Promotional product pricing comes in three layers: unit cost, setup fee, and tariff impact. Get all three right and the budget math holds. Miss on one and the quote surprises you.
Unit cost by category (2026)
| Category | Entry unit cost | Typical MOQ | Premium unit cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom pens | $0.49–$0.79 | 250 | $1.49–$3.50 |
| Canvas tote bags | $2.50–$4.50 | 100 | $6–$12 |
| Stainless tumblers | $6–$12 | 50 | $18–$28 |
| Power banks | $8–$14 | 50 | $18–$30 |
| Fleece blankets | $18–$28 | 50 | $35–$55 |
| Branded apparel (t-shirt) | $6–$10 | 24 | $22–$40 |
| Laser-engraved metal pen | $2.50–$4.50 | 250 | $8–$12 |
Setup fees — what to expect
- Screen printing: $40–$65 per color, per imprint location
- Embroidery: $45–$85 digitization (one-time); no per-color add
- Laser engraving: typically included in unit price
- Pad printing: $30–$55 per color
- Full-color digital / UV print: $25–$50 setup
Setup charges sit outside the per-unit cost. At low order volumes they can make a small order uneconomic — a 50-unit run of four-color screen prints has $160–$260 in setup alone.
Tariff impact
Section 301 tariffs on China-origin goods have been in place since 2018. Section 122 (February 2026) stacks a balance-of-payments surcharge on top. The combined effect on landed cost:
- Drinkware: 20–40% above 2024 baseline
- Tech accessories: 25–40%
- Plastic writing instruments: 15–30%
- Apparel: 10–20%
- USMCA-sourced (Mexico, Canada): exempt from Section 122
Ask your vendor for the HTS code and current duty rate. If the vendor can't answer, that tells you something.
The full posts below cover tariff history, exemption pathways, and non-China sourcing options with specific unit-cost comparisons.
