Texas Alum, I just responded to your post in Greek Life. But, since it was hard for my chapter to find stuff, I thought I would give you some input here, too.
For just about everything we went to a local Greek merchandise shop (that's located on Ohio State University's campus). They would require a minimum order (the quantity depended on the item) and then order almost whatever we wanted.
For example, we ordered lavaliers through them. Since the company
they outsource to had to create new dies (or whatever they're called), it was a little more costly the 1st time we ordered, and the quantity we had to order was a little higher. But now that the die has been created, the price is normal.
Usually we order a few extra of any items we order, so that when new members come in, they can buy stuff if they want it.
The only paraphanalia we purchase through our nationals is some notepads & other stationary and our official jewelry. (Except lavaliers, nationals actually orders through us for those!)
A lot of small stuff, like picture frames and candles, we just made ourselves for bigs, littles, secret pals, etc. (The aforementioned greek store does sell individual greek letters for car stickers, wood items, beads, etc.- which helps).
I didn't mean to post this long, but I had one more thing to add:
It gets frustrating looking through online merchandise (or even 'real' stores) and seeing all this really great stuff for the IFC/NPC/NPHC greeks, and having to either spend a lot to get stuff like this custom made or just make somthing similar yourself. So I think it's great you're trying to do what you can to help locals/regionals in this area.
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SilverTurtle@greekchat.com
Phi Beta Fraternity
Phi chapter
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