Affordable Yet Effective Merchandise Ideas for Small Businesses

The power of branded merchandise is that it isn’t just for the major players. With effective merchandise options at every end of the pricing scale, small businesses can easily find affordable and impactful merch options that leave a remarkable impression with their target customer base. When every dollar counts, it pays to be resourceful - and with so many promotional products to choose from, there are many ways to do so!

Sometimes the most effective merchandise is actually some of the most affordable. When branded merchandise is a part of a strategic plan, branded items can quickly become useful, memorable, and can clearly align with your brand values, all while leaving your budget in peace.

The only thing standing in the way of finding great branded merchandise that won’t break the bank? Creativity. Here’s how to make the most of affordable merchandising opportunities for small businesses. 

On A Budget? Prioritise Utility

Working on a budget means that merchandise needs to offer genuine value through everyday usefulness. Investments must be targeted, making the most of potential touchpoints with consumers - and since everyday use is one of the easiest ways to make an impact, this needs to be at the top of the list.

Consider the items that are a part of people’s everyday lives: their coffee cups, pens, calendars, bags, lunchboxes, jackets and more. By choosing to make branded merch that fills an everyday need, affordable products can quickly become a reliable tool in everyday use.

This means that every time someone reaches for your pen, your calendar, your lunchbox, they’re experiencing repeated exposure to your brand. These useful products quickly become branding vehicles, putting that marketing and merchandise budget to work day after day. That ROI? It just got a lot better for your bottom line.

Make the Most of Your Local Community

Many small businesses benefit from being part of local communities. This means that merchandise doesn’t always have to be distributed in bulk to make an impact. Instead, the right affordable product at the right moment can help turn a passerby into a loyal customer. 

These branded products can be used to thank customers at the point of purchase, reward any referral activity, or add value through online offers. Even tucking a branded magnet into a local delivery can be a simple way to show you’re thinking about your customer and looking to deliver added surprise and value to their brand experience. 

By letting your local community know that you value being a part of their world, you’re much more likely to find this feeling returned from your consumers. Affordable branded merchandising is one simple way to make a powerful, lasting impact.

Invest in Sustainability

Affordability doesn’t have to mean unsustainable. With so many modern consumers focused on eco-friendly practices, it’s important for small businesses to build this value into their branded merchandise. 

Eco-friendly merchandise such as recycled notebooks, bamboo coffee cups and tote bags can all become beautiful promotional merchandise with creative designs - and this can be done without breaking the bank. Not only will they also offer more staying power thanks to their durability, but they’ll also go a long way in communicating eco-friendly values to your customer base. 

Conclusion

If you’ve been concerned that the best branded merchandise is going to be an investment your small business can’t afford, we’re here to help. With so many excellent, affordable and sustainable branded merchandising options, the world is your promotional product oyster! Talk to the team at Brandconnect about how to make the biggest splash within your budget, delivering meaningful and lasting experiences to your customers.