14 Must Know Facts about Promotional Products

Promotional products are items branded with a logo, slogan or message and distributed among (potential) customers to promote a company or event. These items also known as promo products or swag are usually used in marketing to boost sales and retain more customers.

That’s not all, promotional products are great for boosting awareness and leaving a good impression on potential customers. So if you’re not taking advantage of this opportunity, you’re missing out on something truly amazing.

14 Facts about Promotional Products

Here’s a list of 14 fun facts that will knock your socks off.

Generic Fun Facts

1. When did promo products first appear? In 1789. George Washington organised his presidential campaign and used commemorative buttons and pins as part of his advertising campaign to become president. (Source: Sage Blog)

2. According to the Promotional Products Association International, nearly 100% of consumers say they are willing to go out of their way to get a promotional product. Who doesn’t like a free goodie? (Source: PPAI)

3. Corporate gifts aren’t just for clients. 59% of employees have a more favourable impression of their workplace, when given promotional gifts by their employer. (Source: Sage Blog)

4. That’s not all, 72% of consumers believe that the quality of a promotional product is directly related to the reputation of the company. (Source: PPAI) Simply put, if a company pays attention to the small details, they become more reputable in their customer’s eyes.

5. Promotional products can increase brand awareness. According to a study done by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 84% of people who receive a promotional product can recall the name of the advertiser even after 2 years. People have a surprisingly good memory, don’t they?

Consumer Behaviour

6. If the recipients don’t know your brand, more than 60% of them who receive promotional products will look the company up online later. (Source: Sage Blog)

7. Nearly half of the people, 42% to be more exact, have a more favourable opinion of a company if they received an eco friendly promotional product. (Source: ASI Central)

8. Even when it comes to gender, the preferences are very different. While women are more often drawn to bags, pens and notebooks, men usually go for caps, shirts and clothing. (Source: STML Print Marketing Blog)

9. Here’s one more cool fact. While Gen Z likes items that reference pop culture and current trends, Millennials value experience based gifts that allow them to create memories. That’s not all, Baby Boomers respond to products that carry an important message more than any other age group. (Source: GoDelta and Sage Blog)

Industry and Events

10. The top 3 industries that shop the most promotional products are: business services, education and financial industries. (Source: PPAI)

11. Trade shows are the most popular event for promotional product giveaways. But did you know the first trade show was held in 1914? That’s more than 100 years ago. (Source: Sage Blog)

12. Nowadays, however, 52% of trade show attendees are more likely to enter and exhibit and stroll around if there are free giveaways involved. (Source: PROmotion Marketing, LLC)

Popular Choices

13. When it comes to the actual merchandise, 90% of the recipients admitted to owning branded drinkware. Because who doesn’t need a branded water bottle? (Source: ASI Central)

14. And last but not least, branded bags generate the most impressions of any other product, being seen nearly 6,000 times over their lifespan. (Source: PROmotion Marketing, LLC)

➥Tip: We, the allbranded team, have conducted our own case study about the power of promotional products. The results were fascinating to say the least. For instance, 8 our of 10 companies predicted their spendings on promotional products will increase over the next 3 year. Discover more insights and industry facts by checking out our white paper.

Conclusion: There you have it! Save this page to dazzle your colleague with your knowledge or convince the sceptical upper management that promotional products are a genius idea. Regardless of whether you’re a small startup or a large company, the power of promotional products can only boost your marketing strategy without breaking the bank. What are you waiting for? Shop at allbranded.