If you’ve been around the promo industry long (or if you’re just a millennial), then you’re well versed in the term “swag.” There’s a misconception floating around that “swag” is synonymous with “merch,” when in fact the two have largely different implications.
Branded merchandise — more casually known as merch — refers to products sold or gifted to enhance relationships with your brand. Merch can come in the form of apparel, gadgets, accessories, and any other product that can best display and represent your branding. Ideally, merch should work in tandem with your marketing, onboarding, or engagement strategies as a physical representation (and at times, an advertisement) of your brand’s values and personality. Not only does merchandise provide prolonged exposure, it gives a sense of camaraderie to those who wear or use it.
Merchandise plays a massive role in brand experiences like events, promo campaigns, or gifting seasons. It’s a proven tool to strengthen company culture, reinforce employee retention, and catch attention from potential new hires or customers. There should always be a strategy behind your investment, because good merch costs good money. This is one of the main differentiating factors between “swag” and “merch,” but there are plenty others.
Need to Skim? Key Takeaways:
- Merch refers to premium, branded products sold to enhance relationships with employees and customers, while swag includes more affordable, promotional items given away to boost brand awareness.
- Swag is perfect for events to increase brand visibility, whereas merch involves a higher investment and thoughtful design, offering deeper connections and long-term value.
- Quality merch fosters a sense of community among employees and customers, enhancing brand loyalty and providing positive exposure for your company.
Table of Contents
- Swag vs. Merch: What’s the Difference?
- Why We Say Merch and Not Swag
- Beyond Swag vs. Merch: Strategic Use of Branded Products
- How Merch Helps Strengthen the Workplace
- Level Up Your Customer Loyalty with Imprint Engine
Swag vs. Merch: What’s the Difference?
Up until now, some of you may have thought “swag” and “merch” could be used interchangeably. (It’s okay, there are people in our industry who think the same thing!) But while merch is more sophisticated in a lot of ways, swag is more efficient in others.
Merch refers to products that are typically sold to strengthen bonds with employees and existing customers. Merch tends to include exclusive products that feature more creative or intricate designs. It also falls under a higher price point compared to swag, but that’s because consumers are willing to pay a premium for “merch” while swag is usually given away. Common examples of merch include:
- Branded apparel
- Premium drinkware
- The latest tech gadgets
- High-end backpacks or work bags
Swag refers to promotional items, or freebies, that are given out like little physical advertisements. Swag products are typically found at events like trade shows or popup marketing campaigns. They’re often less expensive due to being lower-quality items with much simpler customization than merch. The purpose of swag is to stamp your brand onto a functional item to boost brand awareness and attract new customers. These items may include:
- Pens
- Tote bags
- Bottle openers
- Plastic cups
- Lip balm
Why We Say Merch and Not Swag
As a brand experience partner, we’ve removed “swag” from our vocabulary and there are several reasons why. For one, consumers have been turning away from tchotchkes and trinkets and investing in higher-end merchandise. We know that when people think of “swag,” they’re not thinking of the premium experiences and products that we create — they’re likely envisioning junk. And we know that people simply aren’t searching for “swag” as much as they used to. Google Trends shows that among promo-related terms researched online, “swag” reached the peak of its popularity a decade ago and “merch” has stepped up as the predominant term related to branded products. Also, we just think “merch” sounds better.
A lot of big players in the promotional industry still use “swag” to describe their products, so as a consumer it’s important to differentiate whether or not their terminology translates to the level of personalization and quality of their merchandise.
Beyond Swag vs. Merch: Strategic Use of Branded Products
Despite “swag” leaving our corporate vocabulary, there is still a time and place for the products that fall under its umbrella! Like we touched on earlier, branded freebies are great advertising tools to distribute at trade shows, fairs, or popup events. Handing out tote bags or bottle openers with your logo on them may not directly result in revenue, but it will boost brand awareness every time someone uses their tote for grocery shopping or their bottle opener for kicking off happy hour.
Merch, on the other hand, requires a little more thought — and money. Merch is more than just stuff with your logo on it. It is products curated and designed with your brand image, values, and goals in mind. Merch is so high quality and on-trend, customers and employees are eager to purchase and wear or use it. These products give people a deeper connection with your brand as well as a stronger bond with others who purchase them. And with today’s remote work environment, fostering these connections is increasingly important! Check out our top ten virtual employee appreciation ideas.
How Merch Helps Strengthen the Workplace
Think about the last concert you went to. As you looked around at attendees singing the same songs and wearing clothes decorated with the musician’s photo or name, you can’t help but feel part of a sort of community. The same logic applies to merch in the workplace! People want to feel that sense of belonging and common interest. Work is a large part of who we are, so offering merch is an excellent opportunity to foster community among those who are involved with your brand.
Merch ultimately will benefit your revenue as well. Whether it is gifted or sold, merch inevitably provides positive exposure for your brand. When people see someone wearing company merch, they know your company must be a place they’re proud to be part of. Like swag, merch serves as efficient out-of-home advertising, but on a far more premium scale.
Read our business merchandise ideas that can elevate your brand in 2024.
Level Up Your Customer Loyalty with Imprint Engine
At Imprint Engine, we avoid saying “swag” because your brand deserves better. From sourcing and designing to production and fulfillment, we pride ourselves in giving you the ultimate white glove experience when executing your branded merch programs. Contact us to get started.