What custom merch really costs, per person

What goes into the price

A custom merch quote is made of a few parts:

• The product itself, which depends on materials, size and how custom it is.
• Decoration: printing, engraving, embroidery or a custom mold.
• Setup: screens, plates or tooling, usually a one-time cost.
• Packaging: bulk, individual bags or retail-style boxes.
• Shipping: freight to your office or straight to the booth.

With us, design and mockups are free, and you get one clear quote that covers the whole thing.

Why quantity changes everything

Setup costs are spread across the order, so larger runs usually bring the per-unit price down. That doesn't mean you should order more than you need. Leftover boxes in a storage room cost money too. Order for the audience you expect, plus a sensible buffer.

Cost per person reached

Take the total cost of the project and divide it by the number of people who actually receive something. That is your cost per person reached. It's a fairer way to compare a premium item given to qualified visitors with a cheaper item handed to everyone who passes.

If an item is used daily for months, that cost is spread across a lot of moments where your brand is in someone's hand.

Where to save, and where not to

Save on: unnecessary colors in a print, over-ordering, rush shipping (by starting early) and packaging nobody sees.

Don't save on: product quality and design. A cheaper item that gets thrown away is the most expensive option per use.

Getting a clear number

Send us the show, the audience, a rough quantity and a budget range, and we'll come back with mockups and one clear quote. Our five-minute brief guide lists exactly what to include.