You probably have a bunch of tote bags in your closet at home. These bags come in handy for just about everything, whether it’s bringing groceries home from the store, returning overdue books to the library or packing up for a fun trip to the beach.
Their versatility makes for a perfect advertising tool for businesses with custom tote bags. If you’re looking to advertise on custom tote bags but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve found the right place!
Before you can start shopping for tote bags, you should know about the different materials and styles available to you. The options range from practical to stylish!
Material Types
Canvas
Canvas bags are the most common style. They’re incredibly durable and are perfect for holding heavy items like cans or books.
Benefits of canvas bags:
- Strong
- Resilient
- Budget-friendly
- Good for outdoor events
Cotton
Why should sheep have all the glory? Cotton makes for a lightweight bag that’s easy to wash and carry around all day.
Benefits of cotton totes:
- Eco-friendly
- Often machine-washable
- Comfy
- Affordable
Polyester Bags
Did your dad wear a polyester suit in the 70s? It may have been embarrassing at the time, but your pops was onto something! Polyester is a strong cotton blend that stays crisp over time.
Benefits of polyester totes:
- Sturdy
- Doesn’t wrinkle
- Resistant to mildew
- Won’t tear easily
Nylon
If you’ve ever worn nylons under a dress, you know this is an extremely flexible, comfortable material to wear. It has a nice, casual look when it’s used to make wholesale bags.
Benefits of nylon bags:
- Stretchy
- Durable
- Easy to wash
- Soft
PVC
You might have PVC pipes in your kitchen or bathroom, but this type of plastic is also used to make totes! Since PVC is easy to clean, they’re great for grocery stores, restaurants, and food-themed events.
Benefits of PVC bags:
- Easy to clean
- Low cost
- Doesn’t stain easily
- Color doesn’t fade
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is used to make stress balls, so you know you’re working with a squishy, soft material! Not only is it comfy, but polyurethane is also tough-as-nails and can withstand any temperature, from hot summers to snowy winters.
Benefits of polyurethane:
- Flexible
- Able to withstand heat and moisture
- Long-lasting
- Won’t get moldy or smelly
Polypropylene
Look around your house, and you’ll probably see at least one piece of furniture or an appliance that’s made using polypropylene. Wholesale tote bags made from this material can handle even the heftiest items!
Benefits of polypropylene:
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Good for heavy items
- Resistant to heat
Jute
If you’re going for rustic charm, look no further! Jute is a natural fiber made from plants. It’s not only affordable, but it also has a nature-inspired look that’s great for eco-friendly organizations.
Benefits of jute bags:
- Elegant, natural look
- Biodegradable
- Tough
- Sustainably made
Paper
While paper bags aren’t as strong as other materials, they’re a good option if you need a bunch of small party favors. Additionally, they make especially great goodie bags at events like weddings, baby showers, and banquets.
Benefits of paper tote bags:
- Cheap to order in bulk
- Recyclable
- Easy to carry
- Best for small, lightweight items
Tote Bag Types
Grocery Tote Bags
A grocery style tote bag often has gussets on the sides or at this bottom. These add support so the bags can be loaded up with all your groceries, from frozen chicken to bananas.
Beach Tote Bags
Hit the waves with beach tote bags! These cloth bags are trendy and are usually water-resistant and easy to clean. Plus, you’ll be thankful for these qualities when you set the bag down in the sand.
Laminated Tote Bags
Don’t worry about your custom tote bags getting stained or damaged. All you need is a bunch of laminated bags, and you’ll be good to go! This extra touch helps keep the custom print from chipping off or becoming flaky over time.
Clear Tote Bags
Do you go to a lot of concerts or like to travel? If so, clear tote bags are a must! They’re often required at public venues and make it a breeze for you to get through security checks.
Insulated/Cooler Tote Bags
If you’re planning a picnic or going on a long trip to attend a barbecue, cooler tote bags are going to be your heroes! They have a built-in insulated lining and are kept cool with the help of an ice pack.
Non-Woven Tote Bags
Put love into every stitch by ordering nonwoven tote bags in bulk! The weaving is visible, which gives off a homemade vibe that seems more personal, made with care, and from-the-heart. Order this style if you’re hosting an event around the holidays!
Recycled Tote Bags
Tote bags are often thought of as better for the Earth than plastic bags. However, it’s even more sustainable to use eco bags from recycled materials. In addition, you can even find bags that are created using disposable water bottles!
Compact Tote Bags
Some people like to carry tote bags around in their pockets. That’s the beauty of a compact style! It can be folded down over and over again, which also saves you space if you need to keep the canvas bags in a closet or drawer.
Zippered Tote Bags
Most of the time tote bags are open at the top, but you can also find some that have zippers. Try this style if you need to carry a bunch of paperwork to your office, or if you’re carrying fragile items that you want to keep protected.
Synthetic vs. Natural Fabrics
Canvas and cotton and jute…oh my! Unless you’re a tailor, or work in the fashion industry, you might not know much about the different types of fabrics.
All fabrics can be classified as synthetic or natural. The chart below breaks down the difference.
| Synthetic fabrics/materials: | Natural fabrics/materials: |
|---|---|
| Canvas | Cotton |
| Polyester | Jute |
| Nylon | Wool |
| PVC | Hemp |
| Polyurethane | Linen |
| Polypropylene | Mohair |
| Paper | Silk |
Cotton and jute tote bags are fairly popular. While it’s possible to make bags with silk or linen, most of your options will be created with synthetic fabrics. The good news is these materials are specially manufactured to last a long time without any wear or tear.
On the other hand, natural materials are more eco-friendly as they come from the harvesting of crops. They’re lightweight, comfortable fabrics that are just as resilient as synthetic options.
How Much Do Custom Tote Bags Cost?
You can get extremely cheap tote bags in bulk for your store or event. Most start at under $1 with a minimum that can be anywhere from 50 to 250 bags.
When you’re ordering promotional items, it’s important to remember that you’re going to face tiered pricing. This is where the prices vary based on several factors including:
- Product name/number
- Quantity
- Number of ink colors used in the design or logo
- Setup fees
- Imprint process (screen printing, embroidery, etc.)
- Cost for shipping
You’re the boss! Only you know what you’re comfortable paying, so decide on a budget and then start shopping. No matter what, there are custom tote bags available at every price point!
Which Custom Tote Bags Are Right for You?
You’ve gotten a crash course in all there is to know about tote bags in bulk, so now it’s time to use that information and decide which ones are best for you.
When choosing your wholesale bags, remember to consider:
Your Need – Grocery stores might want large, insulated bags, while trade shows can get away with small canvas totes. Think about why you’re ordering and then select a style that suits your needs.
Style & Look – No one is going to want to carry something ugly! Be sure that you choose a good color and that your logo/design isn’t sloppily printed or embroidered on the front.
Material – The fabric can make or break the quality of your tote bags. Stick with strong, long-lasting materials that won’t rip or be easily damaged by the sun or water.
Size – Bigger is usually better when it comes to customized tote bags. You want the people who are using the bags to be able to carry as much as possible.
Handles – If you’re torn between two different tote bag styles, opt for the one with longer handles. This style is more comfortable to sling over the shoulder for weekend errands.
Time Frame – When do you need your tote bags? Check that the bags you’re interested in ordering aren’t out of stock and will arrive in time for your deadline.
Quantity – Have an exact number or a rough estimate of the number of people who are going to be receiving your tote bags. Are you hosting a small event? Splurge on higher-quality bags with a lower quantity. Do you have an epic bash around the corner? Choose bags that are under $1 each.
Price – You’ve got a budget, and you’re sticking to it! Decide on how much you’re comfortable spending and then search for bulk tote bags that fit within that price point.
Extra Features – After you’ve found tote bags that check all the boxes, you can look at a few options with extra bells and whistles. A few additional pockets or a cool detail on the sides can help your bags stand out from the millions of others out there!
Stats for Success
73% of consumers own a promotional tote bag from at least one company.
Your brand will get roughly 6,000 impressions every time someone carries one of your logo tote bags.
An estimated 5.4% of promotional products sales comes from custom printed bags.
The Bottom Line
Ordering tote bags in bulk should never feel like a burden on your shoulders! Narrow down your choices as much as possible before you start shopping. After all, there are thousands of bags to choose from. You want to go in with a good idea of what works best for you!
Alyssa Mertes
Alyssa Mertes is an expert on branded swag. She's done it all, from uncovering the world's first custom tote bag to interviewing the designer who created AC/DC's logo. Her work has been featured on several podcasts and media websites.
