Promotional merchandise that maximises business impact

Promotional merchandise is a great way to ensure your brand is constantly in the public eye. While you can place your brand on exclusive products like leather satchels or umbrellas, promotional goods don't need to cost the earth. 

Bang for your buck

There are limitless options for promotional goods, and many ways to order them, so it's prudent to put careful consideration into what will provide the most cost-effective results for your company. 

"A lot of people try to engage their creativity and think outside the square with weird and wonderful items," says Russell Dower from Exclusive Promotional Products. "But at the end of the day, the old tried and true products are the staples of the industry."

Classic, inexpensive items include:

• coffee mugs
• mouse pads
• pens
• stationery items.

Many companies choose common products because they're proven to work. Most can be ordered in very large quantities for very low prices and are easily distributed.

Inexpensive versus exclusive 

Customers and clients might be impressed by more expensive promotional items such as electronics, bags and watches, but the criteria for effective promotional goods are still the same.

A promotional item must:

• be useful
• be well aligned with your brand
• showcase your products and services. 

As long as the promotional goods chosen fulfil those requirements, they need not cost the earth.

Standard packages

Some outlets offer standard packages, but this is not necessarily the best way to order promotional items. Packages may include items that don't align well with your business, or be in inappropriate quantities, resulting in boxes full of unused goods.

If you've accumulated unwanted items, consider distributing them as part of a show bag at trade shows or conferences. Then you can focus on which items succeeded and only reorder those. 

Online ordering

Many promotional product companies offer discounts for online ordering, which can be helpful if you know exactly what you want or are reordering items. However, it pays to be careful when you order promotional items online, as they might not be of the quality that your company expects. 

"You're buying something that represents your business, your product or your brand, so it has to be customised to suit you," advises Russell. 

When buying in person, promotional product outlets can offer suggestions that might better suit your business. And nothing beats actually seeing and handling the products you'll be distributing to the public. 

Buying in bulk 

Obviously buying in bulk can lower your costs, but it pays to buy small amounts initially to discover which products are most effective and desirable to your customers and clients.

Prepare and save

The best way to save money when ordering promotional goods is to be prepared. Consider some of the classic, cost-effective items; do small runs initially and try before you buy. Visit a promotional merchandise outlet to see how you can save.