The value of promotional products

Here are just a few good reasons to use a promotional product:

1. 
   
   It's engaging - It allows customers to touch, fee and use products. The Internet and TV don't allow this.


2. 
   
   It's personal - It can allow for more than a company logo and branded message, an individuals name can be added to some products.


3. 
   
   It's durable - some people will keep their gifts for for years. I still have a penknife branded with Strongbow that was given to me more than 10 years ago. Think of the number of people who may have seen that over the past decade.


4. 
   
   It creates conversation - particularly for quirky or unusual gifts or presents that are delivered in unusual ways.


5. 
   
   Multiple usages - For example you could have a calendar on a mousemat or ruler. You could create a metrics measurement chart or a conversion formula so that the recipient could use it regularly.


6. 
   
   Multiple delivery mechanisms - merchandise can be given away at events, mailed or presented one-on-one.


7. 
   
   Incentives and rewards - marketersalways want response mechanisms so why not use a gift to ensure this? A gift will help both to create a response and increse brand awareness.


8. 
   
   It's inexpensive - Most promotional merchandise can be low-cost and in that way actually gives the brand team good value for money.


9. 
   
   It's in your face - Particularly if it's a desk item, the most popular form of advertised gift. Paper mailings tend not to be kept, but a desk calendar is in front of you every day for 12 months.

Extract taken from an article in Promotions Buyer Trade, November 2008 by Gordon Glenister, Director General of the BPMA