Blog updated weekly!

How to Calculate the ROI on Custom Merch

Sign Up For A Free Swag Store

Thank you! Your submission has been received and we will respond in 24 hours! Reach out to our team at sales@stokedonprinting.com in the meantime for any questions!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Sign Up For A Free Swag Store

Thank you! Your submission has been received and we will respond in 24 hours! Reach out to our team at sales@stokedonprinting.com in the meantime for any questions!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Need help finding the perfect swag?

Fill out the form below and our team of Swag Pros will be in contact ASAP!

First name
Last name
Company Name
Email
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

How to calculate the ROI on custom merch

Do you ever wonder if there's a way to calculate the return on investment (ROI) for those custom t-shirts, coffee mugs, or even company pens with your logo? Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we'll walk you through how to calculate the ROI on custom merch. Whether you're looking to justify a future purchase or figure out how effective your current marketing efforts are, this is the post for you. So read on and learn how to calculate the ROI of your custom merchandise!

Define your goals for custom merch - what do you want to achieve with it?

When considering custom merch, it's important to first consider what goals you want to accomplish with this promotional product. Are you looking for something that will make a big impact on your customers, or are you hoping to present a subtle message about your brand? Maybe you want to foster customer loyalty, or maybe you're aiming for fashion-forward designs that will be an everyday staple and build your visibility in the long-term. At the end of the day, it boils down to finding a great balance between creating something that expresses who you are as a business and making something useful and desirable. With thoughtful planning and execution, custom merchandise can help achieve all these goals at once.

Do your research on potential vendors and compare prices

Taking the time to research potential vendors and compare prices is an essential part of obtaining value for your money. Gaining detailed information on vendors, such as their service history, policies and client base, can help you make a better informed decision. You may be surprised with the different price points between vendors, so it pays to take the time to investigate all your options when shopping around. Furthermore, being aware of customs charges, delivery timelines and any other fine print considerations can save you from unnecessary delays or expenses in the future. Ultimately, taking a few extra moments now can save you time and money in the long run.

Consider the quality of the merchandise and how long it will last

When evaluating merchandise, especially big ticket items, it is important to consider the quality of the item and how long it will last. Investing in higher quality products can be expensive up front, but often pays off in the long run when you consider longevity and satisfaction with your purchase. Additionally, if you are looking for an item that has a specific purpose or is part of a task such as furniture assembly for instance, choosing something of superior quality is wise. Quality construction and craftsmanship ensure a better fit and more reliable outcome than their cheaper counterparts. This can be essential when safety or stability is involved. Ultimately, taking into account product quality and lifespan should play an important role when deciding what to buy.

Determine the quantity of custom merchandise you need to order

Figuring out how much custom merchandise to order can feel daunting, but luckily there are ways to simplify the process. Start by measuring your target audience - consider their age and size specifically. You may also want to research the trends of popular fashions in those demographics. After you get a good idea of the range in sizing you will need to accommodate, the quantity of custom merchandise you need to order should become more clear. Not only will understanding your audience's preferences help with how many items you need to order initially, but also give you an idea of what types of custom pieces should be included in future orders too!

Calculate the cost of shipping and handling

Calculating the cost of shipping and handling can be a complex process, depending on a variety of factors. Many businesses use intricate algorithms to determine costs, incorporating elements like postal code, package size, type of delivery service, and weight into their calculations. Shipping calculators are an invaluable tool for anyone trying to make sure they're getting the best deal possible on parcel delivery - so if you want accurate estimates and an idea of what your shipping costs will be like in advance, it's worth doing some research and finding one that works for you.

Add up all the costs and compare it to your expected return on investment

The first step in any potential business venture is to thoroughly evaluate all associated costs. Costs can obviously range in many forms, from the shirts themselves to shipping and handling. Comparing all costs to expected return on investment is crucial; a businessperson needs to know that he or she will be able to make a profit for their time and effort. When assessing these numbers, it's imperative to remain realistic; one should not feel pressured into going through with the venture if the risk isn't worth the reward. With that in mind, research and rational decision-making is always key when weighing the costs of starting a t-shirt business.


All in all, custom merch is a great way to get your logo and message out into the world. When done correctly, it can be a fantastic marketing tool for businesses looking to increase their visibility and make an impact with potential customers. It's important to do your research and create a plan of action before investing in custom merchandise. Start by setting achievable goals and budgeting accordingly. Then do your research to ensure you are getting the best deal on quality products that will last. Factor in shipping and handling costs when assessing how much you'll be spending. All these aspects will help you determine whether the cost of buying custom merch is worth it in terms of return on investment. Keep track of sales data to assess the effectiveness of this endeavor over time, so you can measure its performance based on hard facts and figures rather than just assumptions.

Recent posts

View all posts

Want to talk to a Merch Pro?

Fill out this quick form and we will reach out to you!

We're stoked to have you, so here's 10% off!*

Stay up-to-date with weekly content, product launches, new site features, and exclusive offers!
Must sign up for newsletter below. Offer valid on one order on stokedonprinting.com only.*