sharing your merch).

• Survey staff or clients on usefulness.

Result: You know whether to double down or adjust next time.

Mistakes to Avoid

Cheap quality. 

Result: products break, brand looks cheap. Fix: invest in durability.

Random selection. 

Result: unused junk. Fix: choose useful items.

Inconsistent design. 

Result: looks amateur. Fix: stick to your brand kit.

Over-ordering. 

Result: wasted storage costs. Fix: start small and scale.

Real-World Examples

• A Melbourne startup handed out branded reusable coffee cups at a conference. Attendees used them daily, keeping the brand visible for months.

• A Sydney agency gave away poor-quality pens that leaked. Instead of goodwill, they generated complaints.

The difference? Practical, durable products versus cheap, forgettable ones.

What It Costs and How Long It Takes

Direct Costs (as of 2025/2026):

• Basic items (pens, stickers): $1–$5 each.

• Mid-range (T-shirts, mugs, tote bags): $10–$30 each.

• Premium gifts (tech, hampers): $50–$200 each.

Timeline:

• Local production: 1–3 weeks.

• Offshore production: 4–12 weeks.

• Design approval: add 1–2 weeks.

Hidden Costs:

• Shipping and customs fees.

• Storage if bulk ordering.

• Reprints for logo errors or quality issues.

Money Saving Tip: Start with small local orders before scaling offshore.

Bottom line: focus on useful, quality items for the best ROI.

What to Do Next

By acting now, you’ll turn merchandise from “giveaways” into brand assets.

➡️ Grab a resource from ProDesk. It’s where proactive founders get simple tools to move faster and avoid costly mistakes [ProDeck.com].

➡️ Don’t guess—get it done for you. From brand strategy to supplier selection, we’ll help you produce merchandise that works [Noize.com.au].

➡️ Grab The StartupDeck. It’s a deck of over 200 founder-tested strategies to help you make smarter decisions and accelerate growth [theStartUpDeck.com].

The Bottom Line

Branded merchandise is more than swag. It’s a marketing strategy that extends your brand into the real world.

Without it, you miss low-cost opportunities to build visibility and loyalty. With it, you create everyday touchpoints that keep your business top of mind.

Founders who invest in merchandise aren’t just giving things away—they’re creating lasting impressions.

FAQs

What’s the cheapest merchandise to start with? 

Pens, stickers, or tote bags are cost-effective and widely used.

Is branded merchandise still relevant in the digital age? 

Yes—physical items create daily reminders in a way digital ads can’t.

Should I make eco-friendly merchandise? 

Absolutely. Customers value sustainability, and it reflects positively on your brand.

Do I need to order in bulk? 

Most suppliers have minimums, but you can start small with local printers.

Can I sell merchandise instead of giving it away? 

Yes—many startups sell merch to strengthen brand culture and generate extra revenue.