Question 1

What is Merchpath?

Accepted Answer

Merchpath is a curated swag platform built for startups and growing teams. Instead of scrolling through thousands of generic promotional products, you get a hand-picked catalog of premium branded merchandise that's actually worth putting your logo on.

Question 2

How is Merchpath different from 4imprint or CustomInk?

Accepted Answer

Most promotional products platforms give you tens of thousands of options with no guidance on what's actually good. Merchpath does the opposite: a tighter catalog of high-quality products we'd genuinely put our own logo on, organized around how startups and growing companies think about their brand. Less scrolling, better results.

Question 3

What's the minimum order quantity for startup merch?

Accepted Answer

Apparel and bag minimums start at 6 units: a practical starting point for early-stage startups that don't need to order in bulk. Request a quote and we'll confirm the minimum for the specific products you're looking at.

Question 4

Can I get help figuring out what startup swag to order?

Accepted Answer

That's exactly what Merchpath is built for. Our collections are organized to take the guesswork out of the process for startup teams. If you have a specific event, budget, or use case in mind, reach out and we can point you in the right direction.

Question 5

What's the typical lead time for branded startup merch?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by product and order size, but most orders are produced in 10-15 business days after artwork approval. Shipping is separate. Rush options may be available depending on the product. Request a quote for specifics on your startup's order.

Question 6

Will I be able to review my artwork before production starts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before anything goes to production, our team will send you a digital proof showing your logo placement, decoration method, and product details. You'll need to sign off on the proof before we move forward. Nothing gets printed, embroidered, or produced without your approval.

Question 7

Why does pricing vary instead of showing a fixed price?

Accepted Answer

The final price depends on a few variables: order quantity, the decoration method (screen print, embroidery, etc.), and the complexity of your artwork. These factors move the unit cost in ways that can't be captured in a single number. Request a quote and we'll give you an accurate price based on exactly what your startup needs.

Question 8

What swag do most startups order?

Accepted Answer

The most common startup swag orders are branded tees, hoodies, hats, and bags. For events and conferences, startups often put together swag kits with a mix of apparel and accessories. The key is picking items your team and customers will actually use.

Question 9

What's a reasonable merch budget for an early-stage startup?

Accepted Answer

Most seed-stage startups spend between $500 and $3,000 on their first merch order, depending on quantity and product type. Apparel and hats tend to offer the best value at lower quantities. We can work within almost any startup budget to find the right products.

Question 10

What startup swag makes the best first impression?

Accepted Answer

Premium apparel consistently performs best for startups. A well-designed hoodie or quality tee gets worn regularly, which means ongoing brand visibility. Avoid going cheap on the first order. Low-quality swag reflects on your startup's brand just as much as good swag does.

Question 11

What swag works best for a startup launch event?

Accepted Answer

For launch events, tees, bags, and hats are the most practical choices for startups. They're easy to distribute, visible, and functional. A curated event merch kit with 2-3 complementary items tends to leave a better impression than a single giveaway item.

Question 12

What branded merch works for onboarding new employees at a startup?

Accepted Answer

Employee welcome kits are one of the best uses of startup swag. A new hire kit typically includes a branded hoodie or tee, a hat, and a bag. It sets the tone for your startup's culture on day one.

Question 13

Can I order small quantities as a seed-stage startup?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Apparel and bag minimums start at 6 units, a workable starting point for most seed-stage startups. We'll always be upfront about the minimum for each product before you commit to anything.

Question 14

How do I choose swag that fits my startup's brand?

Accepted Answer

Start with your color palette and how it translates to apparel. Then think about your audience: is your startup's brand more technical and understated, or bold and expressive? Our collections are curated to help you make that call without wading through thousands of options.

Question 15

What startup swag works well as a $100 or $150 gift for employees or clients?

Accepted Answer

At that price point, a curated gift set is the move for startups. A quality hoodie or jacket paired with a hat or bag makes a high-perceived-value gift that feels intentional. Branded outerwear on its own also lands well as a standalone gift for employees or top clients.

Question 16

Where can I buy startup merch?

Accepted Answer

You can buy startup merch directly through Merchpath's curated startup collection. Pick the pieces you want (tees, hoodies, caps, bags), send your logo and a size breakdown, and request a quote. We handle decoration, quality checks, and delivery, shipping to your office or drop-shipping to remote team members. Minimums start at 6 units, so it works whether you're kitting out 8 new hires or 200.

Question 17

What makes Merchpath's premium swag different from standard promotional products?

Accepted Answer

Premium swag starts with the product itself. We only carry items from brands and manufacturers known for quality construction, materials, and finish. High-quality company swag (the kind startups use for onboarding kits and investor gifting) gets used and kept, which means more brand exposure over time compared to cheap items that end up in a drawer.

Question 18

What's included in the premium swag collection for startups?

Accepted Answer

The premium collection includes high-end apparel, outerwear, bags, and accessories from quality brands. Every product has been hand-reviewed for material quality, durability, and how it looks with custom decoration: the standard startups and growing teams expect from their branded merch.

Question 19

When does premium swag make sense for an early-stage startup, and when should you stick to standard promo products?

Accepted Answer

Premium swag makes the most sense for high-visibility use cases: new hire welcome kits, investor gifts, and client appreciation. When the item represents your startup's brand in a lasting way, quality matters. For bulk conference giveaways or large-quantity events, standard products are often the better call. The cost per unit is lower and the exposure value is similar.

Question 20

What are the best high-end promotional products for corporate gifting at a startup?

Accepted Answer

For corporate gifts from startups, premium outerwear and well-made bags consistently land well. High-end promotional products that are functional and branded tend to be kept and used, making them a better investment than novelty items.

Question 21

What decoration options are available for premium swag products?

Accepted Answer

Decoration options vary by product, but most premium items support embroidery, screen printing, or heat transfer depending on the material. Embroidery tends to look especially sharp on high-quality apparel and outerwear. We'll recommend the best method for each product in your startup's order.

Question 22

What roles at a startup typically own the swag and branded merch budget: HR, marketing, or operations?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the use case. Employee welcome kits and culture-driven swag are usually owned by people ops or HR teams at startups. Event and conference merch typically falls under marketing. For investor gifts or client gifting, it's often the founder or an executive. In early-stage startups, one person often covers all three.

Question 23

What is sustainable swag?

Accepted Answer

Sustainable swag refers to branded merchandise made from eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics, organic cotton, or other responsibly sourced inputs. It's a way for startups and companies to align their branded products with their environmental values.

Question 24

What are the most popular eco-friendly swag materials and product types for startups?

Accepted Answer

The most popular sustainable swag materials for startups are GOTS-certified organic cotton (for apparel), recycled polyester (for bags and outerwear), and responsibly sourced accessories. Eco-friendly apparel, totes, and accessories made from these materials are the most common choices. Every product in our sustainable collection meets a baseline standard for environmental impact, so startups aren't just getting greenwashed labels.

Question 25

How much more do eco-friendly promotional products cost compared to standard swag for startups?

Accepted Answer

Usually not as much as startups expect. Sustainable promotional products have come down in price as demand has grown. For many product categories the premium over standard items is 10-20%. We'll always show you options across both ranges so your startup can decide what's right for the budget.

Question 26

What are the best sustainable swag ideas for a startup?

Accepted Answer

Eco-friendly totes, organic cotton tees, and recycled material accessories are the most popular sustainable swag ideas for startups. They're functional, well-received, and signal your brand's values without being heavy-handed about it.

Question 27

What are good eco-friendly swag ideas for a startup event or conference?

Accepted Answer

For startup events, sustainable bags are a clear winner. They're useful during the event and get used long after. Organic tees and recycled accessories also work well as conference swag. The goal is something your startup's audience will actually keep.

Question 28

How do I know if a promotional product is truly eco-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Look for certifications and specific material callouts: things like GOTS-certified organic cotton or recycled polyester with post-consumer content percentages. Vague claims like "eco-conscious" without specifics are usually marketing. We call out the actual materials and certifications on every product in our sustainable collection, so startups can make informed choices.

Question 29

What is a realistic lead time for eco-friendly promotional products, and is rush production available for startups?

Accepted Answer

Most sustainable items ship within 10-15 business days after artwork approval. Some eco-friendly products are in stock for faster turnaround; others are made to order and require standard lead times. Rush production may be available depending on the product. Request a quote with your startup's timeline and we'll be upfront about what's possible.

Question 30

What's the difference between environmentally friendly swag and standard branded merch?

Accepted Answer

The main differences are materials and sourcing. Environmentally friendly swag uses inputs with a lower environmental footprint: whether that's recycled content, organic agriculture, or responsible manufacturing. For startups, the look and feel can be identical to standard products, and in many cases the quality is actually better.

Question 31

What are branded tees good for at a startup?

Accepted Answer

Branded tees are the most versatile startup swag you can buy. They work for onboarding new employees, company events, conferences, and general brand visibility. A quality custom tee gets worn regularly, which means ongoing exposure for your startup's brand.

Question 32

What sizing and style options are available for custom branded t-shirts for startups, including oversized fits?

Accepted Answer

Custom branded tees for startups come in standard, fitted, and oversized cuts. Oversized tees are one of our more popular apparel options. They have a modern, relaxed fit that tends to get worn more often than traditional fitted styles. Available in a range of colors with screen print or DTG decoration.

Question 33

What's the minimum order for custom t-shirts for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for custom tees starts at 6 units: a practical quantity for most early-stage startups. DTG and DTF handle smaller, full-color runs; screen printing is the most cost-effective choice at 24+ units.

Question 34

What decoration methods work best for branded startup tees?

Accepted Answer

Screen printing is the most durable and cost-effective option for larger startup orders. DTG (direct-to-garment) printing works well for complex artwork or smaller runs. Embroidery is an option for a more premium look, though it's less common on tees than on hats or outerwear.

Question 35

What's the best t-shirt for startup merch?

Accepted Answer

A heavyweight, ring-spun cotton tee or a cotton-poly blend. These hold their shape, feel good to wear, and take decoration well. Avoid ultra-cheap blanks. They show their quality quickly, and that reflects on your startup's brand.

Question 36

What branded sweatshirts work best for startups?

Accepted Answer

Hoodies are the top pick for startup swag. A quality pullover or zip hoodie gets worn constantly, especially in a tech or startup environment. Crewnecks are a close second and tend to have a slightly more polished look. Both work well for employee onboarding kits and startup events.

Question 37

What's the difference between a hoodie and a crewneck for startup merch?

Accepted Answer

Hoodies tend to be more casual and are extremely popular in startup culture. Crewnecks have a slightly cleaner silhouette and can read as more intentional for branded merch. Both are solid choices for startups. It comes down to your brand personality and how your team dresses day-to-day.

Question 38

What is the minimum order quantity for custom branded sweatshirts for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for custom hoodies and crewnecks starts at 6 units: a practical quantity for most early-stage startup teams. Request a quote and we'll match you to an option that fits your startup's quantity and budget.

Question 39

What decoration method works best for branded hoodies for a startup?

Accepted Answer

Embroidery and screen printing are both popular for startup hoodies. Embroidery gives a premium, structured look that holds up well over time. Screen printing allows for larger, bolder graphic placements. The right choice depends on your startup's artwork and the look you're going for.

Question 40

Are premium sweatshirts worth it for startup swag?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A premium hoodie from a quality brand is one of the best investments in startup swag because it actually gets worn. Low-quality sweatshirts pill, shrink, and get donated. A well-made hoodie with your startup's logo stays in rotation for years.

Question 41

What types of custom hats work best as startup swag, and which contexts are they best suited for?

Accepted Answer

Structured snapbacks and unstructured dad hats are the most popular for startups. Snapbacks have a clean, premium look suited for events and gifting; dad hats are more casual and tend to get worn more often in everyday settings. Beanies are a strong choice for fall and winter-focused startup swag programs.

Question 42

What's the minimum order for branded hats for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for custom hats starts at 6 units: a practical quantity for most startups. Embroidery setups require a one-time digitization fee for new artwork, but that cost is spread across the order and doesn't significantly impact per-unit pricing.

Question 43

What decoration method works best for custom startup hats?

Accepted Answer

Embroidery is the industry standard for branded hats used as startup swag. It's durable, looks sharp, and holds up through regular wear and washing. Flat embroidery is the most common and gives a clean, professional finish.

Question 44

What hats work best for startup conference and event swag?

Accepted Answer

Unstructured dad hats and snapbacks are the most popular choices for startup events and conferences. They're universally flattering, easy to distribute, and tend to get worn on the spot. A well-designed hat is one of the most visible pieces of event merch a startup can give out.

Question 45

What branded shirts work best for startups: polos or woven shirts?

Accepted Answer

Polos are the most versatile branded shirt for startups. They work in office environments, at client meetings, and as team uniforms, formal enough to signal professionalism, casual enough for everyday wear. Woven shirts (button-downs) are the right call when you need a more polished look, like a company event, conference booth, or client-facing team. Both take decoration well and make a stronger brand impression than a tee in contexts where presentation matters.

Question 46

What decoration options work best for branded polos and woven shirts for a startup?

Accepted Answer

Embroidery is the industry standard for branded polos and woven shirts. It holds up through regular washing, looks sharp on structured fabrics, and reads as intentional rather than promotional. Left chest placement is the most common and professional choice for startup logos. Heat transfer is available for complex multi-color artwork that doesn't digitize well for embroidery. Screen printing is generally not recommended for structured woven shirts. The fabric doesn't hold ink the same way.

Question 47

What's the minimum order for custom branded polos or woven shirts for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for branded polos and woven shirts starts at 6 units: a practical quantity for most startup teams or client event runs. Embroidery includes a one-time digitization fee for new artwork, but that cost is spread across the order and doesn't significantly impact per-unit pricing.

Question 48

When should a startup choose a polo or woven shirt over a tee or hoodie for company merch?

Accepted Answer

Polos and woven shirts are the right choice when context calls for a step up in formality. Client-facing teams, conference booth staff, and sales roles benefit from a branded polo over a tee. It signals consistency and professionalism without requiring a full uniform. For internal culture swag and event giveaways, tees and hoodies remain the more practical choice. Think about who's wearing it and where. That usually makes the decision clear.

Question 49

Are branded polos a good choice for startup employee uniforms or client events?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a branded polo is one of the most effective options for startup employee uniforms and client-facing events. It creates a cohesive, professional look without the rigidity of a formal shirt, and works across a wider range of body types and personal styles than most other uniform options. For events, a branded polo with a left-chest logo is easy to identify in a crowd and wears well through a full day. It's one of the better investments for startups that need branded apparel to double as both team culture gear and professional presentation.

Question 50

What's the ROI on branded outerwear for startups, and which jacket styles retain the most perceived value?

Accepted Answer

Branded outerwear delivers the highest perceived value per item of any startup swag category. A quality quarter-zip or softshell jacket is the most often kept and worn. It goes to the office, to the gym, and on weekends. The ROI comes from ongoing brand exposure: a well-made jacket gets worn hundreds of times across years, versus a cheap item worn once.

Question 51

What branded outerwear styles do startups most commonly order: quarter-zips, softshell jackets, or fleece?

Accepted Answer

Quarter-zips and softshell jackets are the most popular startup outerwear orders. Quarter-zips have a clean, versatile look that works in office and outdoor settings. Softshell jackets step up in perceived value and durability. Fleece is a strong choice for colder climates or startups that prioritize comfort-forward culture.

Question 52

What's the best branded jacket for a startup team?

Accepted Answer

A midweight softshell or fleece quarter-zip is the most practical choice for most startup teams. It's versatile across seasons, works in an office or outdoor setting, and has a clean look that pairs well with a logo. Full zip jackets are a step up in formality and perceived value.

Question 53

What decoration options are available for custom outerwear for startups?

Accepted Answer

Embroidery is the most common decoration method for startup outerwear and gives the most premium result. Left chest logo placement is standard. Larger back or sleeve placements are available depending on the style.

Question 54

What are the best branded outerwear options for startup conference swag?

Accepted Answer

For startup conferences, outerwear works best as a high-touch gift for speakers, sponsors, or key clients, not as a general giveaway. A branded quarter-zip or softshell jacket given to 20 high-value recipients makes a stronger impression than a cheaper item given to 200. Reserve outerwear for where the brand impression matters most.

Question 55

What branded bottoms are popular for startup merch?

Accepted Answer

Branded joggers and sweatpants are the most popular bottoms for startup swag. They work well for employee welcome kits and remote team gifting, where comfort-focused apparel tends to land well.

Question 56

What branded apparel items should go in a startup new employee welcome kit?

Accepted Answer

A hoodie or quality tee is the anchor item for most startup welcome kits. Pair it with joggers or sweatpants for a comfortable, cohesive set. Add a hat and a bag to round it out. The goal is a kit your new hire wears and uses, not a collection of items that sit in a closet.

Question 57

What's the minimum order for custom bottoms for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for branded bottoms starts at 6 units: workable for most early-stage startup teams. Screen printing and embroidery have slightly different lead times, which we'll outline when you request a quote.

Question 58

What decoration options are available for branded joggers at a startup?

Accepted Answer

Screen printing and embroidery are both available for branded startup bottoms. Left hip or back waistband placements are the most common. Embroidery on a left hip offers a subtle, premium look that works well for higher-end startup swag programs.

Question 59

What branded bags does Merchpath carry for startups?

Accepted Answer

We carry tote bags and backpacks suited for startups and corporate use. Totes are the most popular for events; backpacks work well for employee welcome kits and conference swag.

Question 60

What makes custom bags effective startup swag, and which bag styles have the highest perceived value?

Accepted Answer

Bags work as startup swag because they're functional and used in public. Every use is a brand impression. Totes are the highest-volume choice; backpacks carry the highest perceived value and get used daily. Both deliver ongoing visibility long after the initial order, which is what makes bags one of the best ROI swag categories for startups.

Question 61

What's the best bag for a startup conference swag kit?

Accepted Answer

A tote bag is the most practical conference swag option for startups. It's lightweight, easy to hand out, and functional during the event itself. If budget allows, a branded backpack is a step up in perceived value and gets used well beyond the event.

Question 62

What custom bag works best for a startup employee welcome kit?

Accepted Answer

A compact tote or backpack works well as the container for a startup new-hire welcome kit. It gives you a vehicle to include other items (apparel, accessories) while also being a standalone branded item the employee will actually use.

Question 63

What's the minimum order for branded bags for a startup?

Accepted Answer

The minimum order for custom bags starts at 6 units. Totes tend to have the fastest turnaround of the bag category, making them a good entry point for startups ordering swag for the first time.

Question 64

What decoration methods work best for branded bags for a startup?

Accepted Answer

Screen printing is the most popular decoration method for branded startup bags. It handles bold, full-color artwork well and is most cost-effective at 24+ units. Embroidery is available on structured bags like backpacks for a more premium, textured look. Front panel placement is the most common for totes; front pocket or side panel for backpacks. We'll recommend the best method based on your startup's artwork and the specific bag you're ordering.

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