Buying Promotional Products Tips

[kompressornsc]

First, this is in no way an effort to solicit business. I am posting this because many of the pro detailers have helped me out with their special knowledge, and I thought this was a way I could give a little back. My experience as a Promotional Products Distributor goes back 13 years, working with everyone from one-man operations to multinational corporations.

Finding a Distributor-The best way is referrals. Ask someone you know that is in Marketing or HR for a large company who they use. Not only will they have a good local Distributor, the Distributor will take extra good care of you since the referral came from a large client. Avoid the Internet. You get absolutely no service, do all the work / research yourself, and in most cases, pay a premium to do this! Work with someone local who understands your market, will supply you with ideas, and is there if you have a problem.

What to buy- Whatever Promotional Product is right for your situation! This is where having a good Distributor comes in. When I talk to a client, I have four questions: What quantity do you need? What is your budget? How are you going to use these items (mailing, trade show, etc.)? And most importantly: What do you want the product to do for you? The last question is the key. With thousands of choices, there are products that work best for different situations. Do you need help with client retention? New clients? Name awareness? Client gifts? Each ‘problem’ has a different product/solution. Promotional Marketing efforts should be very focused-it’s no longer about handing out ‘giveaways’ to anyone and everyone. This is why it is important to use a professional Distributor.

What to expect-Expect a Distributor to bring you ideas. That’s their job. They help narrow down the 1000’s of choices to a few for you to pick from. Expect to see a sample of anything before you order it. Expect to see a faxed or e-mail proof of your art before the order is run. And expect a discount from ‘list’ price on orders over $500.

Hope this helps some of you out when you are going to buy Promotional Products. They can be a very effective medium, especially in a personal service like detailing. I’ll be happy to answer any questions here or via PM.

Scott

[shaunthebadboy]

thanks for the info scott, will keep in mind.

[mirrorfinishman]

National Pen Company has proven to be a good source for promotional pens and personalized business items.

http://www.pens.com/pens/default.aspx

[kompressornsc]

Originally posted by mirrorfinishman
National Pen Company has proven to be a good source for promotional pens and personalized business items.

http://www.pens.com/pens/default.aspx

Ah! See, this is why I posted the information. NPC happens to be one of the 'direct houses', they are also one of my suppliers (under a different name). When I sell their products, I sell them at anywhere from 15%-25% off their direct prices. They send out hundreds of thousands of samples a year-it costs them a lot to do that. With them, you get no marketing advice, no suggestions, no help with your logo, artwork, etc. And you pay a premium to do all the work yourself!

NPC isn't a line I sell unless someone asks, but any distributor can get their product for you at a better price than you can by going direct. And most importantly, you're just buying a pen and not getting the marketing that is supposed to go with it.
*Off my soapbox now.

[mirrorfinishman]

Hey Scott,

I certainly appreciate your comments, however as a detailing business owner I would much rather just do my own marketing.

I do not have a problem when it comes to deciding on the quanity I need, how much I want to spend, how I am going to use the promotional items and understanding what I want the product to do for me. It is really not all that difficult.