We Debunk the Top 3 PromoStandards Myths

Your Product Sourcing Just Got a Major Update

You’ve probably heard the term PromoStandards tossed around, maybe in a meeting, maybe while chatting with a supplier, or maybe when someone admitted they weren’t really sure what it meant.
Totally fair. “Open standards for the promotional products industry” isn’t exactly self-explanatory.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: PromoStandards isn’t some futuristic tech reserved for massive companies. It’s already here, and it’s making real-life workflows in branded merch faster, simpler, and smarter.

When paired with commonsku, PromoStandards becomes your secret superpower for real-time product data, better sourcing, and seamless ordering.

Let’s break down a few of the biggest myths:

Myth #1: “PromoStandards is only for tech-savvy companies.”

DEBUNKED: You don’t need to be a developer or even particularly techy to benefit from PromoStandards.

Think of it like this: PromoStandards is the plumbing. Your connected workflow, or commonsku in this case, is the faucet that turns it on. Together, they bring live product data including live inventory, pricing, and decoration options directly into your merch workflow without the need for manual entry. 

You’re not building the infrastructure: you’re benefiting from it.

When you source through a Connected+ supplier in commonsku, you instantly see up-to-date inventory and decoration details. On top of that, ordering becomes a one-click process with electronic purchase orders (ePOs), which is a major leap forward from juggling PDFs, emails, and endless follow-ups.

Watch: PromoStandards in action with SanMar →

Myth #2: “It’s only helpful if all my suppliers use it.”

DEBUNKED:  Even a few connected suppliers can transform how you work.

You don’t need the entire industry to be integrated to start seeing a difference. Just working with a few Connected+ suppliers gives you access to smarter sourcing, faster quoting, and real-time order updates, all inside one platform.

And yes, you can still work with suppliers who aren’t connected. This isn’t about replacing relationships. It’s about enhancing your efficiency wherever possible. Think of it as having an extra tool in your promo toolkit that saves you time and reduces guesswork.

Myth #3: “PromoStandards is a software product.”

DEBUNKED: PromoStandards is not a software platform. It’s an open standard.

It works kind of like Bluetooth. It helps systems talk to each other so that you can share and receive data in real time. PromoStandards is also nonprofit and volunteer-run, created by industry leaders who wanted to make the promo space more connected and efficient.

When commonsku integrates with PromoStandards, you’re not just pulling supplier data. You’re unlocking a world of connectivity, accuracy, and speed inside your everyday workflow.

See which of your suppliers are already connected →

The Bottom Line 

PromoStandards isn’t a mysterious club. It’s not just for tech people. And it’s certainly not all-or-nothing.

It’s a foundation for building a better, faster, more confident workflow. One where ideas move more easily from presentation to PO to delivery. One where you spend less time chasing data and more time doing what you do best.

What's Next for You

Already using commonsku? → Get connected and learn more about our PromoStandards-enabled Suppliers.

New to commonsku? → See what PromoStandards can do for your workflow.

Experience our interactive demo → Explore the product search feature in our platform.

If you want to discuss your specific needs:

Schedule a consultation → Our team can show you exactly how these updates address your unique business challenges.

Keep Growing With commonsku

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