Posted by: Marsha Nix

Understanding Promotional Products

Swag…Something…We…Always…Get Let’s have some fun and help grow your business.  Feel free to respond with questions about your current projects or immediate needs.  FIRST: WHAT IS A PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT? Promotional …

Posted by: Marsha Nix

Understanding Promotional Products

Swag…Something…We…Always…Get Let’s have some fun and help grow your business.  Feel free to respond with questions about your current projects or immediate needs.  FIRST: WHAT IS A PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT? Promotional …

Swag…Something…We…Always…Get

Let’s have some fun and help grow your business.  Feel free to respond with questions about your current projects or immediate needs. 

FIRST: WHAT IS A PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT?

Promotional products are known as the most effective method of marketing tactics used. Whether it is a newly established business or a giant business, promotional products are a favorite of marketing and the people you are marketing to. It is a tactic used to reach your target market, and to keep your company brand “top of mind.”

The number of businesses that do not use promotional products is negligible.  

SO…

pull up a chair, get your favorite branded cup/mug, fill it with your favorite drink and let’s see what the top products are.


T-Shirts #1

(hard goods)

Hard goods include: t-shirts, polos, headware and bags. T-shirts make a great giveaway. They’re both a memory and a walking billboard of what you’re doing at the time you’re doing it.

Across the board, clients are sticking with moisture-wicking tri-blends  because cotton shrinks more. Logos are undoubtedly one of the most important tools that carry the identity of a company to the subconscious of individuals. With promotional bags you can enhance brand awareness to a wide range of people. You can even write a slogan, and web information on the bag or t-shirt.  With any hard goods product, use visually intense and vibrant colors to attract more attention.

Drinkware #2

Drinkware remains the number two promotional product category at 9.7 percent. The industry went over $25 billion in 2022, which makes drinkware a $2.5 billion dollar category. 

Product snapshot: 30% of consumers would be more likely to do business with a company that gave them logoed drinkware. 63% of consumers would keep and use drinkware for at least one year. Cost per impression for a $10 insulated travel mug – 1/3 of a cent.

Drinkware has become a fashion accessory; more buyers are moving away from single-use water bottles. Retail brands like YETI are now trendy in promo.


4 P’s –  Product, Place, Price and Promotion

SWAG, should be useful. Every time someone uses your logoed product, they see your name, and it makes an impression.

SWAG, is part of everyday marketing campaigns and should be handed or mailed out (place) regularly throughout the year. 

SWAG, depending on the event, is considered a giveaway item and should ideally cost under $10 per piece. However, with the supply chain challenges of today that price point is changing.

SWAG, is a good sales tools that promotes your brand and helps you get recognized by your target audience. 


What to look for when selecting a Promotional Product supplier.

1. Solid Customer Service: It’s best to form a long-standing relationship with a supplier that has a reputation of offering supportive services. You want a relationship where your partner helps you address your needs and is passionate about helping you succeed.  Solid customer service allows you to share ideas, they listen, and gain better insight, they understand your goals and help you succeed..

2. Reliability and Consistency in product supply: You may want to place more orders, especially when the previous item was so impressive. Confirm that the supplier can continuously match your needs and produce consistent products without significant challenges.  This insures you get your orders on time and at the same quality.

3. Wide Variety of Options: Having access to alternate products enables you to prepare for multiple events without breaking a sweat. Top Promotional Product suppliers offer a sizeable selection of inventory and may go beyond to obtain a niche product where circumstances demand it. Whether the items are for recognition programs, marketing campaigns or other events, options are important.

4. Excellent Communication: Communication is critical in every business transaction. It allows you to ask questions and give feedback to ensure you receive the optimal service. The communication must be direct and transparent. Suppliers should be upfront about pricing, options, deliveries and other important issues. 

A long-term partnership benefits your business, as the vendor will better understand your demands and goals over time.  If your initial contact seems off, you should trust your instincts and move on. Look for a supplier that’s interested in your pursuits and willing to help you find practical solutions. The supplier should also be responsive in addressing your correspondence. 

5. Quality and Durability: It’s vital to ensure you get value for your money. Your supplier can provide you with samples and direct you to the best quality in terms of design and material durability. Promotional items have a direct impact on how others perceive your brand, and recipients of them should be able to acknowledge the effort in the production process when they hold and feel the product. These items should leave a lasting impression on your target audience and persuade them to buy into your brands vision. 


Do your research – Determine your budget – Determine your quality preference – Understand the terms and conditions. 


Let’s “Hit the Nail on the Head.”

We want you to get it exactly right, from the Promotional Product you select to the timing, place, price, and event you distribute them. All are important, and all should be used in your marketing and branding channels.  

Check out the ACP Promotional Catalog for ideas. 

www.alexanderclark.com/promotional-products/