As a business, you are always looking for that edge to increase your sales numbers. A proven and effective method to get the edge 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. Mock them if you want, but they’re wildly successful at moving inventory. I write this while looking at my handy onion peeler/car dough cleaner/dental flosser/dog trainer gadget!
Anyway, these commercials use promotional items to increase sales figures. The basic idea is everything and offers the main product. The price is usually not particularly high, but it is not that tempting. Then they start launching 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 prospect with a deal that just makes sense. In fact, it could increase sales because the prospect is more interested in the promotional product than the main moving piece. Still, promotional products can help 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 tie into the same theme as your product line. Third, it helps if you can have the promotional product branded with your business identity. Let’s look at a quick example.
Suppose I have a travel business and I want to get it up and running for the summer season. Typically, 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 along with 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 will probably find it very difficult to get them on planes. Trust me on this.
A better option would be to use a promotional product related to travel. I would want something of perceived value, but small for convenient packaging. Out of my head, I could offer power converters, hidden money wallets, free passport photos, a travel journal, etc. The common thread 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 good idea. Just make sure you have an idea of what your prospects would be interested in and how to tie those items into your marketing.