Custom Tote Bags with a Printed Logo

Custom tote bags have been around for over a century, but their popularity as a marketing tool grew in recent decades. Tote bags were first produced by LL Bean as a practical alternative to heavy suitcases, and later became a popular accessory for women. During the 1980s and 1990s, companies began to use custom tote bags as a promotional item, which is now a ubiquitous marketing tool. Today, custom tote bags come in different styles, materials, and price points to suit different market trends and customer demands.With a wide variety of styles, materials, and price points available today, it’s essential to identify the best custom tote bag option for your intended use. In this article, we’ll explore the different varieties of custom tote bags to help you make an informed decision that will make a lasting impression on your target audience. 

Factors To Take Into Account When Selecting A Custom Tote Bag:

• Common Materials: Custom tote bags are available in a wide range of materials, including cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, jute, and more. Each material offers its own unique benefits, from the eco-friendliness of jute to the durability of canvas.
• Gussets: One key feature to consider when ordering custom tote bags is the gusset, which is the depth of the bag. A wider gusset allows for more storage space, making the bag more versatile and practical.
• Features: Custom tote bags can also include a range of additional features, such as pockets, zippers, and closures. These features can add to the functionality and usability of the bag, making it a more desirable item for recipients.
• Handles: Another important feature to consider is the type of handles on the tote bag. Handles can be made of a variety of materials, including fabric, leather, or even rope. The length and width of the handles can also vary, depending on the intended use of the bag.
• Thickness of Fabric: The thickness of the fabric is another important consideration when ordering custom tote bags. A thicker fabric can add to the durability and longevity of the bag, making it a better value for the recipient. However, a thinner fabric may be more suitable for a lighter, more portable bag.

Custom Tote Bags are oftentimes placed into categories based on what they are best used for.  In this section, we will explore the different factors in deciding what makes a custom tote bag an ideal choice for the different intended uses.

Custom Cotton Tote Bag 

The most widely used and popular style of personalized tote bags is undoubtedly cotton tote bags. These bags are versatile, durable and eco-friendly. Custom cotton tote bags come in a wide range of sizes, fabric weights and colors, making them suitable for almost any occasion. Due to their reusable nature, cotton tote bags are also an excellent alternative to single-use plastic bags and make for a great everyday bag. Cotton tote bags can be customized in numerous ways making them a great marketing tool.

1. AS Colour 1002 Shoulder Tote
2. Port Authority B300 Jumbo Tote
3. Valubag QTB Economical Tote Bag

Custom Canvas Tote Bags

Canvas is a thick and sturdy variety of woven fabric, typically made of cotton, but sometimes mixed with other materials to make it water-resistant. Due to its durability and high-quality fabric, there is often an upcharge compared to more lightweight styles of custom tote bags. However, custom canvas tote bags are often seen as a worthwhile investment because the customer or client will be able to use the bag for a long time, enhancing the ROI. 

1. Port Authority BG418 Access Convertible Tote
2. Carolina Sewn C383 11L Strapping Tote
3. Liberty Bags 8863 10 Ounce Cotton Canvas Tote With Zipper Top Closure

Personalized Beach Bags 

Personalized Beach Bags are expected to carry a lot, because of this typically you will find a bottom gusset. The bottom gusset ensures you have plenty of room for towels, snacks and more! The fabric of personalized beach bags tends to be similar to custom canvas totes in that they are made out of a thicker cotton. Another feature often found on bulk beach bags is reinforced handles so you can fill it full of beach goodies without having to worry about damaging the bag. A beach bag tote with zipper is another great option if you’re interested in a bag with more security. It is important to take into account your customer base to figure out what features are 

Port Authority BG421 Beach Wash ™ Tote

MV Sport 3394 Pro-Weave Beachcomber Bag

HYP HY801 33.3L Beach Tote

Eco-Friendly Tote Bag

Selecting eco-friendly tote bags is an excellent way to promote your brand while emphasizing your commitment to sustainability to your clients and customers. Personalizing a hemp or jute tote bag will link your logo to environmentally-friendly fabrics. Alternatively, you may opt for a custom tote bag crafted from recycled materials if you prefer a more traditional style. Whether you’re seeking to promote your brand through logo printing or bring your design to life with the intention of selling, eco-friendly tote bags offer a sustainable and practical option.

Liberty Bags 8802 Recycled Zipper Tote

Econscious EC8015 Hemp Market Tote

Liberty Bags 8801 Recycled Basic Tote

Custom Reusable Shopping Bags

Custom Reusable Shopping Bags are typically made of lightweight material so they can be packable for convenient, on the go storage. Customizable shopping bags come in two main styles, gusseted for larger purchases and a more petite style designed to fit into a bag so you can always have one handy. It is important to take into account what your customer would prefer, to ensure you pick the best custom printed shopping bags for your target audience’s needs.

1. Port Authority BG416 Ultra-Core Shopper Tote
2. Valubag VB0904 Eco Friendly Reusable Non-Woven Shopping Bag
3. Port Authority B110 Over-The-Shoulder Grocery Tote

Benefits of Ordering Custom Tote Bags:

• Memorable: Custom tote bags can be a unique and memorable gift to give to clients or employees, showcasing your appreciation for their business or hard work.
• Brand recognition: Totes are often used on a daily basis. This means Custom tote bags with your logo or message on them can help promote your brand and increase brand recognition. If you think of the potential use it makes them a very cost effective marketing option.

Cons of Ordering Custom Tote Bags

• Cost: Custom tote bags can be more expensive than other promotional items, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design.
• Design Limitations: The design options for custom tote bags depending on the desired fabric. On the upside, there’s so many options of fabric offered you’re sure to find one that fits your vision!

5 Tips for Ordering Custom Tote Bags

When ordering custom tote bags, it’s important to balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality materials and design. Here are 5 tips for saving money while still creating an effective promotional tool:

• Bulk Ordering: The more custom tote bags you order, the lower the cost per unit becomes. By ordering in bulk, you can take advantage of discounted pricing.
• Simplify Your Design: Intricate designs with multiple colors can increase the cost of printing. By simplifying your design, you can save on printing costs while still creating an effective promotional tool.
• Choose Affordable Materials: While high-end materials like leather may be appealing, they can be more expensive. Consider using more affordable materials like cotton or polyester to keep production costs down.
• Optimize Your Size: Larger tote bags can be more expensive to produce. By optimizing the size of your custom tote bag to fit your specific needs, you can save money while still creating an effective promotional item.
• Plan Ahead: Rush orders often come with additional fees. By planning ahead and giving your manufacturer enough time to produce your custom tote bags, you can avoid rush fees and keep costs down.

In conclusion, custom tote bags are an excellent marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. They offer a unique way to advertise a brand, promote a cause, or commemorate an event. Unlike other promotional items like pens or keychains, custom tote bags are practical and can be used by recipients on a daily basis. This means that your brand or message will be seen by others whenever the recipient uses the bag, making it a cost-effective way to increase brand visibility and exposure.

The versatility of custom tote bags makes them an ideal choice for a wide range of marketing initiatives. They can be used at trade shows, conferences, and other events to distribute promotional materials, or as a gift with purchase to incentivize customers. Custom tote bags can also be sold as merchandise to generate additional revenue while promoting your brand.