Some days, you need 500 company t-shirts right away. Your CEO might want everyone at the big conference to have water bottles with the company’s logo on them. Or Human Resources asks for a lot of coffee mugs for new employees. It doesn’t matter where you work; placing a big order isn’t rocket science, but there is a skill to getting it just right – click here for more related site!
Let’s start with something that every procurement staff loves: discounts. When you order in bulk, you have a little more power. When you buy more, most suppliers are willing to provide bargains. It’s like buying in baker’s dozens, but without the food. Quantity doesn’t only imply saving money. You normally receive better print quality because providers want you to come back. But always ask about prices that change. The price drop between 250 and 500 pieces can be bigger than you expect.
The quickness of delivery is important. It’s so annoying to have to give out last year’s calendar since the cargo made a wrong turn and ended up in the Bermuda Triangle. Get a clear schedule every time. Look at recent reviews. Other businesses love to complain when things are late, so you’ll know how fast they are without bothering your salesperson. There are express choices, but you need to weigh how fast you need it against how much you’re ready to pay.
Let’s talk about options, since let’s be honest, you want things that people will actually utilize. Good luck getting rid of 200 squishy stress bananas with your brand on them. Pens, mugs, t-shirts, gadget accessories, or journals are all good gifts. Request samples. It’s better to see a bad design or strange logo placement right away.
It’s important to talk to your suppliers. If your business name has twelve syllables or your colors are as exact as Pantone 804-B, spell everything out. Check the proofs again, seek confirmation, and ask, “What will we do if something goes wrong?” Make friends with each other. If you weren’t rude on the phone, your order might be moved to the top of the stack.
Things can get complex when it comes to shipping. Shipping fees can eat up savings, especially for big or fragile items. Think about these things before you use the company credit card. Also, out for hidden fees like setup, rush service, and design changes.
Don’t take the unboxing moment lightly. Your staff will feel wonderful if the swag looks high-end, and your logo will get out into the wild a lot more often. At the same time, keep in mind that things can go wrong. For example, the printer might run out of the proper size T-shirt, or the mugs might come with spots like dalmatians. Always get a couple extra.
To sum up: use a big order to your advantage. Talk about it, set deadlines, make smart choices, and watch out for fees. Before you know it, your workplace will be all set up, and your coworkers will be delighted too.