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Marketers spend more than $1.34 billion dollars (AUS) and $144 million (NZ)  a year on promotional products for one reason, they work.

• 52% say their impression of a company is more positive after receiving a promotional product.
• 76% recall the name advertised on the product.
• 55% keep the item for more than one year.
• Nearly 50% of recipients use them daily.
• 52% of people do business with a company after receiving a promotional product
• Spend less, achieve more and remind people about the benefit of doing business with you.

The idea of receiving a gift and giving it to someone else is not generally considered good sportsmanship in normal relationships. In business, especially when it comes to promotional products, the more mileage that item gets the better.

In general, you don’t have to do much to encourage regifting of a promotional item. It happens naturally. In some cases, however, giving away two of an item with instructions to “share the wealth” is an easy way to double your advertising impact with little effort on your part.

At trade shows and similar events, everyone wants to be noticed. It’s how you engage with potential customers. Nothing beats FREE stuff when it comes to getting attention. If what you are handing out is unique or novel, word-of-mouth spreads and you will be swamped.

Giving out promotional products is a good way to “break the ice” and start up a conversation. Sometimes that’s all it takes and next thing you know, the two of you are communicating.
 

When you give a promotional item to a customer or prospect, you set up an expectation that often makes them want to do business with you. You don’t have to say anything or make a big deal of it, but they will feel an obligation.

If possible, let customers select a promotional item – assuming it is not personalised – from several you have available. Someone who wants and needs a pen will actually use it. The customer or prospect who could use an envelope opener will select that.
 

Another area in which a logoed item works well is when someone has given you a referral. Reward the referral with the company brand and they will feel as if they are special. Again, choice of more than one item would be best.
 

Your employees, working at trade shows or at client sites, should be outfitted in matching shirts, hats, or whatever else is appropriate for the setting. That is a smart use of logo emblazoned clothing and serves the advertising purpose without looking forced.

Another place you can use clothing with logos is with your best customers. They have that “love” attachment to your brand and will truly appreciate the special recognition you give them by presenting them with branded clothing.
 

Environmental targeting means to give items that will be used in the environment where decisions that involve your product or service will be made.

​For example, if you operate an online business, give out mouse pads or flash drives – items that will be used when decision makers are at their computers thinking about placing an order.
 

Giving out promotional products is a great way to keep your name in front of past and potential customers.

Your company's promotional items can serve as powerful marketing tools to boost brand awareness and improve your business's reputation.