There are two common ways companies buy branded merch: a bulk order (one big production run for an event or refresh) and a company swag store (an always-on store where employees order as they need). Each fits a different job.
Side by side
| Bulk order | Company swag store | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | One event, one date | Ongoing needs across the year |
| Sizing | You guess a size split | Each person picks their size |
| Delivery | One or a few addresses | Every employee's door |
| New hires | Wait for the next order | Order on day one via the link |
| Leftover stock | Common | Rare |
Choose a bulk order when
- You have a conference, offsite or all-hands with a fixed date
- Everyone is in one place
- It's a one-time refresh
Choose a company swag store when
- You hire continuously and want welcome kits handled
- Your team is remote or spread across offices
- Departments have their own budgets
- You want employees to choose what they actually wear
Many companies do both: a store for everyday and onboarding, plus bulk runs for big events. Learn about managed company swag stores.
Try it yourself: this site is a working demo store. Add something to your cart and check out exactly as an employee would; every order is a free test order and nothing ships. Managed stores start at $99/month (see pricing). Talk to Sterling Merch about a store for your company.