The Basics of Promotional Product Marketing |
07 May 2006 |
| According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the first promotional products were commemorative buttons worn in honor of George Washington's presidential inauguration. In today's world, promotional products have evolved to become much more than simply an item featuring a corporate logo or message. The PPAI estimates that annual industry sales are approaching $12 billion and there are more than 15,000 different types of items used as promotional products from golf shirts and coffee mugs to pens and picture frames. Promotional products are useful or decorative items imprinted with a company logo, name or message. Types of promotional products include advertising specialties, business gifts, recognition awards and premiums. Advertising specialties are complimentary items with a promotional message. Business gifts are given to customers and employees for any number of reasons such as to thank customers, to develop business and to reward employee performance. Recognition awards includes trophies, pins and plaques that symbolize an achievement or honor. Premiums are promotional items used as an incentive with some obligation. The two major players in the promotional products industry are suppliers who produce and manufacture shirts, pens, caps and anything else that can be imprinted, and distributors, the suppliers' sales representatives who can help you select the promotional item that best fits your goal whether it be increasing traffic at your trade show booth or thanking employees for their hard work and dedication. |
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