![\"branded](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamprinting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/branded-retail-bag-and-cup.png\")
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We all love being on the receiving end of promotional products (a.k.a. \u201cswag\u201d). What\u2019s not to like about getting something useful (coffee mugs<\/a>, mini screwdrivers, or anti-bacterial gel) or something really cool like custom journals<\/a> or a laser pointer? \u00a0But what about when you are on the purchasing end of promotional giveaways?<\/p>\n Read on for detailed tips on how to make the ordering process a breeze. When you\u2019re ready to launch\u00a0your marketing campaign at a trade show using promotional giveaways, ask these 7 questions:<\/p>\n 1) What is the goal for your marketing campaign? With apparel giveaways<\/a>, for example screen printed t-shirts, your metric could be something as easy as percent of people seen wearing them. Adam Nash, CEO at Wealthfront, has a great series of posts<\/a> on ordering company t-shirts and recommends that spending extra pays off: \u201cBetter to spend $12 for shirts you\u2019ll see for the next two years than $5 on shirts you won\u2019t see again.”<\/p>\n 2) Who will receive your promotional giveaways? The best promotional giveaways<\/a> are the ones which will deliver hundreds of impressions for your business or organization. There\u2019s no value in giving a product which won\u2019t be used.<\/p>\n Tip: Order a sample of the product and try it yourself!<\/em>\u00a0Even better, often samples are sent out free. Do you find yourself using it a lot? How do you like the quality of the product and quality of the imprint?<\/p>\n 3) Does the product choice work well for your type of business? 4) Should you consider environmentally-friendly promo items<\/a>?\u00a0<\/strong> 5) How will your brand and message look on the promotional item? For brand awareness, consider\u00a0including a call-to-action \u2013 something you want your potential customers to do \u2013 tweet a hash tag, phone\u00a0number to call, visit your website, or simply stop by your booth at the trade show. For promotional pens or company shirts, your logo alone will often be sufficient.<\/p>\n Explore different options with the imprint dimensions, location(s), and number of imprint colors available. Know your restrictions — for example, a detailed, vertical logo wouldn\u2019t look good on laser engraved pens. Requesting a \u201cpaper proof\u201d is always a great idea \u2013 it is usually a PDF showing the real size of your imprint.<\/p>\n 6) Are your choices within your budget?\u00a0<\/strong>Set your budget from the beginning. When searching your options for promotional giveaways, be careful to understand the pricing for the quantity you are planning to order. And factor in\u00a0any set-up charges, and additional fees for another imprint color or a second imprint location.<\/p>\n Also, check estimated shipping\/handling costs and any sales tax. Does your order quantity satisfy the minimum quantity requirement? You might find a perfect product, but if the minimum order is way more than you need it may blow your budget. \u00a0And usually each \u201cquantity break\u201d pricing is different — the more you order, the better deal you\u2019ll be getting.<\/p>\n Tip: Look for coupons!<\/em> \u00a0<\/em>Prior to ordering, make sure to sign up for email specials and\/or follow the vendor\u2019s Twitter or Facebook. Many companies post coupons through social\u00a0channels \u2013 sometimes up to 20% off!<\/p>\n 7) Have you allowed enough time for receiving your order?<\/strong> Still have\u00a0questions?<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t hesitate to call us (1-800-833-6231) and\u00a0knowledgeable staff at Amsterdam Printing will walk you through the process.<\/p>\n Hopefully\u00a0these tips will help you plan and execute a successful campaign\u00a0at your next trade show. Let us know if you found the tips to be useful\u00a0in the comments below!<\/p>\n For convenience – here is quick access to the products mentioned above:<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>It is important to establish a goal and expected outcomes (metrics) for your promotion. Often, your promotional items purchase is an investment \u2013 not an expense \u2013 so shoot for positive return (ROI). Are you looking to spread the word? How many more calls, leads, or customers do you\u00a0need to get to break even? To meet your sales goal? Are you giving a customer appreciation gift that says \u201cthank you for your business\u201d? How many of your customers will repeat their purchase again in a coming year?<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Know your target market. Establish qualifying criteria for prospects or customers to receive your gift, depending on your goals. There\u2019s no shortage of people looking to score some \u201cfree swag,\u201d but are you giving the right promotional products to the right audience? That’s the best way to ensure getting a good return on your investment!<\/p>\n![\"best](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamprinting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/best-promotional-giveaways.jpg\")
\n<\/strong>It\u2019s always great to see a connection between business type and promotional gift.\u00a0\u00a0For example an\u00a0insurance agency<\/a> could consider ice scrapers, fridge magnets and calendars<\/a>. If you are a\u00a0law firm, your choice could be a padfolio or a pen and pencil gift set. Or you could go with trends; in that case c<\/a><\/span>ustom water bottles or tech gadgets would be a great choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\nYou can further enhance your promotional campaign by opting in for environmentally-friendly products. Choose recycled paper for your Post-Its\u00ae or notepads<\/a>, or simply reusable items which eliminate waste, such as reusable shopping bags\u00a0or stainless water bottles<\/a>.\u00a0 Your customers will appreciate that you share their concern for the planet.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Putting your organization\u2019s logo on a product is always a great idea, but what other message are you planning to include? It will depend on your goals.<\/p>\n![\"BIC](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamprinting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/08\/bic-clic-stic-pens.jpg\" "\\"BIC")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"promotional](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamprinting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/promotional-mugs-in-assorted-colors.jpg\" "\\"promotional")
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\nSpeaking of quantity, here’s a quick tip! The quantity breaks determine the “each” pricing, but you can order any exact quantity you need<\/em> over the minimum quantity. For example, on this product; Hilo Bistro Mug the minimum quantity is 36 mugs. But the customer is ordering 13 purple, 21 yellow and 9 lime for a total of 43 mugs. No need to blow your budget ordering large quantities or have extras taking up room\u00a0on the storage shelf!<\/p>\n
\nOK—You are all set to place an order and excited about the promotion for your upcoming trade show ! But first — did you allow enough time for your order to be produced and received on-time (without resorting to expedited delivery). Production times can vary greatly depending on the\u00a0item, usually websites will list production time within product details. It is always a good idea to receive your items at least a week or two ahead \u2013 this will allow you to still meet your deadline in case there are any problems.<\/p>\n
\n<\/a>![\"advertising](\"https:\/\/www.amsterdamprinting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/advertising-pens-ship-in-2-days-banner.jpg\" "\\"advertising")
<\/a>Finally, what happens in an unfortunate event when you simply don\u2019t like the way your order turned out? \u00a0Or\u2014due to no fault of your own—you missed your event and no longer need the products? Reputable vendors have satisfaction guarantees and will offer a reprint or full refund. Discuss this with your sales rep or research on the website.<\/p>\n