Navigating the maze of company-branded products is hard. There’s a lot to think about. Do you need them for uniforms, or just gifts? Will you be giving them out to strangers, or just staff and clients? Most complicated of all is– What product to add my branding to? As we mentioned in our guide to the best promo products, bags are right up there with the best, let us tell you why.
The Great All-Rounders
There are a number of reasons to print your logo on custom gear, but in every case, a bag works brilliantly. For new employees, whether as uniforms or just onboarding gifts, it helps to have a bag to carry all your new things in. If you’re selling or giving away merchandise, bags give people a way to take more of your products– and spend more money in the process.
For stores, bags show you’re environmentally conscious, and helping to phase out plastic bags. Even if you send packs of products straight to people’s homes, it’s nice to have a bag to put everything in while you decide what to do with it. Bags are the gravy, they tie everything else together.
Mobile Billboards
Maybe the most important thing to consider when picking promo products is how much visibility your brand is going to get. It’s one thing to make an impact on the recipient, but promotional products are not the most cost-effective form of advertising if only one person sees each item. The more they’re seen in public, the more impressions you get, at no extra cost.
Bags are number one here. They don’t sit on a desk, or stay at home. They don’t get covered up by other clothing, and (normally) don’t get hidden inside other bags. They’re not weather dependent, or seasonal. Bags are made to be taken outside, in public places, on the subway, or the bus. Some bags make it onto planes and end up abroad! In short, bags are walking billboards that get you more free advertising than other promo products.
A Bag for Every Business
Every business has a different budget, and a different image they’re trying to project. Most promo products work for some but not others. There’s a bag for everyone though– from budget to luxury, tech giants to local stores. Here are the top choices, and who they’re best for:
Tote Bags
At the lower edge of the price range you have custom tote bags, which are also probably the most in fashion. You can buy tote bags for less than a dollar, but there are more expensive, high-quality options too.
Synonymous with eco-awareness, totes are the main drivers behind the replacement of single-use plastic bags, and everyone loves to have a few in the house to do the shopping, or take out when they have too many things to put in a handbag. They are a great accompaniment to any promo pack– you can keep the other things in them. They also work for all kinds of store, from the big chains to the friendly local ones.
Shopping Bags
Basically a larger version of the tote bag. The size makes them less practical in some situations, but the extra space makes them very useful for, unsurprisingly, shopping. Custom shopping bags are a great choice for any kind of store, whether you’re giving them away for promotional reasons, or selling them at the checkout.
You can also get wine bags and gift bags, which are much smaller. They have less practical use, but look really nice. These are good for anyone selling more expensive products, who want an attractive way to package them, like jewelers.
Drawstring Bags
Before tote bags took over, the drawstring was the favorite when it came to budget bag options. They might not be as fashionable these days, but they are more practical. You can still pick them up for less than a dollar, but custom drawstring bags help you carry things more comfortably. They also close, which keeps your things safer. A great budget choice for any organization with a more sporty, active image.
Laptop Bags
Custom laptop, or messenger bags are an excellent choice for any tech-related company, as it fits with the desired image. Stores that sell laptops would be wise to try and include a bag in the sale. You’ll be catching customers right when they need one, so why not get some free advertising? They also make great onboarding gifts for any employee who’ll be getting a laptop from work, with the added benefit of keeping the company hardware safe.
Backpacks
Backpacks cost a little more, but get a good-quality one and you guarantee it’ll get seen. I mean who throws away a good backpack? Even if you have too many you’ll probably give it to someone else. Custom backpacks also get especially good visibility. They don’t get crumpled up, so logos are displayed clearly, and they don’t end up inside other bags. We also take them to more places– they could end up going around the world!
Backpacks are generally too expensive to give away in large numbers to complete strangers. They are best suited to targeted promotions, as a gift to potential customers. They are also excellent onboarding gifts. Many backpacks double up as laptop bags, and by giving something of a higher quality, you demonstrate your commitment to staff welfare from day one.
Duffel Bags
Another option that costs a little more, but gets long-term use from recipients. Duffel bags work well for trips to the gym, and for vacations. Sports teams, and any businesses involved in travel or fitness, should consider the duffel bag if they’re planning to spend a little more, on a smaller group of people.
Cooler Bags
Custom cooler bags are a great opportunity. Unlike the other options, many people don’t own a cooler bag, but everyone likes a cold drink on a hot day. Cooler bags, as you’d expect, are fairly seasonal. They also work better in places with a culture of going to beaches and parks, or having barbecues or picnics. It’s worth doing research in advance, but choose wisely and you can get especially long-term brand exposure.
Waist Bags
Everyone has a different name for them: fanny packs, bum bags, waist packs or belt bags. They used to be associated with aging tourists, but are making a comeback. Trendy young people wear them over the shoulder with baggy sweats, and ideally some bling. So now they’re cool again. This means a custom waist bag is now a good option for a practical bag that won’t break the bank. Ideally suited to businesses targeting either end of the age spectrum.
How to Choose
You need to consider your budget first and foremost, and how many bags you want, so you know how much you can spend on each. Consider your target profile, and your company image, to choose the type of bag and the material you want. Our filters can help you narrow down your search, to find exactly what you need.
Customization is the easy part. Add any text you want, and you can upload image files with logos, photos or slogans. Put everything where you want it, and you’re ready to order. You’ll notice our bags get cheaper the more you order, so buy in bulk for extra discounts. Once you’ve finished, you just need to wait for delivery, and enjoy all your free advertising.
For blank apparel, accessories, and promotional products, Wordans is your one-stop shop, thanks to our wide range, and easy customization. Check out our website to see how we can help your business. For more ideas, visit our Instagram page, @wearewordans, to see our products in action.
