If you’re a business owner or marketing professional, you may be laser-focused on closing out Q2 strong. But savvy companies are already looking ahead — because the key to a successful Q3 and holiday season isn’t how much you spend… it’s how early you start planning.

Each year, we see businesses miss opportunities and lose momentum because they didn’t anticipate just how competitive and delayed the promotional product landscape can become in the second half of the year. Starting now gives you a critical edge.

Here’s why early planning matters — and how it drives measurable results.

1. Lead Times Are Getting Longer

Between supply chain unpredictability and increased demand for branded merchandise in Q3 and Q4, lead times for promotional products are extending every year.

According to industry data from ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute), the average production time for standard branded items is now 14–21 business days, with custom kits or packaging pushing that timeline even further.

And that’s before accounting for shipping, fulfillment, or last-minute proofing delays.

The takeaway: If you want premium-quality merchandise that reflects your brand, planning in June or July is not “early” — it’s necessary.

2. Inventory Shrinks as Demand Rises

Q4 is the busiest time of year for the promotional product industry. In fact, Promo Marketing Magazine reports that over 40% of annual promotional product orders occur in Q4, driven by holiday gifting, corporate appreciation campaigns, and sales incentives.

By August, many popular items — including:

• Branded jackets and hoodies
  
  
• Custom tech accessories (e.g., power banks, speakers)
  
  
• Drinkware sets and packaging kits
  – are either sold out or backordered through the end of the year.
  
  

Starting early gives you access to full product catalogs, better pricing, and the flexibility to make adjustments as needed.

3. Rush Fees and Shipping Costs Add Up

Waiting until the last minute often comes with hidden costs. Rush production fees can add 15–30% to your total order cost, and expedited shipping around the holidays is notoriously expensive.

Example:
A client ordering 250 custom tumblers in October paid an additional $650 in rush fees and express freight last year — costs that could have been avoided with a July order date.

Early planning protects your marketing budget and ensures your ROI stays intact.

4. Strategic Campaigns Require Time to Execute

Promotional products are most effective when they’re tied into broader campaigns — whether that’s:

• A Q3 sales push
  
  
• A holiday client appreciation program
  
  
• A fall trade show strategy
  
  
• A new customer onboarding kit
  
  

But to make them effective, you need time for:

• Creative development (logos, messaging, packaging)
  
  
• Custom sourcing and sample approvals
  
  
• Internal alignment across marketing, sales, and operations
  
  

Starting now allows you to build something memorable, not something rushed.

5. The ROI on Promotional Products is Proven

It’s not just about planning — it’s about making a smart investment.

According to a recent PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) study:

• 88% of consumers recall the name of the advertiser on a promotional product
  
  
• 83% are more likely to do business with a brand that gave them a promotional product
  
  
• 79% of people say promotional products make them feel appreciated
  
  

When done correctly, branded merchandise builds long-term brand equity, drives customer loyalty, and strengthens sales relationships — especially when it’s tied to meaningful touchpoints like year-end gifts or trade show interactions.

What SWFL Marketing Group Can Do for You

At SWFL Marketing Group, we specialize in helping businesses plan and execute high-impact promotional campaigns from start to finish.

Here’s what we’re offering right now:

• Free strategy session to map out Q3/Q4 goals
  
  
• Personalized product recommendations based on your industry and budget
  
  
• Early-bird fulfillment and shipping options
  
  
• Full-service kitting and custom packaging
  
  

We’re already working with clients who are booking holiday orders now to ensure on-time delivery — and we’d love to help you do the same.

Let’s Get Ahead Together

Don’t let planning fatigue or other priorities push this down your list. The best time to plan your promotional product campaigns is now — before the rush hits.

Reach out to our team today and let’s start building a campaign that works for your goals, timeline, and budget.

Contact us to schedule a discovery call or request product ideas. Your future self — and your clients — will thank you.