We run your merchandise program end to end

By the time an order reaches us, the rules are already yours: objectives, budget, eligibility. Everything after that, from platform setup to the last tracking number, is ours. Your team retains authority over policy; we handle operations. This is the operation behind our managed employee stores and recognition programs.

  • Platform configuration and branding
  • Product sourcing and catalog curation
  • Decoration and customization in our facility
  • Order processing and validation
  • Fulfillment and shipping across Canada
  • Customer support for your end users
  • Reporting and regular program reviews
Managed merchandise program operations

Eight steps from order to delivery

One anniversary gift goes through the same eight steps as 500 onboarding kits.

1

Order receipt

Orders arrive through hosted stores, purchase orders, email, or phone

2

Validation

Product availability, decoration specs, budget compliance, and shipping confirmed

3

Decoration

On-demand embroidery, heat transfer, or screen printing in our facility

4

Picking

Items pulled from warehoused inventory or received from suppliers

5

Inspection

Product quality and decoration accuracy verified before packing

6

Packing

Branded packaging available, bilingual packing slips included

7

Shipping

Carrier pickup from our Ontario warehouse, delivery across Canada

8

Tracking

Tracking information captured and communicated to the recipient

One operation, six ways to ship

Delivery typeHow it works
IndividualShip to a recipient's home or work address
Direct mailShip to multiple individual addresses from a provided list
BulkShip multiple items to a single location
Multi-locationShip to various client locations across Canada
Event deliveryBulk delivery to an event venue by a specified date
Client pickupAvailable in the Ottawa and Eastern Ontario area

Kitting and custom packaging

When the package is the product, presentation matters. We assemble multiple items into cohesive branded packages, including onboarding kits, milestone reward boxes, and event swag bags. Same tissue paper, same fold, same insert placement, box after box.

  • Multiple items assembled into a single kit or package
  • Custom packaging and presentation options
  • Personalized inserts, cards, or branded documentation
  • Gift-appropriate presentation for recognition items
  • Recyclable materials preferred, right-sized packaging

We regularly handle large-scale kitting and fulfillment projects for OECM clients across Ontario, from custom packaging to multi-location shipping.

Custom branded kitting and packaging

Your inventory, our warehouse

For clients who pre-purchase inventory, such as service pins, branded merchandise, and commemorative items, we receive, inventory, and store your products in our Ontario facility at low cost, often included in the program.

  • Real-time inventory tracking visible in reporting
  • Low-stock alerts at configurable thresholds
  • Proactive reorder recommendations
  • On-demand fulfillment to reduce waste and carrying costs
  • In-house decoration of warehoused blanks on demand
Warehousing and inventory management

Seven checkpoints before anything ships

Seven people check the work at seven different points. Nobody signs off on their own pick.

StageWhat we check
Product sourcingSupplier vetting and rating
ReceivingInspection of incoming goods
StorageProper conditions and inventory accuracy
Order entryValidation rules and eligibility checks
FulfillmentPick accuracy verification
PackingQuality check before shipment
ShippingCarrier tracking and delivery confirmation

When errors occur, we document the root cause, replace the item at no charge, and implement process improvements. Error rates are tracked and reported to clients.

Your dedicated account team

Every program client is assigned a dedicated account executive, someone who knows your products, your brand, and your program rules. Backup coverage is always provided.

PriorityExampleResponse
P1Platform inaccessible1 hour
P2Reporting errors4 hours
P3Other issues12 to 24 hours

Response times apply during business hours: Monday to Friday, 7 am to 7 pm Eastern. Contact via portal, phone, email, or voicemail.

Dedicated account management

What the platform enforces so you don't have to

Governance controls

  • Budget limits per manager or department, enforced automatically
  • Eligibility enforcement from your HR or identity data
  • Configurable approval workflows
  • Role-based access with two-factor authentication
  • Full audit trails on every transaction
  • Data ownership: exportable in standard formats

Compliance credentials

  • PCI DSS Level 1 compliant platform: highest payment processing standard
  • SOC 2 Type II compliant platform: independently audited controls
  • PIPEDA and Privacy Act compliant
  • OECM approved supplier

Platform integration

  • SCIM 2.0 provisioning from Microsoft Entra ID
  • CSV import for bulk account provisioning
  • Passwordless OTP authentication, no VPN required
  • Automatic deprovisioning when employees leave

From contract to go-live

PhaseWhat happensTimeline
DiscoveryDefine objectives, products, rules, and brandingWeeks 1 to 2
ConfigurationPlatform setup, catalog curation, governance rulesWeeks 2 to 4
TestingUser acceptance testing; you validate before go-liveWeeks 4 to 8
LaunchAdministrator training, documentation, and go-liveWeeks 6 to 12

School spirit stores can be live in two to four weeks. More complex programs with custom integrations take closer to twelve. For clients transitioning from an existing supplier, we include onboarding support.

What our clients say

“Ladybug Designs manages our entire employee recognition program, from warehousing service pins to shipping anniversary gifts across Canada. We don't think about logistics anymore.”

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up a managed merchandise program?

A typical Ladybug Designs implementation takes 4 to 12 weeks. School spirit wear stores can be live in two to four weeks.

Is there a cost for warehousing?

Warehousing is provided at low cost, often included in the program.

What are the typical lead times?

Branded in-stock items: 1 to 7 business days. Embroidered/heat transfer: 5 to 10 business days. Screen printed: 10 to 15 business days.

Do you require minimum orders?

No minimum order values for program clients. Embroidered and heat transfer items can be decorated one at a time. Some decoration methods, such as screen printing, carry minimum quantities.

What compliance certifications do you hold?

Our platform is PCI DSS Level 1 and SOC 2 Type II compliant. We are PIPEDA and Privacy Act compliant and an OECM approved supplier.

Describing your current setup is way easier out loud. Grab a quick call and just tell us what you're shipping.

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Ready to hand off your merchandise logistics?

Describe the operation you are running today, even the duct-taped parts. We will tell you which pieces we would take over first.

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