Grapevine Designs: Experts in Brand Activation
FAQs
At Grapevine Designs, we specialize in transforming branded merchandise, corporate gifting and custom swag into unforgettable brand experiences. From creative concepting to seamless kitting and e-commerce solutions, we help businesses bring their brand to life in meaningful, memorable ways.
Our FAQ section answers some of the most common questions we get about our services — from building custom company stores to delivering “wow” moments through thoughtfully curated swag and gifts. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out! Our team is always here to help make your brand shine.
General Questions
Grapevine Designs specializes in branded merchandise, promotional products and creative marketing solutions. We help companies elevate their brand presence through custom-designed apparel, corporate gifts, employee appreciation programs, online pop-up stores and more. With a strategic approach to promotional marketing, we ensure that every product we create aligns with our clients’ brand identity and business goals.
We’re located in the heart of America, in a Kansas City suburb: 8406 Melrose, Lenexa, KS 66214
Established in 2000, Grapevine Designs is celebrating our 25th anniversary in 2025.
We work with a diverse range of clients across multiple industries, including financial services, construction, healthcare, technology, education and transportation. Our clients range from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, and we specialize in providing branded merchandise solutions that support corporate marketing, employee engagement, client gifting and event promotions. Whether it’s a national brand looking for a large-scale promotional campaign or a growing business in need of creative swag, we tailor our approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
What sets Grapevine Designs apart is our strategic, design-driven approach to branded merchandise. We don’t just put logos on products — we create thoughtful, on-brand solutions that align with our clients’ marketing goals. Our expertise in design, trend forecasting and storytelling ensures that every item we curate is purposeful and impactful.
Additionally, we offer:
Creative Strategy – We think beyond the product, developing campaigns that drive engagement and brand loyalty.
Personalized Service – Our team collaborates closely with clients to provide tailored recommendations and white-glove service.
Online Pop-Up Stores – We simplify gifting and employee appreciation with seamless e-commerce solutions.
Quality & Compliance – We source high-quality, ethically produced merchandise that meets industry compliance standards.
The hallmark of Grapevine Designs’ work is when we merge brand messaging with merchandise in a way that is insightful and makes the end user say “Wow.” We accomplish this through inspired, custom curation of brand-appropriate merchandise combined with a full understanding of the brand’s standards and project mission. When our creative and kitting teams become a part of the solution, the result is nothing short of amazing!
Products & Services
We work inside and outside of the promotional products universe. Meaning, there are thousands of excellent suppliers within our industry who supply all distributors with promotional merchandise. However, we know that our clientele is discerning and retail savvy, and we search high and low for solutions that bring their brand to life.
Apparel & Accessories – Custom T-shirts, polos, outerwear, hats and more.
Drinkware – Branded tumblers, water bottles, mugs and glassware.
Tech & Gadgets – Wireless chargers, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds and smart accessories.
Office & Desk Items – Notebooks, pens, planners and organizational tools.
Bags & Totes – Backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags and eco-friendly options.
Employee & Client Gifts – Curated gift sets, luxury items and personalized corporate gifts.
Event & Trade Show Items – Branded giveaways, signage and promotional displays.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Products – Recycled materials, reusable items and sustainable packaging.
Whether you’re looking for high-end executive gifts, trendy apparel or budget-friendly giveaways, we source and customize the perfect products to fit your brand and objectives.
Absolutely. We have designed many products from start to finish for our clients. Our focus is not only on quality, design excellence and meeting brand standards, but product safety and sustainability play important roles in custom product development.
Yes, we do. Currently, we operate 52 e-commerce stores for our corporate clients. Our stores are perfect for employee uniforms, rewards programs, client gifting, event giveaways and more.
Key Features of Our Online Stores:
User-Friendly Experience – A seamless, branded shopping platform for employees, clients or customers.
On-Demand or Bulk Ordering – Choose between stocked inventory or print-on-demand solutions.
Customization Options – Personalize products with names, departments or special messaging.
Flexible Payment Solutions – Allow purchases via company budgets, gift codes or direct payments.
Warehousing & Fulfillment – We handle inventory management, packing and shipping.
Whether you need a short-term pop-up shop for an event or a permanent online store for your corporate gear, we build solutions tailored to your brand’s needs.
We offer short-term pop-up online stores that are perfect for limited-time campaigns, events or seasonal programs.
Why Choose a Pop-Up Store?
Great for Employee Gifting & Rewards – Let your team select their own branded gifts.
Perfect for Events & Campaigns – Ideal for company anniversaries, holiday gifts or team-building initiatives.
Limited-Time Access – Create urgency and exclusivity with a set ordering window.
No Inventory Commitment – Inventory ordered and decorated on demand and shipped accordingly.
Seamless Fulfillment – We handle ordering, production and shipping so you don’t have to.
Yes! In addition to online stores, we have a team that manages brick-and-mortar retail stores. We can create in-person pop-up shops for special events, corporate gatherings and employee appreciation initiatives.
How Our In-Person Pop-Up Stores Work:
On-Site Branded Experience – We create a fully customized shopping experience with curated products.
Real-Time Product Selection – Employees or attendees can see, touch and choose their items on the spot.
Pre-Stocked or Made-to-Order – We can provide pre-printed merchandise or offer on-site customization.
Event Support & Logistics – From setup to breakdown, we handle the details to ensure a smooth experience.
Perfect for Employee Engagement & Team Events – Create excitement with a hands-on, interactive shopping experience.
Absolutely! We prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products to help brands reduce their environmental impact while making a lasting impression. We work with suppliers committed to sustainability, ethical production and reducing waste, ensuring that your brand’s promotional products align with your corporate social responsibility goals.
Our Sustainable Offerings Include:
Recycled & Upcycled Materials – Apparel, bags and drinkware made from recycled plastics, organic cotton and reclaimed materials.
Reusable & Zero-Waste Items – Stainless steel straws, bamboo utensils, reusable tote bags and glassware.
Ethically Sourced & Fair Trade Products – Items produced with responsible labor practices and sustainable sourcing.
Eco-Conscious Packaging – Compostable, recyclable or minimal-waste packaging options.
Carbon-Neutral & Give-Back Programs – Products that support reforestation, ocean clean-up or other environmental causes.
Ordering & Customization
We listen to your branding and merchandise needs, including details like user demographics, psychographics, location and method for distribution, event details and more. From there, we provide you with curated ideas that your end users will love, including pricing to meet your budget and in-hands date. You will receive mock-ups of your final product selections prior to placing your order. Once your order details are agreed upon and placed, you will receive a proof from the vendor showing decoration for your approval. Once approved, the order will be completed and shipped to your location.
Minimum order quantities (MOQs) vary depending on the product and customization options. While some items require a minimum purchase due to production requirements, we also offer low- or no-minimum options for select products. Factors that affect MOQs include product type, decoration method and customization level.
For the best print quality, we prefer vector files for logos and artwork. These formats ensure sharp, high-resolution printing on all promotional products.
Preferred File Formats:
Vector Files – .AI, .EPS, .PDF (with editable vector graphics)
High-Resolution Raster Files – .PNG, .JPG, .TIFF (at least 300 DPI, for photos)
Yes! We offer product samples so you can see and feel the quality before placing a full order. Sample availability varies by product, and some may have a small fee, which can often be credited toward your final order.
Blank Samples – Non-customized versions of the product to check size, material and quality.
Pre-Production Samples – A customized sample with your logo for approval before mass production (available for certain items).
Virtual Proofs & Mock-ups – Digital renderings of your logo on the product for a visual preview.
Shipping & Delivery
Production and delivery times vary depending on the product, customization and order size. We do have some suppliers who can manage very quick turnarounds. However, here is a general timeline to help you plan:
Stock & Blank Items: 3-5 business days
Custom Printed Items: 5-14 business days
Fully Custom or Overseas Orders: 4-8 weeks (varies by product and complexity)
Need it faster? We offer rush production and expedited shipping on many items. Let us know your deadline, and we’ll work to meet it. We’ll provide a timeline with your order confirmation to ensure everything arrives when you need it.
We offer multi-location shipping to ensure your branded merchandise reaches the right people, wherever they are. We handle all logistics, including packaging, tracking and custom kitting if needed. Just provide the addresses, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Bulk Shipments – Send all items to a single location.
Individual Fulfillment – Ship directly to employees, clients or event attendees at multiple addresses.
Domestic & International Shipping – We can coordinate deliveries within the U.S. and globally.
We can ship to most countries, following international shipping regulations. International shipping costs and timelines vary based on the destination and product type. Let us know where you need to ship, and we’ll provide a customized shipping solution.
Customs & Duties Management – We help navigate customs requirements to minimize delays.
Multiple Carrier Options – We work with trusted shipping providers to find the best rates and delivery times.
Tracking & Logistics Support – We provide tracking updates and assist with any shipping concerns.
Pricing & Payment
Pricing is determined by several factors, including product selection, customization, order quantity and shipping. We work to provide competitive pricing while ensuring high-quality branded merchandise. We work with your budget to find the best high-impact, cost-effective solutions. Request a quote, and we’ll provide transparent pricing based on your specific needs.
We accept all major credit cards for first-time orders prior to credit approval. Once credit has been approved, our terms are net 30.
Yes, some custom products may have a setup fee, which covers the cost of preparing your artwork for production. However, this varies by product and decoration method. Many products offer free or reduced setup fees on reorders, and we always aim to provide cost-effective solutions. We’ll outline any setup fees upfront so there are no surprises.
Pop-Up Shops & Employee Gifting
Our online pop-up shops are a hassle-free way to distribute branded merchandise for employee gifting, corporate events, sales incentives and more. We start with building a custom-branded online storefront with your selected products. Your employees or recipients shop during the allotted timeframe given. Orders are then produced, packed and shipped directly to each recipient or bulk shipped to desired locations to be distributed.
Key Features:
Custom Branding – Your store reflects your company’s look and feel.
Flexible Ordering – Choose bulk fulfillment or individual shipments.
Payment Options – Use company budgets, gift codes or direct payments.
Limited-Time or Ongoing Stores – Set a specific ordering window or keep it open year-round.
Our pop-up shops make it easy, efficient and engaging to distribute branded merchandise. Let us know your goals, and we’ll tailor a store to fit your needs.
With our on-site fulfillment center and warehouse, we are able to facilitate individual packaging and shipping for all online pop-up store orders. We provide order tracking and handle any shipping concerns.
The lead time for setting up a pop-up store depends on the level of customization and the number of products offered. Need a store quickly? Let us know, and we’ll work within your timeline!
General Timeline:
Basic Pop-Up Store (Pre-Selected Items) – 5-7 business days
Customized Store (Branded Interface & Personalized Options) – 7-14 business days
Fully Custom & Integrated Solutions – 2-4 weeks (for complex setups or large-scale programs)
Account Management & Support
When you work with us, you’ll have a dedicated account manager who serves as your main point of contact. They’ll learn your needs and tailor solutions according to your brand and goals. From product selection to order fulfillment, they’ll handle every detail in guiding you through the process. Quick responses, proactive recommendations and ongoing assistance are all a part of our personalized support. We ensure on-time delivery by managing timelines, logistics and any special requests. Your account manager will be an extension of your team, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Absolutely! We go beyond just providing promotional products. We help you build a strategic campaign that aligns with your brand’s goals. We are here to partner with you in advancing your brand message in the best possible way.
How We Support Your Campaigns:
Creative Strategy – We brainstorm themes, messaging and product ideas to maximize impact.
Targeted Product Selection – We curate merchandise that resonates with your audience and fits your budget.
Brand Integration – Ensuring your logo, colors and messaging are consistently represented across all wearables, hard goods, print materials, signage and more.
Multi-Touchpoint Campaigns – Combining promotional products with digital marketing, direct mail or event activations.
If there’s an issue with your order, we’re here to make it right — quickly and hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we stand behind the quality of every order.
How We Handle Order Issues:
Damaged or Defective Items – We’ll replace or refund any items that arrive damaged or misprinted.
Incorrect Orders – If there’s a mistake with your order (wrong item, incorrect imprint, etc.), we’ll correct it ASAP.
Shipping Delays – If a shipping issue arises, we’ll work with our carriers to resolve it and keep you updated.
What to Do If There’s an Issue:
Contact Your Account Manager – They’ll address your concern immediately.
Provide Photos (if applicable) – This helps us assess the issue and speed up resolution.
We’ll Make It Right – Whether it’s a replacement, refund or rush fix, we’ll find the best solution for you.
Creative Services
With our in-house creative team, the sky’s the limit. We specialize in creating custom product mock-ups and digital presentations to help you visualize your branded merchandise before ordering. Compare colorways, imprint methods and layouts to find the perfect solution. Our team ensures brand consistency by making sure all designs align with your company brand standards.
Absolutely! We offer full-service design support to bring your brand’s vision to life, even if you don’t have artwork ready. Our expert designers will collaborate with you to create high-impact visuals that make your promotional products stand out. Whether you need us to work with existing art or start from scratch, our team is experienced at providing all levels of design needed.
We offer professional photography and custom-designed lookbooks to showcase your branded merchandise in a visually compelling way. Whether you need a sleek sales presentation, a seasonal catalog or a promotional campaign guide, we’ll craft a visually stunning lookbook to elevate your brand.
