Learn more about Cloudbeds
What began as a simple idea sketched on a napkin in 2012 has evolved into Cloudbeds, a global hospitality platform now serving properties in over 157 countries. The company's unwavering commitment to a "Remote first. Remote always." philosophy has attracted a diverse team of more than 600 employees across 40+ countries, speaking 30+ languages.
However, the explosive growth, while demonstrating their success, exposed significant challenges in maintaining cultural connection and brand consistency across their distributed workforce. Traditional approaches to swag distribution, centered around U.S.-based production and international shipping, proved increasingly unsustainable, both financially and environmentally.
Here is what happens when your team goes global but your swag strategy does not: HR, marketing and operational teams spend hours purchasing swag in bulk and tracking international shipments instead of supporting employees. Shipping costs often exceeded the actual value of the items, especially when sending small packages to remote locations. New team members wait months for welcome gifts stuck in customs limbo (which by the way can be a different experience each time). The excitement of joining fades pretty quickly when your company shirt arrives three months late (or even worse, never at all).
This creates an accidental hierarchy: U.S. employees got their stuff quickly while international team members sometimes feel like an afterthought. Not exactly aligned with the inclusive culture of companies, like Cloudbeds
Jaapi's approach was refreshingly simple: setup a modern company swag store to reduce the administrative burden, produce swag locally, deliver quickly. Their network of production facilities meant Cloudbeds could print swag near where employees actually live, eliminating international shipping nightmares entirely.
The shift to just-in-time production eliminated those "we have 47 medium shirts but need large" inventory problems while dramatically reducing carbon emissions from shipping. Turns out what is good for your budget is often good for the planet too.
The initiative began with the basics, reviewing Cloudbeds' brand guidelines and selecting core swag items that would be effective globally. Jaapi's design team ensured consistent brand reproduction across all production facilities.
Cloudbeds launched their Jaapi store called "Cloudthreads" where employees could choose their preferred items (because not everyone wants another hoodie). The program rolled out in phases, starting with yearly swag drops by distributing store credit to all employees. Later on, it moved to handling new hire gifts before expanding to broader recognition programs, event swag, and client gifting.
The numbers tell the story: administrative time spent on swag management dropped by 85%. Delivery times in international locations have shrunk from "maybe someday" to just 3-6 working days. All of this, without warehousing a single item.
Over the last 12 months, 96% of all swag orders placed in the swag store have been produced and shipped locally to where their employees or events are located.
The partnership between Jaapi and Cloudbeds is not stopping there. Like your own closet, the stores need to be kept fresh and tidy with new merch and designs that enhance the brand and employee experience. Currently, Jaapi is exploring a partnership with a local print facility in Thailand where Cloudbeds has employees, to further close the gap between international shipments and local fulfillment.
Connect your worldwide employees and customers with quality branded items—made on demand and delivered locally. No warehousing headaches. No customs delays.
