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.
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.
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.
Welcome to the Future of the Promotional Products Industry
Merch.ai is proud to officially launch BETA ACCESS to our all new Web Presentation Builder to compliment our popular PDF builder!
Easily build web presentations with automatically branded products in just a few clicks.
Our AI-powered platform streamlines idea generation and product searches, saving you hours and empowering you to focus on selling and closing more deals.
As one of the early members of our PDF Creator, we’re giving you two free subscriptions to use the Web suite for the duration of the Beta trial.
In order to grant users access and to learn how to use it, click here.
AI Kit Generator
Generate dozens of unique kit ideas in seconds by entering a theme or event description.
Merch.ai engine delivers a range of options at good, better, and best price points.
Products are generated from top suppliers within the industry using real time product data.
No more searching supplier web sites or emailing dozens of supplier reps for ideas!
Smart Product Search
Find the perfect products with ease.
Search by name, SKU, quantity, price, brand, supplier, and/or color.
Our groundbreaking color match algorithm finds products that closely match your customer’s Pantone or Hex codes.
Search tens of thousands of product skus with more being added each week.
Auto-Branding
Automatically brand over 10,000 products with your clients logo in minutes with hundreds more added each week.
Custom Products
Quickly add your own unique or custom products not found in our database to a presentation.
Join Us at The PPAI Expo 2025 in Las Vegas
Stop by our booth (#1111) to meet the team and see our AI platform in action with a live demo.
