Custom Drawstring Bags in Bulk: 11 Things to Check Before You Order
You're scrolling through supplier websites at 11 PM, coffee cold, cursor hovering over 'Add 1000 Units to Cart.' Your event is six weeks away, and these custom drawstring bags look perfect—cheap price, decent photos, and they promise a two-week turnaround. You click 'Confirm Order' and breathe a sigh of relief. Fast-forward three weeks: the bags arrive, and they're about as sturdy as a tissue in a rainstorm. The print looks like it's been through a washing machine, and half the drawstrings are already unravelling. Congratulations, you've just learned an expensive lesson about bulk ordering.
Here's how to avoid becoming that cautionary tale. Before you commit to a custom drawstring bags bulk order in Australia, run through this checklist. Your future self (and your budget) will thank you.
1. Material Weight and Weave Matters More Than You Think
Not all polyester or cotton is created equal. The gsm (grams per square metre) tells you everything about durability. A flimsy 70gsm polyester bag might survive one gym session before developing holes. For promotional use, aim for:
- Polyester bags: 100-130gsm minimum for decent longevity
- Cotton bags: 140-200gsm if you want them lasting beyond a single event
- Non-woven polypropylene: 80-100gsm works for short-term giveaways
The weave density affects how your print looks too. A tight weave gives cleaner, sharper branding. Loose weave? Your logo might look like it's been put through a pixelation filter.
2. Drawstring Construction: The Bit That Actually Gets Used
The drawstring is where cheap bags reveal themselves fastest. Check whether they're:
- Stitched or knotted at the ends (stitched lasts longer)
- Single or double cord (double cord distributes weight better)
- Reinforced where they thread through the bag (metal eyelets are ideal)
- Actual quality cord or just flimsy ribbon that'll snap under 2kg of gym gear
Ask your supplier for close-up photos of the drawstring mechanism. If they can't provide detailed shots, that's a red flag waving at you like it's the Melbourne Cup.
3. Print Method: Screen vs Digital vs Heat Transfer
Your custom drawstring bags bulk order Australia can feature various printing methods, and each has trade-offs:
Screen printing delivers vibrant colours and excellent durability, especially for simple logos with 1-3 colours. It's cost-effective at scale but has setup fees that make small runs pricey.
Digital printing handles complex designs, gradients, and photo-quality images. Perfect for detailed artwork, but it can fade faster than screen printing, especially on dark fabrics.
Heat transfer is quick and works for full-colour designs, but the print can crack or peel after repeated use. Fine for one-off events, dodgy for long-term brand visibility.
Match your print method to your bag's lifespan expectations. Gym bags getting thrashed daily? Screen print. Conference freebies used occasionally? Heat transfer might cut it.
4. Colour Matching: Managing Expectations
That perfect Pantone shade you've specified? It might look different on polyester than on your business card. Material type, colour, and texture all affect how your brand colours appear.
Request a physical sample before committing to the full run. Digital mockups lie. A sample reveals the actual colour match, print quality, and material feel. Yes, samples cost extra. So does reprinting 1000 bags because the purple looks like muddy eggplant.
5. Reinforced Base and Corners
Base corners cop the most stress when bags are loaded. Check if your supplier offers:
- Double-stitched corners
- Reinforced base panels
- Bar-tack stitching at stress points
A bag that splits the first time someone loads it with water bottles isn't promoting your brand—it's promoting the idea that you cut corners. Literally.
6. Size Specifications: Measure Twice, Order Once
Suppliers list dimensions differently. Some measure flat width, others measure circumference. Some include the drawstring area in height measurements, others don't.
Clarify whether dimensions listed are:
- Internal or external measurements
- Pre-drawstring or post-drawstring height
- Usable capacity or total fabric dimensions
A bag advertised as 40cm × 35cm might only hold half what you're expecting if those measurements include seam allowances and drawstring channels.
7. Print Area vs Bag Size
Just because your bag is 40cm wide doesn't mean your logo can be 35cm across. Most bags have a printable area that's 60-75% of the total surface to avoid seams, drawstrings, and distortion zones.
Get the printable area dimensions in writing. That massive logo you've designed might need to shrink considerably, or you'll end up with your brand name split across a seam like a ransom note.
8. Hidden Costs in Your Custom Drawstring Bags Bulk Order Australia
That quoted price looking suspiciously good? Dig deeper. Common hidden costs include:
- Setup fees: Screen printing typically includes per-colour setup charges
- GST and duties: Overseas suppliers might quote ex-GST prices
- Freight: Shipping 1000 bags isn't cheap, especially if you're on a tight deadline
- Sample costs: Some suppliers charge for samples or make them non-refundable
- Design fees: Artwork setup might be extra if your files aren't print-ready
- Rush fees: Need them fast? That'll cost you
Get an itemised quote breaking down every cost. Compare like-for-like pricing across suppliers—that bargain might not look so hot once you add up the extras.
9. Turnaround Times and Buffer Zones
Production timelines typically exclude:
- Artwork approval time
- Sample production and shipping
- Weekends and public holidays
- Customs clearance (for imported goods)
- Shipping time to your location
A "10-day turnaround" can easily stretch to four weeks once you factor in approvals, samples, and freight. For critical deadlines, add a 30-40% buffer. Your stress levels will appreciate it.
10. Minimum Order Quantities and Scalability
Most suppliers have MOQs (minimum order quantities) for custom work. Common tiers are 100, 250, 500, and 1000 units, with per-unit costs dropping at each level.
Consider your actual needs versus the price break sweet spot. Ordering 1000 units to save $0.50 per bag sounds smart until you're storing 600 surplus bags in your garage for two years. Calculate the real cost including storage and wastage.
If you're planning regular orders, ask about blanks—ordering unprinted bags in bulk and printing smaller runs as needed. Some suppliers offer this flexibility for businesses with ongoing needs.
11. Supplier Credentials and Australian Consumer Law
Ordering from an Australian supplier means you're covered by Australian Consumer Law. Overseas suppliers? You're largely on your own if things go sideways.
Check your supplier's:
- ABN and business registration
- Reviews and testimonials (on independent platforms, not just their website)
- Returns and refund policy
- Quality guarantee terms
- Defect replacement process
Ask about their quality control process. Do they inspect every bag or just sample batches? What's their acceptable defect rate? What happens if your order arrives with printing errors or damaged bags?
The Pre-Order Checklist: Don't Hit 'Confirm' Until You've Got This
Before finalising your custom drawstring bags bulk order Australia, ensure you have:
- Material specifications in writing (gsm, material type, weave)
- Exact dimensions including print area measurements
- Physical sample approved and signed off
- Itemised quote with all costs broken down
- Realistic timeline with buffer for delays
- Written confirmation of print method and colour matching expectations
- Clear terms on defects, returns, and remedies
- Proof of Australian business credentials (if relevant to your purchase decision)
Bulk ordering doesn't have to be a gamble. Armed with this checklist, you're ready to make informed decisions that'll result in quality bags that actually promote your brand instead of undermining it.
Ready to Order Custom Drawstring Bags That Won't Let You Down?
At Promo Punks, we're upfront about materials, honest about timelines, and allergic to hidden costs. Our custom drawstring bags are built to survive real-world use—not just look good in product photos. Whether you need 100 bags for a local event or 5000 for a nationwide campaign, we'll walk you through every specification, show you physical samples, and deliver exactly what we promise.
Stop gambling with dodgy suppliers and mystery materials. Get in touch with Promo Punks today for a no-nonsense quote on custom drawstring bags that'll actually make it to your event in one piece. Because your brand deserves better than bags held together with hope and cheap stitching.
