If you are thinking about creating some merchandise to give away be careful what you choose as it can cost a fortune for very little return.

However if you are clever and think about it, your merchandise could the difference between average sales and great sales.

Merchandise creates a bond between the user and the company. People will only wear/use products with a companies logo on it if they

• Like the company.
• Like/need the item so much that the logo is inconsequential.

Ask yourself two questions

1. Where will your client be thinking about you?

• At work
• At home
• Traveling
• Doing a leisure activity

There are a variety of options

At Home

• Fridge magnet – great for trades, doctors, real estate etc…
• Mug – everyone has a drink of something at some point during the day – why not start the day with a fresh cup of tea with your logo on the mug?
• Keyring – every house has a door and most people have cars – it’s a constant reminder.
• Bottle openers
• Stubby holders

At Work

• Coaster for the cuppa – it’ll sit there for years – just gently reminding them of your business every time they have a cup of tea.
• Mug – everyone has a drink of something at some point during the day – why not start the day with a fresh cup of tea with your logo on the mug?
• Calendar – on every desk of every office all over the world sits a calendar, why not use this to your advantage and create a small calendar with your info on it.

In the car

• Keyring – Most people have cars – it’s a constant reminder.
• Bumper sticker – allows people to say they support you and brings brand awareness to your company to other drivers on the road.

At Leisure

• Clothing like - shirts, caps,
• Useful items like - bags, drink coolers, stubby holders, water bottles, rulers (for kids or home office), Note pads, Mugs, Magnets (for fridge)

You may have been given a stress ball, a Frisbee, a cap, a shirt a key-ring, I bet you have kept all of these and scattered around your home are remnants of another companies marketing efforts. Imagine if that was your company name? Great exposure eh!

Merchandise works – as long as you give it to the right people and spend your dollars wisely. 

Tip: Don’t give away expensive gifts to potential customers – give them a pen or a coaster, save the executive gifts for your good repeat customers. They keep being a repeat customer if you treat them nicely enough.