Thursday 1 December 2016

Why Do People Think Promotional Merchandise is a Good Idea?

 
 
 
An important marketing tool for various companies, promotional merchandise helps in highlighting the market presence of a particular company.
 
Branded USB sticks, branded notepads, pens, coffee mugs, etc form some of the promotional merchandise.
 
They are given away by companies to promote their image, brand or event at trade shows, conferences and as part of the guerrilla marketing campaigns.

History

The history of promotional merchandise dates back to the era of George Washington in 1789.  His election campaign involved commemorative buttons.
 
While these were being used time and again, there were no such manufacturing companies dealing with the same.  With time, the variety and their make came into existence.

Finally in 1904, 12 manufacturers of such promotional items got together and found the first trade association for the industry.  As time passed, UK and Ireland promotional merchandise industry came to the forefront. Promotional umbrellas in UK became a norm, apart from other merchandise.
 
Who Sells Promotional Merchandise?

Promotional merchandise distributor companies are the main sellers in USA, UK, and Ireland. Merchandise is customized with a company’s logo, apart from a digital image either provided by the client or an in-house designer.

Promotional Merchandise for a Cause

Not companies alone, these are also being used by NGOs and activists to promote a cause. For example, LGBT T-shirts or flags, caps or chains.
 
Companies promote their agenda through mouse pads, mugs, posters and bumper stickers.

In this age of eco-friendly products, wearable merchandise is becoming quite popular. Expensive gifts items like perfumes, leather wallets, and electronic items are also being given away these days.

Building a Relation

The moment customized merchandise is handed over to someone, a relationship begins. It is expected that the person is likely to reciprocate the gesture in future and can see the organization as a destination for future purchases.

An Advertisement to Stay

A mug or a pen is something to stay forever. And the moment, one sees the product; it is bound to revive a relationship. Diaries, keys, chains and t-shirts are not expensive and can be used for a long time.

Brand Reputation

People who receive such merchandise are more likely to remember a brand for a long time. This creates a favorable image of the brand as the gesture is appreciated and always remembered by the customer.

Even if the customer does not know a particular brand, he would look up to that brand for its good gesture shown to one of his acquaintances. And next, he could himself be the customer.

Promotional merchandise is a call of the day for businesses and entrepreneurs who wish to make a move to a higher level of trade and commerce. These products win hearts quickly and increase potential business. So, investing in these products is the way of enhancing the capabilities as a business entity.

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