The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Competition in Our Industry (And Why We Still Love It)

In the world of custom design, promotional gifts, and personalized awards, competition isn’t just present, it’s fierce. From massive online retailers offering dirt-cheap prices to local makers with fierce branding and boutique charm, the pressure is real. But if you ask me, competition is one of the best things that’s ever happened to this industry. Yes, even when it’s brutal.

Let’s talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and ultimately, the beautiful truth that keeps us creating every day.

The Good: It Pushes Us to Grow

Healthy competition has a way of keeping you on your toes. It inspires innovation, sharpens your skills, and keeps your brand relevant. At Perry Design, competition has forced us to ask better questions:

• How can we tell our story more authentically?

• What can we offer that no one else can?

• How do we serve our clients so well they can’t help but refer us?

Because of competition, we’ve fine-tuned our quality, dialed in our pricing, and leveled up our customer experience. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

The Bad: The Race to the Bottom

Here’s where things get sticky: price wars. In our industry, it’s not uncommon to see businesses undercut each other in a desperate bid for sales. Mass-production sites offer “custom” items at a fraction of what a small business charges. But here’s the thing, when everything becomes about price, creativity, customer service, and craftsmanship often suffer.

We’ve lost jobs to cheaper competitors, only to have those same clients come back disappointed in the quality they received. It hurts in the moment, but it’s also a reminder: we’re not just selling products. We’re creating experiences. That’s something no discount can buy.

The Ugly: Copycats & Burnout

One of the hardest parts? Seeing your hard work copied. Whether it’s a design you’ve poured your heart into showing up on someone else’s feed, or a competitor mimicking your brand voice…it stings.

And with the constant pressure to keep up, burnout is real. This industry demands creativity, speed, customer service, and tech know-how…all at once. It can feel like you’re sprinting a marathon.

But here’s the deal: no one can outdo you being you. Authenticity will always outlast imitation.

The Beautiful: Purpose Over Profit

Despite it all, we stay. We show up. We create. Why?

Because we’re not just in the business of selling gifts or awards, we’re helping people celebrate milestones, honor achievements, and show appreciation in meaningful ways. That’s sacred work.

Every time we engrave a name on a plaque or wrap up a custom gift, we know it’s more than a product, it’s a memory. That’s why we keep doing what we do, even when the competition is loud.

Final Thoughts: Let It Inspire You

Competition can be frustrating. It can be unfair. But it can also light a fire in your soul. Let it push you to define your voice, refine your process, and double down on your values.

At Perry Design, we don’t aim to be the cheapest or the biggest. We aim to be the most thoughtful, the most creative, and the most committed to our clients. And that’s a lane we’ll always be proud to stay in.

Your story is your strength. Stay rooted. Keep creating. And never forget, your work matters.