Promotional items put your name on things people keep and use: pens, notebooks, caps, bags, lanyards, drinkware, umbrellas, power banks and gift sets. They are handed out at expos, packed into conference bags, given to staff and sent to clients at year end. The right item and branding method depend on your budget, the quantity, the logo colours and the date. Tell us what you want, how many and when, and we pass it to promotional suppliers near you. Asking is free and you are under no obligation.
Types of promotional items
- Writing and desk: pens, notebooks, diaries, desk calendars, sticky note sets.
- Clothing and headwear: caps, bucket hats, T-shirts and golf shirts (see embroidery).
- Bags: cotton totes, drawstring bags, backpacks, cooler bags.
- Drinkware: mugs, water bottles, tumblers and flasks.
- Event items: lanyards, wristbands, umbrellas, stress balls, keyrings.
- Tech and gifts: USB drives, power banks and boxed gift sets.
Choosing items and branding methods
Pick an item your audience will actually use. A good pen or a steel bottle goes further than a cheap gimmick that ends up in a drawer. The branding method depends on the item: pad printing for pens and small curved items, screen printing for bags and flat items, laser engraving for metal and wood, embroidery for caps and clothing, and full colour transfer or digital print for photos. One or two colour logos are usually cheaper than full colour. Check the branding area size, because a long logo may not fit a pen barrel.
Artwork, samples and timing
Send your logo as a vector file (PDF, AI, EPS or SVG) and give your spot colours. The supplier sends a digital proof showing the logo on the item; check size, position and colour before you approve. Ask for a physical sample on large or expensive orders. Many items come from stock held in South Africa and can be branded within a week or two, but imported or custom items can take several weeks, so start early for year end and expos. Common mistakes: approving a proof without checking the colour, ordering too late, and forgetting packaging.
What affects the price, and tenders
The item, the quantity, the number of logo colours and positions, setup fees and packaging set the price. Most items have a minimum order. Government and corporate buyers often ask through RFQs and tenders, so give the exact item specification. Ask each supplier:
- The minimum quantity and the setup or screen fee?
- Is the stock local or imported?
- Is individual packaging included, and is VAT included?
For printed staff shirts, see T-shirt printing.
What to include in your request
- Items and quantity of each
- Number of colours in the logo
- Branding position and method if known
- Packaging or gift boxes needed
- Delivery address and the date
Promotional Items for different clients
- Families and individuals: personalised gifts and favours for a wedding, a milestone birthday or a reunion
- Small businesses and start-ups: branded pens, caps and bags for a start-up, an estate agent or a garage
- Companies and offices: year end client gifts, staff welcome packs and conference bags in bulk
- Shops, restaurants and salons: branded shopping bags and giveaways for a store opening or loyalty drive
- Events, conferences and clubs: lanyards, caps, wristbands and goodie bags for expos, races and festivals
- Schools, churches and NGOs: branded stationery, sports day caps and alumni gifts for schools and churches
- Government and municipalities: campaign giveaways and tender supplied branded items for departments and municipalities
- Designers, agencies and resellers: branded stock for agencies and resellers who supply corporate clients
Frequently asked questions
How much do promotional items cost?
What is the minimum order for promotional items?
Can promotional items suppliers help with tenders?
Do you supply the promotional items?
Promotional Items by province and city
- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Centurion
- Midrand
- Sandton
- Randburg
- Roodepoort
- Krugersdorp
- Randfontein
- Germiston
- Boksburg
- Benoni
- Kempton Park
- Alberton
- Vanderbijlpark
- Vereeniging
- Durban
- Pinetown
- Pietermaritzburg
- Richards Bay
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- East London
- Kariega (Uitenhage)
- Mthatha
- Cape Town
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- George
- Worcester
- eMalahleni (Witbank)
- Middelburg
- Secunda
- Mbombela (Nelspruit)
- Rustenburg
- Brits
- Klerksdorp
- Potchefstroom
- Mahikeng
- Polokwane
- Tzaneen
- Kimberley
- Upington
- Bloemfontein
- Welkom
- Sasolburg