Thursday, August 27, 2009

8 Deadly Sins to Avoid When Using Promotional Products

Ineffective Distribution
For example, you order the same 200 calendars every year to give to your best customers but somehow these calendars never get out to your customers. Plan out how the products will get into the hands of your customers. The dumpster behind the building is not one of your customers!

Not Allowing Enough Lead Time
Good promotional products companies can turn around an order very quickly; most of the time within 2 weeks or less - sometimes within a few days. However, don’t make the mistake of betting your whole promotion on it! Start researching your products well before an event.

Ignoring What People May Want to Receive

Don't be a creature of habit. Just because you've always given out mugs or t-shirts or whatever doesn’t mean that is the best promotional product spend. Be open minded!

Not Having Clear Goals for the Product or Promotion
Any great sales event should include promotional products as a value add or to boost excitement. But at the end of the day did it increase results? Know your goals beforehand.

Focusing Only on Price
Remember that promotional products are your ambassadors to the world. You will not be remembered fondly if the product falls apart or the pens stop writing after 2 days. Don’t Skimp! That extra $200 could make all the difference.

Giving to the Wrong People

Everyone loves to give out interesting, cool promotional items. The purpose is to attract customers, prospects, employees and others that will help drive your business. Don't make the mistake of choosing items that only appeal to people who won't help your business.

Ineffective Information

The product imprint gives your customers an idea of what you would like them to do if they are interested in buying from you. Is everything clear and easy to read? Most importantly, check over all of the information by proof from your vendor. One wrong digit in the phone number can kill your promotion!

Not Dealing with a Reputable Company

You can search sites literally for days looking for deals. However, there are only a handful of "Super Companies" that have been around for years, buy directly from overseas and actually imprint on site. They have huge buying power and while you may be able to find a marginally lower price on an item from a web-only dealer - don’t do it. Imprinting is still a very manual process and quality control is key! Web Only guys outsource this process and rely on others to do QC. Also, if your order comes in wrong it’s good to know that you can actually call, get a real person on the phone and explain your problem. Dealing with these "Super Companies" is an insurance policy worth buying.

Taken from the www.amsterdamprinting.com website

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