“Do the Right Thing” — iCoStore’s Business Philosophy

why iCoStore, partnerships online company store on demand production do the right thing

Written by Tom Meissner

Tom founded iCoStore in 2002, leveraging his corporate market, product design, and decoration experience to create a unique platform for online company stores. Now recognized as an industry expert, Tom helps companies optimize their programs and find the best solutions.

Do The Right Thing!

At iCoStore, our motto, “Do the right thing” is more than just words. It’s the foundation of how we do business, make decisions, and build partnerships. From the very first conversation to every follow-up and interaction, this principle guides our approach to client relationships, ensuring that we offer value, transparency, and solutions that make sense for each unique partner.

Choosing the Right Partnerships

We understand that not every potential client is the right fit for us—and that’s okay. Our goal isn’t to onboard as many clients as possible, but to ensure that we build partnerships with the right clients that will benefit both parties. If we see a mismatch in needs or expectations, we’ll send them to a competitor that offers a solution that can help them, prioritizing the long-term satisfaction and success of all involved. After all, a healthy partnership thrives on mutual understanding and shared values, not just transactions. We wrote an extensive guide on finding the right partner to run your online company store.

Educating Clients for Success

The promotional products industry can be complex and there are thousands of distributors offering promotional products, apparel and swag. We want clients to make informed decisions, even if it means guiding them to a competitor who’s a better fit. We go the extra mile to educate clients about the industry—how it works, what to expect from a distributor, and how they can maximize their budgets. By empowering clients with knowledge, we help them ask smarter questions and make more strategic decisions. When a client truly understands what’s possible and how products can strengthen their brand, they not only benefit their own organization but help us serve them better.

Transparency Through Every Step

Our commitment to transparency means there’s nothing to hide at iCoStore. We actively bring clients into our world, training them on decoration, vendors and even inviting them to industry-exclusive trade shows to show them the latest trends, options, and innovations. This transparency builds trust, letting our clients see the full picture of what we can offer and why certain options may or may not be the best fit for them. The more they know, the easier it is to work together and find solutions.

Unlike many competitors who work on commission and may try to sell as much as possible, we do the opposite. We take time to understand why a client wants a particular item, how they plan to use it, and whether it truly adds value. If something doesn’t make sense or we see a better option, we’re quick to provide guidance. We don’t want clients saddled with excess inventory or wasted resources; we want clients with effective solutions. They partner with us because we are the experts in this field and they look to us for guidance and education.

“Do the Right Thing” in Action

This motto extends to every aspect of our operations. From customer service to account management, our team is empowered to go above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction, knowing that every decision should align with “doing the right thing.” This ethos drives our long-term relationships and has helped us build trust that spans years, sometimes decades, with our clients.

In our 22 years of business, our commitment to integrity has fueled consistent growth, attracted top-tier clients, and inspired us to develop industry-leading technology. We’re proud to say that our clients don’t just work with us—they rely on us as a partner, one committed to transparency, thoughtful guidance, and the simple but powerful principle of doing what’s right.

So, when you partner with iCoStore, you’re not just getting a service provider. You’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your success and will work with you to find solutions that make sense. Because, at the end of the day, doing the right thing is what keeps us all moving forward together.

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