Promotional Item Basics:

Promotional gifts are an important tool in: cementing long term business relationships, showing appreciation to your clients, and initiating new client relationships. With literally thousands upon thousands of promotional products available, you can always find a promotional item suited to your needs. The hardest part is knowing what types of promotional items are the best choice for your next initiative.

According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the general guidelines listed below are a great place to start in finding the ideal gift for your valued clients.

Practically Speaking. Want your client to remember you every day? Then give him a gift that he'll pull out on a daily basis, whether it's a great pen or a USB port that he can use regularly.

Make It Personal. Show your client you know them. Look to send gifts that reflect your client's personal interests. Leisman Insurance Agency sends baby presents whenever one of their clients has a child.

Watch the Budget. Some companies still put limits on how expensive a gift their employees can receive ($25 is a common cap). If your client works at one of those firms, you'll need to watch your gifting budget, but some of the most clever gifts come in way under $30.

Gifts Aren't Billboards. Yes, you want to get the message across that your company is valuable to your client, but plastering your logo all over a gift to do so may not be the smartest move. Rather than put off your customer with glaring marketing messages, place the decoration subtly.

Give Gifts Year Round. Giving gifts during the holidays is nice, but your company might stand out more if you give gifts at other times of the year, such as Valentine's day or the Fourth of July. Send out corporate gifts in the middle of December and your otherwise memorable item may get lost in the mad gifting shuffle."

Just remember that if you are going to give a gift, you want it to be one that they will remember, and even better, use often. Gift giving is more than just self promotion, creating a daily top-of-mind presence can go a long ways towards building and maintaining relationships. Before you start your next promotional marketing program, please call Powertex at (800) 588-7111, or email us at customerservice@powertexgroup.com.


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