SAGE Checked In on Yorkn in 2023: Bamboo, Bucket Hats and Real-Time Data

In September 2023, SAGE ran a follow-up Supplier Spotlight on Yorkn, one year after their first conversation with our founder, Jake Pan. You can read the original piece on the SAGE blog. Below is our own take on the topics it covered, and how each one shows up for distributors who order from us today.

Product data that stays current on its own

Jake studied computer science, and a lot of that background went into how Yorkn connects with the tools distributors already use. The spotlight focused on our SAGE Connect integration, which sends inventory, order status and product updates straight into SAGE. Jake called it a game-changer for the business, and the reason is simple. When a distributor quotes from SAGE, the data they see matches what we can actually produce.

That approach has only grown since. Our catalogue is also available through PromoStandards, so distributors who run their own web stores or order systems can pull the same live information.

The bucket hat moment

Asked about the best seller of 2023, Jake picked bucket hats. The Y2K fashion revival made them a Gen Z favourite, and brands wanted their logo on the look. Bucket hats are still a strong seller for us, now in cotton, reversible polyester, denim and drawstring styles. They work well for festivals, campus events and summer staff uniforms.

A push toward more sustainable materials

Much of the conversation covered sustainability. Jake explained that more clients now expect greener options, and that Yorkn planned to widen its range of products made from renewable materials such as bamboo, plus items made with recycled content. Bamboo kitchenware, utensils and desk items have since become a core part of our catalogue, next to RPET bags made from recycled plastic bottles.

If an end client has an environmental policy, these products are easy to recommend. They look natural, they print well with a laser or single-colour imprint, and the eco story helps sell them.

Made to order, checked before it ships

The spotlight also explained our production model. We do not stock pre-printed goods. Each order is made and decorated after we receive it, passes a quality-control check, and then ships directly to the end customer. For tight deadlines, rush options are available on many items.

What this means for your next quote

• Landed pricing. Product prices include freight and applicable duties to one location in the USA or Canada, in USD or CAD.
• Accurate data wherever you search. Find us on SAGE (US SAGE #69488, Canadian SAGE #51602), on ESP, or through PromoStandards.
• A free digital proof before anything goes into production.

Our thanks to SAGE for checking in. Browse the products below, or use the live chat on this site to reach our team.