Tchotchke? Swag? Giveaway?
Cindi Cody, Guest Post
Xzibits, Inc.
www.xzibits.com
Look around your office. How many branded items do you have? I’d bet at least one or two or three . . . and you’re not alone. In 2013, advertisers spent more than $18 billion on promotional products. That’s $18,000,000,000 of swag. Wow!
At nearly half a cent per impression, promotional products are a proven, cost-effective way to market your company and increase your brand awareness. They have a lower cost per impression than nearly every other form of advertising. In addition, they have staying power. Most are kept over seven months. If you’re not using promotional items, here are some reasons you should be.
When Choosing a Promotional Product
Budget – You don’t have to spend a lot. My rule of thumb is to give them something they will be upset about if they lose it.
Imprint Area – Know the imprint area restrictions of the product. If you have a vertical logo more than likely it won’t imprint well on a pen.
Artwork – Always submit Vector art and convert fonts to outlines.
Proofs – Although you may be charged (usually less than $10) always ask for a proof.
Production Time – Build in at least 10 business days. If you have a rush order, there are several manufacturers that offer 24-48 hour production times.
Overages – Ask vendors to share their overage/under provision.
Trending in 2015
Technology
- Power Banks, Stylus Pens, Cord Organizers, Bluetooth Speakers, Phone and Tablet Stands.
Health and Wellness
- Hand Sanitizers, Pedometers, Fitness Watches, and Fingerprint ID Kits
Apparel
- Laser-etched Polos, Packable Garments, Folk Patterns, and a lot of Marsala! (Pantone Color of the Year 2015)
Drinkware
- Infusers, Mason Jars, Geometric Tumblers and Bright Colors
Check out the New Products Introduced at the 2015 ASI Show in Orlando
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- Roots Tech Long Sleeve
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- Phone Stand
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- Round Power Banks
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- EFlask Water Bottle
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- Hand Held Sports Bottle
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- Water Proof Phone Pouch
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- Colorful Journals
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- Laser Engraved Polos
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- Convention Tote
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- Ballpoint.Stylus.Stand.Cleaner
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- iPad Stand
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- Silicone Cable Organizer
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- Tangled Stress Reliever
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- iPad Sleeve Stand
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- Paper Clip Tumbler
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- Luggage Tag
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- Squeezable LED Key Chain
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- Cable Winder
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- Plastic Tool Pen
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- Hand Sanitizer
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- Sewing Kit
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- Stylus Pen Highlighter
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- Glass Water Bottles
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- Square Power Bank
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- Custom Mug
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- USB Adaptor
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- Power Bank
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- Roots RapidLake Polo
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- Drink from Phone
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- Power Bank Charger w/ Speaker
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- The Loop Earbud Winder
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- Mini File and Buffer
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- Fold Up Tote
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- Flexible Water Bottle
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- Spider USB Connector
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- Stillwater Polo
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- Colorful Stylus Pens
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- Super Glide Wax Highlight
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- Medical Themed Tote
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- Conference Tote
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- Suspension Calendar
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- Cord Manager
So… what branded product did you find on your desk? 😉
Have questions about promotional products? Give me a call.
–Cindi Cody
Tags: ASI, giveaways, promotional products, Swag, Tchotchke, trends
Interesting – I still see coffee mugs from my days with Armstrong – which ended in 1999. Not sure how you can place a value on something that is still working after 16 years. Great article Cindi
I have an Xzibits Inc. pen in my hand right now. Severe punishment for anyone that takes it off my desk.
This is a terrific rundown of promotional items, Cindi. I’m always thankful when I come away from an article learning a few things I didn’t know about beforehand.
As for what promotional products I find on my desk, I find none at the moment. I do, however, have a scale model of the Space Shuttle Discovery…
Erik