As branding gets more competitive, Indian businesses are embracing custom merchandise like never before. From onboarding kits to event swag, customized t-shirts, backpacks, and branded gifts are becoming essential tools for employee engagement, customer retention, and brand visibility. Remember From tech startups to educational institutions and corporate giants, businesses across India are turning to custom merchandise as a powerful tool to stand out, engage stakeholders, and build lasting relationships. This shift has fueled the rapid rise of the B2B custom merchandise industry in India, transforming how companies approach marketing, employee engagement, and customer loyalty.
At Flyten, we’ve seen a sharp rise in demand from corporates, startups, colleges, NGOs, and even government departments across Delhi NCR and beyond. The appeal? Custom merchandise offers long-term branding at low cost — and unlike ads, it stays in use.
Read Also: How Customized Products Boost Employee Morale! Flyten
Growing Demand Across Industries!
The B2B custom merchandise market in India is booming, driven by growing demand from diverse sectors:
Corporate companies ordering custom t-shirts and backpacks for onboarding kits and events.
Colleges and universities using printed apparel for fests, orientation weeks, and alumni events.
Startups and tech firms offering branded swag to employees and clients.
NGOs and government programs distributing customized kits for awareness campaigns.
Fitness and wellness brands providing merchandise like gym bags and tees to customers.
Custom merchandise isn’t just a promotional tactic anymore — it’s a brand strategy.
What Is B2B Custom Merchandise? Flyten
B2B custom merchandise refers to branded products customized with a company’s logo, tagline, or message, ordered in bulk for business purposes. Popular items include:
Custom t-shirts and polo shirts
Logo-printed backpacks and laptop bags
Branded water bottles, mugs, and stationery
Tech accessories like USB drives and mouse pads
Employee welcome kits or event giveaways
These products are often distributed at events, exhibitions, onboarding sessions, corporate gifting occasions, and marketing campaigns.
Why Businesses Are Choosing Custom Merchandise?
- Brand Visibility & Recall
Every custom product — be it a t-shirt or a backpack — acts as a walking advertisement. When employees, customers, or partners use branded items in public, your company gets free exposure.
- Affordable Marketing
Compared to digital ads or traditional media, custom merchandise offers long-term value. A quality bag or t-shirt lasts months or years, giving your brand repeated impressions at a low cost per view.
- Employee Engagement
Giving customized welcome kits or event gear boosts employee morale, strengthens the employer brand, and makes the team feel connected.
- Customer Loyalty
Corporate gifts like custom mugs, bags, or diaries help build emotional connections with customers, leading to better retention and referrals.
- Event Identity & Unity
For corporate events, seminars, or team outings, customized t-shirts and bags create a unified brand experience, making events more memorable.
The Indian Advantage: Why India Is a Hotspot for B2B Merchandise!
India has become a hub for B2B custom merchandise due to:
Low manufacturing costs with high-quality materials
Fast production and delivery timelines
Access to diverse raw materials and design talent
Pan-India logistics supporting bulk deliveries across metros and smaller cities
Moreover, Indian suppliers now offer on-demand design support, MOQ flexibility, and custom packaging to meet specific business needs.
Who’s Driving the Demand? Flyten
The demand is not just urban-centric. Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are also embracing custom merchandise for corporate and institutional use. Key demand drivers include:
Startups looking to build a brand identity affordably
HR departments crafting unique onboarding experiences
Educational institutions seeking personalized apparel
E-commerce platforms promoting seasonal sales or brand launches
Marketing agencies offering 360-degree promotional solutions
Popular Products in the Indian Market
Let’s look at the most sought-after B2B merchandise in India:
- Customized T-Shirts
Round neck, polo, and dri-fit options
Popular among corporates, colleges, and NGOs
Cost-effective and great for events and teams
- Branded Backpacks
Used for employee welcome kits, tech events, and training programs
Laptop-compatible and available in multiple designs
Durable and visible — ideal for brand visibility
- Stationery Kits
Includes notebooks, pens, folders — all branded
Common in workshops, conferences, and onboarding
- Tech Merchandise
Branded USBs, power banks, mouse pads
Popular with IT companies and startups
- Welcome Kits & Event Packs
Combine apparel, accessories, and information material
Personalized packaging for a premium feel
Buying Behavior: What Businesses Look For
Today’s B2B buyers are more discerning. They seek:
MOQ flexibility (e.g., minimum order of 100 units)
Customization options (color, size, design, logo placement)
Fast delivery, especially for time-sensitive campaigns
Pan India shipping to multiple offices or branches
Eco-friendly materials for sustainability-conscious brands
Competitive pricing with bulk discounts
Suppliers who can offer a smooth ordering experience, consistent quality, and branding support are emerging as preferred partners.
Digital Shift: How Online Ordering Has Made Custom Merchandise Easier!
With platforms like Flyten and others offering online quote requests, design previews, and pan-India delivery, it’s now easier than ever to place bulk orders for branded merchandise.
WhatsApp support, free sample offers, and online catalogs are simplifying B2B buying. This digital transformation is particularly helpful for startups, HR managers, and procurement teams seeking fast, reliable solutions without physically visiting a supplier.
Use Cases Across the Customer Journey
Custom merchandise fits in at every stage of the B2B customer lifecycle:
Awareness: Giveaways at expos, exhibitions, and marketing campaigns
Engagement: Branded t-shirts at events or webinars
Conversion: Corporate gifts for new clients
Loyalty: Anniversary gifts or custom merchandise for repeat customers
Advocacy: Merchandise for community members, influencers, or alumni
The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to market reports, India’s corporate gifting and custom merchandise market is growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With the B2B sector expanding, the share of branded products in employee engagement, marketing, and gifting is only expected to grow.
Key Stats:
Over 75% of HR teams in top metros now use branded welcome kits
60% of event organizers include custom apparel as part of branding
80% of recipients remember the brand on a promotional product
Sustainable Merchandise: A Growing Trend
More businesses are asking for eco-friendly t-shirts, reusable bags, and sustainable materials. Organic cotton, jute, cork, and recycled polyester are becoming popular choices. Suppliers that offer green options will be at the forefront of the next wave of custom merchandise.
What’s Next for B2B Custom Merchandise in India? Flyten
As personalization continues to evolve, the future will see:
AI-based design customization
3D previews of products before ordering
Integrated CRM and ordering systems
Micro-customization for team-specific designs
Sustainability-focused packaging and production
Conclusion
The rise of B2B custom merchandise in India is a testament to how businesses are embracing creative, cost-effective branding strategies. Whether it’s a startup gifting branded t-shirts to interns or a multinational onboarding employees with logo-printed backpacks — the trend is here to stay.
For companies like Flyten, which provide customized t-shirts and backpacks with pan-India delivery, the opportunity is massive. By offering reliable service, flexible MOQs, design support, and fast delivery, they can become essential partners to India’s growing business ecosystem.
Related Article:
Best Custom Clothing Suppliers in Patna for Events and Promotions || Flyten
Customized T-Shirts for College Fests: Everything You Need to Know || Flyten
How to Choose the Right Promotional Bags & Custom T-Shirts for Trade Shows & Conferences
Bulk Orders Wholesale B2B: Customized T-Shirts and Backpacks for Schools, Corporates, NGOs, and More
