Imagine this: you’re holding a coffee mug that was used at the conference last quarter. The logo is beginning to fade. Sigh. Now it sits in your workplace kitchen as a distant memory, trapped between that one boring water bottle and the calendar no one ever looks at after February. Therefore, is it worthwhile to purchase company branding solutions? Keep it in mind; there is a deeper meaning to it than what is first apparent.
It can feel like dropping a dime into a wish well when you buy merchandise. Is it going to be popular? Am I going to put it in a drawer and forget about it? Knowing what sticks is more important than checking boxes when deciding what to order. A buddy of mine previously told me about a branded towel. Indeed, a towel. Interestingly, it became the office talk-piece. No one told me that.
Discussing quality is our topic today. When a pen breaks mid-sentence, nobody gets excited. Subpar promotional items reflect poorly on your business. Investing in something long-lasting is a wise decision. Think about portable chargers, power banks, or even kooky socks—things you use often are more likely to stick in your memory. Depart from the crowd of imitators.
How about environmental friendliness? Reusable straws, lunch boxes, and bamboo cutlery are more than just a pretty present. Not only will the earth be grateful, but your clients might be too. Just so you know, some people do notice, and others will bring it up at the upcoming team meeting.
Consider the meaning of what you are saying. Instead of saying, “We discovered these on clearance,” a present should express, “We value you.” Attention to detail is important. The solution isn’t always to plaster your logo all over the place. Alternatively, understatement can be just as effective as overt branding, evoking interest rather than cringes.
Good intentions are silently murdered by timelines. Have you ever waited for a package to deliver that moved at the speed of a snail around the world? Never forget to factor in any delivery delays. Believe me when I say that delaying merchandise kills more buzz than tepid coffee—buffering your timeline is not excessive.
Words of wisdom! Do not believe catalog descriptions that claim a “one size fits all” solution. On slim Dave from accounting, that “Universal Fit” hoodie transforms into a tent; on your VP, it becomes a crop top. Gather samples, evaluate them, and adjust the size accordingly.
Curious in the potential longevity of your merchandise? Combine practicality with enjoyment. Favorite items are those that make people laugh or that alleviate common problems. An branded cable organizer that I got at a conference two years ago is still in use today. The details matter.
Money is important as well. Thoughtful, clever choices usually get more mileage than lavish ones, but remember—some may be delighted by them. Team members are more likely to share a set of humorous stickers than a branded mousepad. Less is more at times.
So, think twice before buying any more merchandise. Prioritize usability, originality, and quality. Stay away from the trap of piling desks with useless items. Get people talking about something they can put to use. Keep in mind the specter of prior swag as you pull out that vendor catalog. Your brand deserves better than to end up in the kitchen drawer, a mere symbol of insignificance.