The Power of a Classic

Never underestimate the power of a classic. After all, they did not attain that title without reason. In the arena of promotional products, shirts and pens take the cake of products that are most likely to be able to get your message across.

According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), wearables are the most commonly used promotional product taking 29.16% of the pie. Writing instruments place second with a share of 10.39%. In close competition are calendars with 7.20%, drinkware with 6.20% and bags and desk/ office/ business accessories tie with 6.02%.

The one thing these classics have in common? Recipients find them useful. The PPAI study also showed that the number one reason respondents keep the item is because of their functionality. 75.4 people who received useful products kept them for more than a year, while only 20.2% kept the item because they though it was attractive.

Marketing tactics that don't wear away easily
T-shirts, or any wearable item for that matter, are valued for their constant use. Your client becomes a virtual walking ad when they use the product that you've given them. As such, the quality of the material should play an important role in your decision-making.

Another reason why wearables are considered an enduring promotional product: these items are not easy to lose in the clutter of swags collected during big events like conventions or trade shows. While a handful of useless trinkets may end up in the trash bin or left behind in the hotel room, the chances of the shirt or other wearable items surviving the final packing up process is far greater.

Having a large imprint area also makes it the ideal promotional product. You will be able to get more of your message across with wearables than you would with a keychain or a notepad.

The pen is mightier than...
other promotional products. Indeed it is. Pens and other writing materials are given greater value for obvious reasons. Especially in events such as tradeshows and conventions, it posts immediate use. Anytime a company asks for a participant's name or other pertinent information, the first thing that person will whip out would be a pen. Not all participants keep one handy, so equipping them with one might be the smartest move you can make.

The use of a pen is not limited to big events like these. They're also the perfect executive gift. Buyers, executive secretaries and purchasing managers often experience the most difficulty purchasing gifts for people who already have everything. Simply said, you can never go wrong with a well-made pen.