When it’s time to make a decision on promotional products for day-to-day business operations, trade shows, job fairs or sales events, you can’t go wrong with a bag. But deciding on specs for your bag can feel way too complicated thanks to promo-world lingo and carefully cloaked pricing. It gets stressful, and we don’t think it should.
At Integra, we’ve been building uncomplicated, totally manageable options lists for our promo customers for years, and we daresay some even have a little fun once they get a slimmed-down list of potential choices. We like to learn a good bit about our customers and their goals, then curate a list of some of the best products on the market fitting their description. The critical driving factor in these conversations? Budget.
The truth is, you could categorize the vast majority of branded bags into one of four camps based on price. And that’s the first factor you’re likely to think of, right? So that’s how we think the information should be organized.
Whether you’re looking for something in the pennies range or ready to splurge on high-value branded bags for your employees, you’ll have an easier time making the right choice by figuring out which of the following price-ascending categories your project belongs to. Once you’ve done that, you can dive into the options available to you and actually enjoy selecting colors, materials and features you think your customers will love.
We’ll lay out materials, branding parameters, impression numbers, common features and approximate pricing for these categories so you can explore a simplified selection process with your trusted team.
We say, let’s reorient the entire conversation from how stressful and complicated promo designs can be. And let’s have a little fun along the way!
1. Promotional Bags in the Low Price Range
When you need the absolute lowest cost for promotional bags, such as for retail applications, you may look into single-use options. Some of the common features of these bags follow:
- Material: Paper or plastic
- Branding: Single-color imprint on one side
- Impression method: Screen printing
- Features: Gussets on structured bags
- Price range: $0.08 to $0.25 per bag, on average
As long as you ensure your bags can hold the goods you’re giving away or selling, you can enjoy the freedom of some customization without the burden of a high price tag.
Are you wondering how long your branded bags might take once you’ve ordered them? Check out our timeline calculator below to get an estimate based on your project details.
2. Promotional Bags in the Medium-Low Price Range
For those looking to maximize reach and extend reusability without breaking the bank, certain materials and designs stand out for their affordability:
- Material: Non-woven polypropylene, lightweight cotton or polyester
- Size and thickness: Standard sizes with lower GSM (grams per square meter) for non-woven materials, indicating thinner bags
- Branding: Typically one-color imprint on one side
- Features: Basic handles, typically no additional pockets or zippers
- Price range: Roughly $0.50 to $2.00 per bag
These medium-cost promotional bags are ideal for mass giveaways where volume is more critical than individual bag quality. They're perfect for large events, trade shows or as part of a welcome package for new clients or employees.
Going too fancy is one of the most common mistakes businesses make with their promotional materials. Fortunately, you don’t have to fall into the same trap within this category. Despite their lower cost, these bags can still effectively carry your brand message into numerous hands and places.
3. Promotional Bags in the Medium-High Price Range
For businesses looking to offer something a bit more substantial without a significant jump in price, the higher end of medium-range bags offer enhanced features and materials:
- Material: Higher-quality non-woven, canvas or polyester — introduction of cotton and jute for a more natural look
- Size and thickness: Medium to large sizes with higher GSM for non-woven materials, offering more durability
- Branding: Options for multi-color imprints and basic embroidery — may include branding on multiple sides
- Features: Introduction of additional functionalities like zippers, reinforced handles and pockets
- Price range: Roughly $2.00 to $5.00 per bag
These medium-cost, higher-end promotional bags strike a balance between cost and perceived value, making them suitable for targeted promotions or higher-value giveaways. With enhanced material quality and added features, these bags are likely to see longer use, extending the reach of your branding.
4. Promotional Bags in the High Price Range
For those special occasions where you want to make a lasting impression, high-end bags offer premium materials and sophisticated customization options:
- Material: Premium materials like high-grade polyester, canvas and even leather
- Size and thickness: Larger sizes with the highest GSM for non-woven materials — canvas and cotton bags may specify weight in ounces, indicating thickness and durability
- Branding: Advanced customization options including full-color printing and intricate embroidery
- Features: High-end features like laptop compartments, adjustable straps, cooler insulation and designer closures
- Price Range: Roughly $15.00 and up, significantly varying based on customization and material quality
High-cost promotional bags are designed for maximum impact and long-term use. They’re ideal for exclusive events, high-value client gifts or premium employee rewards. These bags serve as both a practical item and a statement of brand quality and commitment.
Brand Bags for Your Business Without Breaking Your Bank
Deciding on the right promotional bag involves more than just comparing prices, and we know that can be stressful. You need to consider the event, the expected audience and how the bag's design and quality reflect on your brand.
The good news, as we hope you’ve learned from this blog post, is that there’s a bag for just about any situation and budget. You can opt for a cost-effective single-use paper bag, a tote for broad distribution or a premium backpack for select recipients, and that’s barely scratching the surface. The important part is that you take a deep breath and see that no matter your parameters, your next best branding tool is just out there waiting for you.
Want to pick up some other swag to put inside your bag for an event giveaway or job fair? Check out our list of some of the most popular promotional products for any event.
If you’re ready to move forward with your bags or need some help working through the process, you may be seeking an experienced professional who can lead you through the selection and imprint process while staying within your target price range. At Integra, we’d be happy to answer any questions you have to feel comfortable and move forward — click below to get the ball rolling!
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