Custom Tote Bags: Everything You Need to Know
Custom tote bags are one of the most visible branded items an organization can produce. Unlike T-shirts that stay in closets or pens that disappear into drawers, tote bags go everywhere - grocery stores, farmers markets, airports, offices, gyms. Each trip puts your logo in front of dozens of people. For the price per impression, nothing else comes close.
This guide covers everything you need to order custom tote bags: styles, materials, customization methods, pricing, and the ordering process. Whether you're creating event swag for 500 conference attendees or branded merchandise for your retail store, you'll find the specifics here.
Key Takeaways
- Price: Canvas totes from $10.50/bag (50 units) to $5.00/bag (1,000+ units)
- Styles: Open-top canvas or zipper canvas, both 12oz cotton
- Turnaround: 10-14 business days from proof approval
- Minimum Order: 50 bags per design
- Free Mockup: Within 24 hours, no obligation
- No Setup Fees: Quoted price includes bag, printing, and quality control
Why Custom Tote Bags?
Custom tote bags solve a problem that most promotional products struggle with: people actually use them. A branded stress ball might sit on a desk for a week before it finds the trash. A custom tote bag carries groceries every Saturday for years.
A custom canvas tote bag costs as low as $5.00 per bag in bulk quantities. If that bag gets used once a week for two years, that's roughly 100 outings. Each outing exposes your brand to dozens of people. At $5 per bag, you're paying pennies per impression.
Custom Tote Bag Styles: Canvas vs. Zipper
Open-Top Canvas Tote Bags
The standard custom canvas tote bag features an open top - no closure. Open-top canvas totes are the more affordable option starting at $10.50/bag for 50 bags and dropping to $5.00/bag for 1,000+ bags.
Zipper Canvas Tote Bags
The custom zipper canvas tote bag adds a full zipper closure across the top. Same 12oz cotton canvas construction with the ability to close and secure the contents. Zipper totes start at $13.50/bag for 50 bags and drop to $6.50/bag at 1,000+.
Canvas vs. Zipper Tote Comparison
| Feature | Open-Top Canvas Tote | Zipper Canvas Tote |
|---|---|---|
| Price (50 bags) | $10.50/bag | $13.50/bag |
| Price (1,000+ bags) | $5.00/bag | $6.50/bag |
| Material | 12oz cotton canvas | 12oz cotton canvas |
| Closure | Open top, no closure | Full zipper closure |
| Best Use | Grocery runs, events, tradeshows | Travel, secure storage, daily carry |
| Minimum Order | 50 bags | 50 bags |
How to Order Custom Tote Bags
- Send your logo file - Any format works: AI, EPS, PDF, or high-resolution PNG
- Choose your tote style - Open-top canvas or zipper canvas
- Specify your quantity - Minimum order is 50 bags
- Receive your digital proof - Within 24 hours
- Approve and enter production - Standard turnaround is 10-14 business days
No setup fees. Your quoted price includes everything: bag, printing, digitizing, setup, and quality control.
In addition to custom tote bags, Makers Garments also specializes in custom branded socks and custom logo hoodies, giving your brand a complete lineup of premium merchandise for any occasion.
Ready to Create Your Custom Tote Bags?
Send us your logo and tell us what you're thinking. We'll mock it up on your chosen tote style within 24 hours - free, no obligation.
