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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- Medical Themed Tote
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- Roots Tech Long Sleeve
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- Super Glide Wax Highlight
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- Phone Stand
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- Cord Manager
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- Silicone Cable Organizer
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- Plastic Tool Pen
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- Suspension Calendar
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- Power Bank
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- Luggage Tag
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- Hand Held Sports Bottle
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- Spider USB Connector
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- Water Proof Phone Pouch
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- Fold Up Tote
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- Flexible Water Bottle
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- USB Adaptor
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- iPad Stand
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- The Loop Earbud Winder
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- iPad Sleeve Stand
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- Mini File and Buffer
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- Glass Water Bottles
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- Ballpoint.Stylus.Stand.Cleaner
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- Power Bank Charger w/ Speaker
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- Sewing Kit
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- Hand Sanitizer
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- Convention Tote
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- Colorful Journals
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- Tangled Stress Reliever
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- Laser Engraved Polos
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- Conference Tote
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- Stylus Pen Highlighter
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- Square Power Bank
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- Paper Clip Tumbler
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- Roots RapidLake Polo
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- Squeezable LED Key Chain
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- Drink from Phone
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- Stillwater Polo
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- Cable Winder
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- Round Power Banks
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- Custom Mug
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- EFlask Water Bottle
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- Colorful Stylus Pens
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