Curated Kits of Branded Merchandise Drive New Sales for Screen Printers 

AS I TALK TO screen printing shop owners every week, I’m continuing to hear one sales strategy that works every time: curated boxes or kitting. Imagine sending a well-thought-out, professionally packaged box of branded merchandise to potential clients or existing customers.

From custom apparel to branded hard goods, the possibilities are endless. The key here is curation — creating a thoughtful selection of items that grab attention and spark genuine interest. When a recipient opens a box full of products adorned with its company logo, it triggers not just curiosity but engagement. It becomes more than just a package; it’s a message of value and care.

I’ve heard shops that use this strategy not only find success selling the items in those curated boxes, but they often end up selling entire kitting and boxing solutions.

These shops aren’t just selling the contents of the box — they’re offering the experience of receiving a beautifully crafted kit, and it’s this experience that builds relationships and opens the door for bigger opportunities.

Results You Can Count On

According to shops I’ve been talking to that have tried this strategy, about 70% of curated kits lead to follow-up orders. Whether it’s branded apparel like beanies or hats, or even personalized gift boxes for employees and clients, the results are impressive.

One shop shared that they sent out 20 custom kits, investing around $25 per box, and saw immediate ROI through orders for more merchandise and additional kitting solutions. These kits quickly evolved from a simple sales tool into a revenue-driving machine.

How to Implement Your Kitting Strategy

If you’re intrigued by the results, here’s a quick breakdown of how to start leveraging this approach in your shop:

1. Curate Thoughtfully: Make sure the contents of your box resonate with your audience. Whether it’s apparel, hard goods, or other promo items, select items that are useful and branded with your client’s logo. Using your shop logo is OK, but using the logo of the company you’re contacting is much better.
2. Get the Right Information: Feel free to reach out to the customer to get the company’s logo. Collecting accurate addresses is also key. This can be done by reaching out directly to your prospects.
3. Hand-Deliver or Ship Professionally: Depending on your proximity to your clients, hand-delivering the kits can add a personal touch. If that’s not possible, ensure your packaging is on point and your delivery partner is reliable.
4. Follow Up Strategically: After the kits are received, don’t forget to follow up. This can lead to further conversations, new orders, or even an ongoing relationship where clients return to you for more kitting and boxing solutions.

So, impress potential customers with a kit that makes a statement. You’ll find the return on your minimal investment will come back tenfold in new orders and those from long-time customers.