Choosing Corporate Gifts and Products
Ideally, promotional products will be held onto by prospects and clients due to their perceived value. From gimmicky trinkets to elaborate gifts, they can be an advertisement with staying power. So what should you think about when purchasing yours?
PURPOSE - Determine the who and the why of the matter and you’re half way there. Will this item bombard random civilians on the street or will it be a gift to a client in appreciation of their business? Obviously you’ll need lower volumes and incur and higher price per unit on the latter.
BUDGET - If money is not an issue you likely have the enviable ability to buy a gift so slick that no one would throw it out. Think leather jackets, stainless steel culinary tools and gold plate clocks. Get your logo on something rich and Voila! you will likely earn permanent advertising space with the recipient.
RELEVANCE - Okay, so not many of us will be handing out $50 plus gifts anytime soon, but we still need to be noticed. This is where it pays to be clever. Find an item (and trust me, there is one out there for you!) that is conceptually tied to your company name, industry or tagline and your chances of being remembered are high.
FUNCTION - You’ve got a few ideas for your intended purpose that fit your budget and have relevance to your business. Start a process of elimination by determining the usability and visibility factors of the pieces. Ask existing clients if they would use the item in question - you’ll be surprised at their response! Next, take a look at the printable area and determine if you’ll be able to get all the crucial info (name, logo and contact) on the item in a legible fashion.
With a growing selection of items to put your logo on, challenge yourself to find something different than a cap, mug, pen or golf tee. Call today and see how we can help!
Amy Perzan Merrill is a graphic designer in Calgary, Alberta. Her company, Meringue 3.14, specializes in creative branding and cost-effective print solutions for small business. For more great tips on how you can turn your material into powerful marketing and communication tools, subscribe to "Designer", Amy's monthly ezine.