The post 10 Ways To Screw Up Your Apparel Order And How ESP+ Can Prevent Them appeared first on ASI.

When Brent Hadaway launched BKH2 Productions (asi/140655), it wasn’t part of some grand strategy.

After retiring from a 23-year career producing live events, he returned as a consultant to manage his former employer’s golf tournaments. Promotional products were simply part of the job, and he sourced them the way he always had – through someone else.

Then a conversation with his next-door neighbor changed everything. The neighbor, a top sales rep in the promotional products industry, looked at Brent’s garage filled with tournament merchandise and asked why he wasn’t running the promo side himself. Why not earn the margin and save his client money at the same time?

What started as merchandise for one client quickly grew through referrals. Before long, the promotional products side of the business outpaced the golf and live event work entirely.

“It’s turned out to be way more than what we expected,” Brent said.

Making It Legit

As Brent built the business, credibility mattered.

For him, that started with making it official, securing the proper tax documentation and registering the business. Once everything was in place, it felt real.

But beyond paperwork, he wanted the backing of a trusted industry partner.

He joined ASI® on the recommendation of someone he trusted. Having an ASI number and being able to tell customers he was part of a recognized industry association added another layer of confidence.

It wasn’t about collecting memberships. It was about having the right one.

Discovering ESP+

When Brent joined ASI, he also gained access to ESP+. Learning the industry took time, but the platform itself didn’t intimidate him for long.

On a scale from one to 10 for ease of use? “11,” he said. “If you can search on Amazon, you can search on ESP+.”

As he grew more comfortable, ESP+ became part of his daily rhythm, helping him quickly find products, compare options and present ideas with confidence. Instead of scrambling for answers, he could respond in real time.

And that confidence changed his sales conversations.

A Professional Presence

In the beginning, Brent used the previous ESP version for his merchandise website, but only as an online catalog link from his BKH2 Productions website. He didn’t promote it as a featured promo industry tool.

“It was kind of archaic … it just wasn’t impressive,” he admitted.

When he decided to fully embrace ESP+, that changed. His new ESP+ Website was built quickly, aligned with his branding and immediately elevated how his business looked to clients.

He also began using ESP+ Stores – custom, branded online shops created for specific clients – to support larger opportunities.

What started as a test quickly became a growth tool. When a company he had been pursuing for years submitted a quote request, momentum followed. Within days, multiple people from the organizationwere reaching out.

That engagement opened the door to broader conversations during a company rebrand, including new branded apparel across multiple divisions.

All it took was a professional online presence and a streamlined buying experience to change the conversation.

Real Results

With ESP+, his ESP+ Website and ESP+ Stores working together, Brent’s process became faster and more flexible.

He can present ideas the way each customer prefers, whether that’s a polished presentation or a direct link. He can respond quickly during calls, share options in real time and adjust on the fly. That speed reinforces the service standard he built the business on.

The impact has been tangible.

After years of trying to break into one organization, a single website quote request sparked multiple conversations within days. Orders followed. New departments got involved. A rebrand created even more opportunity.

And Brent sees even bigger growth ahead.

A major opportunity currently in discussion could require him to hire at least five fulltime employees to support the volume. Thanks to the systems he now has in place, he feels confident he can scale when the time comes.

“Anybody can use this tool,” he said.

From Humble Beginnings To A Grateful Foundation

What started as a side project in a garage is now a structured, professional business.

Brent didn’t plan to enter the promotional products industry. But with the right support and the right tools, what began as an unexpected opportunity turned into something sustainable.

For him, it was never about being the biggest. It was about being reliable.

And now, he has a business built to match that standard.

Want this Success Story as a PDF? Click here to download.

Explore how ASI can help your business grow like BKH2 Productions.

The post BKH2 Productions: How an Unexpected Opportunity Turned Into a Thriving Promo Business appeared first on ASI.

In this short demo, you’ll see how ESP+ can help you:

• Search millions of products in seconds

• Create polished presentations that win more business

• Work more efficiently and save hours each week

Fill out the form to unlock the full demo and see ESP+ in action.

The post Webinar (On-Demand): Work Smarter. Find Products Faster. Win More Business. appeared first on ASI.

Whether you’re setting up a shop for uniforms, event giveaways, employee rewards or school spiritwear, ESP+ Stores allow you to meet your clients’ needs with speed, style and simplicity.

What Makes ESP+ Stores Different?

Unlike generic promo products e-commerce platforms, ESP+ Stores are tailored for the unique demands of the promotional industry. These client-ready storefronts are packed with features that support your business goals:

• Quick Setup: Get a store live in just a few steps – no IT skills needed (you’re welcome).
• Brand Matching: Customize each store to your client’s brand for a seamless experience.
• AI-Driven Product Search: Help your clients quickly find the perfect product.
• Consolidated Orders: Combine purchases to reduce shipping costs and fulfillment time.
• Built-In Marketing Tools: Promote store launches and encourage repeat business.
• Security & Compliance: Offer a fully secure and compliant online shopping experience.
• Automated Product Mock-Ups: Present polished visuals without extra effort.
• Budget-Friendly: Professional-quality stores without a high cost.

Why Distributors Love ESP+ Stores (and You Will Too)

ESP+ Stores aren’t just about saving time – they’re about growing your business. Distributors report faster order turnarounds, higher client satisfaction and stronger brand loyalty when using this powerful platform.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Less Admin: Cut down on emails and manual coordination.
• Consistent Branding: Ensure your client’s logo, colors and messaging shine through on every product.
• Bulk Order Savings: Combine shipping to save money for you and your clients.
• Effortless Buying Experience: Easy for end-users to browse, click and order.
• Repeat Business: Once a client has a store, they’ll keep coming back for more.

A Store for Every Client Type

Regardless of your niche, ESP+ Stores can support your clients across markets, events and business models. Just look at the possibilities:

• Real Estate & Construction: Sell branded safety gear, signage or gifts.
• Healthcare & Wellness: Offer scrubs, kits or fitness gear.
• Trade Shows & Company Retreats: Provide attendee swag and booth merchandise.
• Franchises & Multilocation Retail: Centralize ordering for brand consistency.
• Nonprofits & Fundraisers: Build virtual stores to raise money with custom merch.

Ready To Launch? Let’s Go.

You don’t need a development team or weeks of planning. With ESP+ Stores, you can set up and sell in no time – while offering a professional, polished experience that makes your clients’ lives easier and your business more profitable.

Streamline operations. Delight clients. Boost sales. ESP+ Stores make it happen, all from one secure, simple platform.

Learn more at asicentral.com/esp+stores or call (800) 546-1350 to get started.

The post How ESP+ Stores Help Distributors Grow Their Promo Products Business appeared first on ASI.

From fundraising campaigns to corporate rollouts, here are five smart ways to use ESP+ Stores as a flexible, scalable solution your clients – and your bottom line – will thank you for.

#1 Event-Based: Turn Big Moments Into Branded Experiences

Events are one of the most effective online company store use cases. Whether it’s a trade show, conference or corporate retreat, a dedicated event swag store ensures everyone gets the right gear – on time and on brand.

With ESP+ Stores, clients can simplify distribution, reduce waste and consolidate orders. You’re not just offering merchandise – you’re delivering a streamlined experience.

Use it for:

• Trade shows and expos – Classic high-volume merch opportunity
• Company retreats – Internal team building
• Client appreciation events – Relationship-driven branding
• Corporate galas and awards nights – Upscale and professional
• Product launches and milestone anniversaries – Timely, brand-centric events

#2 Market-Based: Align With Industry Needs

Each vertical has its own merch requirements, and an online company store allows your clients to meet them head-on. Using ESP+ Stores, you can build custom branded storefronts with relevant items for real estate pros, contractors, healthcare staff and beyond.

It’s one of the most effective promotional product use cases because it proves you understand your client’s business. That builds trust and elevates you from order taker to expert – and a go-to resource for all things branding.

Target market examples:

• Real estate – Perfect for signage, client gifts, open house kits
• Healthcare – Scrubs, wellness items, employee incentives
• Construction – Branded safety gear, tools, jobsite merch
• Finance – Professional swag for client engagement or internal branding
• Hospitality – Staff uniforms, guest welcome packages and event merchandise
• Manufacturing – Branded PPE, work gear and team incentive programs
• Technology – Trade show merch, employee kits and culture-building swag

#3 Purpose-Based: Fuel Internal Programs & Culture

One of the most overlooked online company store use cases is internal engagement. Help your clients launch stores that support wellness goals, reward employees or foster school spirit – all while keeping the process simple.

With ESP+ Stores, they get a seamless employee rewards platform or seasonal pop-up shop without having to manage fulfillment or inventory.

Example purposes:

• Team incentives or wellness programs – Branded items tied to fitness challenges, mental health months or productivity rewards
• Employee appreciation swag – Kits for staff anniversaries, promotions or “just because” recognition
• New hire onboarding – Easy distribution of welcome kits and branded gear for remote or in-person onboarding
• Diversity and culture campaigns – Swag supporting affinity groups, heritage months or inclusion initiatives
• Milestone celebrations – Company anniversaries, hitting sales goals or completing major projects
• Peer-to-peer recognition – Allow team members to nominate and reward each other with branded merch
• School or team spiritwear – For K-12, colleges or campus clubs – keeps fans cheering

#4 Client Branding: Stay Consistent Across Every Location

Multilocation businesses and franchises often struggle with brand consistency – and for good reason. An ESP+ Store can serve as a franchise merchandise solution, giving regional operators access to pre-approved, on-brand products while HQ maintains control over visuals and SKUs.

Now, you can help your clients scale their branding without sacrificing standards.

Great for:

• Franchise networks – Ensure all locations order from the same approved merch library
• Boutique fitness studios – Let each location offer branded apparel while HQ oversees the brand
• Multilocation retailers – Centralize seasonal or regional merch programs with brand consistency
• Restaurant chains – Uniforms, employee rewards and promotional items that reflect one unified brand
• Salons and spas – Branded robes, tools or take-home products managed under one store
• Education networks – Charter or private schools with multiple campuses needing shared branding
• Field sales teams – Enable reps across regions to order pre-approved apparel, signage and materials

#5 Charity & Fundraising: Make Giving Back Effortless

Fundraising is another powerful online company store use case. With ESP+ Stores, nonprofits and schools can run a fundraising merchandise shop year-round – no inventory headaches or manual ordering needed.

Whether it’s alumni gear, donor rewards or event tees, you can help clients amplify their mission while keeping their workload low.

Best for:

• Nonprofits and awareness causes – Year-round merch for campaigns, volunteers or supporter gifts
• School PTA fundraisers – Sell branded gear to support clubs, classrooms or school initiatives
• Community campaigns – Neighborhood revitalization projects, cleanup efforts and local causes
• Charity walks and races – Pre-event gear for participants and volunteers, plus year-round supporter apparel
• Animal rescues and shelters – Branded tees, pet gear or “adopt don’t shop” messaging items
• Religious organizations – Church groups, youth ministries or mission fundraisers
• Alumni associations – Offer exclusive branded merch for engagement and giving campaigns
• Cultural or arts groups – Theater companies, galleries or museums supporting events or memberships

Final Thoughts: One Tool, Countless Opportunities

ESP+ Stores aren’t just another platform – they’re your foot in the door with every type of client. By showing the wide range of online company store use cases, you’ll not only close more sales but build long-term value for your customers.

It’s time to match the right store to the right client. Explore ESP+ Stores today.

The post 5 Smart Ways Clients Can Use Branded Company Stores appeared first on ASI.

Selling promotional products for screen printers is a no-brainer. You can grow your business and diversify revenue streams without adding equipment or inventory (hooray!). It’s a smart, simple way to provide clients with more services, strengthen relationships and improve loyalty.

Why Promo Is a Natural Fit for Screen Printers

You already help clients promote their brand and they trust you with their logos – adding promotional products just gives them more options to do it. Promo products turn logos into everyday ads. Think tumblers in employee welcome kits, tote bags at trade shows or rally towels at sporting events.

And thanks to how the promo supply chain works, you don’t need to stock items or imprint them – someone else handles that! Promo vendors customize and dropship products directly to your clients. That means when you expand print shop offerings and upsell promotional items to print clients, you can grow your print shop without new gear. Zero inventory, no equipment and no added stress.

How To Start Selling Promo Items as a Screen Printer

We know – you already have a business and you’re busy. But the good news is adding promo products to a print business doesn’t have to add stress. Here’s how screen printers break into promo without breaking a sweat.

Join a Membership Organization in the Promo Products Industry

When you join a membership organization like ASI, you get access to member benefits including educational resources and software tools that help you run your promo business. ASI’s large network of vendors makes it easy to connect and source promo for your customers.

Use Software Built for Selling Promo

Promo product sourcing is its own world with tons of products, vendors and decoration methods. The good news is there is one tool you can use to manage every aspect of your business. ESP+ is an all-in-one software solution built specifically for print shops and promo professionals. Say no to juggling multiple platforms, tabs and tools – and yes to one simple solution.

With ESP+, you can:

• Search 1.2+ million products from nearly 3,000 promotional products vendors for printers
• Design client-ready presentations
• Manage orders, invoices and customer data
• Launch branded websites and pop-up stores
• Access a huge catalog of zero-inventory promo items

Promote to Existing Clients First

You already have clients. An easy way to sell branded merchandise is to offer more to people already buying from you. Marketing promotional products for screen printers can be as easy as just telling existing customers you offer them. Next time a client orders custom shirts, ask, “What else can I put your logo on?” See if they need event giveaways, thank-you gifts or branded office supplies. (And if it’s fall, be sure to ask about end-of-year awards and holiday gifts!)

To help close the deal, put together a custom presentation or mockup using ESP+. Most clients love seeing how their brand looks on something other than a T-shirt, and the visual alone may be enough to secure the order.

Bundle Shirts With Promo

Kitting – bundling products together – is a big trend in promo. As a screen printer, you can create your own kits that include shirts and related promo items. Just think about it: what if you bundled shirts with hats, water bottles or totes? You’d add value and increase your average order. Some pitch-perfect ideas:

• Back-to-school kits (shirts, lanyards, notebooks)
• New employee swag (backpacks, polos, drinkware)
• Event merch bundles (totes, hats, pens)

This strategy helps you upsell promotional items to print clients and further position yourself as a full-service branding partner.

Smart Sales, No Stress: Why Promo Works for Printers

Relationships are the key to any successful business – and you already have those. You understand timelines, design needs and branding. Selling promotional products is a natural next step for screen printers and lets you build on those strengths.

A good sourcing platform does the heavy lifting:

• No inventory. No equipment. No overhead.
• Vendors do it all – stock items, imprint and ship to your customers
• You can focus on selling and meeting client needs

You can grow your business and build loyalty by helping your clients get everything they need in one place.

Final Takeaway: It’s Easier Than You Think

When you join an organization like ASI, you have all the valuable resources you need to expand your offerings into selling promo. Join ASI today and start saying, “What else can I put your logo on?”

The post Beyond T-Shirts: How Screen Printers Can Easily Sell Promotional Products appeared first on ASI.

Imagine this: You can sell customers branded merchandise without ever touching a single product. No warehousing. No inventory. No overhead. You can add products without equipment investment and generate a new revenue stream. This sounds too good to be true (we know), but it’s the norm when you’re a screen printer who adds promo products to the mix.

Why Promo Products?

The question you should really ask is, “why not promo products?!” Items like pens, mugs, custom apparel and tech accessories branded with logos are a lucrative industry. For screen printers, it’s a natural upsell that fits right in with what you’re already doing. By adding promo to your lineup, you can:

• Say cha-ching! Get bigger orders from existing customers.
• Connect more with your community and grow your business with local organizations, schools and companies.
• Boost average order value without heavy lifting (figuratively and literally).
• Keep customers coming back for all their branding – stop sending them to your competition!

How the Zero Inventory Model Works

Through a network of trusted promo products vendors, screen printers can access a vast catalog of items ready for customization and direct fulfillment.

Here’s how:

1. Sell Branded Merchandise Without Stock: Choose from tons of items you can offer customers without ever buying any inventory – yep, no inventory!
2. Dropship Promotional Products: Your vendor handles imprinting the logos and shipping the final products to your customer. You focus on sales and service.
3. Risk-Free Revenue Streams: No blank goods to purchase. No storage space to manage. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
4. Streamlined Workflow: With software like ESP+ from ASI, product sourcing, mockups and orders are managed on one platform.

Your Profit, Not Your Problem

Because of how the promo products supply chain works, you increase profit margins and expand your print business without overhead, staff or equipment. You keep the markup and skip the headaches.

What You Gain:

• No upfront inventory costs (woo-hoo!)
• Faster turnaround times with direct shipping from vendors
• More time to focus on high-margin screen printing jobs that bring home the bacon
• More value for your customers, which leads to loyalty, reorders and revenue

What You Avoid:

• Buying in bulk and crossing your fingers
• Dealing with warehousing or shipping (eyeroll)
• Spending on new equipment or training

Vendors You Can Trust

The secret weapon of the zero-inventory model? A trusted supplier network.

Joining a promo membership organization like ASI comes with lots of benefits, but perhaps the best advantage you’ll gain is access to nearly 3,000 vetted promo suppliers. (Remember, they’re the ones with the inventory, not you!)

Some vendors specialize in specific product types, while others offer a wide variety – so you’re in control. You choose the partners that best fit your business and customers’ needs. Since you’re outsourcing promo product fulfillment, it pays to be smart about which vendors you partner with.

Need things quickly? Work with vendors that offer rush services.

Have a customer who wants wow-worthy, one-of-a-kind swag? Reach out to vendors who do custom products.

Does your customer have green initiatives? Only partner with vendors who have eco certifications or products made with sustainable materials.

Joining a membership organization with a large vendor network allows you to pick and choose (and choose wisely) so you can best meet the needs of your customer.

ESP+: The Secret to Finding Promotional Product Vendors

When you join ASI, you get a license to ESP+, an all-in-one software that streamlines promo product sales. Many ASI members say all you need to sell promo is ESP+ (okay, not entirely true, but it definitely makes life a whole lot easier).

With ESP+, you have everything you need to run your business at your fingertips:

• Search 1.2+ million promo products from nearly 3,000 vendors.
• Use dozens of filters to find the perfect product.
• Create client presentations and virtual samples in minutes.
• Submit orders directly to vendors.
• Track fulfillment and manage proofs all in one place.
• Manage all client communications, including orders, invoices, artwork and even emails in the CRM.

FAQs: Why You Want To Say Yes to Low-Risk Product Diversification

Do I need special equipment? Nope. You won’t produce, customize or ship the products. Your vendor handles all of that!

Is there a minimum order requirement? Most vendors offer low MOQs, with some even offering single-unit orders. You can also get samples so your clients can see before they buy.

What about product customization? In addition to adding your customer’s logo, many vendors offer a variety of colors, sizes and even decoration methods. Want a fully customized product? There are vendors who specialize in that too.

How do I get started? Joining ASI gives you access to a large vendor network (a must), ESP+ (another must) and marketing support to hit the ground running.

Take the Next Step

Now you see why selling promo is a smart business growth strategy for a print shop. With zero inventory promotional products for printers, you can:

• Grow your order sizes without inventory, equipment or stress.
• Offer all things branding so your clients don’t turn to competitors.
• Strengthen customer relationships and boost loyalty (aka long-term business).
• Add services without adding complexity to your shop.

Remember, it’s not, “why promo?” – it’s, “why not promo?” Discover how ASI eliminates inventory risk and learn how to access our large vendor network. Start exploring today.

The post Zero Inventory, Big Profit: How Screen Printers Can Sell Promo Products Risk-Free appeared first on ASI.

The post How To Sell Promo Without Feeling “Salesy” appeared first on ASI.

Not sure which industries to focus on? This downloadable infographic highlights the top 5 markets buying promo, plus the product categories that perform best in each.

Get practical ideas you can use right away to target high-spend sectors, position smarter programs and generate larger, repeat orders.

The post Top 5 Markets for Promo You Should Target appeared first on ASI.

You want to win the order.
You want to stay competitive.
And you don’t want to undersell yourself just to get a “yes.”

The good news? Promotional products pricing doesn’t have to be guesswork. With the right approach, pricing promotional products becomes a repeatable process that protects your time, your value and your margins.

This guide breaks down how to price promo items with confidence – and how to build a promo pricing strategy that supports long-term growth.

Why New Distributors Struggle With Pricing

For some distributors, the pricing struggle isn’t a matter of getting the math right. It all starts with a lack of clarity.

Without reliable data, trusted suppliers or a consistent workflow, it’s easy to:

• Guess at pricing
• Underestimate costs
• Cut margins to avoid pushback

When that happens, promotional product margins shrink fast – and selling promo starts to feel harder than it should.

Pricing confidently starts with understanding what actually goes into every order.

Promotional Products Pricing Is About More Than the Product

When pricing promotional products, it’s important to remember you’re not just selling an item – you’re selling a solution.

Your price reflects:

• Product sourcing and supplier coordination
• Decoration management and proofing
• Timeline control and delivery confidence
• Professional guidance that helps clients choose correctly

If you only charge for the product itself, you’re leaving value (and profit) on the table.

A strong promo pricing strategy accounts for the work behind the scenes, not just the unit cost.

Know Your Costs Before You Set Your Price

Before you decide what to charge, you need a clear view of your true costs. That includes:

• Net product pricing
• Setup and run charges
• Shipping and fulfillment
• Time spent managing the order

Without accurate pricing data, it’s easy to underquote without realizing it, especially when juggling multiple suppliers or platforms.

Clear visibility into costs is the foundation of selling promotional products profitably.

How MOQ and EQP Impact Your Pricing Strategy

Two concepts shape how to price promo items more than almost anything else:

• MOQ in Promotional Products
  MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) is the smallest number of units a supplier will accept. Understanding MOQ helps you recommend products that align with your client’s budget and your margin goals.
• EQP Pricing Strategy
  EQP (End Quantity Pricing) means the per-unit cost drops as quantity increases. A strong EQP pricing strategy allows you to show clients how ordering more can lower their cost per item, while improving your promotional product margins.

When you understand both, pricing becomes consultative instead of reactive.

Compete on Confidence, Not Price

If price is the only thing you lead with, you’ll always feel pressure to set steep discounts, especially when competing with big-box players.

But clients aren’t just buying promo items. They’re buying:

• Speed
• Accuracy
• High-quality service
• Clear communication
• Confidence that the order will go right

When your process feels credible and your recommendations are clear, pricing conversations get easier – and discounting becomes the exception, not the rule.

Why Systems Matter for Pricing

Pricing is hardest when everything is pieced together.

When you’re switching between tools, supplier lists and spreadsheets, it’s harder to price consistently and easier to make mistakes that eat into margins.

An all-in-one connected system like ESP+ changes that. When product search, pricing data and supplier access live in one place, you gain the clarity needed to quote quickly and confidently.

Less guesswork. Fewer surprises. Stronger margins.

Price for Growth, Not Just the Sale

Winning a single order at a thin margin doesn’t build a business. Pricing in a way that supports your time, expertise and workflow does.

When your promo pricing strategy is built for sustainability, you:

• Take on better-fit orders
• Reduce rework and stress
• Build repeat clients, not one-off transactions

And pricing promotional products starts to feel like a strength – not a risk.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to be the cheapest to succeed. You need clarity, confidence and a pricing strategy that reflects real value.

When you understand how to price promo items using accurate data, smart EQP strategies and realistic MOQs, you protect your margins and unlock profitable growth.

With ASI^®, selling promotional products stops feeling overwhelming and starts working the way it should. Let’s build your path forward through promo.

The post How To Price Promo Without Underselling Yourself appeared first on ASI.