MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS: CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, OFFERINGS, PRICING, BRANDS, DEADLINES, SHIPPING, AND POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES

MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS

If you’re searching for Merchology reviews, chances are you’re evaluating them as a potential partner for your corporate branded merchandise and promotional products. Merchology is indeed a well-known name in the industry. It serves companies of all sizes with co-branded apparel, premium gifts, and bulk-order solutions.

Their scale and brand partnerships make them a go-to for many. But does that automatically mean they’re the right fit for your unique needs? Do they deliver merchandise with the required precision and white-glove service?

In this article, we’ll break down Merchology reviews and its main offerings, pricing approach, and brand portfolio. And most importantly, what their customers are saying on platforms like Trustpilot and Reddit.

We hope to help you determine if Merchology is a good fit for you. Or if another partner for premium branded gifts may be better equipped to deliver the quality, service, and reliability you deserve.

MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS: COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Minnesota, Merchology is a B2B-focused distributor and decorator of custom-branded merchandise. The company positions itself as the bridge between premium retail brands and businesses seeking co-branded products for employee uniforms, event giveaways, and corporate gifting.

Source: Merchology

Merchology serves a diverse range of clients, including 93% of the Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized businesses, and fast-growing startups. Its appeal lies in offering turnkey “company stores,” bulk ordering, and nationwide or global fulfillment. With in-house decoration capabilities and a large brand catalog, Merchology has established a strong presence in the promotional products market.

WHAT MERCHOLOGY OFFERS

• Custom Logo Apparel – Polos, jackets, hoodies, dress shirts, vests, uniforms, and more with embroidery or printing.
• Promotional Merchandise – Drinkware, bags, tech accessories, notebooks, pens, and event merchandise.
• Premium Corporate Gifts – Co-branded products from high-value retail brands for clients, employees, and events.
• Company Store Solutions – Online stores for group orders and employee self-purchasing.
• In-House Decoration Services – Embroidery, screen printing, engraving, and specialty printing for precise branding.
• Nationwide and Global Fulfillment – Multi-location shipping, bulk orders, and coordinated delivery for distributed teams.
• Specialized Corporate Programs – Onboarding kits, milestone rewards, and seasonal gifting campaigns.

MERCHOLOGY BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

• Apparel and Outerwear: Patagonia, Nike, Carhartt, Under Armour, The North Face, Columbia, Brooks Brothers.
• Drinkware: YETI, Stanley, Camelbak, Hydro Flask.
• Bags and Backpacks: Nike, Port Authority, OGIO.
• Tech and Electronics: Apple, Anker, JBL.
• Golf and Outdoor Gear: Titleist, Callaway Golf.
• Workwear and Specialty Apparel: Dickies, Port Authority, High-Visibility and Flame-Resistant Clothing,
• Lifestyle and Accessories: Moleskine, Corkcicle, Hydro Flask

PRICING AT MERCHOLOGY

Merchology’s pricing model includes both base costs and optional add-ons:

• Base Price Includes: Cost of the product, one free logo setup, and customization in a single location.
• Bulk Discounts: Savings increase with larger order quantities and free ground U.S. shipping for orders over $5,000.
• Setup Fees: $79 setup fee if the minimum quantity is not met, and minimums can be met by combining companion styles or related products.
• Additional Logos: $49 setup fee per extra logo. Approximately $4 per item for each added logo placement.
• Additional Logos
  • – $49 setup fee per extra logo
  • – Approx. $4 per item for each added logo placement
• Order Cancellation Policy: Orders (excluding 48-Hour Shipping Collections) can be cancelled within 48 hours after placement at no charge. Cancellation after 48 hours incurs a 20% restocking fee based on order value (e.g., $730.40 on a $3,652 order). Once proof is approved, orders cannot be cancelled.
• Shipping Fees: Free ground shipping to one U.S. location on orders over $10,000 (excludes drop shipping). Orders under $10,000 have dynamic shipping rates based on product and quantity. Drop shipping costs $15.99 per order + $3 handling fee. International shipping excludes duties and fees, which appear at checkout.
• Expedited Shipping Options: 3-Day, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air available for domestic and international orders. Costs vary depending on weight and destination, usually higher for international shipments.

MERCHOLOGY CUSTOMER REVIEWS

Now that you know what the company offers, here’s what real customers are saying about Merchology on various review platforms.

REPORTED STRENGTHS

• ✅ Customers appreciate the quality of branded products received, often noting items arrive as expected and meet or exceed quality expectations.
• ✅ Several reviews highlight responsive assistance in urgent situations, with team members stepping in to correct shipping issues and meet tight deadlines.

Source: TrustPilot

AREAS OF CONCERN

❌ Customers report rigid return and exchange policies, even for undecorated or incorrectly sized items, with some calling these terms unclear or hidden.

Source: TrustPilot

❌ Many cite significant delays in production and shipping, with orders sometimes remaining on hold for weeks or months past the promised timeline.

Source: TrustPilot

❌ Multiple reviews mention poor or inconsistent communication, including unreturned calls/emails, long response times, and a lack of proactive updates.

Source: TrustPilot

❌ Some customers express dissatisfaction with unexpected additional costs or changes after placing orders, such as added embroidery fees or downgraded product specifications.

Source: TrustPilot

OVERALL MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS

While Merchology is a recognized name in the market, its overall customer satisfaction ratings suggest room for improvement. On Trustpilot, Merchology holds a 2.9 out of 5-star rating, with a mix of positive experiences and significant concerns around service and fulfillment.

While Merchology may be suitable for some businesses with flexible timelines and bulk ordering needs, companies seeking consistent communication, reliable delivery, and transparent policies should weigh these Merchology reviews critically. Recurring complaints highlight challenges that could impact your project’s success and brand reputation.

MERCHOLOGY ALTERNATIVES: TOP COMPETITORS TO CONSIDER

If Merchology doesn’t fully meet your needs, there are several promising alternatives in the corporate branded merchandise space.

Here’s a quick look at three leading competitors you should consider.

ELITE PROMO INC (EPI)

Loved by every customer, EPI is a premium partner for co-branded merchandise, corporate gifting, and promotional products. Based in the U.S. with global shipping capabilities, we combine white-glove service with an extensive catalog of high-quality products from leading brands. Talk about Patagonia, YETI, The North Face, Carhartt, Peter Millar, Hydro Flask, and more.

Our tailored approach ensures every project (and every customer) receives dedicated attention. From the first design draft to the final unboxing, we have perfected the process to amplify your brand and impress recipients.

WHAT EPI OFFERS

• Custom Logo Apparel – Custom logo apparel, including polos, custom jackets with logo, hoodies, dress shirts, vests, uniforms, and more with embroidery, screen printing, or specialty decoration.
• Premium Corporate Gifts – Co-branded products from top-tier retail brands for clients and employees for events like conferences, golf tournaments, and trade shows.
• Promotional Merchandise – Drinkware, bags, tech accessories, and other giveaways.
• Luxury Executive Gifts – High-end branded products for C-suite gifting and VIP recognition.
• In-House Logo Treatment– Embroidery, precision laser engraving, embossing, debossing, and specialty printing for retail-quality branding.
• Nationwide and Global Fulfillment – Multi-location shipping, bulk procurements, and coordinated delivery for distributed teams worldwide.
• Specialized Corporate Programs – Onboarding kits, milestone rewards, seasonal gifting campaigns, and event giveaways.

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

• Apparel and Outerwear: Arc’teryx, Columbia, Under Armour, Brooks Brothers, and many more.
• Drinkware: YETI, Hydro Flask, Contigo, Corkcicle.
• Bags and Travel Gear: TUMI, Victorinox, Thule, Timbuk2, Herschel.
• Tech and Electronics: Apple, Bose, JBL, Sony, Microsoft, GoPro.
• Golf and Outdoor Gear: Titleist, Callaway Golf.
• Lifestyle and Accessories: Moleskine, Bugatchi.

REVIEWS

• ✅ Exceptional customer service from start to finish – Clients consistently praise EPI’s attentive and proactive communication, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
• ✅ Fast and reliable delivery – Many promotional items, even with tight timelines, are delivered on schedule or ahead of expectations
• ✅ Premium quality in both products and customization – Customer feedback reveals the retail-level quality of co-branded merchandise and the precision of its logo treatment.

This commitment to service, quality, and reliability is what keeps clients coming back to EPI time and again.

Source: Google Review

If you are done exploring Merchology reviews and want the right partner by your side, call us at 650.513.1037 or request samples and discover why so many businesses switch to EPI for their corporate gifting and custom merchandise needs.

COGGINS PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING

Coggins Promotional Advertising offers a wide range of customizable merchandise for events, corporate gifting, and marketing campaigns. With decades of experience in promotional products, the company serves clients across industries with tailored solutions for brand visibility.

Source: Coggins Promotional Advertising

WHAT COGGINS PROMO OFFERS

• Custom Logo Apparel – T-shirts, polos, jackets, and uniforms with embroidery or screen printing.
• Promotional Products – Pens, drinkware, tote bags, and giveaways for trade shows and conferences.
• Corporate Gifts – Branded items for employee recognition, client appreciation, and seasonal events.
• Marketing Campaign Support – Idea generation and sourcing for targeted promotional efforts.
• Fulfillment Services – Coordinated delivery for both small and large-scale orders.

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

While not as heavily retail-focused as some competitors, Coggins works with a variety of suppliers to source quality products at different price points, giving businesses flexibility in branding budgets

REVIEWS

• ✅ Customers appreciate their hands-on service and willingness to help with last-minute orders.
• ❌ Some customers mention issues with product quality not meeting expectations, and return policies that require customers to cover shipping costs.

SWAGMAGIC

SwagMagic is an online swag platform that enables businesses to create, store, and ship custom-branded merchandise for employees, clients, and events. The platform focuses on convenience, offering on-demand shipping and virtual swag stores to simplify distribution for remote and global teams.

Source: SwagMagic

WHAT SWAGMAGIC OFFERS

• Custom Branded Merchandise – Apparel, drinkware, stationery, and tech accessories.
• Swag Stores – Personalized online storefronts for employees or clients to choose their own gifts.
• On-Demand Fulfillment – Store swag in their warehouse and ship it as needed.
• Global Shipping – Delivery to domestic and international addresses.
• Event and Conference Solutions – Curated gift sets and drop shipping for attendees.

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

SwagMagic partners with a variety of suppliers and retail brands, offering both budget-friendly options and premium merchandise to cater to diverse needs.

REVIEWS

• ✅ Customers value the platform’s wide variety of unique swag options.
• ❌ Some users note limitations in customization options and minimum order quantities for certain products, which may reduce flexibility for smaller or more personalized orders

MERCHOLOGY VS EPI VS OTHERS: COMPARISON

Now that you have read Merchology reviews, you know that choosing the right partner for company branded swag comes down to capabilities, service quality, and flexibility.

Here’s a side-by-side look at how Merchology, EPI, Coggins Promo, and SwagMagic compare across key features that matter most to businesses.

Feature	Merchology	EPI	Coggins Promo	SwagMagic
Global Shipping	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Minimum Orders	Yes	Flexible	Yes	No
Premium Brand Partners	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dedicated Account Manager	Limited	Always	Yes	Limited
Ahead-of-Schedule Delivery	No	Yes	Rare	No
Complex Customization	Limited	Yes	Yes	Limited

FINAL THOUGHTS: MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS AND THE SMARTER CHOICE FOR YOUR BRAND

After analyzing real Merchology reviews from multiple sources, it’s clear that while the company is a recognized name in the corporate merchandise space, it has visible gaps.

Customer reports of rigid return policies, unreliable delivery timelines, poor communication, and unexpected extra charges. Merchology may not be the right fit for every business.

For organizations that prioritize timelines, quality, and seamless coordination, EPI is the obvious and smarter choice.

We offer unmatched service. Our white-glove approach makes our clients say 'WOW!'

Here’s what one of them had to say about us.

Source: Google Reviews

If you’re ready to avoid the pitfalls highlighted in so many Merchology reviews and work with a partner that delivers perfection every time, let’s start your project today.

Call us at 650.513.1037 or request a samples to see the EPI difference for yourself.

MERCHOLOGY REVIEWS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Looking for quick answers about Merchology? Below, we address some of the most common questions based on publicly available information and Merchology reviews.

HOW DOES MERCHOLOGY'S PRODUCT PRICING COMPARE TO COMPETITORS?

According to available Merchology reviews and company details, Merchology operates on a premium pricing model compared to many promotional product competitors. Key pricing elements include:

• Base product pricing varies by category, with tiered volume discounts for larger orders.
• Setup fee of $79.00 applies when minimum quantities are not met.
• Free logo decoration is included (up to 10,000 stitches for embroidery, two colors for screen printing).
• À la carte pricing is available for certain hard goods, such as drinkware and electronics, for greater transparency.

DOES MERCHOLOGY OFFER DESIGN ASSISTANCE OR PROOFING BEYOND BASIC LOGO PLACEMENT?

According to Merchology reviews and their website, yes. Merchology provides extensive design services beyond basic logo placement:

Proofing Options:

• Full-Service Proofing: Digital proof delivered within 2-3 business days with a 48-hour approval window.
• Waive Proof: Skip proofing for up to 2 days for faster processing.
• Logo on File: Use previously approved designs for faster reorders.

Advanced Design Services:

• 12+ decoration methods, including embroidery, screen printing, pad printing, and laser engraving.
• Product Design Studio for fully custom merchandise creation.
• Tech pack development for custom products.
• PMS color matching for specific methods.
• Logo digitization and optimization included.
• Multiple decoration locations on single items.
• Complex patch applications (embroidered, PV+, faux leather).

Artwork Support: They accept various file formats (JPEG, PDF, EPS, PNG, AI) and will work with whatever artwork customers provide, making modifications as needed for optimal decoration quality.

HOW DOES MERCHOLOGY HANDLE DEFECTIVE OR INCORRECT ORDERS AFTER DELIVERY?

Merchology's defective order policy:

• 30-day notification requirement from the date of purchase for all issues.
• Defective products only: Returns accepted solely for defective apparel or defective decoration (embroidery, printing, etc.).
• No exchanges: The Company does not accept exchanges, only defective returns.
• New, unused condition: Items must be returned in original packaging.
• "Waive Proof" limitation: Orders using this option are not eligible for a refund based on design satisfaction.

Additional Warranty Coverage:

• Manufacturer warranties: Products like The North Face include lifetime warranties on logo-branded items for manufacturing defects.
• Quality control: All orders go through in-house quality control before shipping.

The policy is restrictive compared to standard retail returns, focusing specifically on manufacturing and decoration defects rather than customer satisfaction issues.

WHAT IS EPI’s PRICING AND BULK DISCOUNT STRUCTURE?

We clearly mention minimum order quantities and pricing for each co-branded product within the product details. Shown below is an example of custom jackets with logo.

Port Authority® Men's Essential Jacket - Embroidered

For more information or personalized pricing tailored to your needs, call us at 650.513.1037.

WHAT ARE THE RETURN AND REFUND POLICIES?

Every product we deliver is inspected before it is packaged for fulfillment. We maintain high expectations and standards for your brand. Returns or claims of defects are uncommon throughout the year.

However, in the event of an issue where the project is delivered with a defect or variation from the approved specification, we will work closely with you to find a solution. In the event of an approved claim and return merchandise authorization, we oftentimes cover return shipping costs if the claim or defect is due to a vendor error.

Once approved, refunds are typically processed within 3-5 business days after the return package has been received and inspected or assessed by us.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE TURN-AROUND TIME FOR EPI’s PROJECTS?

Turnaround times vary depending on product availability and project specifics, with production commonly taking 10–15 business days plus standard ground transit. When you connect with our team, they will provide a clear, detailed timeline.

We also offer expedited rush options for time-sensitive projects. We, at times, also deliver co-branded gifts before time.

“I had a very QUICK turnaround with a custom special order and logo ask, and Ryan delivered MUCH AHEAD of anticipated timing. Our gift recipients were very IMPRESSED with the turnout! Thanks, Ryan!”

–KAITLIN CASSIDY.

Call 650.513.1037 to get started.

CAN I REVIEW MY DESIGN BEFORE PRODUCTION BEGINS?

Yes. With EPI, you’ll receive digital renderings to approve placement, sizing, and layout. You can also request a sample of the premium corporate gifts of your choice.

Disclaimer: The data and insights presented in this blog are based on third-party platforms and tools. The information may not reflect the most up-to-date metrics or precise figures. Use this as a reference and verify with primary sources where necessary.