Before You Buy: What Most Community Leaders Get Wrong About Event Merch



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:




  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. No clear purpose – Every piece of merch should have a purpose. Is it a fundraising item? A thank-you gift? A staff uniform? Identifying its role helps you design and order strategically.


  4. Wrong sizing/style mix – Nothing is worse than running out of large sizes or not offering options for different body types. Consider a mix of inclusive sizes, unisex fits, and styles appropriate for both youth and adults.


  5. Overordering one product – Just because you got a deal on 300 tote bags doesn’t mean you should’ve ordered them all. Look at your audience. What’s practical? What aligns with your event type? Consider variety in your order to increase appeal.

These mistakes are more common than you'd think. A survey by Printful in 2022 showed that nearly 40% of custom merch buyers regretted at least one part of their order due to issues like sizing, product quality, or poor design choices.

Quick Checklist for Smarter Merch Orders: ✅ Have you asked your audience (staff, youth, volunteers) for input on designs or styles? ✅ Are you sourcing from a vendor with consistent, high-quality product reviews? ✅ Can you clearly define the goal of each merch item (visibility, fundraiser, staff ID)? ✅ Did you include a full-size range that’s inclusive of all body types? ✅ Are you ordering a balanced mix of products based on actual demand, not just price? ✅ Do you have a backup plan in case your event needs change or demand spikes?

Conclusion:
Merch shouldn’t be an afterthought. Done well, it can be one of the most effective parts of your event strategy. Avoiding these common mistakes—and using a thoughtful checklist—sets the foundation for merch that people love—and wear again and again.

Next up: We’ll reveal the Top 5 Merchandise Picks for 2025 that every community leader should consider.

Download our free eBook for a detailed breakdown of each item

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