Intro

You may think that giving out merchandise is a waste of money, but just hang on. Have a close look at your desk right now. Have you got any of the following with brand names on them?

• Pens
• Post it note pads
• Rulers
• Note pads
• Coasters
• Sweetie jars
• Mugs
• Magnets

You look at these items every day and subliminally you are remembering their companys names.

If you are out and about and you meet people who wear the same uniform everyday you associate that business with the uniform.

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! The CEO of a well respected business and his son are out playing in the park on the weekend with your Frisbee wearing your cap, and drinking out of the thermal flask you gave him as a thank you gift last Christmas. Merchandise works - as long as you give it to the right people and spend your dollars wisely. 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.

Definition Promotional Merchandise is basically a product that bears your logo and company name. Promotional gear can include things like Caps, t shirts, stubby holders, pens, notepads, calendars, coasters, magnets - the list is endless...

Benefits

Your marketing messages are passed onto potential customers in many different ways, but by using promotional merchandise you are really selling your Brand. Brand exposure is a big way of promoting your company without actually \"selling\" it as such.

Pros

• Brand exposure potential is enormous
• Loyal customers will proudly use your item
• Your logo will be seen every where the person goes

Cons

• Promotional merchandise can be expensive
• You have to organise for the gear to be branded

How to Implement this into your Business

• Decide on what you want to give away
• Choose a Promotional Merchandise company
• Order the product
• Arrange for branding to take place – you will need to supply them with a high res version of your logo

Tips

Be careful how much you spend and what the unit cost is per item - you can get good deals if you shop around.

Don't give away expensive items to "cold" clients, save those items for existing clients as gifts or for the very "hot" leads.

Make sure you choose the right type of product for your target market, don’t choose the cheapest because it’ll sell your company as cheap.

Choose a product that your target market will actually use not just the bottom of the barrel product because you think you should give away something for free.

If you cannot find what you are looking for ask for help you may be able to design something custom if you are willing to buy in bulk.

Make sure you proof the artwork before they go to print.

Check the products before they are distributed, poor quality products or incorrectly branded items are not good advertising for your company – so just check it all before you get excited and give items away.