This post about promotional products was originally published in 2016. As I was preparing to update, I thought about growing concerns about the environment and pending trade tariffs and how those issues impact the promotional products industry. Whether you call them giveaways, logo merchandise, swag or chachkis, promotional products are big business. Promotional products sales consistently top $24 billion annually and growing, according to Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
Like any other part of your marketing strategy, it’s all about knowing your audience, staying within budget and getting the best potential return on your investment. Price is always part of the decision process when clients evaluate options for promo products. While budget will continue to factor in, I’d like to challenge everyone to consider safety and environmental impacts as well.
Here are a few tips and trends to think about:
1. I always try to steer health & beauty products to options “Made in the USA”. This may become more and more important with trade negotiations. Lip Balm, Sunscreen, Antibacterial Hand Sanitizers are all available from US manufacturers under FDA standards.
2. Environmentally friendly — According to the Advertising Specialties Institute, 42% of people had a more favorable opinion of an advertiser if the promotional product they received was environmentally friendly. Reusable shopping bags are still popular because they double as a way to carry all collateral and other giveaways. Think about recycled notebooks or business cards/informational flyers embedded with flower seeds. Restaurants are moving away from plastic straws. Consider reusable options here too.
3. Be Unique – walk up and down the aisles of any exhibit hall and you will see more pens, post-it notes and water bottles than you can imagine. If you must go traditional, at least make it interesting. How about a pen that lights up or includes a scroll for your Marketing message, a post-it note in an interesting shape, or a collapsible water bottle that will be easier to take home.
4. Make it Practical – what good is having your logo on something that gets thrown in a drawer and forgotten, or worse yet, into the trash before it leaves the hotel. Tech tools remain popular as everyone struggles to stay connected. How about a cell phone wallet that closes, a data blocking USB adapter, a webcam cover, or a fisheye lens for your cell phone camera? I still love the universal can cover that’s perfect for pet food.
5. Toys – whether they take them home to the kiddies or play with them at the conference, grown-ups like toys. I’ve seen high-level professionals compete for something fun/cute.
6. Venue appropriate and/or aligned with a conference theme – Beach events cry out for sunscreen, hats and fans; rain ponchos for SEC sports fans who don’t want to miss a moment of the action; golf tools for tournaments….you get the idea.
7. Don’t forget the team apparel. A unified appearance reinforces the brand and makes it easier for attendees to know who belongs in your booth and can answer questions. Beyond conferences, spirit wear can build morale and make casual dress codes more manageable.
8. Your employees need recognition We designed gorgeous 2-sided custom coins for a hospital to recognize employees who go above and beyond and turned them into holiday ornaments. Thank employees with service awards, holiday gifts, new hire welcome kits, employee picnic items, or instant appreciation for employee referrals.
9. Think about bundling smaller items into a themed package. We’re just finishing a stadium pack for an awesome client’s employee recognition. Packaged inside a stadium approved clear bag with inexpensive binoculars, rain poncho, and sunscreen. Touch base for more details or custom recommendations.
10. Display your Brand – we can also help with your display needs. From a basic retractable banner stand to a multi-dimensional work of art, stand out from the crowd in a sea of similar messages. Have you considered a branded ice barrel? This inexpensive enhancement is great for on-site events for employees or prospective new hires.
Yes, the promotions business is huge. You can order online from any number of sites, but you should be ordering from a partner that will consult with you and be there when something goes awry. It’s no secret that a lot of items are imported, and standards aren’t consistent. Be sure your vendor has proven suppliers and can anticipate challenges, staying on top of things, and deliver on time and on budget. Call 678-733-9375, ext 192 for information, recommendations or quotes for comparison with your current vendor.
