Promotional Products
Everyone loves “freebies”, whether they be fun gifts to employees, or promotional items when you purchase items from a store, or giveaways from trade shows—they are sure ways to keep the attention of the receiver, including business contacts.
These promotional products come in many ways and forms imaginable, from clothing, mugs, pens, clocks, etc. distributed as advertising specialties that are geared toward the specific need of the event or of the clients. Most often, the company logo is emblazoned in the promotional products, at times the message, and the recipient name, too. Compared to the recognition or the businesses that are foreseen in return, the cost of these promotional items is minimal.
Collectively, across all industries which regularly use promotional products for their marketing strategy, the total sales in 2006 for promotional items have reached the $18 billion mark, and expected to increase more in the current year. These industries include construction, automotive, service trades, communication, government, banks, the academe, and many others. Almost all businesses now recognize the value of promotional products, but of course, they would like to get the best prices—value for money. That is why businesses have to be extremely careful with the products they choose.
Benefits of promotional products
Value far beyond the cost.When used by the recipient a couple of times, the promotional items become a walking advertisement, say with promotional clothing. Same goes with a coffee mug that is used everyday by the recipient.
Flexibility—a key feature promotional products. Promotional products can be packaged so that they meet the businessman’s budget or programs, for any type of recipients, customers, employees, dealers, vendors and prospects. Promotional products can be tied up with other marketing efforts, and may even be treated as incentives or branding tools. You may also easily tie them to other marketing efforts. The products are just limitless, that in the end, the client may ask for any other product that meets his or her requirement.
Benefits are obviously there. Clients believe on the benefits that promotional products bring to the business—increase response rates, boost recognition of brand, and create lasting impressions of the companies.
Drawbacks of promotional products
Promotion has to be planned carefully. On the other hand, promotional products may not always be successful in achieving the results earlier targeted, that is, if planning is not done carefully. Even if the promotional product is the best or the most cool, you still have to do a lot of planning—where to publicize the promotion of the product, where to distribute, how to track, and how to measure the results of the promotional campaign.
Some products may carry restrictions. It may sometimes be difficult to apply the logo, message, or colors that are to be printed on the promotional products chosen by the client. One good solution though is to convince the client to switch to a product in which better results may be achieved.
Time constraints especially for customization. Depending on the chosen item, it takes some time to customize some products. Take note that some manufacturers are able to produce the items in a short time, while it takes a longer time for other items. Planning ahead and making the orders on time will save a lot of pressures on the client. Avoid the rush.
Some exciting promotional products
Here are some “hip” promotional products for the students and employees in the East Coast, who simply want the products of highest standard of quality.
Promotional bags: back packs, tote bags, duffel bags, coolers, brief cases and messenger bags, computer bags, golf and other sports bags, roller bags, paper, plastic and non-woven bags, specialty bags, cosmetic bags, workout sling backpacks, coolers, super non-woven zipper tote bags, etc.
Corporate gifts: hi-tech computer accessories, home and lifestyle gifts, food and wine gifts, desk accessories, frames, albums, clocks, executive games: casino and poker sets, apparels, glassware, barware, writing instruments, digital photo frames, holiday cards, personal accessories, outdoors and sports items, tools, knives, flashlights, bags, etc.