Merch Madness: Avoid These Common Pitfalls When Ordering Bulk Swag!

Ordering merch can feel like a small task, but it's one that often goes sideways if not planned carefully. From leftover sizes, no one wants to merchandise that doesn't reflect the spirit of the event. The wrong approach to custom gear can cost you time and money, and miss opportunities for connection. Here are the top five pitfalls community organizations fall into: Skipping feedback – Don’t make the mistake of designing merch in a vacuum. Youth, volunteers, and your core community can offer valuable insight into what designs, styles, or colours will actually resonate. Merchandise is more meaningful when people feel involved in its creation. Choosing low quality to save money – Budget is always a concern, but cutting corners on quality can backfire. Thin tees, off-centred prints, or faded logos after one wash can send the wrong message about your program’s professionalism and care. No clear purpose – Every piece of merch should have a purpose. Is it a fundraising item? A th...

"Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart." – Elizabeth Andrew Walk into any vibrant Canadian community centre and you’ll feel it — the energy, the care, the connection. Behind that heartbeat? Volunteers. They are the unsung heroes who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to building stronger, more connected communities — often without expecting anything in return. Why Volunteers Are Essential to Community Centres In Canada, volunteering isn't just something people do — it's part of our national identity. According to Volunteer Canada, nearly 24 million Canadians (or 64% of the population aged 15 and older) Volunteered their time to charitable and nonprofit organizations in 2023. (Source: Volunteer Canada 2023 Report ) Their contributions are estimated to add over $55 billion annually to Canada’s economy. But even more powerful than the numbers is the impact volunteers have at the local level — especially inside our neighbourhood ...

Ever wonder why people keep wearing that event t-shirt long after the event is over? Or why does a camp hoodie from five summers ago still have a place in someone’s closet? It’s more than just comfort. There’s real psychology behind why merch works—and it can be a powerful tool when done right. “Wearing unity. Feeling seen.” At the heart of it, custom merchandise taps into four key psychological motivators: Belonging – According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs , one of our core human desires is to feel a sense of belonging. Custom merch helps fulfill that, especially in group environments like camps and youth programs. A shirt that says “Camp Strong” or “Girls Run Club” creates instant inclusion and connection. Nostalgia – Merchandise becomes a time capsule. Research from the Journal of Consumer Research shows that consumers attach sentimental value to tangible items that remind them of meaningful experiences (Holbrook & Schindler, 2003). A hoodie from a leadership retreat o...

It’s 2025, and community events are bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever. But there’s one thing that hasn’t changed—the power of good merch. Whether you're organizing a youth camp, a non-profit fundraiser, or an after-school celebration, the custom gear you choose can make or break how your event is remembered. Gone are the days when event merch was just a freebie with a logo. Today, it’s a powerful storytelling tool. The right piece of merch becomes a walking reminder of the experience your program delivered. A well-designed t-shirt can build pride, promote your message long after the event, and even turn supporters into ambassadors. According to "Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age" by Jonah Berger, products that trigger emotion and serve as social currency are more likely to be shared and worn. Merch accomplishes both: it’s emotional and visible. This makes it a powerful form of word-of-mouth marketing (Berger, 2013). Consider a youth ca...

  When organizing community events, programs, or awareness campaigns, having high-quality custom merchandise can make all the difference. From t-shirts and tote bags to pins and posters, merchandise not only helps spread your message but also fosters unity and pride within your community. However, choosing the right supplier for your needs can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing quality, budget, and deadlines. To make your decision easier, let’s break down the key factors to consider when choosing a supplier and compare the differences between local print shops, large online platforms, and boutique specialty shops. 1. Understanding Your Needs Before diving into your search, define your priorities. Ask yourself: Do I need merchandise tailored to a specific cultural identity? How fast do I need these products delivered? What’s my budget, and how flexible is it? Do I need design assistance or just printing? Clear answers to these questions will help you eval...

 When it comes to selecting the perfect t-shirt for your custom prints, not all fabrics are created equal. The material you choose can impact comfort, durability, and how well the design holds up over time. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular t-shirt materials— 100% cotton, 50/50 blends, heavy cotton, ultra-heavy cotton, and polyester —by looking at their pros and cons, and the best printing methods for each. 1. 100% Cotton 100% cotton is one of the most popular choices for t-shirts due to its soft and breathable nature. It’s a natural fiber that feels comfortable on the skin, making it ideal for everyday wear. Additionally, cotton absorbs moisture well, making it suitable for warmer climates or activities where breathability is key. However, it is prone to shrinking when washed and dried at high temperatures, which is something to keep in mind when selecting your blank apparel. Pros: Soft and breathable, great for everyday wear. Natural fiber, hypoallergenic, a...

  Choosing the right t-shirt brand is just as important as selecting the right fabric when it comes to custom printing. Each brand offers different levels of quality, fit, and compatibility with printing techniques such as screen printing, direct-to-garment (DTG), and sublimation. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the most popular t-shirt brands for printing and break down their pros and cons to help you make the best choice for your custom apparel. 1. Gildan Gildan is one of the most well-known t-shirt brands in the custom printing industry. They offer a wide variety of styles at budget-friendly prices, making them a popular choice for bulk orders and promotional events. Pros: ✔ Affordable and widely available. ✔ Offers different fabric weights, including Heavy Cotton and Ultra Cotton. ✔ Works well with screen printing, DTG, and heat transfers. ✔ Comes in a broad range of colours. Cons: ✖ May shrink slightly if not pre-shrunk. ✖ Not as soft as premium brands. ✖ Some styles feel...