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Value Added Services and
Your Promotional Product Partner:
 There
are a number of ways in which businesses attempt
to differentiate themselves within the modern
business arena. The most obvious of these methods
are branding and product/service design. However,
one of the most important methods of differentiation
is through value added services. Virtually all
growing organizations owe at least part of their
success to their commitment to their value added
services. This is, in large part, because these
services can: save money, allow for more flexibility,
increase convenience, save time, and make happier
customers. This is why it is important to consider
value added services when choosing a promotional
products company.
What is a value added service exactly? According to Michael Pynch CMA, CPA
Director - Business Consulting at Wipfli, "A value added service is any service that is offered as a complement to a standard product or service that a company sells. Value added services may be included in the price of the standard product or service or may be priced separately." He continues, "In this fast paced service-based economy, exceeding customer expectations is the key to a positive buying experience. Value added services are important to consumers as they address the need for convenience and provide a means to get more for your money." And most importantly, "Companies use value added services to differentiate what they do from their competitors. There are so many products and services that have become commodities that companies have to be creative and look for ways to influence customers to buy from them. When consumers view the products of two separate companies as the same, then the easiest way to compare the products is by price. Value added services offer companies a way to contrast what they provide, and challenge customers to determine the overall value of the product/service rather than just price shopping."
We use value added services all the time. Sometimes
we pay for them, sometimes we don't, but they
are always designed to enhance our overall experience.
They are so ingrained in our daily lives that
we often don't notice them until they are missing.
My local grocery store has a library drop box
outside the front door. 1 Hour photo labs have
been a fixture in big box retail stores for
years now. FedEx-Kinko's is one of the most
excellent examples of value added mastery. After
having your items printed there, you could take
to another entity to have them shipped, but
why would you? They can give you a competitive
price, while shipping your package in minutes.
So simple.
 In
the world of promotional products, value added
services take on a critical significance. There
are literally thousands of organizations that
can make a logoed pen, or a custom t-shirt.
Where the great divide occurs in the promotional
products industry is in value added services.
The organizations that go well beyond just providing
products are few and far between.
When you are searching for someone to provide products for your next promotion, you will definitely want an organization that can bring more flexibility and value. One that can combine services to help you source, produce, warehouse, deliver, market, and merchandise your products can make your promotions much more effective and cost efficient than trying to do it all yourself. A good promotional partner can shorten the supply chain through value added services and can be a single source for your promotional needs. They can also eliminate many of the barriers to creating and maintaining an effective program, since they will have the infrastructure to deal with marketing, managing the inventory of, and distributing your promotional items. Chances are, a top-notch promotional product company will have the ability to effectively run most aspects of your program for far less money than it would cost you to set it up from scratch. They will become more than your supplier, they will become your partner in promoting a truly successful promotional program.
If you are interested in finding a full service
promotional products company, call Powertex.
Our powerful combination of value added services
can help you build, implement, and maintain
your next promotional program. Give us a call
today at (800) 588-7111, or email us at: customerservice@powertexgroup.com.
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