Think of the last time you received a freebie from a store or trade show that you’ve attended. Think of the company swag that you’ve kept or remembered—maybe it’s a promotional bag, a custom mug, or a branded pen. When promotional merchandise is relevant or useful to us, we tend to keep them around.
Following what’s trendy can work for promotional items, but there’s a chance that it could be a hit-or-miss depending on your target audience. Trendy items also run the risk of not falling in line with your brand image and values.
This is why brands select promotional items that are functional. And when it comes to being timeless and functional, nothing beats promotional bags.
You’ve seen them around, you’ve probably received a handful of them before. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at why promotional bags stand the test of time as branded merchandise, the different types of bags, what’s best for your campaigns and events, and how to select the right one.
Why Promotional Bags Make Great Branded Merchandise
Promotional bags are the quintessential branded merchandise item you can have in your marketing arsenal. But what makes them so iconic? Here are four reasons:
High Utility
Bags are extremely versatile, whether you need to run a quick errand or carry around a lot of stuff for a trip. Because of this functionality, they see a lot of use. The rule when it comes to promotional merchandise is they are as only good as they are used. Even the best-designed swag can lose its purpose when it’s sitting collecting dust. Ensure maximum visibility of your brand whenever your customers and prospects use your promotional bag wherever they go.
Cost Effectiveness
Corporate gifts and promotional items tend to get ordered in bulk, which can be pricey when it is added up. Promotional bags come in many different styles and price points for every budget, making them a flexible choice in your promotional toolkit. Because of their versatility, they can double in use—both freebies for customers in trade shows as well as gifts for employees when they hit their company milestones.
Eco-Friendly Options
Promotional bags don’t just come in different designs—they can also come in various materials. Companies who want to embrace sustainability can rest easy with promotional bags made with eco-friendly or upcycled materials like jute, canvas, or organic cotton. Show off your commitment to being eco-friendly by embracing sustainable swag.
Customisability
The best way to get awareness through merchandise is by displaying your brand logo and colors for everyone to see. Promotional bags do just that, acting as a blank canvas for brands to get creative with their designs. From designing it based on your event theme to keeping it simple and classy through an embroidered logo, there are many ways you can achieve brand visibility using your merch.
Different Types of Promotional Bags
Tote Bags: The Everyday Essential
Tote bags are a popular choice for promotional giveaways due to their versatility and lightweight design. Whether used at trade shows, corporate events, or as retail packaging, the applications for tote bags are endless.
What makes tote bags ideal for most businesses is their customisability. With a large surface area for branding and prints, they can be made in a variety of vibrant colors and materials, including cotton, canvas, jute, and recycled PET.
Many brands have successfully leveraged tote bags in their campaigns, such as IKEA with their iconic “Big Blue Bag” and Trader Joe’s with their popular mini canvas bags. This is just further proof of the enduring nature of tote bags and how effective they can be when utilised right.
A cotton tote bag is always a reliable choice for functionality and branding. Companies that value sustainability can benefit from a jute tote bag to show their commitment to choosing eco-friendly products.
Backpacks: Functional and Stylish Promotional Items
Whether you’re a professional who needs to carry a laptop for business travel or someone seeking a reliable bag for outdoor adventures, the backpack is a versatile option for everyday use. They are made of durable materials and come in various styles that can cater to different needs.
This water-resistant roll-up computer backpack is perfect for professionals commuting and traveling. Keep your gear and valuables protected with an outdoor backpack that can help withstand the elements.
However, their biggest strength lies in their functionality, making them ideal for brand exposure with strategically placed branding. Backpacks are perfect for corporate giveaways, employee gifts, or promotional items, especially for companies in the travel and technology sectors.
Cooler Bags: The Perfect Outdoor Promotional Gift
When it comes to storing food and beverages, cooler bags are unmatched in convenience and practicality. Perfect for the office, picnics, and outdoor activities, they offer reliable performance wherever you go.
Cooler bags are especially great for summer promotions and outdoor events. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting use, providing extended brand exposure. Thanks to their versatility, they appeal to a broad audience across different markets.
Lightweight, stylish, and portable, cooler bags can keep your food and drinks fresh and cool. This cooler tote bag is an ideal companion for summer picnics, featuring easy carry handles and an adjustable shoulder strap. For those on the go, this cooler backpack offers a versatile solution for backpackers and frequent travelers alike.
Duffel Bags: The Versatile Bag
Duffel bags are another type of bag that can be used as promotional merch. With ample storage space and various compartments for valuables, they offer a step up from basic tote bags. Their roomy design makes them perfect for organising essentials while on the move.
With a large surface area, duffel bags provide an ideal canvas for brand exposure, making them a powerful promotional item. Whether used for work, gym, sports, or travel, they help carry your brand wherever your audience goes.
Compared to other types of bags, duffel bags stand out due to their larger capacity and versatility. Their design allows for more organised storage, whether for gym clothes, shoes, sports equipment, or weekend essentials, making them a practical yet stylish option for daily use or travel.
For those constantly on the move, this sports duffel bag offers RFID pockets to protect your cards while you travel. Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate this weekend sports bag made from recovered ocean plastics, offering water resistance and sustainability in one item.
Choosing the Right Promotional Bag for Your Business
With a lot of bag styles and design customisations to choose from, it can be overwhelming for businesses to find the ideal merch. To help you in making the right choice for your promotional bag, here are some things to consider:
Target Audience
The cardinal rule in choosing and designing promotional merchandise is to always consider your target audience. Giving away gifts or free merchandise can be a really powerful channel, but its effect is lost when the merchandise is irrelevant or not useful to your audience. Think of your audience’s demographics, hobbies, interests, and lifestyle, and think of what things would be useful and aid them in their day-to-day activities.
Brand Image and Message
Every company has a distinct branding, whether it comes from your actual choice of logo and colors, culture, or values. While it’s not a requirement for all of your promotional items to fall in line with your branding, this small choice can go a long way.
For example, if you’re a company that values keeping your employees active—then choosing a promotional bag that is versatile enough for use whether at work or at the gym is the perfect choice. Eco-conscious companies can benefit from having a promotional bag that is made from sustainable materials, showing that you practice what you preach.
Budget
Determining your budget helps you filter out the options you have. When it comes to merch, expensive doesn’t always mean it’s the best or most effective. There are still a lot of factors that come into play such as how relevant it is to your audience or how well-designed the merchandise is. The plus side is that promotional bags come in various price points, making them flexible for all budget options.
Customisation
The effectiveness of your promotional bags will come down to how well you’re able to integrate them with your company branding. Strike the balance between displaying your branding that is not distracting, tacky, or takes away from the experience of using the item.
Seasonal Factors
Another thing to consider is the seasonality. Is your ideal promotional bag something that be used all year round? Or is it better suited to a specific seasonal event? Choose the appropriate bag for the season to ensure that you stay relevant to your audience’s needs.
Quality and Product Longevity
Given that promotional items act as an extension of your brand, you would want your brand to be associated with well-made and high-quality merch. The longer your audience gets to keep your product and make use of it, the more you get your return on investment on your branded merchandise.
Create Lasting Impressions with Promotional Bags
With limited time to capture your audience’s attention, promotional bags are a timeless and enduring item to add to your promotional strategy. Its versatility and customisabilty make it a top choice for companies when it comes to corporate gifts, trade show giveaways, employee gifts, and more.
To ensure the quality of your promotional bag, you must find an all-around vendor who can help make the process easy—from customising the merchandise to sourcing the products and delivery. An Australian-based promotional merchandise company like Red Tomato can help bring your branded merchandise ideas to life.
Explore customisable promotional bags for your marketing campaigns. Book an ideas call with Red Tomato and get you started.
