Artificially Authentic E03 — AI Agents

The third episode of Artificially Authentic zeroes in on the fast-rising concept of “AI agents” and why they could become every promo professional’s favorite time-saver. We kick off by clarifying what an agent really is: a blend of large language models, chatbot dialogue, and Zapier-style integrations that can interpret a request and complete the task with minimal human follow-up.

We illustrate the idea with simple examples—think asking software to find and purchase a sub-$400 flight to New York—before scaling the vision to our own industry. Imagine telling an agent to source twenty hats and twenty T-shirts in a specific Pantone, under a set budget, delivered on a tight timeline. Instead of hours of manual searches, an agent could surface viable options in seconds, freeing us to focus on creative strategy and client relationships.

We stress that agents aren’t here to replace human touch; they’re force multipliers that eliminate repetitive busy-work like trend scanning, pricing tweaks, and shipping comparisons. That extra bandwidth lets distributors, suppliers, and marketers spend more time on what makes branded merchandise memorable.

Looking ahead, we see agent technology exploding as integration platforms mature. After scouting the latest AI tools at Human X, it’s clear the building blocks are close but not fully tuned for complex promo needs. We’re filling that gap now and would love your input: tell us which daily tasks you’d most like to automate, and we’ll explore how future episodes—and future features—can make it happen.

Artificially Authentic E02 — “WTF Is an LLM?”

We’ve just released the second episode of Artificially Authentic, and this time we tackle the question everyone eventually asks: what exactly is a Large Language Model? In a fast‑paced conversation, we break down the term, explain how ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude are each families of models, and show why version numbers like “3.5” or “4o” signal big leaps forward in capability.

We also explore the difference between reasoning models—great for puzzles and math—and general models that handle everyday business tasks, then demystify the “context window,” the amount of information a model can absorb in one go. From there, we share practical guidance on choosing a starting point, urging newcomers to begin with one of the big three platforms and, if possible, invest in ChatGPT‑4o’s $20‑per‑month plan for the best overall experience.

Throughout the episode we focus on real‑world impact: how these tools can simplify marketing copy, clean up spreadsheets, and shave hours off repetitive work. Our core message is simple: pick one model, start experimenting, and let AI become the power tool that elevates your day‑to‑day productivity.

Episode E02 is live now. Give it a listen, subscribe for future installments, and learn how to put AI to work in the promo world—without getting lost in the jargon.

April 2025 Lookbook Release Roundup

We find ourselves at the end of another month—and that means it’s time for another lookbook roundup! This time we’re spotlighting everything that dropped in April 2025. Time really does fly in the promotional-products world.

Over the past four weeks we released one full catalog and two new flyers. While we usually push out a larger slate of lookbooks, we intentionally slowed the cadence so we could listen to our users, study emerging trends, and recalibrate for the fast-moving promo landscape. At the same time, we’ve been doubling down on expanding our design team. Growing that bench is a top priority so our future releases can match all of our users’ needs—not just a select few. (Stay tuned for more on that soon!)

Below is a detailed breakdown of every April 2025 lookbook, complete with featured products and brands:

American Made (Catalog)

American Made is a 9 page catalog that celebrates good-ole’ homegrown USA products and manufacturing. We’re all aware of the elephant in the room. The big scary T-word. But that’s exactly why Merch.ai is committed to giving our users’ the tools they need to win more business, even in the fluidity of the promotional product landscape.

There’s a little bit of everything in this catalog from t-shirts to flashlights. Yet each product is guaranteed to be the absolute highest quality you would expect of a well-known heritage USA brand. So login and start generating today!

  • Bayside Apparel
  • Volunteer Knitwear
  • Igloo
  • Mag-Lite
  • Zippo
  • …and more!

Backyard Fun (Flyer)

Summer is just around the corner which means it’s time for your clients to start getting their orders in if they want promotional products for June, July, and August.

“Backyard Fun” is a one page flyer to help you quickly upsell products that are sure to be a hit during the best outdoor season of the year. Because what’s better than bucket hats and a game a bags? Now if only we could brand cans of beer at a distributor level…we can dream, right?

  • Port Authority® Twill Classic Bucket Hat
  • Cornhole (Bags) Set
  • Paddle Board Game
  • Ladder Ball Toss Game
  • Sun Bum Day Tripper Kit
  • …and more!

Perfect Color Match (Flyer)

“Perfect Color Match” is a simple one-page flyer but a POWERFUL one. Let’s face it, there are A LOT of good t-shirt brands out there but it can be a nightmare to sort through the color options to find something that matches your clients’ brand guidelines as closely as possible.

This is where Merch.ai comes in. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you and made a simple flyer that utilizes our proprietary AI algorithms to color match SPOT ® Solid Coat to a brand’s multi-color logo. This is the perfect flyer to help you prospect easy t-shirt business.

All Merch.ai subscribers enjoy exclusive access to our carefully curated lookbooks, each packed with premium products sure to impress any client once their logo is applied.

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today and receive a FREE 30-day trial, giving you full access to our entire library of lookbooks.

Artificially Authentic EP01 — Why AI Matters for Promo Pros (PILOT)

Today we’re launching the very first episode of our new podcast, Artificially Authentic. Produced by the team at Merch.ai, this show is designed to help people in the promotional-products world understand how artificial intelligence can streamline their work, boost sales, and spark fresh ideas—without requiring a computer-science degree.

Hosted by merch lover Nick Lateur and AI-savvy CEO Raul Rodriguez, each episode mixes practical tips with real-world stories so listeners can see exactly how emerging tech fits into everyday promo tasks. Nick brings the on-the-ground industry perspective, while Raul translates fast-moving AI breakthroughs into clear, actionable steps.

Episode E01 — “Why AI Matters for Promo Pros” — sets the stage. Nick and Raul compare today’s AI wave to the early days of the internet and smartphones, arguing that the companies who experiment now will be tomorrow’s leaders. They break down what large language models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can do right out of the box, from writing marketing copy to cleaning up spreadsheets, and they tackle common fears that AI will replace human jobs. Their verdict: treat AI as a power tool that makes skilled people even better.

Whether you’re a distributor, supplier, marketer, or salesperson, Artificially Authentic will give you an approachable roadmap to the technology that’s already reshaping our industry.

March 2025 Lookbook Release Roundup

March was a major month for Merch.ai, with several exciting new releases. We expanded our library of industry-focused catalogs and rolled out a few targeted themed flyers as well.

Here’s a quick look at everything we launched this month:

Tech-Savvy

A 17-page catalog featuring the latest and greatest in tech apparel and accessories—perfect for any industry. With technology woven into every aspect of modern work and life, having the right gear is key to staying organized and efficient.

From Bellroy bags to Anker powerbanks, this catalog is designed to impress your most tech-minded clients.

Featuring brands:

  • Bellroy
  • Anker
  • Zagg
  • Osprey
  • UnTuckit
  • …and more!

Active Essentials

This 12-page catalog is all about premium activewear for clients who are always on the go. In today’s hustle culture, staying comfortable while staying active is non-negotiable.
Active Essentials doesn’t just cover apparel—it also includes sleek accessories like stainless steel water bottles, stackable lunch boxes, and wireless headphones.
Featuring brands:

  • Glyder
  • Sport-Tek
  • OGIO
  • Anker
  • JBL
  • …and more!

Premium Audio

This one-page flyer complements Active Essentials with a focus on audio gear built for movement. Whether it’s for workouts or back-to-back calls, having reliable earbuds and headphones is essential.

Featuring brands:

  • Skullcandy
  • JBL
  • Apple
  • Beats by Dre

Cradle to Cuddle

A heartwarming one-page flyer for industries that cater to new parents and newborns. Featuring branded merch that makes a lasting impression during one of life’s most meaningful chapters.

Kits that Impress

Tailored for distributors who offer kitting services, this flyer makes it easy to present premium, customizable kits. Personalize it with your client’s branding to show your commitment to thoughtful, high-quality service.

All Merch.ai subscribers enjoy exclusive access to our carefully curated lookbooks, each packed with premium products sure to impress any client once their logo is applied.

Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today and receive a FREE 30-day trial, giving you full access to our entire library of lookbooks.

What is Merch.ai?

Hey Promo Pros!

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there. You’re staring at a mountain of product catalogs, trying to piece together a presentation that doesn’t look like it was thrown together in 1998. You’re wrestling with logo placement, imprint methods, and… well, let’s just say your creative spark is feeling a little dim.

Sound familiar?

Well, buckle up, because Merch.ai is here to inject some serious pizzazz into your promotional product sales! We’re not just another SaaS company; we’re your fellow promo enthusiasts, building tools for the industry, by the industry.

So, what exactly is Merch.ai?

Imagine a world where you can whip up stunning, hyper-realistic lookbooks and presentations in minutes, not hours. A world where your customer’s logo magically appears on a curated selection of top-tier products, showcasing multiple imprint methods with breathtaking realism. That’s Merch.ai!

We’ve harnessed the power of AI, combined with our deep-rooted experience in product development, to create a platform that’s as intuitive as it is powerful. Think of it as your secret weapon for creating “wow” moments with your clients.

Here’s the magic:

  • Instant Lookbook Brilliance: Our flagship product lets you brand entire PDF lookbooks with your customer’s logo in just a few clicks. Forget tedious manual adjustments! Our state-of-the-art algorithms ensure your logos look absolutely spot-on, no matter the imprint method.

  • Curated Catalogs at Your Fingertips: We’ve partnered with top suppliers and our design wizards have crafted a database of stunning catalogs and flyers featuring the hottest products in the industry. And the best part? We’re adding fresh content every single week!

  • Your Own Lookbooks, Amplified: Got existing lookbooks you love? Bring them into Merch.ai and watch them transform!

  • Idea Starters, Sales Accelerators: These lookbooks aren’t meant to replace your sales skills; they’re designed to ignite conversations and get the ball rolling. They’re the perfect “hook” to engage current clients and open doors to new opportunities. In fact, we’ve seen customers boost their sales by a whopping 20% by incorporating our lookbooks into their marketing campaigns!

Why Merch.ai? Because Time is Money (and Presentation is Everything!)

In the fast-paced world of promotional products, time is your most valuable asset. Merch.ai frees you from the time-consuming tasks that drain your energy, allowing you to focus on what you do best: building relationships and closing deals.

Ready to ditch the spreadsheets and unleash the wow?

Give Merch.ai a try and experience the future of promotional product sales. We’re confident you’ll be amazed by the results.

Let’s make some magic happen!

Now Available: Vital Impressions

Our latest industry-focused lookbook, “Vital Impressions,” is tailored for the healthcare sector—featuring high-demand branded apparel and accessories that combine function, professionalism, and comfort.

In healthcare, branded uniforms like scrubs aren’t just a preference—they’re a necessity. They help meet regulatory standards while contributing to a calm, professional atmosphere. With healthcare workers often needing multiple sets, these items remain a top request from clients across the board.

“Vital Impressions” also highlights premium accessories such as pens, notebooks, and bags—thoughtfully selected to help professionals stay organized and prepared, even in high-pressure environments.

Merch.ai subscribers get exclusive access starting today. In less than 2 minutes, you can generate a fully branded lookbook—saving you time, money, and effort in your sales process.

Featured brands include:

  • Holmes
  • Jaanu
  • Wolfe
  • Ceri
  • Port Authority
  • BrüMate
  • Moleskine…and more!

At Merch.ai, we release new themed lookbooks weekly—each one curated with premium products your clients will love.

Not a subscriber yet?
 Sign up today and enjoy a FREE 30-day trial, with full access to our entire lookbook library.

Now Available: Constructing Success Lookbook

We’re excited to introduce another addition to our industry-focused lookbook series: this week’s “Constructing Success.”

Branded workwear is in high demand within the construction sector—and for good reason. Items like hi-visibility gear and jackets must be both durable and functional to meet safety requirements, while still showcasing your brand in a professional way. However, applying logos to these rugged materials can be tricky—that’s where Merch.ai comes in.

We understand that certain decoration areas on workwear have unique limitations, and getting them just right is crucial for maximum impact. With over 20+ years of industry experience, Merch.ai knows the ins and outs of workwear decoration firsthand. Thanks to our “Constructing Success” lookbook and hyper-realistic decoration mockups, you can take your clients from prospecting to purchase order faster than ever.

Our “Constructing Success” lookbook highlights the best options in high-quality workwear and hi-vis apparel from top brands:

  • Carhartt
  • CornerStone
  • Kishigo
  • Coleman
  • Richardson
  • …and more!

All Merch.ai subscribers enjoy exclusive access to our carefully curated lookbooks, each packed with premium products sure to impress any client once their logo is applied. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today and receive a FREE 30-day trial, giving you full access to our entire library of lookbooks.

Now Available: House Warming Lookbook

We’re thrilled to unveil the second release in our growing series of industry-focused lookbooks. This week, we’re showcasing “House Warming.”

Specifically tailored for real estate professionals, “House Warming” highlights products that add a memorable and welcoming touch to any home sale. Because real estate represents one of the biggest markets for promotional products, tapping into this curated selection makes it easier than ever to connect with potential clients. From blankets and bathrobes to candles and cookware, these items help cement a lasting impression well after closing day.

In our ongoing commitment to keeping your options fresh and relevant, we debut new catalogs and flyers every Tuesday. This consistent rollout ensures our subscribers always have up-to-date product insights. Our knowledgeable product specialists handpick premium items from leading suppliers to build each seasonal lookbook, guaranteeing you’ll have access to the best offerings on the market.

Elevate your sales strategy by exploring Merch.ai lookbooks—get started today!

Now Available: School Spirit Lookbook

After countless requests, we’re proud to introduce the first of many industry-specific catalogs to come.

This week’s release, “School Spirit,” is an education-focused lookbook packed with products that will resonate with students and teachers everywhere.

Because education is one of the top industries for promotional products, Merch.ai is prioritizing the development of lookbooks tailored to these high-demand sectors. That way, our subscribers can get the most out of our platform.

Featured Brands:

  • Next Level
  • Allmade
  • Stanley
  • Ogio
  • Herschel
  • …and more!

We’re dedicated to keeping our offerings fresh and exciting, which is why we release new catalogs and flyers every Tuesday. By doing so, our subscribers always have access to the most current product insights. Our expert product specialists scour top industry suppliers to select a diverse range of premium items for our seasonal lookbooks, ensuring you have the best choices at your fingertips.

Elevate your sales outreach by exploring Merch.ai lookbooks—get started today!