Where Does Your Branded Merchandise Budget Actually Go?

A branded merchandise quote is made up of the product, the branding applied to it, a setup fee for each branding position on every order, and any additional packaging, delivery and VAT. Knowing what each part covers makes it easier to compare quotes and choose your branding.

You’ve found the right notebook, cap or golf shirt. The unit price fits your budget. Then the quote includes branding, setup and delivery.

What do those charges cover?

Understanding the full cost makes it easier to compare quotes, choose your branding and avoid surprises. Here’s how a Brandful order comes together.

Start with the product

The product price is the starting point: the notebook, shirt, bottle or bag you’ve selected.

Your total depends on the quantity and what you want done with each item. Two orders for the same golf shirt can have different totals if one needs a single chest logo and the other needs branding on the chest, sleeve and back.

That’s why we ask about your branding requirements before confirming the complete price.

Branding costs depend on the job

Branding is the work of applying your design to the product. The price depends on:

• The branding method.
• The size of the logo or design.
• The number of colours.
• The number of branding positions.
• The quantity being branded.

A small logo in one position is a different job from a larger design across several positions. We quote according to the work your order requires.

What does the setup fee cover?

Setup covers the artwork preparation and machine setup needed to produce your order.

It is separate from the cost of applying the branding to each item.

A setup fee applies to each branding position on every order, repeat orders included. One logo file doesn’t necessarily mean one setup across everything you’re buying.

Here are two examples:

Using the same logo on the chest, sleeve and back still involves three branding positions, so three setups apply.

The setup charge is for preparing the production work. It isn’t simply a fee for receiving your logo.

Why is setup charged again on a repeat order?

Even when the artwork stays the same, a repeat order still needs production setup.

Having the design on file helps with the artwork process, but the machines still need to be prepared for the new order. Brandful therefore charges setup again on repeat orders.

It’s worth keeping this in mind if you’re deciding between one larger order and several smaller orders.

What does “branding included” mean?

Some products or offers include branding under specific conditions. This usually applies to one specified branding position and the branding method covered by the offer.

Included branding does not include setup fees.

If you want an additional logo or another branding position, those requirements need to be quoted separately.

For example, a shirt offered with branding included in one position doesn’t automatically include a sleeve logo and a back print. Your quote should make clear what the offer covers and what has been added.

Packaging and delivery are separate items

Additional gift packaging and delivery are quoted separately.

If you want gift boxes, sleeves, ribbon or printed message cards, include those in the brief from the start. We can then account for the presentation as part of the complete order.

Give us the delivery address and tell us whether everything is going to one location or needs to be split between destinations. That allows us to quote for your actual delivery requirements.

Two practical ways to make your budget go further

Order a higher quantity when you know you’ll use it. Larger quantities can offer better value and spread setup costs across more products. If several departments need the same items, combining their requirements into one order is worth exploring.

Choose your branding positions carefully. Each additional position adds work and setup. If the budget is tight, consider which placement matters most for your application.

For an expo team, a back logo might be a priority. For everyday office clothing, a left-chest logo may cover the brief. The right choice depends on where and how the item will be used.

Compare the complete quote

When comparing suppliers, check that the quotes cover the same quantity, product, branding method and positions.

Then check setup, additional packaging, delivery and VAT.

A lower product price is only one part of the comparison. What matters is the total for the order you actually need.

Send us the full picture

Tell us your product choice, quantity, branding positions, budget, delivery location and deadline. Include your logo or artwork so we can assess the requirements.

We’ll prepare a tailored quote and help you understand what each part covers.

Browse the Brandful range or send us your brief to get started.

Branded merchandise, done properly.