Drake University has established a “preferred vendor” relationship with Competitive Edge—a local company that is hosting Drake’s online merchandise storefront. This storefront offers promotional/giveaway items available for purchase.

The relationship with Competitive Edge is not exclusive—you are welcome to collect multiple bids from a variety of vendors—but as part of the preferred status, we ask that you give Competitive Edge the chance to match or better another vendor’s pricing. Other benefits of working with our preferred vendor include the inclusion of your promotional item on the store for future repurchasing, and the opportunity for other Drake business units to piggyback on bulk orders with general Drake branding for reduced pricing. The final decision on who to use is ultimately yours. Micki Nelson or Brenda Kay Rodriguez would be happy to introduce you to contacts at Competitive Edge to help you create and/or order your item.

Follow the directions below to use the merchandise website or purchase items not yet on the store:

• Check the existing items on the Competitive Edge e-store located at http://drake.compet.com/. Your budget manager can place an order for you, or can request that an account be created for you by completing this form:  http://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eJ6BOe0UvqkWxJb
• If you don’t find what you want on the e-store, you can work with Competitive Edge directly or reach out to another vendor of your choosing. Again, please allow Competitive Edge to also bid once you decide on the item, style, and quantity that fits your needs and budget.

Another resource to find items that can be laser engraved at Competitive Edge in small quantities is at http://advantageindustries.com/. If you see an item of interest, contact Competitive Edge directly for substantial savings off the listed price.

Art and product approval
Regardless of the vendor selected, you do need to have the art and final product selection approved by the Office of University Communications. (Reminder: Drake trademarks should not be used on consumables such as food, body products like lotion, or items such as shot glasses and whiskey flasks, etc.)

—University Communications