Top Ten Mascot Tips – From Our Customers
Buying a custom mascot can be a slightly complex process that takes lots of time and attention to detail. To help you and your mascot out, read some of our expert tips from our own customers!
Let’s say you’re looking into upgrading your marketing game by buying a custom mascot costume to represent your brand. At Olympus Mascots, we would say this is a great idea. A well-designed mascot can make your brand stand out from the crowd with its fun personality and unique style. It also leaves a lasting impression by engaging customers through memorable, face-to-face interactions at events. With so many benefits, it’s hard to think of a reason not to add a lovable character to your brand.
But as you begin your research, you might notice a wide price range—custom mascots can run anywhere from $6,500 to over $10,000, while you can find generic ones on Amazon for just a couple hundred bucks. While the cheaper option may be tempting, here are eight potential drawbacks to consider before cutting corners.
By purchasing a mascot costume as is, you may not be able to integrate your organization’s brand into the design. Most likely, you won’t be able to add your own logos or color match your company’s colors. Mascot accessories, such as additional uniforms, hats, masks, and capes, will also have to be ordered separately and will not be custom fit to your costume or performer. Typically, cheap mascot costumes lack customization and the ability to make your custom mascot special for your organization.
Purchasing a custom mascot costume is one of the best ways to integrate your organization’s unique brand into your marketing campaigns. It allows you the opportunity to choose specific colors, materials, outfits and even feet.
In the short run, you will for sure save money by purchasing a cheap mascot. This is because these mascots are make out of cheap materials and are often mass produced instead hand-sewn by professionals. Because of this, cheap mascots will wear out quickly. You’ll have to put additional money into refurbishment, replacement parts, and you might have to buy a whole new mascot. If you plan to use your mascot often, going cheaper is not the best route.
On the other hand, a custom mascot is hand-crafted to stay in top shape for years. At Olympus, we use ABS Plastic for our mascot heads which allows for ease of cleaning to extend your mascot’s life. The fabrics, construction methods, time and care that is put into your custom mascot will leave you with a quality character for years to come.
Most of the time, cheap mascots aren’t made in the USA. This results in high mascot shipping costs. You aren’t likely to realize the high cost of your costume until you’ve already placed it in your online shopping cart. If you have to purchase additional costume components or accessories, be prepared to incur additional taxes and shipping costs. By domestically purchasing a “Made in the USA” mascot, your costume will not have to go through customs and will not incur additional taxes. If you need to ship the mascot back for replication, cleaning, or repairs, you won’t have to face high shipping rates twice.
When you purchase a standard stock mascot online, you won’t have a very involved sales process and little customer support. Be prepared for a short sales process with no follow-up. If you receive your mascot and it is not up to your standards, you will have no direct contact to a salesperson for changes. You will also likely not receive any additional care or cleaning guides, which are essential to making your mascot costume last.
Although the sales process for a custom mascot may be a little longer, you will have a mascot and brand supporter from start to finish. A dedicated salesperson will help you design your mascot and will ensure that you are satisfied with the final product.
If you’re thinking of taking lots of photos and videos of your mascot, you may want to consider more custom options. Typically, bargain mascot costumes aren’t very photogenic. The fabric, colors, and screen-printed features don’t show up well on camera. Additionally, if your mascot’s features are lacking, your character may not give off the impression you are intending for it to at events. A lack of detail in a mascot may cause a weakness of unrealistic features.
A custom mascot costume will only make your organization’s photos and videos better. In fact, proper mascot marketing can turn your character into your brand’s personal celebrity. Kids and adults are excited by custom mascots and love to take photos with them at company and community events.
Cheap mascot costumes are commonly sold with the belief that “one size fits all.” Unlike custom mascot costumes, low cost mascot costumes are not adjustable. Due to this, your mascot costume may not properly fit your performer.
Custom mascot costumes offer adjustability that ensures the proper fit and comfort for your mascot performer. Custom costumes won’t appear too big or too small when worn. Additionally, a proper sized costume allows your performer to move around and interact with your fans. One size does not fit all when it comes to creating a custom mascot costume to represent your brand.
Looks can be deceiving when you are buying a cheap mascot costume. Many foreign companies use photos of mascot costumes from custom retailers that aren’t close to the product they are offering. If there aren’t multiple photos or promising reviews about the item you are purchasing, you may not be receiving what is pictured. You may also only be receiving a mascot suit or a mascot head- not a full costume. If you are planning on ordering a standard stock mascot costume, read the item descriptions and size measurements carefully to know exactly what you are (and aren’t) receiving.
A custom mascot costume won’t leave you wondering if you are getting the item pictured. An involved sales process will keep you updated every step of the way with photos of sketches and your mascot’s design. You will know exactly what you are getting well before your package arrives. For more tips, check out our blog on how to buy a mascot costume.
Keep in mind: Cheap mascot costumes may be low in price, but may have weaknesses when it comes to costume life, sales support, customization, marketing abilities, and quality. Investing in a custom mascot costume is much more valuable for your brand and won’t leave you guessing. If you want to further dive into mascot prices, check our mascot pricing blog.
If you are looking for a quality brand representative and high-level customer support, let Olympus Mascots help you create your custom mascot costume.
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Top Ten Mascot Tips – From Our Customers
Buying a custom mascot can be a slightly complex process that takes lots of time and attention to detail. To help you and your mascot out, read some of our expert tips from our own customers!
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