Why Promo Pricing Changes So Fast Now (and How Local Businesses Can Avoid Surprises)
If you’ve ordered custom shirts, hats, banners, drinkware, or giveaway items lately, you may have noticed something new: quotes don’t hold as long as they used to.
That’s not a “sales tactic.” It’s just how the industry works right now. Blank product inventory changes quickly, shipping costs move, and suppliers adjust pricing more often than most people realize.
The good news: you can avoid most surprises with a few simple moves.
What’s causing the changes?
Here’s what typically drives a quote to shift after it was sent:
Inventory moves fast
Popular colors and sizes can sell out overnight, especially during busy seasons (spring events, summer camps, fall festivals, holiday gifting).
Supplier price updates
Suppliers adjust pricing based on raw materials, demand, and global shipping conditions. That changes what distributors can offer.
Decoration details matter
A small change like moving a logo location, increasing print size, adding a second location, or switching from embroidery to print can change the cost more than people expect.
Shipping is not a flat number
Freight can vary by supplier, ship date, and even the number of cartons. Rush shipping can swing it the most.
“We need it by Friday” costs more
Rush production + rush shipping + missed approvals is where budgets get blown up.
The 5-step “no surprise” promo plan
If you want your order to stay clean and predictable, do this:
1) Start with your in-hands date
Tell us the date you need items in-hand, not the event date. (For most orders, you want them 7–10 days before the event.)
2) Pick one backup product
If your first pick sells out, you can approve the backup immediately instead of restarting the whole process.
3) Approve artwork early
Most delays happen here. Once artwork is approved, we can lock in production instead of waiting while deadlines creep up.
4) Don’t wait to confirm sizes
For apparel, collecting sizes is the #1 thing that drags out an order. If you don’t have sizes yet, we can quote with estimates and finalize once you confirm.
5) Build in a tiny buffer
Ordering a little extra (especially for events) is usually cheaper than placing a second rush order later.
Real-world example (you’ve probably seen this)
You approve a quote for 100 shirts.
Three days later, that color is gone in key sizes.
Now you’re choosing a different brand, paying for a rush, or changing the timeline.
That whole situation is avoidable if we plan the order around inventory and timeline from the start.
How we help local businesses do this right
When you work with us, we don’t just send a quote and hope it works out. We help you:
pick the right product for your budget and deadline
keep your logo looking sharp (print-ready files save money and time)
avoid last-minute fees and rework
deliver something you’re proud to put your name on
Want a quote that won’t turn into a headache?
Send us three things and we’ll reply with options that match your budget:
What are you making (shirts, hats, drinkware, etc.)
Quantity range (even a rough guess is fine)
Your “need it in-hand” date
We’ll give you a clear plan, a primary option, and a backup option so you’re covered. Send us your item, quantity, and in-hands date, and we’ll reply with the best option plus a backup so you’re covered if inventory shifts.
