Merchandise

Merchandise is important in building a strong brand and helps project a corporate image.

But how important is merchandising? Is it possible that branded mugs, key rings and pens for example with a company logo or slogan can help to attract customers and increase the success of your business?

The key is effective merchandising; any promotion is valuable and adds another dynamic to advertising your company which further propels your organisation. Visual displays of quality merchandise can stimulate customers.

It is important however, if you want to use merchandise effectively to remember a couple of simple but important points:

1.Choose the right product. Depending on the nature of your business make sure you choose a product which has the right appeal and is practical. Anything that has a logo of your company on that can be used on a daily basis just serves as a constant reminder of the services you have to offer. For example a pen, mug, mouse mat could be products that would be highly used.

2.Have a reliable source. Consistency in the look of your merchandise is crucial and how your logo or corporate identity is printed and presented. Your logo allows for easy identification and the more it is recognised and seen the more you can trigger customers. Try and use the same printing and design company and be consistent in the images, colours and identity you use across all merchandise.

3.Think about the production costs of producing the merchandise, this depends on your business and your budget, don’t overspend on merchandise that you do not really need.

4.Ensure in addition to printing your logo you also print your web address, so your clients or targeted audience know exactly where to find you.

Where to source a supplier of merchandise

There are many different companies which can manufacture your merchandise, depending on what products you will want to use. You can either go through a design or a marketing agency that will take care of all the design, ordering, delivery and admin tasks for you. This will ensure that you use the correct pantone colours of your logo. You may choose to go directly to a merchandise supplier, but be aware to send them the right logo files and pantone colours to ensure your corporate image is maintained.

Why should you use business merchandise?

·Giving value to your customers, colleagues and suppliers – for example many businesses dedicate time to sending special or more quality merchandise to loyal and important customers, for example sending a thank you Christmas gift. This helps give customers a feeling of exclusivity and in giving something more personal you are reinforcing the value of your customers. 

·Improve Marketing Strategy - Effective merchandising adds another dimension to your marketing strategy. It allows you to reach your audience in a more personal way but that still remains professional.  The best thing about merchandising is that you are making use of products that can be used every day, and the presence of your corporate branding on an item such as a pen or mug means that people will constantly be thinking about your brand.

·Strengthens corporate image - Creating a brand or corporate image is so vital in establishing a successful business. Branding merchandise effectively projects quality, shows off product design and promotes the unanimity of your firm. The more corporate branding which is used in your office the stronger your identity will be among your staff.