When you order branded bags, the first decision is how your logo goes on. We offer two methods, both done in-house: heat transfer and embroidery. Neither is "better" – they suit different logos, different bags and different budgets. Here's how to choose.
Heat transfer: sharp, full-colour and included
A heat transfer is your logo printed onto a special film, then pressed onto the bag with heat and pressure. The result is a crisp, flat print that sits on the surface of the fabric.
Choose heat transfer if:
- Your logo has lots of colours, gradients, fine lines or small text
- You're branding cooler bags, drawstring gym bags or totes
- You want the lowest price per bag – heat transfer is included in our listed prices
- You're ordering giveaways or event bags where cost matters most
Heat transfer reproduces your logo almost exactly as it appears on screen, which makes it the go-to for detailed artwork and bright brand colours.
Embroidery: a premium stitched finish
Embroidery stitches your logo directly into the fabric with thread. It has texture and depth you can feel, and it's extremely durable – an embroidered logo typically lasts the life of the bag.
Choose embroidery if:
- You want a premium, corporate look for staff gifts or client gifts
- You're branding duffles, satchels, laptop bags or backpacks
- The bag will take a beating – FIFO swings, site work, sports teams
- Your logo is bold and fairly simple, with solid colours
Embroidery is $5 extra per bag. Very fine detail, tiny text and colour gradients don't translate well into thread, so if your logo is intricate we may suggest a simplified version for embroidery – you'll see it on your mock-up before anything is made.
Quick comparison
| Heat transfer | Embroidery | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Included | +$5 per bag |
| Best for | Detailed, multi-colour logos | Bold, simple logos |
| Look | Flat, sharp, full colour | Textured, premium |
| Ideal bags | Coolers, gym bags, totes | Duffles, satchels, backpacks |
| Durability | Very good with normal care | Excellent – lasts the life of the bag |
Logo set-up
Each new logo has a one-off set-up: $24.99 for heat transfer, or $59.99 for embroidery digitising (inc GST). We keep your logo on file, so reorders don't pay set-up again. Check the How It Works page for any current set-up offers.
Still not sure?
You don't have to decide alone. Send us your logo and tell us which bag you're looking at, and we'll recommend the best method and send a free digital mock-up so you can see exactly how it will look. Nothing is made until you approve it.
Get a free mock-up → or call 1300 528 272.