Which promo items have you tried? - Virtual Assistant Forums

#1 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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!

#2 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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!!

#3 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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.

#4 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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.

#5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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.

#6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2010

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.

#7 (**permalink**) 08-27-2010

This may be posted somewhere on here already, but I wanted to post it before a forget to--- I purchased printed pens from The Ink-Spot. They don't have as many choices as Vistaprint, but they have really low minimums and are really reasonable, plus its a flat rate. I've yet to receive them, so I hope they are good quality. They look like good pens on the website.

#8 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

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.

#9 (**permalink**) 02-15-2010

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.

#10 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010

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

#11 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010

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!

#12 (**permalink**) 06-08-2010

Calendar magnets are great, Ideally, you know they'll be around for a year (at least, lol). Typically the more useful or unique the item, the more effective. Pocket planner books are great, although they can be a bit costly.

#13 (**permalink**) 06-14-2010

I love Vistaprint for promo items especially since I get them mostly free. The only fees associated with them will be probably shipping and if I want more colors than the standard print. Before I rebranded my company, I got 2 spiral notebooks for free with my company logo and such on them. I still use them, but haven't given them out since I changed my company name. I think pens are nice, but let's be honest, when is the last time you got a pen from a company that made you say "Hey, I really should give them a call?" LOL! Or when has a client called and said "I saw your name on this pen and figured I would check you out." Pens get tossed/lost so frequently, I don't know how effective they are and when they stop writing, into the trash they go and your brand along with them. But everyone loves a free pen, especially a good writing one (probably because they lost the last pen they had) so it's a double-sided coin. I guess for that matter the same arguments can be made about any promo material, to which the question for me would be - are you using the material as a way of saying "thank you" and staying in touch with former clients, as Shelly does, or as a way to gather new business? I really like the tip calculator idea.

During Holiday time, VistaPrint gave free Holiday cards with matching envelopes, which I thought were handy. I sent them out to former and potential clients and included my business card.

I went with Zazzle and got 1 shirt because I was going to advertise on "She Wears Your Tee" but the company closed a week before my ad was to run. There is another guy that will wear your t-shirt for advertising but he is pretty pricey. (www.iwearyourshirt.com)

I don't know how helpful that is, but that's my 2 cents worth.

#14 (**permalink**) 09-12-2010

Another good site...which i've used in the past for kid stuff is oriental trading. they have some items that would be good for gifts. They just have minimum space for personalizing.

#15 (**permalink**) 12-15-2010

I know I started this thread ages ago but wanted to say how much I appreciate all of the replies and feedback. I'd love to see pictures of some of the items you've ordered!