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As a business, you are always looking for that edge to drive sales figures. An effective and time-tested method to gain the upper hand is to use promotional products.
To understand the value of promotional products, we have to watch late night television. Yes, I’m talking about infomercials. Make fun of them if you want, but they are wildly successful at moving inventory. I am writing this while looking at my handy onion peeler / car dough cleaner / dental floss / dog training device!
Regardless, these commercials use promotional items to increase sales figures. The basic idea is everything and offer the main product. The price is usually not particularly high, but it is not that attractive. Then they start to launch the promotional products. Not only do you get the Ginsu knives, but you also get can openers and all kinds of gadgets. In viewers’ minds, these extra things may or may not be necessary, but they definitely make the price more attractive.
You can use promotional products in the same way to increase your sales. The idea is to present your potential client with a deal that makes sense. In fact, you may increase sales because the potential customer is more interested in the promotional product than the main piece that is moving. Regardless, promotional products can help you increase your sales.
To really use promotional products effectively, you need to follow some basic guidelines. First of all, the promotional product must be perceived as something of quality. Second, the product must relate to the same theme as your product line. Third, it is helpful for the promotional product to be identified with your company’s brand. Let’s look at a quick example.
Suppose I own a travel business and I want to start my business for the summer season. Usually I would advertise various travel specials, but how does that set me apart from any other travel business? It is not like this!
A better approach is to offer the same travel deals alongside a promotional product. So what would the product be? Should I offer Ginsu knives? Probably not. They have nothing to do with travel and your customers are probably going to have a hard time getting them on airplanes. Trust me on this.
A better option would be to use a promotional product related to travel. You’ll want something of perceived value, but small for convenient packaging. On top of my head, I could offer power converters, hidden money wallets, free passport photos, a travel journal, etc. The common denominator of all these things is that they are related to the travel business, they have value and they would be attractive.
Using promotional products to increase your sales is a smart idea. Just make sure you have an idea of what your prospects would be interested in and how to tie those elements into your marketing.
