Suz Pathmanathan
As many of reading this already know, the Advertising Specialty Institute Convention, or ASI for short, is the mecca of promotional products; a place where all the suppliers and distributors gather to make marketing magic happen.
“Hey, Suz!” I hear you cry, “tell us something we don’t know”.
Well, how about some of the key insights from the show floor? Here are five trends, strategies, and opportunities the promotional products Industry, as heard at ASI.
Keeping up with the latest trends in the promotional products industry is crucial for any aspiring business. Whether you’re a seasoned promotional products supplier or a fresh-faced entrepreneur entering the game, staying ahead of the curve is the key to success.
In a world increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, eco-friendly promotional products are skyrocketing in popularity. From reusable water bottles made of sustainable materials to biodegradable tote bags, consumers are drawn to products that align with their values. As a promotional products supplier, embracing sustainability can open new doors and attract a wave of eco-conscious clients.
We’ve seen how our customers are changing. They definitely want green products that showcase their brand’s values instead of cheaply sourced products. This is a real about-turn the industry as a whole needs to be aware of".
We live in a digital age, my friends, and tech-savvy promotional products are all the rage! Think wireless chargers, smartwatches, and Bluetooth speakers. These trendy gadgets not only impress recipients but also enhance brand visibility in a tech-driven world. Embracing the digital side of promotional products will undoubtedly set you apart from the competition.
We saw how older generations were forced to embrace technology during COVID and this trend is here to stay. Giving someone branded tech is a great way of giving them something they’ll use while elevating the perceived value of the branded item and the brand, in turn”.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all promotions. Today, customers crave personalization, and the promotional products industry is no exception. Whether it’s custom engraving, embossing, or even just adding a name tag, people appreciate the extra effort put into making the gift uniquely theirs. It’s the perfect way to create a lasting impact and make your clients feel extra special!
Who doesn’t love getting a thoughtful gift? That’s what personalization does; it acts as a mirror to your recipient, turning the generic into something unique and cherishable. There’s a reason why fewer personalized products end up in landfill”.
“If you have customers that have a need for promotional products or if you are needing some more diversification in your print business, I would strongly consider adding promo products to your product line. Our business would not be the same without it.” Kolton Prince, executive director of Choctaw Print Services commented in an article by PIWORLD.
Print businesses: opening up new verticals for sales through print and promotional product bundles can create incredible value for your customers. After all, when a print customer asks able a promotional products order, you want to be able to say, “Sure, we can do that,” instead of pointing them in the direction of someone else.
Being able to diversify your product offering is crucial in an age of convenience. Shoppers don’t want to have to go on a duck hunt to find what they’re looking for. It may be a bit of effort to find suppliers at the start, but once you’ve got them, you’re locked and loaded. You can also take ALL that effort out of the equation by using Brikl's online stores and our supplier integrations feature. Deliver a customer experience that leaves your competitors in the dust”.
The two words you would have heard EVERYWHERE on the show floor are company stores. These online store offer a myriad of benefits that elevate the game for promotional product suppliers and distributors. Firstly, company stores provide a centralized platform where employees, clients, and customers can access branded merchandise effortlessly. This streamlines the ordering process, saving time and minimizing logistical headaches. Businesses can curate their product selection, ensuring it perfectly aligns with their brand image and ensure shoppers get a personalized experience while the business maintains consistent branding.
Company stores are a term that’s being bandied around for a reason. Efficiency. Not only do they let employees get behind your brand and become free ambassadors, spreading the image of your company and service message far and wide, but they generate another source of revenue. With Brikl, these efficiencies are exponential (and so’s the additional revenue).”
Now that we’ve explored the trends, it’s time to delve into some tried-and-true strategies that will help you conquer the promotional products landscape.
Understanding your target audience is the first step to making your mark in the promotional products industry. Who are they? What are their interests? Tailor your offerings to suit their preferences and align with their needs. Whether it’s corporate clients seeking professional gear or college students after trendy swag, knowing your audience will guide you to promotional success!
Once you know your customer, gently guide them to your Brikl MicroStore, customized to their each and every need. Jus’ saying.
Sure, you want to put your promotional products distributor skills to the test and produce a massive quantity of items. But remember, quality should always reign supreme. A well-made, durable product will leave a much better impression than a flimsy one that falls apart after minimal use. Remember, you’re not just selling a product; you’re selling a brand’s reputation.
Brikl makes it easy to effortlessly create online stores your customers will love and keep coming back and pull in products from over 400 leading suppliers as products to sell. Not only do you get to search the way you search on Google – put in keywords like ‘red tee’ and choose from your result – you also get quality products that are tailored to your needs.
In the digital age, social media is your best friend. Leverage the power of social platforms to showcase your promotional product suppliers’ masterpieces. Engaging content, eye-catching visuals, and strategic campaigns can make your brand go viral, spreading the word far and wide.
So there you have it – some key insights that will drive the promotional products industry towards roaring victory and unbridled sales! From exploring the hottest trends to uncovering the strategies that drive success, ASI brims with opportunities for all those bold enough to seize them.
As you embark on your promotional journey, remember the power of personalization, the allure of eco-friendliness, and the impact of tech-savvy giveaways. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the next ASI Chicago.
