The Benefits of PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS

Case scenario: A salesperson approaches you about purchasing PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS. Your
first thought is probably "I don't have the time for this!" followed by "It's not in the budget", and
maybe even "Why would we need PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS? What the heck are they anyway?"
Being a business that specializes in selling PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS, we at
Promotions Plus Ltd. put together an information package to explain a little more about the
benefits of PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS. The What, How's and Why's, so to speak.
We at Promotions Plus Ltd. hope that when you finish reading this, the next time a
salesperson approaches you, your response will be
"Yes, I think I can spare a few minutes!"

What is a PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT?

The words "PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS" are actually a blanket term for a broad range of items.
We have attempted to narrow this down into 5 categories, with a brief description of each.

Ad Specialty

An Ad Specialty item usually comes imprinted with an advertising or promotional message on
it, and has a practical use. Some examples of this are; calendars, pens, mouse pads, key tags, etc.
The list is endless. Most importantly, Ad Specialties are generally given with no obligation.
I.E.: when you buy a new car, they may give you a key tag with the dealerships name on it.

Premiums

Premiums on the other hand, come with a few strings attached. They are offered as an incentive
to encourage your client/customer to respond in a specific manner. I.E.: buy a bicycle and receive a
free water bottle, or - Respond to this ad before (specific date) and receive a free clock.

 Awards/Commemoratives
 

 Awards are usually in the form of watches, desk clocks, lapel/service pins etc. They are commonly
given to reward performance or service, but can also be used as incentives. The recognition is often
more important than the actual award, but it remains a lasting symbol of this honor. Awards generally
carry an inscription relating to the purpose of the award, the date, and possibly the receivers name.

Business Gifts 

Business gifts are typically given to customers, employees, clients and suppliers, to thank, recognize
performance, develop business, etc. Nearly half of all corporations give business gifts, and find them
most effective in achieving the desired objective. Some examples of these gifts might include
Pen/Pencil sets, Jackets, Golf Accessories, Pocketknives, etc.

Miscellaneous Promotions 

As the name implies, this is a catchall for the items that do not fit into a specific category. These can
include Products for Organization Membership or Sponsorship I.E.: company name/logo imprinted
jackets, hats or shirts, for ball teams, clubs, etc. Souvenirs for tourist purchasing such as: glassware
and mugs, key tags, hats, beach towels, etc., fall under this umbrella too, and are usually imprinted
with a specific place or location on them. Promotional events often use balloons, banners and
promotional inflatables to attract attention, frequently imprinting them with the specific event
I.E.: company picnics, concerts in the park, etc.

How are PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS used?

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS are used internally and externally in any company, to achieve many
goals. When building Customer Loyalty, customers who receive a gift generally reorder sooner and
place more repeat orders. They also tend to remember the advertisers name longer.

When used in Direct Mail Advertising, the inclusion of a PROMOTIONAL PRODUCT can
dramatically increase response rates, especially if used as an incentive I.E.: receive a free pen
with every order.

Employee Performance is improved when PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS are used as incentives,
bonuses or gifts. (Not to mention the added bonus of free advertising if the product happens to be a
jacket with your company name /logo on it!). These products tell your employees that you value them
and want to keep them happy. Happy employees are productive employees, and productive
employees help to build successful businesses.

Trade Shows are another excellent medium for PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS. Traffic is sure to
increase at your booth with handouts - Everyone loves freebies! Add a little creativity, and customize
your giveaways to directly relate to your product or business I.E.: a computer company could give
away mouse pads imprinted with their company name/logo.

What we are trying to demonstrate is that PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS Create Awareness for
your business. They put your company name in front of existing clients as well as prospective ones
on a daily basis. What a great way to advertise!

Why Use PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS?

Okay, now we have covered "What PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS are" and "How You Can Use
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS", but-Why, you ask, should you spend your hard-earned dollars
on products that you are basically just giving away? That is a very good question, let us try to answer
it for you.
First, and probably the most important point, is that everyone needs to advertise in some way, shape
or form. PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS are a very economical and efficient alternative to the
traditional mass media forms of advertising, (i.e.: print ads, radio/TV spots, billboards) Magazines
and Newspapers end up in the recycle bin (your ad along with it), and radio/TV spots are fleeting
at best. PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS have the benefit of "Staying Power". Your ad on a calendar
will be seen 365 days a year, on a coffee cup 2-3 times a day, on a key-tag every time the vehicle
is started, and so on. If it were possible to measure the exposure a typical PROMOTIONAL
PRODUCT will receive in its lifetime, you would see that it has to be the most cost-effective
advertising medium when figured on a cost-per-exposure basis.

With PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS, you are also able to define your targeted customer base,
and customize your promotion to your best advantage. For instance, if you are trying to increase
the clientele at your bank, you may want to include a free calculator with every new account opened.
Creative impact also plays a large roll in the staying power/name recognition of a product. Many items
have a practical purpose, putting them in the hands of your customer many times a day. Add a creative
imprint, eye-catching design, or humorous slogan, and the customer is going to remember your
company in a very positive way.
Another great reason to include PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS in your advertising budget is simply
goodwill! Everyone enjoys receiving a gift; it is basic human nature. Customers who receive goodwill
gifts tend to be more loyal and place more repeat orders. They will also be more inclined to give
positive referrals about your company. Now, that is the kind of customer base that everyone wants!

Finally, PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS have diversity built in, both in items available (we have
access to more than 500,000 products) and in their applications. Here is a list from the
PPA (Promotional Products Association) identifying the typical Marketing Applications
and Motivational Opportunities of Promotional Products:

Promoting Branch Openings                    Introducing New Products

Motivating Sales People/Employees        Opening New Accounts

Stimulating Sales Meetings                      Developing Trade Show Traffic

Romancing Improper Product Mix          Activating Inactive Accounts

Changing Product/Company Names        Promote New Facilities

Moving Products at a Dealer Level          Improving Customer Relations

Motivating Customers                             Introducing New Sales People

Building a Positive Image

Every company at some point faces one or more of these situations.
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS are a cost effective, long lasting way to spend your advertising dollars.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope we have left you with a better understanding
of what PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS, and specifically, Promotions Plus can do for
your company. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about PROMOTIONAL
PRODUCTS, Service or our Company. 
We hope you enjoy navigating through the rest of our site!


E-Mail: sales@promosplus.ca