Promotional Products FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are Promotional Products?

Promotional products are items usually imprinted with a company's name, logo or message. Remember that handy imprinted calendar you keep on your desk, the pen from your local dry cleaner and the key-chain you've been using for years? They all have imprints or logos reminding you of businesses you use. These are promotional products! They stay in your mind and in use long after you visit the business, and that's just what they're supposed to do.

What kinds of companies are using promotional products?

Most large corporations, direct marketing agencies and media and advertising companies.

Why are promotion products so popular?

Many sociological and corporate trends have contributed to growing importance of the promotional products.

Corporations, retailers and manufacturers want to add-value to their consumers’ experience. Consumers also like the idea that they are recognised and valued. Promotional products also give the impression that they are getting something free of charge.

Building a successful brand is about coverage. Promotional products provide coverage for an extended period of time, much longer than more traditional mediums such as print and radio, and for less money.

Competition in today’s society is fierce when it comes to corporate loyalty and increasing sales. Strategic marketers are finding by adding product based incentive programs they are winning quicker brand loyalty and increasing sales almost immediately after a campaign's launch.

How can promotional products improve my business?

A promotional product is an effective way of delivering exposure to your customers and generates goodwill that will lead to sales. Research has shown that staff contentment leads to higher productivity. Companies are now using promotional ‘thank you gifts’ to prove to employees how much they are appreciated and valued within the organisation.

When you pick a useful promotional product that people will use again and again, it can help you increase business. People remember where they got their favourite items and every time they pick up or look at that item they automatically think of your business. That's advertising exposure over and over for one small price.

There are promotional products to fit any size business and budget, so there's no reason not to order promotional items and start increasing your business right away.

What are the advantages of using promotional products?

There are so many pros to using promotional products; it's hard to figure out why everybody doesn't jump on the bandwagon. There are products to fit every budget and every taste. No matter what the marketing campaign or need, there are products that will match it perfectly. Promotional products complement other media, can be directed to selected audiences and remain to repeat the advertising message each time the product is used, without extra cost per exposure.

People remember the advertisers on promotional giveaways, and often tell their friends. Often these gizmos and gadgets are so cool that everyone wants one, and that can lead to more recognition and business all the time. And since the items are useful and appealing they are effective as incentives and motivators. Because there are so many products available, there is a lot of flexibility in planning a successful promotion.

Finally, promotional products are easy to find, order, and start handing out right away. You can even send us an online enquiry right now!

Are there any disadvantages to using promotional products?

As with any advertising medium, there are pros and cons. On many promotional products the imprint area is limited. Production time could range from days to weeks depending on the product and the complexity of the imprint. And, unlike broadcast or other media where there is automatic distribution, with promotional products, you must plan a distribution method.

How do promotional products foster goodwill?

Studies have shown that customers appreciate promotional products much more than mere thank-you letters. And, the right business promotional products makes customers feel warm and fuzzy about your company and your sales reps.

Business promotional products give you an edge over competitors. Customers who receive business promotional products generally feel better about the promotional company over the company's competitors. So, give a real ‘thank you’ to your customers and give them something that says you care.

Are caps, pens and mugs the best promotional products to use?

Promotional products for years seemed to be about caps, pens and mugs but depending on your target audience, this is not necessarily utilising promotional products correctly. You are wasting your money if you are not taking the time to consider the response that you want to illicit from your target market or how you will track the results of your campaign.

Promotional products are not an afterthought or a freebie with no value. The best way to utilise promotional products is to consult a professional in the industry and work closely in deciding and designing products which will help you get the results you want.

Never underestimate the value of promotional products. Compare to other advertising mediums your marketing dollars and brand retention go further with promotional products.

What are the current trends in the use of promotional products?

The current trends in promotional products are rapidly changing and include movements towards high perceived value items over the cheap and nasty.

Price used to drive the market but now marketers are tired of getting cheap products that fall apart or arrive late. Marketers are finally realising a professional promotional product provider can make their jobs easier, supply their company with additional creativity and help diversify their overall marketing coverage.

There are so many promotional products, how do I choose what is the best for my business?

It's not a good idea to choose your promotional product simply by price. Instead, you should choose an item that matches your business and your client's business and goals. For example, if your clients are mainly doctors, it would be a good idea to hand out pens (for writing on patient's charts) or pre-printed note pads.

Choose promotional items that your clients use daily and, when they do, they see your business name and what you do. Think about what your clients need, and meet their needs with your promotional product!

What are some truly unique promotional products?

Unique promotional products will help customers and clients remember your business even more effectively. Today, there are so many products that can be imprinted, it's a cinch. You'll find one or two that are fun, memorable, and really stand out from the crowd.

Have you thought about giving an imprinted thermometer or barometer to advertise a HOT new product or service? How about passport cases for your overseas travel customers, or camp stools or chairs for your outdoorsy clients? There are literally hundreds of new and unique promotional products available. When you think of promotional products, think unique for gifts that are both fun and functional.

Should I use promotional products if my company is rebranding or changing names or location?

Is your business rebranding or changing its name or location? If so, you have the perfect opportunity to use promotional products to announce this all-important change! If you change your name, your logo, or your address, you certainly want the world to know, and promotional logo items, like hats, pens, shirts, note pads, and much more can help coordinate the new name and brand it in people's minds.

You might develop a direct marketing campaign that includes a small promotional item as part of the information. Changing your business name or location doesn't have to be a scary process. You can use a coordinated advertising campaign, along with imprinted promotional products to get your message out to everyone.

How should marketers decide which specific promotional products provider to use?

First and foremost, marketers should ALWAYS use a company who is a member of the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA). Upbeat Promotions is a member of the APPA.

There are a lot of small, inexperienced and unethical promotional providers out there. Of the approximately 2,000 so called promotional product providers in Australia only 300 are legitimate APPA members.

Qualified professionals in promotional items will be able to:

• Assist you with building your promotional campaign
• Advise you on what items are best for your business and clients
• Know how you can distribute your items effectively
• Give you timely and accurate price quotes 
• Have a record of delivering products on time

Ask for a list of satisfied customers to make sure you are dealing with qualified and helpful promotional products professionals. Also ask to see samples of their products and imprinting to make sure they have the quality you need to satisfy your customers and their needs.