Promo Merchandise Top Ten

Although I tend to operate a bit outside the box when it comes to merchandise selected for my clients, there are some traditional "can't miss" items that folks tend to incorporate on a consistent basis. Check the list and see if you're a fan of any of these:
1. Pens: ubiquitous, uninspiring perhaps? But hey...they're inexpensive, used by everyone, and I bet you prefer one that actually writes well. Your clients do, too. Here's your chance to wow them.
2. Mugs & Cups: you have one on your desk or in your car cup-holder right now. It might very be a little "brown" from constant use. Wouldn't you like someone to give you a shiny new mug, or one of those cool travel tumblers?
3. Polo Shirts: perfect for many applications- trade show wear, client gifting, employee uniforms. Good embroidery pushes up the perceived value. See my old blogs...you can go econo or top shelf.
4. T-Shirts: the gold standard for giveaways. Low cost, great billboard for branding, appealing to all, etc.
5. Caps and Hats: see #4 above...the perfect tag-along with a tee, but also great for higher end giveaways, golf and outdoor events, team building.
6. Calendars: your customers stare at them for 12 months. 'Nuf said.
7. Jackets: popular add-on/upgrade for polos, tees.
8. Key tags: universal appeal, until we're all driving bikes to work
9. Tote Bags: almost required for many events; they provide a great walking billboard, they are low cost and when done right, they are used well beyond the event.
10. Mouse Pads: this ranking might be a bit dated, but mousepads are still a great promo item. It never ceases to amaze me how many grungy Staples mousepads I see sitting next to sweet new iMacs on luxurious corporate desktops. It's time to help your clients replace those nasty cloth pads with a high-tech, hard surface, laser mouse-friendly pad with your brand all over it.

Santa Clause or Scrooge?

OK, it's Obama Time...let's see if the man can turn things around.

While we wait, I'd like to address the strange new strategy of throttling all advertising and promotion to wait for the economy to uptick. I think it's pretty amazing that brands and corporations are pulling back so immediately from their promotion activities. Yes, the economy sucks, budgets are tight, consumers are in a panic. Does that mean it's time to stop marketing? Are you kidding me?

Let's take promotional products (cause that's what this blog is about). I've recently been getting the strong vibe from my clients that now is a good time to stop using branded merchandise...because...um..."I don't have the budget and they're just trinkets and trash with logos on them anyway." Well, it follows that they were worthless T&T before the economy tanked, so you must have been nuts to spend your budget on them then, right? Of course not, they were working fine last year, and the year before...they provided awesome exposure and your customers/employees appreciated the effort. They loved getting your "free stuff", let's face it.

Well, call me crazy, but isn't now the perfect time to give your customers some cool free stuff? Won't they appreciate your efforts even more than last year? I think they will, and it doesn't take reams of research to prove it...just a few seconds of thought. Holiday is coming fast...will you be OK with it if you don't get any gifts, any bonus, any recognition for your efforts just because your company is pulling the budget reins in? I think not. I bet you'll be bummed out.

Don't bum out your customers. If you are promoting a consumer brand with premiums, don't bum out all the consumers who love getting your merchandise. If you were getting ready to reward or motivate your employees...don't bail on those plans. If you were planning on some nice gifts for your clients, by all means, do NOT shelve those plans! Find the budget at all costs. Guess what? You'll be the firm getting all the exposure and kudos when your competition is MIA.

Be Santa...not Scrooge.

Your call.