Embarking on a merchandise project is a significant endeavor, especially when you aim for high-quality development results that reflect your brand’s values and resonate with your audience. At Sunday, we pride ourselves on guiding our clients through each step of the process, ensuring that every project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. This guide will take you through the entire process, from initial project kickoff to post-launch support, providing you with a clear understanding of what to expect and how to collaborate effectively for the best outcomes.
Planning your first project with Sunday? Expect 90 days from kickoff to delivery for top-quality results – get started today!
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1. Project Kickoff and Briefing
Duration: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Key Players: Department Head, Project Manager, and occasionally the Lead Designer or Head of Brand
Overview:
The kickoff meeting represents the first steps and foundation of the entire merchandise project, setting the stage for decisive action. This initial discussion is crucial for aligning all stakeholders and setting clear expectations for the project. Depending on the complexity of your project, this meeting could be a quick 15-minute conversation or an in-depth discussion lasting up to an hour.
During this meeting, we delve into the purpose of the campaign—whether it’s for onboarding, an event, or a long-term initiative—ensuring we cover the full spectrum of possibilities. Understanding the goals allows us to tailor the project to meet your specific needs. We’ll also discuss the scale of the project, which directly impacts budgeting, production timelines, and design possibilities. Having both the department head and the project manager involved ensures that strategic goals and practical execution are aligned from the start.
Typical Concerns:
Clients often worry about timelines and the scale of the project. Whether you’re targeting 100 people or 10,000, the approach and logistics will differ significantly. This is the stage where we address these concerns, setting realistic expectations and planning accordingly.
2. Practical Details and Planning
Duration: Typically immediate, following the kickoff meeting
Overview: After the kickoff, we move into gathering the practical details that will shape the project. This includes confirming the quantity of items needed, the budget per person, and the timeline for the campaign. It’s also essential to establish who will be involved in the decision-making process.
One of the key aspects we address is distribution. Clients often focus heavily on the products themselves but overlook the complexity of distribution, especially at scale, and the resources required to manage it effectively. For example, handing out 1,000 t-shirts requires careful planning around size collection, distribution methods, and tracking who has received their items. Discussing these logistics early on prevents complications later and ensures that the project runs smoothly.
Templates and Tools:
While many clients come prepared with these details, we provide templates to help if needed. These templates ensure that all necessary information is gathered efficiently, avoiding delays and misunderstandings.
3. Product Selection
Duration: 1 day
Overview: Product selection is where creativity meets strategy. Based on the project’s goals, target audience, and budget, we help you choose the best products to achieve your objectives. This could range from simple items like tote bags to more complex, high-end products like custom jackets or sneakers.
Our team takes a few days to brainstorm and gather suggestions that align with your needs. If you already have specific products in mind, we can expedite this process. Alternatively, we can leverage our R&D department to suggest innovative products you may not have considered.
Samples: We highly recommend requesting samples, as they allow you to experience the quality firsthand. Samples can add about a week to the timeline but are invaluable for ensuring that stakeholders are confident in the product choices. This step can be particularly helpful in convincing others within your organization of the value of the project.
Considerations: Important factors during product selection include whether to offer size options, which can increase complexity but significantly improve user satisfaction. Additionally, consider if you want to offer choices to recipients, as giving people the ability to choose their item often results in higher engagement and appreciation.
For this project we chose a varsity jacket
4. Design Process
Duration: 1 to 2 weeks
Overview: The design process is where your brand’s identity comes to life through merchandise. To do this effectively, we need detailed brand guidelines, including logos, Pantone colors, and any specific design elements that need to be incorporated. You can also read our blogpost on creating the perfect design briefing.
Factors Affecting Timeline: The design phase typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary based on several factors. For example, if the project is being developed during a peak period like the holiday season, timelines may extend slightly. Another key factor is the number of stakeholders involved in the approval process. More decision-makers can mean longer timelines, so it’s important to identify who needs to sign off on designs early on.
Handling Changes: If significant changes are needed after the initial design, we enter a more iterative process. Our team works closely with you to refine the designs, ensuring that we fully capture your vision while staying within the project’s scope.
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
5. Feedback and Revisions
Duration: Typically 1 to 2 feedback rounds, taking a few days to 2 weeks
Overview: Once the initial designs are ready, we enter the feedback phase. Our goal is to be as close to perfect as possible in the first round, but we recognize that adjustments may be needed. The feedback process is crucial for fine-tuning the designs to meet your exact expectations.
Efficient Feedback: To keep the project moving, we encourage clients to gather and consolidate feedback from all stakeholders before submitting it to us. This helps avoid extended feedback rounds and keeps the timeline on track. Most projects are finalized with just one round of feedback, though occasionally a second round may be necessary.
Common Feedback Types: Typical feedback includes preferences on logo size and positioning, color adjustments, and choosing between different design versions. The sooner we receive clear and concise feedback, the quicker we can move forward.
Final front
Final back
6. Final Design Approval
Duration: Immediate after feedback integration
Overview: With the feedback incorporated, we move to final design approval. We provide detailed 3D models of the merchandise, giving you a realistic preview of the final product. This visualization is critical for ensuring that all stakeholders are satisfied before moving into production.
Technical Specifications: Our team handles all the technical specifications behind the scenes, ensuring that everything from fabric type to stitching is aligned with the final design. We focus on making the process as smooth as possible for you, so all you need to confirm are the visual aspects like Pantone colors and decoration positioning.
Close-up of the chenille embroidery and print on the back
7. Production Timeline
Duration: 6 weeks (Poland), 10-12 weeks (Turkey)
Overview: Once the designs are finalized, production begins. The timeline for production depends on several factors, including the location of production, the complexity of the items, and the size of the order.
Managing Production Time: Large orders or projects with intricate details may take longer to produce. Additionally, if production is scheduled during peak seasons, such as leading up to Christmas, timelines may extend slightly. However, our team is proactive in managing these factors and will communicate any potential delays well in advance.
Production Delays: In the rare event of a production delay, we maintain transparency and work with you to minimize the impact. Whether it’s delivering in batches or adjusting timelines for less critical items, we strive to meet your project’s deadlines without compromising quality.$
8. Logistics and Webshop Setup (Optional)
Duration: Concurrent with production (within 6 weeks)
Overview: While your merchandise is being produced, we simultaneously set up any necessary logistics, such as the Sunday wardrobe and web shop. This ensures that once production is complete, everything is ready for a seamless launch.
Logistics Planning: The better we understand your distribution needs, the more effectively we can plan for global shipping, customs documentation, and any other logistical considerations. Whether you’re distributing items in bulk or individually, our goal is to make this process as hassle-free as possible.
9. Launch and Post-Launch Support
Duration: Ongoing, with a feedback meeting 2 weeks post-launch
Overview: Launching your merchandise is a critical phase where all the preparation comes to fruition. We support you throughout this phase, offering best practices, marketing materials, and technical support for the web shop if needed.
Measuring Success: Post-launch, we hold a feedback meeting to assess the campaign’s success and discuss any areas for improvement. Metrics such as NPS can be valuable indicators of the project’s impact. We also provide ideas for utilizing any remaining merchandise to maximize your return on investment.
Conclusion
It’s good to take into consideration 90 days for your first Sunday project from conversation to delivery.
Embarking on a merchandise project with Sunday is a journey that combines creativity, strategic planning, and precise execution. By understanding each phase—from the initial kickoff meeting to the final product launch—you can navigate the process with confidence, ensuring that your merchandise not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step, providing expert advice, and managing the details so you can focus on the bigger picture.
Whether you’re planning a small, targeted campaign or a large-scale initiative, following a well-structured timeline is key to success. By allowing ample time for design, production, and logistics, and by involving the right stakeholders early on, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a seamless project delivery.
At Sunday, we don’t just deliver products; we deliver experiences that resonate with your audience and reflect the quality and values of your brand. With our comprehensive support, you can be assured that your merchandise will make a lasting impact, helping to strengthen connections with your team, customers, and community. We look forward to partnering with you to bring your vision to life.
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