Do you give out promotional items?

Originally Posted by Bobette Kyle When I worked in the corporate world (consumer packaged goods), we kept various premiums for the sales people to give to key brokers and buyers to help build and continue those relationships.

I've been on the receiving end of this type of promotion and I have to admit for those vendors who kept me supplied with golf shirts I felt obligated to give them first crack.

In addition to promoting repeat and referral business here are a few other good "uses" for promotional items:

1. Trade Shows: Freebies are often a great traffic builder at trade shows. The last trade show I went to someone was handing out these clear balls that had a motor inside that lit up the ball hit the ground. People were flocking to the booth to get one. (Some of use got two)
2. Meetings, Seminars, etc.: Cool new gadgets are a hit with adults too.
3. Sales Calls: I once worked for a company that gave away free barbecues as a way of getting a foot in the door. You might be suprised what people will do for a free $15 barbecue.
4. Incentives: The right item can work great as a customer and/or employee incentive.

I know this is an old thread, but I'd love to know if anyone has tried something "out of the box" in regards to promotional items? I guess shirts, mugs, magnets, calendars, etc are pretty common (and for good reason - they're useful and eye-catching). But have any of you had success with something a bit more unusual?

For my books, I'll definitely have bookmarks, but they're not really out in the open - if they're being used they're hidden between pages, and if not, well they're likely stuck in a drawer somewhere. So I'm trying to come up with something a little different.

Originally Posted by CarrieGee I know this is an old thread, but I'd love to know if anyone has tried something "out of the box" in regards to promotional items? I guess shirts, mugs, magnets, calendars, etc are pretty common (and for good reason - they're useful and eye-catching). But have any of you had success with something a bit more unusual? For my books, I'll definitely have bookmarks, but they're not really out in the open - if they're being used they're hidden between pages, and if not, well they're likely stuck in a drawer somewhere. So I'm trying to come up with something a little different.

How about a "Highlighter" pen to use when highlighting the great content in your book(s)?

That's brilliant SalesCoach! Thank you! A cut above the usual pen or pencil. I like it!

On a side (but related) note, has anyone used Cafe Press or other online company for promotional materials? When you factor in shipping, I wonder if it isn't less expensive to do this locally.

Originally Posted by CarrieGee That's brilliant SalesCoach! Thank you! A cut above the usual pen or pencil. I like it!

I like it too because I always read a book with a pen or a highlighter.

In the past I have given out promotional pens to customers. And like some have already said, promotional items will keep your name in front of the customer. When I gave the pens out I gave them only to returning customers, and also to my customers on their birthday or on Christmas (as a gift). I gave out the pens because they were more affordable, however, mousepads are also affordable, and this is sure to keep your name in front of the customer if they use it. You never know when they'll decide to surf to your Web site

I think that pens make good promotional items. People can always use them, so they are happy to receive them. The pen lasts a long time, and it can keep your name in front of customers, and potential customers for a few years. And of course you have your contact phone number, email addy and url on the pen as well!

A business card might get binned, but people tend not to throw pens away.

Tip: make sure the pens are of reasonable quality.

I think promotional items are great *if* they're not blatantly "el cheapo" items. The things some of you have been naming here are excellent, especially the shirts (are t-shirts less expensive promotionally than golf shirts?) and they are seen more readily than the pen someone uses or the magnets I tend to toss.

Then again, it would depend, of course, on how big of a sale you intend to be making or you're dipping into the profits too much with something like a shirt. I'm seeing two groups here on the forum... the "door by door item by item" people and the corporate sales reps whose sales go into the mega thousands, so what's a few shirts for promotion? Is that accurate?

- Des

Originally Posted by destiny I think promotional items are great *if* they're not blatantly "el cheapo" items.

These "el cheapo" freebies reflect poorly on the company and individual giving them away. Don't do it.