By Robin Heike, Production Foreman at Sonnhalter
Promotional items can serve a variety of purposes such as adding the “rattle factor” to a direct mail marketing campaign or being a keepsake to commemorate an award.
From sourcing small items such as logoed sunglasses, to larger items like commemorative beer steins, here are a few tips to keep in mind next time you need to order a promotional item:
- Get quotes from 3-4 sources. Not only does this help you find the best price, but it gives you extra options if the first supplier or product falls through.
- Get a sample, even if you have to pay for it, prior to ordering. This will ensure you found the right source for the right item. No one wants to trash an order of 100, 1,000 or 10,000 promo items that arrive and are not what you expected.
- Get custom packaging if you’re shipping out a promotional mailing with breakables. No one wants to receive a broken item.
- Build in time for damaged or lost shipments. If possible, order extras. This is very important if you’re ordering from an overseas location.
- Probably the most important tip: Give yourself as much extra time as possible to account for any delays.
