We've all seen them. Those cringe-worthy promotional products that make you wonder, "What were they thinking?" From misspelled company names to logos that look like they went through a blender, promotional product fails are more common than you'd think—and they're 100% avoidable.
When Good Intentions Go Bad
Promotional products are supposed to build your brand, not become a cautionary tale shared on social media. Yet every year, businesses invest thousands of dollars into branded merchandise that misses the mark, sometimes spectacularly.
The culprit? Rushing through (or completely skipping) two critical steps: creative strategy and proofing.
Why Creative Strategy Matters
Before a single product gets ordered, there needs to be a plan. Not just "let's put our logo on something," but a real strategy that considers:
-
Who's receiving this item? Your audience matters. What works for a tech startup won't work for a healthcare provider.
-
What's the goal? Brand awareness? Customer appreciation? Employee retention? Different goals require different approaches.
-
Where will this be used? A trade show giveaway has different requirements than a client gift or employee swag.
-
What message are we sending? Your promotional products are an extension of your brand. What do you want them to say about you?
Without this strategic foundation, you're just throwing darts in the dark and hoping something sticks.
The Proofing Process: Your Safety Net
Even with a solid strategy, mistakes happen. That's why proofing isn't optional, it's essential.
A proper proofing process catches:
-
Spelling and grammar errors (yes, even in your company name)
-
Logo quality issues (pixelated, distorted, or incorrectly colored logos)
-
Design problems (when font choice completely changes the message)
-
Color mismatches (when your brand blue looks more like purple)
-
Missing information (forgot the website? It happens more than you'd think)
The Real Cost of Skipping Proofs
When you skip or rush through proofing, you're gambling with:
-
Money: Reprinting an entire order isn't cheap
-
Time: Rush reorders mean missed deadlines
-
Reputation: Sloppy promotional products reflect poorly on your brand
-
Relationships: Giving clients or employees subpar merchandise damages trust
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And now, the pièce de résistance. Want a good laugh/cringe? Check out some of my favorite DIY whoops that could have used a second look before printing.
Ohhh I love a good font fail!
I don't think they understand how this works...
They are very proud of their unique skills!
Subliminal messaging at play?
I always tell busineses not to use too many fonts, but also... choose wisely!
Online ordering at it's finest.
It's impossible to pick a favorite, but this is definitely a contender!
