Q3 can make or break your brand momentum. Between summer events, fall launches, and donor or client campaigns, your merch isn’t just a giveaway—it’s a growth tool.

Here’s how to treat it that way.

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🗺️ 1. Map Out Your Q3 Events

Start by identifying every touchpoint between July and September. For most organizations, that includes:

• Seasonal promotions or product launches

• Conferences, pop-ups, or live events

• Client onboarding or employee welcome kits

• Fundraising campaigns or donor thank-yous

• Internal morale boosters (like team swag drops)

Each event has its own audience—and different merch needs.

🔁 Pro Tip: Look back at last Q3. What got used? What didn’t? Let that data guide your 2025 plan.

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📊 2. Set a Purpose-Driven Budget

Don’t pull a number out of thin air. Start with what success looks like:

• More booth traffic?

• Stronger client retention?

• Higher donor conversion?

• Stronger team culture?

Then build the merch budget around that.

Sample Breakdown:

You’re not just ordering items—you’re funding outcomes.

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📦 3. Choose Merch That Pulls Its Weight

Smart swag isn’t just clever—it’s kept.

Use these filters:

✅ Would you use it weekly?
✅ Does it reflect your quality standards?
✅ Is it aligned with the season, brand, or message?
✅ Does it feel exclusive, thoughtful, or “gift-worthy”?

Examples:

• Branded desk kits for remote team onboarding

• Sleek tech organizers or wireless chargers for VIP clients

• Soft crewnecks or water bottles for launch events

• Limited-run gear drops to build hype

📉 Avoid: Cheap plastic, throwaway trinkets, and merch that screams “we forgot to plan.”

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📆 4. Order Early, Not in Crisis Mode

Suppliers fill up fast mid-summer. If you’re ordering in July for an August event, you’re either overpaying or getting leftovers.

Ideal timeline:

• Finalize designs in May

• Approve proofs by early June

• Ship by early July for Q3 readiness

💬 BRND.agency clients get help aligning their event calendars with supplier windows—so every launch looks polished.

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📈 5. Track Results Like It’s Marketing (Because It Is)

Swag isn’t sunk cost—it’s brand fuel. Measure:

• Event attendance and engagement

• Follow-up response rates

• Employee retention/feedback post-onboarding

• Client/donor reactions or conversions

Add a QR code, short survey, or trackable URL to your packaging. If it moves the needle, you’ll know.

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Final Take

Q3 isn’t the time to wing it.
With the right swag strategy, you can boost morale, attract attention, and turn one-time events into long-term wins.

📬 Need help planning your merch budget or building out a smart Q3 campaign?
www.brnd.agency — Let’s make it work harder.