Nearly 83% of consumers can recall the advertiser of a promotional item while only 7% can remember an advertiser after viewing a TV commercial. This shows the power of promotional products, making it a crucial element of your marketing strategy.
If you’re looking for the perfect promotional products supplier but aren’t sure what to ask them, you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven must-ask questions.
What are Promotional Products?
Before wondering “where should I get promotional products?”, it’s important to know what they are.
Any items used to promote your business are a promotional product. These products feature your logo, tagline, and contact details.
Businesses use these products to promote a certain activity such as an event or a new product.
What to Look for in a Promotional Products Supplier?
Good business promotional products suppliers have certain characteristics. As you figure out where to get promotional products from, look out for these features.
Take these, for example, suppliers should:
Simplify the Artwork Process
A great supplier for business promotional products helps you with the artwork. Figuring out the design is the hardest part and the supplier shouldn’t ask you to provide them with artwork, they should do it for you.
Make Purchasing Stress-Free
Find a supplier for promotional products that offer flexibility. They should let you buy directly online or have a system that doesn’t require time-consuming back and forth action.
For instance, avoid suppliers who ask you to fill out a form as it isn’t an up-to-date practice.
The supplier should also accept repeat orders especially if you have awards or frequent events. They must consistently meet your business requirements, so your marketing campaign isn’t interrupted.
Don’t Have a Cookie-Cutter Catalog
Suppliers know each business is different so avoid ones that have a cookie-cutter site or catalog as it proves they cut corners. For instance, check out this online company store for employees for original promotional products.
Work with a supplier who’s eager to produce unique promotional products so you stand out from your competitors.
Top 7 Questions to Ask a Promotional Products Supplier
It’s important to ask the right questions so you can decide whether the supplier is right for your business. Communication is key so the company should be open to questions and work with you until you reach an agreement.
Ask these questions, for example:
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Have You Worked With Similiar Businesses Like Mine?
Make sure the supplier has knowledge of your industry so they can produce promotional products that best reflect your brand.
This ensures you get the right elements for your promotional campaign so there are no errors in the process.
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Can You Meet My Order Deadline?
Before meeting with the supplier, know your deadline so you can both agree on a realistic timeline. Suppliers should highlight potential production issues so you can make room to accommodate them if they arise.
You should also ask about payment term options so you can squeeze it into your budget. Decide whether you’ll offer a down payment, deposit amount, or pay in installments.
Suppliers should be willing to compromise especially if you’re placing a large order or you need their service for an extended period.
And don’t forget shipping rates as many suppliers add an extra fee so clarify this before sealing the deal.
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What Kinds of Promotional Products Are Available?
Around 80% of people say they have at least one promotional product at home or at work.
This shows how much consumers enjoy freebies. Ask your supplier about different types of promotional products they have such as pens, calendars, t-shirts, coffee mugs, and key chains.
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Can You Meet My Product Requirements?
Outline your dream promotional product so the supplier can collaborate with you to bring your vision to life.
This can be a deal-breaker for many businesses so suggest product customization. This means the supplier can create a product that meets your specific requirements.
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Can I See the Quality of Your Products?
The supplier must produce high-quality promotional products so ask to see their stock.
If not, low-quality products can ruin your business’s credibility and make you lose customers. Take the time to look at physical copies of the products so you can decide whether they’re good enough to present your business.
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Which Items Work Best for My Campaign?
Explain which promotional products you want then ask the supplier for their opinion.
Reputable suppliers have experience working with many industries and have knowledge about the latest market trends. They can also highlight potential issues with your current plan so you experience no hiccups during the production process.
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Do Your Products Have a Warranty?
Never hesitate to ask whether the promotional products have a warranty.
You should also know the warranty terms and conditions as it’ll save you time and effort if a product problem occurs. It’s important to ask the supplier how you can contact them with an inquiry either through social media or via a phone call.
That’s How to Find the Perfect Promotional Products Supplier
Now you know how to find the best promotional products supplier for your business.
It’s important to see their products in-person, discuss a deadline, and check whether they have experience working with a similar business. If they tick all the boxes, then you’ll have stellar promotional products for potential customers. Good luck!
Interesting Related Article: “Need Help Promoting Your Business? Here Are 5 Need-to-Know Tips“