Where do you order promo items, custom merch?

A lot of guys use StickerMule... but wait for the promo codes. They usually come around every few months. I've also used RedBubble, but there are a whole host of apps and websites if you're after stickers/merch/promo stuff

I would also add, check local area, too

I got some pretty good prices on stuff, (they will haggle...lol)

and keeps $$$in your community.

someone having your stuff "on file" so an email/text and the order is placed

personal relationship vs impersonal internet

locals also use way better t-shirt stock

bulk buys make you more $$$ than print to order, and often the locals will do your shipping

I been "tire kicking" for promo stuff, too

dr

I always used Sticker Guy for me stickers. Good prices and options, good quantities.

I used Tee Spring for custom apparel like shirts and hats...it was fine, nothing to write home about. I used them mostly because they integrated with Etsy where I was already selling items. I never saw merch as a way to profit, just promote so margins were never really a thought.

For business cards I just used my local Staples.

I always looked at local options first but they often had high costs for lower quantities. I couldn't justify ordering hundreds of anything (except stickers) because I just didn't have the outlet to pass them out or easily unload them, and I didn't want to sit on inventory.

For those expanding into promotion for your channel, I would say at least have some stickers that you can hand out and insert into returning cars, etc. Easiest and cheapest form of promotion, plus everyone likes stickers.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about "other" merch like cups and notepads and junk like that...unless you have conventions or live events where you can pass it out. Nobody needs another coffee mug. And for apparel, since that's mostly on-demand these days I don't see a reason not to do it...assuming you have a design/logo that is worthy of a t-shirt :) 

I primarily use Tee Spring (now just called Spring I think?) as it integrates into my YouTube shelf, so the products are advertised by every video. It's all made to order, so no outlay or stock to hold but I haven't used them for any stickers yet. All my stickers I have made by a local sign shop.

I don't have an opinion on stickers, mugs etc. but I have very high standards for clothing, and t-shirts are something that so many print on demand sites do poorly. The transfers/prints often wear off very quickly in my experience; I've ordered merch from Teespring before where the transfer was already cracking/peeling on a "new" shirt (to be fair they refunded when I asked, but what I really wanted was the t-shirt!).

I did a LOT of legwork a few years ago to find a print on demand site whose tees hold up to real-world use including the prints standing up to the electric dryer, and Fourth Wall was the only one I found to fit the bill. The sample they sent me still looks good after 18 months and dozens of washes. 

The only experience I've had with TeeSpring was terrible. The ink would crack and peel within a few months and they cheated my business out of $500+ during the 2020 shutdown. I've been using VistaPrint for about 8 years; they print on very good quality shirts and use a very durable ink. My oldest T-shirts are starting to wear out but the printing still looks good. VistaPrint has very good quality on everything I've purchaded: Banners, Tee and sweat shirts, post cards, etc.. and their online ordering system is very good too.

I have used both Vistaprint and Stickermule. I won't use stickermule again after the last order, and so VIsta Print has become my go-to. 

I used these guys for mine... they did a good quick job... I think they came out pretty well!

Hub City Slaps