Brands Like Totally Branded: An Honest 2024 Guide to the Best Alternatives

Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Personal Guide to Brands Like Totally Branded

Introduction

Let me be honest with you. I have been in your shoes. A few years ago, I was tasked with finding branded merchandise for a company event. My first port of call, like for many people here in the UK, was Totally Branded. They are a big name, they have a huge catalogue, and it feels like a safe choice. But as I dug deeper, I realised that “safe” does not always mean “perfect for you.” Maybe you are looking for a different price point, a stronger focus on eco friendly materials, or perhaps you are a creative agency needing something a bit more unique than a standard logo pen.

That is when I started my deep dive into the world of brands like Totally Branded. It is a vast and sometimes confusing market, but finding the right supplier can be the difference between handing out items that get thrown away and creating branded merchandise that people genuinely love and use. This guide is the result of my research and experience. Think of it as a friendly chat where I walk you through the best alternatives, helping you understand not just who they are, but why you might choose one over the other. We will look at the giants, the niche specialists, and everything in between, all to help you find the perfect partner for your business.

What Are You Really Looking For? Defining Your Needs First

Before we jump into listing company names, it is crucial to have a quiet moment with yourself and your team. Ask, “What do we actually need from this?” Rushing in without a plan is how you end up with a box of 500 stress balls that nobody knows what to do with.

I learned this the hard way. I once ordered USB sticks in a panic, only to realise most of our clients used cloud storage. The money was spent, and the impact was zero. So, let us break down the key criteria you should consider. This will be your checklist as you review all the brands like Totally Branded.

1. Budget and Value for Money: This is not just about finding the cheapest option. It is about understanding what you are getting for your pound. Are you looking for high volume and low cost per item for a large event? Or are you looking for a smaller quantity of premium, high quality corporate gifts for your top clients? Your budget will immediately narrow down your options.

2. Product Range and Specialisation: Some companies are like massive supermarkets of promotional products, offering everything from umbrellas to USB drives. Others are more like boutique shops, specialising in apparel, or eco friendly products, or tech gadgets. Do you need a one stop shop, or are you looking for a specialist to execute a very specific idea?

3. Quality and Durability: A cheap bag that breaks after one use does more harm than good for your brand. It can subtly signal that your company cuts corners. Investing in a well made, durable item, like a sturdy tote bag or a high quality water bottle, means your brand is associated with reliability and lasts much longer in the wild.

4. Design Capabilities and Customisation: This is a big one. If you have a simple logo, most companies can handle it. But if your vision involves complex graphics, specific colour matching, or unique product manipulation like custom shaped items, you need a supplier with a strong in house design team and the capability to deliver on complex requests.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: This is no longer a niche concern. Many businesses and their customers actively seek out suppliers who provide eco friendly promotional products, use recycled materials, and can demonstrate ethical manufacturing practices. If this aligns with your brand values, it needs to be a top priority in your search.

6. Ease of Use and Customer Service: Is their website easy to navigate? Can you get a quick and clear quote? How is their communication? I cannot stress enough how important good customer service is. A responsive account manager who understands your needs and can offer smart suggestions is worth their weight in gold, especially when you are on a tight deadline.

The Major Players: A Close Look at Direct Totally Branded Competitors

These are the companies that operate on a similar scale to Totally Branded. They are well established, have massive product ranges, and are geared towards businesses of all sizes.

1. 4imprint

If Totally Branded is a big name, 4imprint is a behemoth. They are one of the largest players in the UK and US markets.

• Why you might choose them: Their sheer scale is their biggest advantage. Their catalogue is enormous, and they often have very competitive prices due to their buying power. If you need a large quantity of standard items like pens, mugs, or lanyards quickly and affordably, 4imprint is a fantastic option. Their website is packed with ideas, and they are a well oiled machine for fulfilling straightforward orders.

• Potential drawbacks: Because they are so large, the experience can feel a little impersonal. If you have a very complex or unique request, you might find yourself as just another order number. While their range is vast, the focus is on volume, so the very highest end, designer level items might be less of a focus for them.

• My take: I have used 4imprint for large scale conference giveaways where we needed 1,000 branded notebooks and pens. The process was efficient, the price was right, and the delivery was spot on. For that specific, volume based need, they were perfect. But for a curated gift box for our most important partners, I would look elsewhere.

2. Boundless Merch

Formerly known as BMA, Boundless Merch has really carved out a strong reputation in the UK market. They position themselves as a modern, service led supplier.

• Why you might choose them: They are often praised for their customer service. You are more likely to get a dedicated account manager who takes the time to understand your brand. They have a great range of products, with a particular strength in branded apparel and more contemporary, stylish items. They feel a bit more “boutique” than 4imprint while still offering a wide selection.

• Potential drawbacks: Their pricing might be slightly higher than the absolute cheapest options you can find, but you are paying for the enhanced service and product quality. Their core focus is the UK, so if you need global distribution, it is worth checking their capabilities.

• My take: I have had colleagues use Boundless Merch for company hoodies and tech accessories, and the feedback is always positive. The items feel high quality, and the people I have spoken to there are knowledgeable and helpful. They are a solid, reliable choice for businesses that value a good partnership and not just a transaction.

3. GoPromotional

Another major UK based supplier, GoPromotional boasts a huge range of over 20,000 products. They are a direct competitor in the space of volume and variety.

• Why you might choose them: Similar to 4imprint, their vast product range means you can find almost anything. They offer a price promise, which can be appealing if you are shopping around for the best deal on a specific item. They also have a user friendly website with a lot of filtering options to help you narrow down your search.

• Potential drawbacks: With such a massive range, the quality can be variable depending on the product line. It is essential to order samples. The experience can sometimes lack the personal touch of a smaller supplier.

• My opinion: GoPromotional is another excellent “supermarket” option. I find their website particularly useful for getting ideas and quick quotes. They are a credible and well established player that is definitely worth getting a quote from for comparison.

The Niche Specialists: Brands for Specific Tastes and Values

Sometimes, you are not looking for a supermarket. You are looking for a specialist deli or a craft workshop. These brands like Totally Branded often have smaller ranges but excel in a particular area.

1. Awesome Merchandise

If your brand identity is all about creativity, design, and standing out from the crowd, you need to know about Awesome Merchandise.

• Why you might choose them: They are the go to for companies that see merchandise as an art form. They specialise in high end printing and finishing techniques. Think custom shaped stickers, soft touch packaging, foiling, and embossing. They are a favourite amongst creative agencies, design studios, and beverage brands for a reason. The quality of their products is consistently outstanding.

• Potential drawbacks: This level of quality and specialisation comes at a premium price. They are not the place for cheap, bulk buys. Their strength is in producing beautiful, impactful items, often in smaller quantities.

• A personal experience: I worked with a client in the craft beer industry, and we used Awesome Merchandise for their bottle labels and accompanying stickers. The attention to detail was incredible. The colours were vibrant, the paper stock was perfect, and it elevated the entire brand perception. You are paying for artistry, and in my view, it is worth every penny for the right project.

2. Zoobla

For businesses where sustainability is a core value, not just an afterthought, Zoobla is a standout alternative.

• Why you might choose them: Their entire business is built around eco friendly promotional products. They offer a curated range of items made from recycled materials, organic cotton, bamboo, and other sustainable sources. They are transparent about their supply chain and have strong ethical credentials. If you want your merchandise to reflect a commitment to the planet, Zoobla makes it easy.

• Potential drawbacks: Their range is more focused, so you will not find every possible gadget or gimmick. The cost of sustainable materials is often higher than conventional ones, so the items may be more expensive.

• My view: I believe the future of promotional products lies with companies like Zoobla. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, handing out a pen made from recycled plastic bottles speaks volumes about your company’s values. I have sourced their organic cotton bags and they were not only eco friendly but also really well made and stylish.

Making the Final Choice: A Practical Comparison

So, how do you bring all this information together? Let us simplify it. Think about your primary goal.

• If your top priority is LOW COST and HIGH VOLUME…

  • Your best bets are 4imprint or GoPromotional. Get quotes from both for your specific items.

• If your top priority is BALANCED QUALITY and GOOD SERVICE…

  • Boundless Merch is an excellent, reliable choice. Totally Branded themselves also fit firmly in this category.

• If your top priority is HIGH-END DESIGN and UNIQUE ITEMS…

  • Awesome Merchandise is likely your best partner. Be prepared to invest more for a superior result.

• If your top priority is SUSTAINABILITY and ETHICS…

  • Zoobla is a leader in this field. They make it their mission to provide credible eco friendly options.

My strongest advice, one that I follow myself, is to always, always request samples. A product can look great on a website but feel cheap in your hands. Seeing and touching the actual item is the only way to truly judge its quality and suitability for your brand.

Conclusion

The world of brands like Totally Branded is rich and varied. There is no single “best” company; there is only the best company for you, right now, for this specific project. Your perfect promotional products partner depends entirely on the unique blend of your budget, your quality expectations, your brand values, and the story you want your merchandise to tell.

Do not be afraid to shop around. Use the criteria we discussed to build a shortlist. Reach out to a couple of companies, have a conversation, and get a feel for their customer service. And most importantly, order those samples. Investing a little time in this research process will pay you back many times over in the form of branded merchandise that truly works, builds lasting impressions, and gives you a real return on your investment. Happy branding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is it cheaper to go directly to a manufacturer instead of a supplier like Totally Branded?
A: While it can be cheaper for enormous, simple orders (tens of thousands of the same item), for most businesses, using a supplier is more cost effective. Suppliers like these handle the complexities of sourcing from multiple manufacturers, quality control, import logistics, and customer service. The convenience, reliability, and lower minimum order quantities they offer usually provide better overall value.

Q2: How far in advance should I place my order for branded merchandise?
A: As a rule of thumb, you should allow at least 4-6 weeks from the initial quote to having the items in your hands. This allows time for quoting, design proofs, production, shipping, and any unexpected delays. For complex or imported items, allow even more time. Rushing orders often incurs expensive expedited fees.

Q3: What is the most effective type of promotional product?
A: There is no single answer, but the most effective items are useful, durable, and relevant to your audience. A high quality water bottle, a stylish tote bag, or a premium power bank are used repeatedly, keeping your brand visible. The key is to choose something your recipient will want to keep and use, not throw away.

Q4: Can these companies help with the design if I do not have a ready made artwork?
A: Yes, most of them offer in house design services. Companies like Awesome Merchandise and Boundless Merch have particularly strong design teams. There is usually a fee involved, but it can be a great investment to ensure your merchandise looks professional and aligns with your brand.

Q5: What is the minimum order quantity for most of these brands?
A: Minimums vary greatly. For simple items like pens or mugs, you can often order as few as 50-100. For more complex custom items, the minimum might be 250 or 500. It is always best to ask directly, as some companies are more flexible than others.