The Question is being asked 'Do promotional gifts do anything'.
Many companies consider them to be a luxury; during the good times it is great to great clients with a few goodies. To hand freebies away at events or when networking to give away branded gifts.
However as the recession bits, many companies are asking the question - can we exist without them?
Indeed when times are tough it does make good sense to tighten the belt; to reduce overheads and save money.
Do Promotional Gifts Matter?
The problem is, if you are not giving - you will never receive.
In giving away gifts, businesses will see your company name, they will see your website and it will be reminded to them (subtly) every day (we hope).
Everyone likes getting something for free, so if you meet a prospective client and give them something to start with - this can only bring benefits - and for what? The cost of a branded pen, calculator, stress ball?
What About Cost?
Indeed there is a cost to getting branded gifts however if you order 1000 branded pens, then that is potentially 1000 customers that you will make sit up and take notice.
Branded gifts are not expensive in the greater scheme of things; indeed there is an upfront cost, however if you are selective on what you choose as a gift, and the numbers - then the costs can be outweighed by benefits.
Cost vs Benefit
Promotional gifts does come down to a personal decision. Are you willing to pay a few hundred pounds for something that can add so much benefit to your business?
Indeed times are tough for most people and money does not grow on trees, but as long as you are not carelessly giving your gifts out then the use of them should bring big benefits.
Worth Considering
All marketing is a case of testing the water. Marketing is about the scattering of seed; whether the seed will germinate into business is something that is always going to be unknown.
With branded gifts, as long as you are selective in what you choose, how many you choose and how you use them - they could make a big difference to your incoming enquiries, sales peoples performance and even how your company is viewed by others.