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Providing attendees with the ability to create custom-branded merchandise on-site can create a memorable and interactive experience that drives brand loyalty and generates revenue. However, successfully executing a live merch printing activation requires careful consideration of factors such as crowd size, budget, and design. One of the most critical factors is throughput, which refers to the speed and efficiency at which merchandise can be produced. In this article, we’ll explore the various throughput strategies for live merch printing and offer practical tips for creating a successful and engaging activation.
About Live Merch Printing
When running a live event activation, the throughput process is a critical factor in determining the success of the event. Throughput is the amount of merchandise that can be produced or processed per hour or per day, and it is influenced by factors such as the size of the crowd, the available budget, and the design of the merch.
Live merch printing is a popular marketing strategy that can help businesses or organizations increase brand visibility, create buzz, and generate revenue. By providing attendees with the opportunity to create and purchase custom-branded merchandise on-site, event organizers can create a memorable and interactive experience that engages guests and promotes brand loyalty.
One of the key benefits of live merch printing is the ability to create customized items that reflect the unique character of the event or brand. By offering a range of designs and materials, event organizers can give attendees the flexibility to create personalized merchandise that reflects their own style and preferences. This can help to build brand loyalty and create a sense of community among attendees, which can have a lasting impact on their perception of the brand.
In addition to enhancing brand loyalty, live merch printing can also generate revenue for the event or brand. By selling custom-branded merchandise on-site, event organizers can capture a portion of the attendee’s discretionary spending and create an additional stream of revenue. This can be especially valuable for events with high attendance numbers or for brands looking to generate buzz around a new product or service.
Another key advantage of live merch printing is the ability to create a sense of excitement and exclusivity around the merchandise. By offering a limited edition or one-of-a-kind merchandise, event organizers can create a sense of urgency among attendees and drive up demand for the product. This can help to create a sense of exclusivity and prestige around the merchandise, which can further enhance brand loyalty and generate buzz around the event or brand.
Overall, live custom merch printing is a powerful marketing strategy that can help businesses and organizations enhance brand loyalty, generate revenue, and create a memorable and interactive experience for attendees. By carefully selecting the right throughput process and creating custom-branded merchandise that reflects the unique character of the event or brand, event organizers can create a successful and engaging activation that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
Learn more about What are the Benefits of Experiential Marketing?
Types of Event Experiential Marketing: Custom Merch
Here is a breakdown of the types of activations from fastest to slowest, along with their typical throughput rates:
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Transfers & Patches – 60-100 items per hour:
Transfers and patches are a quick and easy way to create branded merchandise on-site. Guests can choose from pre-made designs and apply them to hats, shirts, or other items, making this an ideal option for highly trafficked areas where quick turnaround is important.
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Screen Printing – 40-80 items per hour:
Screen printing involves pressing ink through a stencil onto the fabric, resulting in high-quality, long-lasting prints. This is a popular option for t-shirts and other apparel items, and it can be scaled up or down depending on the number of attendees and the available budget. The cost for this activation may also range due to the complexity of the design such as details and colors, each color will require it’s own screen which drives up the cost.
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Laser Engraving – 20 items per hour:
Laser engraving is a precise and customizable way to add logos or designs to a wide range of materials, including metal, glass, and wood. While the throughput rate is lower than some other methods, laser engraving can be a unique and memorable addition to an event activation.
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Embroidery – 10-15 items per hour:
Embroidery is a classic way to add a logo or design to apparel items, but it can be slower and more labor-intensive than some other methods. Depending on the size of the crowd and the available budget, embroidery can be a great option for VIP or high-end activations.
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Hand Jet Print Gun – Fast, but depends on how many placements and if words are preset or if guests choose their slogan/saying:
The apparel print gun is a fast and versatile option that can be used to create custom designs on a wide range of apparel items. The throughput rate can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of placements, but it can be a great option for events with a high demand for customized merchandise.
To determine the best throughput process for a live event activation, it is important to consider factors such as the size of the crowd, the available budget, and the design of the merch. For highly trafficked areas, transfers and patches can be a quick and efficient option, while embroidery may be better suited for VIP or high-end activations. Screen printing and laser engraving are both popular and versatile options that can be scaled up or down depending on the needs of the event, and the apparel hand jet print gun is a fast and flexible choice that can accommodate a wide range of designs and placements. By carefully considering these factors, event organizers can select the best throughput process to meet their specific needs and create a successful and memorable activation.
