Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.  Unfortunately, NOT in missed deadlines.  When it comes to marketing, missing a deadline could mean missing a million-dollar sales opportunity.  That is just one reason why it is so important to plan ahead and leave extra time for mistakes and hold-ups.  What if the White House ordered press credentials for Inauguration Day and they arrived on January 21st?  There’d be a big mess in Washington and fingers would be pointed in every single direction.

As simple and obvious as it sounds, THINK AHEAD!  Leave ample time between ordering merchandise and the date of the event.  Also, order extra.  You never know when someone will bring an un-RSVP’d guest or an unanticipated misprint occurred.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but every little thing your company does is a direct reflection of your brand.  When it comes to time-sensitive merchandise, late is NOT better than never.