When you think of branded merchandise, you probably imagine fun t-shirts, stylish water bottles, or logo-covered bags. But what about industries where customers aren’t exactly excited to show up — like the vet’s office? 🐾

Surprisingly, businesses offering services that customers don’t want to use can leverage branded merch to completely shift the mood. They can turn stressful visits into joyful experiences, all while building brand loyalty.

The Power of Branded Merch to Bring Joy

Branded merchandise isn’t just a tool for getting your name out there. It can be a strategic way to create joy, even in unexpected spaces. 💨 When customers walk into a place they’d rather not be—like a vet’s office, dentist, or cleaning service—having clever, fun, and thoughtful branded items can lighten the mood and leave a positive impression.

Take it from my personal experience: My vet’s office hands out branded frisbees, and it’s delightful! 🥰 The branded frisbee isn’t just a marketing tool; it brings a bit of joy to a potentially stressful visit.

Lessons from “Unreasonable Hospitality”

I’m currently reading Unreasonable Hospitality, a book that emphasizes the importance of going above and beyond to exceed customer expectations. While I’m still early in the book, one takeaway is crystal clear: exceeding expectations creates a fiercely loyal customer base and brings immense satisfaction to employees.

This principle applies perfectly to branded merchandise. In industries where customers don’t expect to be delighted, a simple, joyful branded item can make all the difference.

Why Branded Merch is the Easiest Way to Spread Joy

➡️ Branded merchandise is one of the easiest and most effective ways to bring joy to your customers and your team. ⬅️

Here’s how branded merch can transform your business:

1️⃣ Create Clever, Joyful, or Beautiful Branded Merch
Whether it’s a frisbee from the vet or a quirky t-shirt from a cleaning company, the key is to design branded items that are fun, useful, or visually appealing.

2️⃣ Cultivate a Culture of Gifting
When you offer branded merchandise as a gift, it creates a sense of connection. Customers will associate your brand with positivity, and your team will enjoy the act of giving. This simple gesture can build strong bonds between customers, employees, and the brand.

Turning “Chore” Services into Something Fun

Have you ever seen a company use branded merchandise to make a traditionally boring or unpleasant service fun? I’ve seen it with cleaning companies, too—they offer branded items like quirky aprons and cute cleaning supplies that brighten the customer’s day.

Branded merch can be a powerful tool for turning a “chore” into an unexpectedly enjoyable experience. So, the next time you think about branded merchandise, remember that it’s not just about promotion—it’s about creating joy where it’s least expected.

What are your thoughts? Have you encountered branded merch that made a routine service feel special?