The Complete Company Store Guide
What is a company store?
A company store is a branded online shop where employees, members or customers order merchandise with your logo. Modern stores run on-demand: items are produced when ordered instead of bought in bulk.
Traditional vs. on-demand models
Traditional bulk programs often cost $5,000-$50,000 up front with 24-144 unit minimums and 4-8 week lead times. On-demand stores like SwagShops have setup fees from $250 to $10,000 and plans from $49 to $1,999 a month, with no per-item minimums.
Getting started: 8-step launch plan
Set goals and budget, pick your audience, choose products, prepare artwork, configure allowances and access, review proofs, launch and promote, then measure and refresh.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering too much inventory up front
- Too many products at launch
- Skipping a launch announcement
- Ignoring sizing and feedback
Pro, our recommended plan for company stores, is $750 to launch and $199 a month. Plans range from $49 to $1,999 a month.
Frequently asked questions
How long does launch take? Most SwagShops stores go live within 5-7 business days after artwork is approved. Do we need to buy inventory? No — items are produced when ordered, though some programs hold stock for kits. Can employees pay with an allowance? Yes, through allowances, gift cards or coupon codes. Can franchise locations order separately? Yes, each location can have its own collection and shipping address. Who handles customer service? We do, including order questions, exchanges for misprints and shipping issues.
Who a company store is for
Company stores work for employee programs, franchise and multi-location brands, schools and associations, and customer or fan merchandise. The common thread is that many people need branded items over time, in different sizes, at different addresses.
Choosing products
Start with a focused catalog of 10-20 best sellers: t-shirts, hoodies, quarter-zips, caps, drinkware and bags. Add seasonal items and role-specific gear, like workwear for field crews, once you see what people order.
Allowances, codes and access
Most programs control spending with employee allowances, gift cards or coupon codes, and limit access with a password or approved email domains. Franchise stores often give each location its own collection.
Measuring success
- Order volume and repeat orders
- Admin time saved versus manual ordering
- Inventory and storage costs avoided
- Brand consistency across teams and locations
SwagShops is part of Swagify, headquartered in Houston, Texas with over 100,000 square feet of print on demand manufacturing.