Top 5 Benefits of Working with a Promotional Products Expert

When I meet with potential clients at networking events, they often ask me why they should work with a promotional products expert, when they know they can order promotional products online. It’s a good question, and one that marketing managers and business owners should ask.

These days you certainly can order printing, design and products with a quick click. In some cases, if you know exactly what you want this may be the best option to get an order or repeat order taken care of quickly.

However, in other situations that quick click, while seeming to save you time, can actually cost you time, money, and lost opportunities, especially when it comes to promotional products. 

Purchasing promotional products should support your marketing strategy. You aren’t just buying pens and t-shirts but rather communications vehicles to promote your brand. Are you choosing the right one? Were you able to evaluate all of your options? Do you have a firm grasp on the lead times and set up charges?

The promotional products expense comes out of your marketing budget and the ROI should be justified as any other marketing expense would. Don’t just buy an item because it is cheap or it looks nice, buy it because it is the best item to support your marketing objectives. However, there are so many possibilities out there it’s hard to know that you found the perfect product or the best price. That is where promotional product professionals come in. 

Working with a promotional products expert offers a wide variety of benefits that can help you make the best decisions for your objectives, your budget, and your business. But to find out the true value of working with an expert like myself, I went to the source and asked my clients what value a promotional products professional can provide. Here were their top 5 answers.

Time Management

A promotional products professional can help save you time by doing the research for a variety of products that will best fit your needs. Professionals have access to information about effective products and market trends. This knowledge will not only save you time, but will assist you with the decision-making process. I hear over and over from clients that the number of promotional products is overwhelming. They want someone who really understands their business, target audiences and marketing objectives to bring them recommendations on the perfect promotional products. Don’t sit for hours in front of the computer looking at thousands of promotional products. Your time is too valuable. It’s my job to know what is available so I can find ideas faster, saving you time and aggravation.

Creative Energy

If you want to create an impactful direct mail promotion or incentive program, or if you want to drive traffic to your trade show booth, a product professional is your best bet. The most effective campaigns are a creative blend of the proper product with the right outlet – and a pro can help you make the most of these opportunities.

As a promotional product professional, I am more than an order taker. I have worked in this field for many years and have a wealth of experience. I have seen and helped develop some of the most creative marketing ideas for direct mail, customer loyalty programs and trade show giveaways that helped companies boost their business. I can share what has worked for other companies, brainstorm ideas you wouldn’t have considered and keep you focused on your marketing objectives. In fact, my creativity is one of the main reasons my clients keep coming back again and again, according to a recent survey. 

Business Savvy

By creating a personal relationship with a promotional products representative, you are aligning yourself with a business partner who will learn about your goals and can help you achieve them. Promotional product professionals stay informed about new products and know how to develop effective campaigns that will help you move your business forward. They also know the ins and outs of logistics to help you save time and money for shipping your order. Most importantly, I keep up to date on the latest in product safety regulations and select the most appropriate supplier for your product to help ensure your recipients will receive a safety-tested product. 

Personal Service

A promotional products professional is invested in your marketing success. They want this to be a long term relationship so they take the time to understand your business. They can create personalized marketing programs that will serve you and your business well. Your promotional products expert will proactively contact you with ideas, check in to see how your latest campaign went, oversee delivery dates and budget, handle any disputes with manufacturers and check in on reorders. I go above and beyond for my clients where needed, also serve as the custodian for client graphics and ensure all work meets your logo guidelines.

Supplier Management

Your promotional products professional has worked with hundreds of manufacturers. You can order pens, hats, and USB drives from one of hundreds of suppliers. However, the benefit I bring is that I know which ones stay on budget, meet deadlines, are easy to work with, handle rush orders, and get the order right the first time. This insider knowledge makes your life easier. The last thing you want is to show up at your trade show and your supplier didn’t meet their deadline, so you have no giveaways. Or, the gifts for the Executive Meeting showed up missing a corner of your logo!

The bottom line is that promotional products work – when you choose the right product and distribute it in the best manner. A promotional product representative can help make this happen.

If you’d like to start a discussion on how to maximize your promotional dollars and see the difference a promotional products professional can make, let’s get together for a creative consultation. You can reach me at 847-398-5500 or dona.blunt@newportpros.com.