Promotional Items Manufacturers

If you are wondering where to find reliable promotional items manufacturers. Or tired of working with subpar ones with overpriced products. Then this post is for you.

I have put together a No BS guide on the best-ranked promotional items manufacturers.

I’m a geek in product sourcing. So, I’ll only list companies that I TRUST. Or have worked with in the past. This guarantees you legit partners — and products. So, scale your promotional items business to greater heights.

I’ll cover the 12 best promotional item manufacturers in the world. Narrow down to the TOP 8 with the highest quality products and affordable prices. Finally, how to pick one that matches your business needs.

Ready? Let’s go…

12 Best Promotional Item Manufacturers in the World

Company Name	Location	Year Founded	Lead Time	Speciality Products	Rating
Papa China	Shenzhen, China	2006	15-20 days	Custom keychains, USB drives, Tote bags, Pens, etc.	★★★★
Shanghai Happyway International Trading Co., Ltd	Shanghai, China	2007	20-30 days	T-shirts, Custom lanyards, Mugs, Umbrellas, etc.	★★★★
FT Promo	Dongguan, China	2010	5-10 days	Eco totes, Recycled notebooks, Bamboo pens, etc.	★★★★★
Jinjiang Jiaxing Group Co., Ltd	Jinjiang, Fujian, China	1996	15-25 days	Sports towels, Jerseys, Custom backpacks, etc.	★★★★
Sticker Mule	Amsterdam, New York, USA	2010	4-7 days	Buttons, Magnets, Custom Stickers, Labels, etc.	★★★★★
Vista Print	Venlo, Netherlands	1995	5-8 days	T-shirts, Business Cards, Posters, Banners, etc.	★★★★
Zazzle	Redwood City, California, USA	2005	3-7 days	Phone cases, Pillows, Custom T-shirts, Mugs, etc.	★★★
Swagger	New York, USA	2016	10-15 days	Notebooks, Custom Water Bottles, etc.	★★★★
Everything Branded	Leicester, United Kingdom	2010	7-14 days	Power Banks, Branded Pens, Stress balls, etc.	★★★★
Swag.com	New York, USA	2016	7-10 days	Tech gadgets, Branded T-shirts, Mugs, etc.	★★★★★
The Branded Company	London, United Kingdom	2005	5-12 days	Branded Notebooks, Custom Gift Sets, Drinkware, etc.	★★★★
4Imprint	London, United Kingdom	1987	7-14 days	Tech accessories, Bags, Branded Pens, etc.	★★★★

Top 8 Promotional Items Manufacturers

China

Try the 4 most popular promotional products manufacturers when sourcing from China:

1. Papa China — Best for A Wide Range of Promotional Items

I definitely had to start this one with a BANG!

And there’s no GREATER promotional item manufacturer to take the top seat than Papa China.

The company has been around for the past 16 years. Supplying custom promotional products to corporations and individuals worldwide.

Some of their promotional products include:

• Customized logo-imprinted cups
• Keychains
• Tumblers
• USBs
• Hats
• Wireless chargers
• Virtual events giveaways
• Personalized gifts

…see, there’s something for everyone, no doubt!

Today, Papa China has worked with some of the BIGGEST names in different industries. Talk of J.P. Morgan, Red Bull, Pepsi, Intel, PayPal, Zoom, etc. I’m not even joking!

That’s how you know they are worth every penny you spend on their products.

Why do I like Papa China?

• Money-back guarantee. Don’t like the quality of your products? Fine, return and get your money back. No questions asked.
• Top-notch custom promotional products. Get the highest quality products that create a lasting impact for your brand.
• Affordable prices. Enjoy some of the best quotes in the promotional product industry. 

What I don’t like:

• High MOQs. This makes Papa China unsuitable for many newbie businesses.

Pro Tip: Pick a manufacturer with clear money-back guarantee terms. That ensures your money is always safe during unforeseen misunderstandings.

2. Shanghai Happyway International Trading Co., Ltd — Most Trusted Promotional Items Manufacturer in China

Happyway International is Papa China’s BIGGEST competition.

They’ve been around for close to two decades. Built a stellar reputation. Partnered with over 100 Fortune 500 companies, among other successes.

It’s safe to say Happyway International understands its craft to the core.

A look at some of their products…

• Custom-branded portable chargers and power banks
• Branded pens with slogans and logos
• Branded plastics and metal water bottles
• Custom lanyards
• Eco-friendly tote bags

Happyway has maintained an 80% customer retention rate. Meaning that are creating HIGH-QUALITY products that promote brand exposure.

Pros

• Fast shipment. Lead times are relatively short. That, coupled with super fast delivery times. Ensure your customers never miss a delivery.
• Years of experience. Happyway has been around for more than 15 years. They’ve built strong relationships with huge corporations. And their expertise in promotional items manufacturing. Guarantee products that are IRRESISTIBLE. 

What I don’t like:

• No quality assurance. You are likely to get damaged or wrong quantity deliveries. No worries, though. Their money-back guarantee protects you from losses.

3. FT Promo — Best for Cost-Effective Promotional Products

FT Promo is yet another veteran in the promotional items industry.

This supplier is renowned worldwide for their stunning offerings. They MAINLY include:

• USB flash drives and power banks
• Umbrellas
• Outdoor display promotional products – for events
• Drinkware
• Towels
• Bags

All these products are GREAT whether you have clients in the healthcare industry. Technology space. Or other corporate clients.

Why FT Promo?

• Quality control processes. FT Promo’s team runs quality control checks on each product. So, rest assured you get products that tremendously increase your sales.
• Short sample times, unlike most suppliers. Get your samples in under 6 days. Actual production and delivery takes slightly under 10 days. Not too bad, eh?

What I don’t like:

• Their Website lags a lot. Hence messing up the entire user experience.

4. Jinjiang Jiaxing Group Co., Ltd — Best Alternative for Sourcing Affordable Promotional Items

Apart from having one of the hardest names on this list. Jiaxing Group is a pretty solid promotional product manufacturer.

They deal in a whole lotta wholesale promotional gifts. Custom apparel. In fact, lemme cut to the chase; here’s a full list of their product catalog:

• Custom keychains
• Branded hats and caps
• Customized quartz watches
• Branded EVA bags
• Customized ceramic candle holders
• Promotional makeup brushes

Jiaxing Group is ISO 9001 certified. So, expect quality promotional products that meet international standards.

Pros

• Wide product range. Jiaxing offers lots of promotional items to choose from. So, you can ALWAYS deliver what your customers are looking for. No need to find new manufacturers or suppliers.
• Solid track record. Jiaxing has been in the game for over 2 decades. You are partnering with a shifu in the promotional items dojo. Expect nothing but the BEST. Oh, and also lots of advice on promotional product trends.

What I don’t like:

• Slightly higher MOQs.

Expert Advice: A wide range of products offers flexibility to stock items based on demand. It also saves you from repeating the draining process of finding new manufacturers. 

Vino Qian, Senior Sourcing Manager

The Rest of the World

5. VistaPrint — Known for the Highest-Quality Custom Promotional Items

Vista Print is a PREMIUM promotional product manufacturer based in the Netherlands.

They are known worldwide for intricate designs. And consistent quality across each promotional item.

You can shop for:

• Mugs
• Sweatshirts & Hoodies
• Tote bags
• Desk calendars
• Tumblers
• Full-color pens
• Sticker singles
• Notebooks

Other cool products include cotton business cards. Pizza boxes. And coffee sleeves. Vista’s team is able to replicate your exact color brands on the products. That way, consistent items for YOU — or your customers.

Pros

• Highest quality product customization. Get perfect items that pass your brand message. Plus, connect to thousands of customers and create a long-lasting brand impression.
• Capable of meeting rush orders. Never miss a tight delivery because of a delay in production.

What I don’t like:

• They are kinda expensive for premium customization options.

6. Sticker Mule — Leading Custom Sticker Manufacturer in the World

As the name suggests — Sticker Mule is the OG of custom stickers and custom labels.

They have operations across 17 countries. USA, Argentina, Canada, France, and Germany, just to mention a few.

Yes, their main focus is on custom stickers. But they have a pretty good grip on the manufacturer of:

• Custom labels
• Magnets
• Buttons
• Custom t-shirts

These items are skillfully manufactured to meet your customers’ brand themes. 

In fact, Sticker Mule has partnered with the world’s largest corporations. Netflix, Shopify, Uber, Google, Adobe, ESPN, Stripe, and so much more.

What I like:

• A diverse range of custom stickers. You enjoy the flexibility to choose different items based on customer demands.
• High-quality stickers that can withstand harsh climate conditions. Clients will appreciate your products and refer to other businesses. Free marketing!!

What I don’t like:

• Limited option for non-sticker or label customers.

7. Zazzle — Best for Promotional Gifts

Zazzle is more of a marketplace filled with vetted promotional items manufacturers. So, technically, it’s not a stand-alone manufacturer.

Nonetheless, it’s one of my favorite picks for finding custom promotional products.

Here, you get:

• Customized t-shirts
• Customized pens and pencils
• Customized mugs
• Customized tote bags
• Customized stickers and labels
• Customized business cards
• Customized banners and flyers
• Customized notebooks and journals
• Customized hats
• Customized mousepads

There are also lots of wholesale promotional gifts to pick from. For example, customized phone grips, notepads, necklaces, and stress balls.

Pros

• Great prices, perfect for small businesses. No need to break the bank just to buy Zazzle TOP NOTCH custom promotional products.
• Real-time collaboration with manufacturers. Hence ensuring your designs come to life PERFECTLY!

What I don’t like:

• Custom design processes take too much time. Do something, Zazzle!

8. Swagger — Perfect for Company Swag and Other Merch

Swagger is special to me because of their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Swagger’s products are made from eco-friendly materials. And they’ve gone a step further to partner with 1% for the planet.

Product offerings include:

• Custom apparel
• Custom bags
• Custom drinkware
• Custom fun & Outdoors items
• Custom office supplies
• Custom technology items
• Custom trade show items
• Custom writing instruments

Fun Fact: Swagger was named the best company for Curated Company Swag by Forbes. Congratulations, Swagger!

What I like:

• Big on sustainability. You get products that help you attract more eco-conscious buyers.
• Global shipping. Your customers get their products regardless of their location.

What I don’t like:

• Very high product prices compared to other manufacturers on the list.

Expert Advice: Your manufacturer should have some sustainable product options, too. These are very essential if you want a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Danial Bashir, 1688.com Sourcing Specialist

5 Most Common Types of Promotional Items Categories

These are the best-selling promotional items in the market today:

1. Promotional Tote Bags

Profit Margins: 50% – 70%.

Tote bags are very useful in everyday life. For instance, carrying groceries, outdoor party supplies, heck, even books.

This means they offer more brand exposure for your client. They are likely to increase their customer base. Come back for even more items. See, everybody’s happy!

2. Custom Branded Pens

Profit Margins: 40% – 60%.

I have so many promotional pens with different company logos that I care to count. So many, I tell you!

Pens also create a lasting impression on your customer’s brand. I mean, who doesn’t use a pen in this busy century?

In fact, 63% of older Americans use Pens daily. While 36% of the GenZ always have a pen at their disposal.

Not a bad investment, huh?

3. Branded Hats

Profit Margins: 60% – 80%.

The Hats Market industry is set to grow to USD 468165.7 Billion by 2031. I’d be tossing all night, thinking of how to get my share of the pie.

But you already have an answer. Promotional Hats.

More companies are investing in branded hats as a way to market their business. That’s because hats are worn EVERY DAY (and twice on Sunday).

Start stocking promotional hats today and watch your sales skyrocket in real-time.

4. Personalized Drinkware or Coffee Mugs

Profit Margins: 50% – 75%.

Custom drinkware and coffee mugs also promise HIGH ROIs.

The trick is that they need to be high-quality and very unique. No one wants to whack with a cheap-ass coffee mug. Or a water bottle from some random company.

I’d go for reusable water bottles and mugs. Everybody’s big on sustainability nowadays. I bet you’ll make as many sales as you can possibly handle.

5. Promotional Stickers

Profit Margins: 65% – 80%.

Promotional stickers are low-cost, high-profit margins products.

I mean, you can literally stock stickers for as low as $0.20 per sticker. Then, resell for $0.70 to $2.00. I’ve seen stickers go for as high as $5.00.

Stickers can serve as mobile investments for businesses. That’s because once placed, they go everywhere with the user. Say, laptop stickers. Coffee shops, Libraries, Schools, Restaurants, offices, the list is endless.

How to Get the Perfect Promotional Items Manufacturer for Your Business

1. Review the Manufacturer’s Reputation

This has kept me safe working with countless promotional items manufacturers worldwide.

It is so simple. Yet often overlooked by novice buyers. Please, don’t join that bandwagon.

Ensure you read the manufacturer’s online reviews from previous customers. Or testimonials. That gives you an insight into the manufacturer’s operations. Plus, you know INSTANTLY if they are just scumbugs.

A RELIABLE supplier is transparent with their pricing. Open to answering questions. And has certifications to back up their quality standards.

Leeline Sourcing is your trusted China sourcing agent. For finding legit promotional products manufacturers. 

We run supplier background checks to verify the Chinese companies. Also, we negotiate terms on your behalf. So, you can solely focus on activities that move the money needle.

Pro Tip: Previous customer reviews never lie. If they say the manufacturer is legit, believe them. If they warn future buyers, then you better believe them, too. Or watch your money go down the drain.

2. Analyze the Manufacturer’s Customization Options

Customization is a HUGE factor for promotional products. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• What customization techniques does the manufacturer offer? Screen printing, Laser engraving, Embroidery? What is it?
• How many years of experience do they have making this product I want?
• Design support offered?
• Do they have sustainable practices or eco-friendly materials?

You’ll determine whether the manufacturer is PERFECT for your business. Or you’ll need to research more suppliers.

Leeline Sourcing also helps you customize your items at dirt-cheap prices. You get to work with our world-class designers. To create magnificent pieces that sell fast and retain customers.

3. Schedule a Factory Visit

You can NEVER go wrong by personally visiting your manufacturer.

It’s a proven way to get real-time feedback about the manufacturer’s operations. By that, I mean accessing their production capacity. Manufacturing processes. Quality control measures. And so much more.

I’d argue it’s the BEST way of forming relationships, too. Think about it. You’ll be getting a tour by the factory’s management. What could possibly go wrong?

What if I can’t afford a factory visit?

I totally get you. That’s why here at Leeline Sourcing comes in.

Our China quality control agents will visit your supplier’s factory. Conduct factory audits. Then, determine if they are a right fit.

Don’t worry; we offer recommendations if they don’t meet our rating criteria. There’s absolutely no way you can lose.

4. Always Order Samples

This only makes sense if you totally can’t visit your supplier’s factory.

Just order samples. That way, you can check the quality of products. Also, you get to experience the items’ usability first-hand.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg…

You get a bird-eye view of the manufacturer’s customer response times. And delivery times. Either of the two are crucial in making or breaking your promotional items business.

Expert Advice: Ordering samples lets you affirm that items align with your specifications. You won’t waste money on low-quality promotional items.

Guoxin Chen, Sourcing Agent from China

People Also Ask About Promotional Items Manufacturers

What’s Next

I’ve covered everything you need to launch a successful promotional items business.

Don’t focus too much on finding the CHEAPEST manufacturer. Rather, analyze their experience, production capacity, and quality assurance.

Also, don’t forget to stock only in-demand promotional items. Hence, you won’t be sitting pretty with slow-moving goods 6 months down the line.

As always, don’t hesitate to ask any questions about promotional item manufacturers. Leeline Sourcing is here to help. We’ll offer more insight into finding the right manufacturer just for you. Negotiate better prices and oversee the entire quality control process. Feel free to contact us!

Source:

1. skyquest.com – Hats Market Size.

2. harris-sliwoski.com – The Many Benefits of Visiting Your Overseas Factory.