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The ROI of Thoughtful Gifting: Why Cheap Swag Hurts Your Brand


Tote bag, mug, stickers, and bottle with "Revolution Campervans" logo. Forest green, beige colors. Product packaging displayed.

Let’s face it: Not all branded merchandise is created equal. We’ve all seen the bottom-of-the-barrel swag—flimsy pens, awkward-fitting t-shirts, or promo items that scream ‘budget bin.’ But here’s the problem: When your brand is on something forgettable, your brand becomes forgettable.


Cutting corners on your promotional products doesn’t save you money—it quietly chips away at your brand’s credibility.


According to the Advertising Specialty Institute, 57% of consumers say they’re more likely to do business with a brand that gave them a high-quality promotional product. That’s not just preference—it’s purchasing behavior.


 

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Swag

Yes, low-cost items can feel like a win for your budget. But what happens after the event, after the mailing, after the trade show?


  • Does your product end up in someone’s junk drawer—or worse, the trash?

  • Did it actually spark a conversation, trigger a memory, or reinforce your positioning?

  • Did it reflect the care, quality, and attention to detail your brand stands for?


Let’s be blunt: a flimsy keychain might cost $0.80—but if it breaks within a week, what has it communicated about your brand’s reliability? Compare that to a $6 branded phone stand that lives on someone’s desk for a year.


Inconsistent, forgettable swag doesn’t just waste your budget—it actively works against the reputation you're trying to build.


Thoughtful Gifting Builds Long-Term Brand Equity

High-quality branded products don't just generate impressions—they create lasting brand affinity. When done right, branded merchandise becomes part of your customer’s lifestyle, workspace, or daily ritual. That water bottle they carry. That tote bag that goes everywhere. That notebook they actually use.


Thoughtful gifting:

  • Builds trust by aligning with your brand values

  • Boosts recall through repeat visibility and daily utility

  • Creates emotional connection by showing effort and intent


It’s not just merch. It’s a branded experience strategy.



White cap with black visor and logo next to a matching box with stripe pattern. Text on cap and box reads: Kia. Box labeled Limited Edition.

Want Better ROI? Rethink the Intent

Branded merchandise should be part of your customer experience strategy—not an afterthought in your marketing spend. The key isn’t just spending more—it’s spending smarter. Here’s how:


  • Choose products that align with your audience’s lifestyle and needs

  • Prioritize quality and functionality over gimmicks

  • Design packaging that elevates the unboxing experience

  • Tell a story: Why this item? Why now? How does it tie to your mission?


A $12 gift that gets used 100 times beats a $2 gift used once—every time.


 

Let’s Elevate the Experience

At Aliant Brands, we believe branded merchandise should be more than a giveaway. It should be an extension of your voice, your story, and your purpose.


We work with clients to design branded experiences that are thoughtful, strategic, and impossible to ignore.


Whether you’re planning a campaign, event, or client gift—let’s create branded merchandise that makes a lasting impact.



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