I'd love to hear from members about which items you've had printed up with your company info [pens, calendars, mousepads, calculators, magnets, etc.], where you got then, and in what ways you've used them [client gifts, distributing at events, etc.]

I'm trying to decide where the best investment could be made for this kind of thing - there are a lot of 'junky' options out there - so what imprintables did you feel good about spending your marketing dollars on?

Thanks for your input!

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I get calendar magnets via Vistaprint every year as thank you gifts to my clients. It gives them my website and contact information on a yearly calendar that they can stick to anything metal, like a file cabinet!!

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Shellye L. Lyons, Business/Marketing Manager ~~ The Lyons Group, LLC

I have done pens and post it notes from a local printer for event hand outs. For clients I usually do personalized stationary or a gift card so that when they use it they think of me instead of being sent another branded item that is likely to go in a drawer. I will do the stationary first because each time they write a note they will think of me.

This holiday I did get a cool gift from someone I did non VA business with, they made a CD of soothing music and burned a very lovely picture on the front. It came with a note that said, hope you enjoy my selection of music to help you relax on those very busy days. I was very cool and thoughtful and I am sure I am going to steal that idea.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

I have not tried to determine ROI on the promo items, so I can't tell you which are best.

I have purchased calendar/tip cards, where you have the year's calendar on one side and a tip chart on the other. I got the most comments about it because people hate to calculate tips.

I have purchased odd looking keyfobs, which I decided I hated once I got them.

Pens are always good. I only purchase blue-ink pens. It seems that most of them have black. I have pencils also, but they are crappy.

I am drowning in cataloges but really see nothing that strikes my fancy as unique and relevant to a VA.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

I have started with post its. I have had a different design each year and now people can't wait until the next year to see what it will look like. They are relatively inexpensive and everyone has a need for them.

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Cindy Schroeder
Bright Bookkeeping

I am going the pen route Tess. I always grab businesses pens because I always need one. I keep them in my desk, in my purse, with my address book, and in the car. As a marketing material it is great because the pen is right in front of me and everyone always needs them. I already decided I would never do the t-shirt thing as I use those kind of shirts for sleep shirts. I generally don't like to go out anywhere as a walking billboard, unless of course it's for my own business. I got my first pens from Vistaprint, but I have to admit I am looking for a better price. I'm always looking for deals.

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Serita Diana, the List 2 Close Assistant
REVA Academy

Good timing on this post! I've been scouring the imprint sites & am still trying to decide what to get. Pens are a good choice cuz they can end up in places you'll never imagine. Coupled with a sticky pad it makes a nice treat. But when I think of what I'd like to get, a yellow highlighter will always be used & a flash drive is top on the list.

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Lezly Harrison
Laserdog Productions - Code that Doesn't Bite

I've done pens and To-Do lists with my branding on them. I've gotten a lot of Thank-You's, but they always went out to people who were already a customer or a potential referral source.

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April Sullivan
The REVA Academy

I am also debating on what I should go with...I was thinking pens would do the trick.

Hi

I use calendar magnets a lot. I have them available for any expos or speaking events I do. Also, I'll send them to clients each year for the holidays. I also send them out with any book orders. I also have small magnets with my company information made. I'll send those out with media kits, any client follow-ups, etc. Also, I always have them handy for local events. I give so many away at PTA meetings. Someone often will say, what do you do and I'll hand them out.

I also love my shirts with business logo. I know for sure they have resulted in clients. I found it better to get a good quality shirt than a T-shirt, but the T shirts work for like the gym, etc.

I too use pens a lot. People always seem to appreciate when you hand them out.

Thanks!