Hot New Branded Merch Ideas for 2022

The New Year is an exciting time.  It can mean new goals, new budgets, and a clean slate for you and your organization.  When it comes to the branded merchandise world, it usually means it’s time to check out new products.  And while this year there have been fewer new product rollouts (can you say supply chain?), there are still some new ideas to consider.  So at Hasseman Marketing, we are here to help.  Over the past couple of weeks, we have attended several trade shows (you can see a video about the big show here) in order to scope out just a few of the best and brightest.  Here is a list of 5 Hot New Branded Merch ideas for 2022.

wireless headphone speaker hot branded merch

Sync Truly Wireless Earbuds and Bluetooth® Speaker Set

It’s a Bluetooth speaker!  It’s your wireless earbuds!  And it’s a carrying case…all in one!  If you have a workforce or client base that loves tech, then this is a wonderful option for you.  You and your team can clip this to your backpack and be ready to travel with tunes at all times.  Click here to learn more.

desk qi hot branded merch

Desk QI

The Desk Qi is a tabletop charging hub and stationery holder, featuring up to 10W of fast wireless charging (powered by type-c), and 2 additional USB-A ports for your electronic devices.  Showcase your brand or message up to a full-color imprint with this must-have at-home or office tech item!  Click here to learn more.

lap desk hot new branded merch

LAPGEAR Lap Desk with Device Ledge and Cushion Back

Most of us have set up amazing home offices and what do we do?  We work from our couch!  Whether you’re collating spreadsheets or indulging in a full-season binge of your favorite show, this Lap Desk is there for you. The 17″ x 13.2” work surface is made from durable, high-impact polystyrene and accommodates up to 15.6-inch laptops. Thanks to the reinforced carrying handle and compact size, you can take this desk with you wherever you go.  This is the “tech” item that is not really tech.  Click here to learn more!

stress pop hot branded merch

Stress Pop Flyer

Want something decidedly less “tech” and more “touch?”  We have you covered here.  This stress pop flyer is fun for kids or seniors (think improving circulation) and everyone in between.  This is a product that helps your brand to get back to fun.  Click here to learn more.

podcast kit hot new branded merch

McStreamy – microphone and light ring

Look good, sound good, upgrade your virtual meeting game with the McStreamy kit. The bright 10″ ring light will keep you well lit and the studio-quality mic will make sure your audience hears every word.  This is the perfect gift for your virtual team or your content team.  And with this item…you can order just one!  Click here to learn more!

Those are just 5 of the Hot New Branded Merch ideas we saw over the past few weeks!  Now let’s talk about how we can help you create marketing that is “hot” this year.  Please reach out to your HMC rep and set up a time to chat about your needs.  Don’t have a rep?  No worries.  Click here to book a time to chat! 

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Why Promotional Products Work

“Let’s get more customers! We want better customers! And let’s spend less money to do so!”

This is the battle cry of any business owner, marketer or sales person. Whether you are Vice President of Sales for a Fortune 100 company, or a small business owner in Middle America, the goal is still the same. You want to drive more customers into your funnel. Then once you have them there…you want to keep them!

And of course, if you are this VP of Sales or anyone else who is charged with marketing their company, you also understand that there are a LOT of ways to advertise and market your company (or product or service). Between radio, newspaper, magazines, television and the internet, each of these media is working to show you why their way is the best to reach your potential clients. And let’s face it…sometimes they might be right.

A mistake some business marketers make is to focus solely on these mass media advertising elements when marketing their company. Though they may utilize promotional products in some cases, these dollars are spent only after the “real” advertising is done. Though many savvy business marketers are really beginning to understand the power of the promotional product, many are still utilizing them like “trinkets and trash.”

If you consider this promotional tool this way, those are the kind of results you will get.

In today’s marketing mix, well utilized promotional product campaigns can bring powerful, measurable results. But why do these imprinted items bring positive results? And more importantly to you, how can you utilize them to create real results in your marketing plan? That’s what we hope to continue to show you on this blog!

First let’s talk about WHY promotional products work.

There are many reasons for the many different situations, but let’s focus on three simple reasons why they are effect.

  • Promotional Products are targeted!
  • Promotional Products are cost effective per impression!
  • Humans appreciate receiving valuable gifts!

Let’s elaborate just a bit.

Promotional Products are Targeted 

This is one of the oldest reasons to utilize Promotional Products…and still a viable one. Done correctly, you are giving your promotional product (whatever that product might be) directly to the customer or potential customer. You are reaching out into their office, kitchen, car or yard and greeting them with your “who, what, where” message! As one of my first teachers told me, you are taking your business card and putting it on their wall (or desk or pocket). Since you are reaching directly to the people you want reach, there is little or no waste.

That same teacher handed me a calendar and asked me, “What is the worst thing that can happen to this when you give it to a client?”

I looked over the calendar for a moment, turned and cavalierly threw it in the waste basket. I waited for him to be upset, but he simply laughed and said, “Exactly!”

Smiling at the confused look on my face he explained, “You looked at the calendar—the advertising message—considered it and then discarded it. That’s the worst thing that can happen. But consider this; that is the BEST thing that can happen to nearly all other kinds of advertising! If someone listens or sees an ad long enough to consider it, that ad has succeeded. But with our advertising that is your worst case scenario! Most likely that calendar will be hanged and give you valuable advertising space on the customer’s wall all year.”

Which leads nicely into…

Promotional Products are Cost Effective

When considering many advertising venues you will hear terms like range, frequency, circulation to showcase the overall power or effectiveness of the medium. And although those can be impressive statistics, they are not always totally accurate. Just because 100,000 people CAN listen to a radio station doesn’t mean they DO.

When measuring the effectiveness of a well-executed promotional product campaign, I like to consider the CPI or Cost Per Impression of an item. Measuring the CPI of an item gives you a stronger understanding about the power of an individual product. It also quantifies the value to you, the marketing professional, of that same product.

Let’s take a promotional watch for example.

A decent watch for a customer might cost you $20 (less or more but let’s go with this for this example; you can do the math for other price ranges). Initially $20 might sound like a lot to reach this customer. But consider that the average person looks at their watch about twice per hour, 10 hours per day. Let’s also assume they wear this watch for the better part of year, or 300 days. That customer has now looked at your branding message 20 times per day for 300 days…or 6000 times! Now if you divide that $20 watch by the 6000 times your branding message was in front of your customer you realize the CPI on this watch was $.0033 per impression! Not a bad investment for your marketing dollar!

Of course you can easily think through the math on any promotional item. You don’t need to know any fancy statistics; common sense will do the trick. That’s why some of the classic staples of the promotional products industry are products that have lasting power. The more long term usefulness a product has the more value it has to your brand!

Humans Appreciate Receiving Valuable Gifts

Though this sounds like sort of the “duh” moment, it’s deeper than that too. It is true that many people like to receive things that are free. Unfortunately sometimes that leads us to think of the lowest common denominator of mooch out there that only comes to trade shows for the free stuff. Those folks are out there…but that is not what I am talking about.

Studies show that giving your customers (or potential customers) a promotional “gift,” you actually create a sense of obligation in that person to do business with you. That’s right. It’s called the Rule of Reciprocity. Studies prove that by giving that $5 item, your customer will actually feel like they owe you or your company the opportunity to do business. You have provided them something of value. Interestingly enough, this Rule states that this effect increases over time. So the more often you present that prospect with a promotional “gift” the more likely they are to give you an order. They subconsciously feel like they owe you!

And though that might not “exactly” be the intention, it is a wonderful added benefit.

I make it a habit. Each time I go to visit one of my customers; I make sure I bring “goodies.” As I tell them, I don’t want them to say, “Oh no, Kirby is coming.” I want them to be excited for my visit saying, “Oh, Kirby is coming! I wonder what he will bring me!” I am NOT above gift giving to gain business. I will trade a $5 promotional item for $1000 worth of business every day!

So remember…promotional products work for three simple reasons. They are a very targeted form of advertising, they are cost effective and people love free stuff (the Rule
of Reciprocity)!

If you want to get more customers, get better customers and spend less money doing it, then a well-thought out promotional product strategy had better be a part of your marketing mix!

The key here is “well-thought out” plan.

If you simply go around handing out things with your logo to anyone and everyone, you have lost the idea of “targeted.” So in essence, you negate one of the things that make promotional products effective. Think about it…have you done that? Then you say, “Wow I didn’t get any return on that.” Of course you didn’t! You blew it!

So when you are creating your marketing plan for the end of this year and beyond, make sure you consider promotional products and their three benefits to take your results to the next level!  If you want help, click here to contact us!

FAQ's about Year End Gifts

 It is REALLY hard to believe, but the 4th quarter is upon us!  And if this year has been any indication so far, October, November and December are going to fly by.  That’s why now is the time to start thinking about saying “thank you” to your employees, stakeholders and best customers.  Yes.  It matters. Did you know that studies show that 69% of customers that leave you will do so because of “perceived indifference?”  That’s right.  They will leave because they think you don’t really care.  That is a statistic that can be hard to swallow.  But now is the time of year that you can assure that doesn’t happen.  On the other hand, we understand that you don’t want to completely break the bank.  So here are a few “frequently asked questions” that might be able to help you through the appreciation process. Do I have to buy for everyone?  This is a tough one.  This is a “yes, but…” answer.  The obvious answer is, “do you want everyone to feel appreciated?”  You should probably want all of your customers to know you appreciate their business.  They are, after all, giving you money!  But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to appreciate them all evenly.  The fact is, most companies have the 80/20 rule.  20% of their customers will often represent 80% of their overall business.  If that is true for you, then you want to make sure the 20% REALLY know you appreciate them!  What we recommend is to select a gift that is extra special and get that delivered to your top clients.  Then create an “everyone” gift as well.  This can be a nice, lower cost item that can also be a gift for prospects as well. Do I have to buy a LOT of quantity?  Not always.  Depending on how many you need, and the budget you want to spend on each person, we have many suppliers that can do very low quantity so you can make sure every customer and employee is recognized.  Just let us know and we can guide you to a lower quantity option. What about Food?  Food can be a great gift for the year end.  First, it’s a customary item around the holidays.  But maybe more importantly, its a great share-able item!  Let’s say you have 4 customers in one office, a gift basket can be a gift for all of them!  One thing you want to consider about food is freshness.  When you go to a department store and see gift baskets out in October (or earlier), just know that those were likely put together months in advance.  How fresh could that food possibly be?  Just something to consider.  We have some amazing food options for your year end needs. Those are just a couple of questions we get!  We are glad to answer any additional questions you have too!  What is most important is to remember to say “thank you” to your customers and employees.  You will be glad you took the time! If you want to make sure you stay on top of all of our updates, sign up for our VIP list here. 

3 Awesome New Products for 4th Quarter

 It’s always good for us when our supplier partners come to town!  First, we work with the best in the business, so it’s just good to see them.  But most importantly, they bring us the latest and greatest new products, decoration techniques and more.  This makes it good for you, because we can show you the latest and greatest.  This past week we had the chance to catch up with Brian Debottis, from Starline.  Starline has a great line of quality products that are perfect for your best customers or employees.  And since 4th quarter is right around the corner, we selected just a few that you should check out! 12 oz Urban Peak 3 in 1 Insulator:  This is a must see item.  The vacuum sealed piece will not only keep your beverages at an optimal drinking level, but it can also hold a can as well.  And with their special (patented) design, you will not lose your lid.  Again, you have to see this item to appreciate it.  Let us know if you need a sample!  Click here to check out colors and details RoxBox™ Newport Bluetooth® Speaker Wood:  Everyone likes a nice bluetooth speaker.  They are functional and fun and tie your brand to your customer’s phone,  This new style has an executive look and is ready for sound on the go.  And with a low minimum, these are great for executive or board gifts for those you really want to thank.  Click here for more details. Urban Peak Gift Set:  This is the item that produces the “Wow!”  The Urban Peak Gift set includes a super functional cooler bag, the 12 oz 3-in-1 Insulator, 20 oz Vacuum Tumbler, and the 30 oz Vacuum Tumbler!  This is a whole lot of “awesome” in one place.  If you want to make a lasting impression, this gift set will definitely turn some heads. If you want to see these items up close and personal, let us know.  You can also come to our Hasseman Marketing Trade Show coming up on Thursday October 12 (details and sign up here).   

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7 Great Gifts for Truck Drivers

 

The American economy is driven (pun-intended) by the American Truck Driver!  So it makes sense to show them some love.

 

So what can you do?  Well other than listening to the Alabama Country Classic “Roll On,” you could consider giving the Truck Drivers helping your company go with some awesome and useful gifts.  Here are a couple of cool ideas that they might just love!

 

Coleman 1/2 Gallon Insulated Jug:  This is a classic insulated jug that is perfect for the soccer game…or long miles on the road.  This is extremely functional and has a high perceived value.  On a long hot day, this item can help your team stay cool on the road.

 

Viking Tumbler:  For those long hours on the road, they will want their coffee hot.  But when they get home, they want their beverage cold.  Great news…this does both.  This Vacuum Seal Tumbler is awesome and a great value to boot.

 

Pocket Work Flashlight:  This item is small, but it’s mighty!  This flashlight not only is easy to carry with you, but it also has a super bright light.  It also has a powerful magnet so the trucker in your life can use both hands when needed.  This is a powerful tool at a powerful value.

 

Roadster Sticky Pad:  Think about safety and uselfulness.  The Roadster provides both to the drivers in your life.  The Roadster provides a safe place for phones, GPS, sunglasses and more…and it keeps them there.  Great for life on the road.  Click here for more.

 

12 Can Duffel Cooler:  Great for the road, and any other time.  The 12 Can Duffel Cooler is one of our favorites for any occasion.  Great quality and the perfect size for drinks and a big lunch on the road.  This is a winner for many miles ahead.

 

LED Roadside Safey Light:  Everyone you know can use a flashlight, but this one is perfect for that time on the road when things go wrong.  There is a magnet on the end of the flashlight so you can place the light on the truck…and see what is going on!  It even has a flashing light setting for extra safety!  Click here for more details.

 

Clip It Vent Mount:  We are all connected to our technology and this clip it vent mount keeps it within reach.  The Clip It Vent Mount keeps the phone within reach in case of emergencies and allows for use for GPS and more.  This is a great gift for the driver on the open road.

 

Need more?  No problem.  Let us know and we can hook you up!  Make sure you say “thank you” in style to the Truck Driver (and team) in your life!  Need more ideas, let us know! You can shop online here….or you can email us for more information.

 

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