What is a Preferred Manufacturer?

By Pancho Lewenstein

The promotional products industry is vast, with tens of thousands of manufacturers registered with the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), a prominent organization that connects suppliers and distributors through media, marketing, and educational resources. While our promotional website includes all credentialed ASI manufacturers, it's important to note that not all manufacturers are created equal.

With nearly 40 years in business, we’ve gained substantial insights into the industry, some of which have come at a cost, both financially and in many other ways. As a result, we have developed a rating system for manufacturers with whom we have built strong relationships. While we cannot remove any manufacturer from our site, the absence of a rating does not imply poor quality; rather, we may not yet have had the opportunity to work with them.

On our website, when browsing products, you may notice a Preferred1, Preferred2, or Preferred3 designation at the bottom of a product thumbnail. This indicates that the product comes from a vetted factory. "Preferred1" manufacturers are those with whom we share our strongest partnerships—they maintain large inventories, possess substantial production capacity, and consistently deliver high-quality products. These suppliers have proven themselves reliable, customer-focused, and committed to providing exceptional branded products to enhance your marketing efforts.

With over 300,000 items on our promotional site, finding the right product can feel overwhelming. If you have an idea of what you’re looking for, let me assist you in finding the perfect promotional item. My role, day in and day out, is to help clients find the best options to meet their promotional needs. Reach out to me at panchol@jptgraphics.com or call 972-785-1013 Ext. 115—I look forward to supporting your promotional goals.