Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What are the best methods and suppliers for branding unbranded merchandise like parasols, and should you DIY or outsource?
Members generally recommend outsourcing parasol branding rather than attempting DIY heat-pressing, as the process is more complex than it initially appears. **DIY challenges:** - Regular domestic irons don't reach the temperature needed for effective heat transfer; a commercial heat press is required as a minimum - Alignment is difficult and members reported significant wastage when trying to get designs straight on curved or unwieldy items - Parasols in particular present a challenging shape for heat-transfer work **Recommended approach — outsource to specialist suppliers:** - **Brollies and Parasols** (https://www.brolliesandparasols.co.uk/) — Welsh company praised by members as a good option for custom-printed parasols; noted as competitive on both time and pricing - **Casa Julia** — mentioned as an option; at least one member confirmed working with them **Related merchandise:** - Members also asked about coasters; one member has a coaster printer contact (shared via DM) **Bottom line:** Unless you have access to commercial heat-pressing equipment and significant time for trial-and-error, outsourcing to a specialist supplier is the practical route. Time and cost constraints favour using established parasol/merchandise printers rather than DIY.
What sustainable branded merchandise platforms do drinks industry founders recommend?
Members have identified two key platforms for sustainable branded apparel that avoid overproduction waste. - **Teemill** — Print-on-order model means stock is only made when ordered, preventing excess inventory ending up in landfill. Members praise the quality and durability of both fabric and print. The platform uses 100% recycled cotton and plants trees with orders. Easy to set up, and members have successfully integrated it into their brand presence (example shop: avallen.teemill.com). Fabric feels high-quality on the skin. - **Brand Stamp** — Described as sustainable with high-quality output and low minimum order quantities, making it accessible for smaller brands. Both platforms appeal to founders wanting to avoid the traditional merchandise model of bulk production and excess stock. The on-demand approach is particularly valued for its environmental credentials.
What suppliers offer quick turnaround bar runners?
Members recommend **Willis Publicity** for quick turnaround bar runners. See https://willispublicity.co.uk for details.
Which print suppliers do members use for custom printed inserts like menu bookmarks?
Members have had good experience with a small number of established suppliers for custom printed items. **Solopress** is recommended as a reliable, affordable online option for printed materials, though members note uncertainty about whether they handle specialist bar merchandise. For branded drinkware and related items, **Festival Glass** and **Rastal** are both used; Rastal reportedly offers quicker turnaround than Festival Glass (which quoted 8–12 weeks lead time in recent enquiries). **Utopia** is also worth contacting for branded items like ice buckets when turnaround is tight. Members suggest contacting multiple suppliers to compare lead times and pricing, especially if fast turnaround is needed.