promotional items

[Spoken]

I am going to be making a more aggressive move to get more business from my competition. I will be visiting a bunch of customers and potential customers in the near future.

I was wondering what kind of promotional items you have had success with leaving companies when you see them that has the store name number and general info. i am talking about pens and stuff like that. I already have some travel mugs and key chains but i wanted something else and wondering what works for everyone else in getting at least the first phone call.

[Mike Nicholes]

Like refrigerator magnets, you need to choose stuff that will last and will "be in thier face" for the longest time. Stuff that might go into pockets or get lost easy are not the best. Spend a little on quality, be a little selective to whom you give the gifts to and they will give you more visibility; and that, in the long run, is waht you want and need. try giving the wholesale customers a business card, but write on it, in long hand, your home number "in case they have an urgent need". They will appreciate the openness and candor and in reality most will never call you at home.

Those who hide behind an 8-5 job or a vague name or email address probably aren't that serious; sharing a home phone says different.

Mike Nicholes
Mike Nicholes

[possum]

We send out full size calendars, inkpens, sharpies, and notepads with our imprint. Some manufactures offer these on a co-op program

[This message has been edited by possum (edited 01-09-2008).]

[Stevenspeaking]

Ask to leave a candy dish with your name on it. Then refill it when they call or when you are in the area. Most will stay there. We have had some success with planners and letter openers. The body shops love umbrellas. deliver these when it is raining. Remember it is about the service you provide not always price. Talk up your service.

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Send me what I need not what I asked for!
We didn't write the rules just play by them.

[agamemnon]

Hey Mike,

Can I get your home phone number? Just kidding.

Note pads are big around here. Everybody seems to always need note pads.

[Mike Nicholes]

Here you go Darin; maybe I can help you someday. 503-705-7490

Mike Nicholes

[This message has been edited by Mike Nicholes (edited 01-09-2008).]

[Strap22]

We give our best accounts shirts, jackets, clocks, and the rest get the usual pens, pads, mouse pads, etc....

[3partsguys]

Good one Mike

[nowonlydodgedude]

Now all we need Mike is your SSN. Ha! I have found flashlights, fridge magnets, calenders, and note pads succesful. The pens, which everyone likes, do have staying power, just maybe not the auto side of the bus. as much. eg. rode in a cab 50 some miles from work one late (hiccup) night and the cab driver had one of my pens!

[arnien]

Mike made a comment about home phone numbers. Several years ago, my company had home phone numbers added to all business cards. Seldom got a call. Today, I add my cell phone number, in case a shop needs something on a Saturday when we are closed. home phones are no big deal, if your name is in the phone book, customers can find you anyway.