Businesses should use promotional items to keep a company name visible.
Promotional items are used by all sizes of businesses to brand and promote their products and services. Launching a small promotional items business can present a challenge because of competition in the industry. Be prepared to begin slowly and have another source of income. Maintain persistence as you build a clientele. AllBusiness.com suggests that businesses should use promotional items to keep a company name in front of a customer.
Instructions
1. Find reseller options for your promotional items. Contact suppliers by phone and ask to speak to their channel manager about becoming an affiliate or reseller. Obtain reseller agreements with three to five suppliers to provide various product choices for your customers. Examples of promotional item suppliers are Promo Direct, Brand Comet and Gallant Gifts.
2. Visit the online marketplace for large firms such as Proforma or Branders. Pay attention to how large firms like these price similar products to what plan to sell so you can price your product competitively.
3. Speak to your suppliers about what kinds of promotional items are moving. Have a portfolio that's in tune with the seasonality of products. Offer summer- and beach-related items when it's hot and winter- and snow-related items when it's cold. Carry an organized portfolio of your promotional items to easily demonstrate at any time.
4. Develop a web presence for your products. Create at least a one-page Internet website featuring your top products and information about yourself. Learn the basics of search engine optimization (SEO), which allows your web page to be more easily found when local businesses search for promotional items on the Internet. Speak to a local web company about create a website and develop SEO.
5. Join the local networking or "tip" group and the chamber of commerce to enhance your direct sales efforts. Make direct sales efforts by introducing yourself to local business owners. Ask your prospects (as well as existing clients) if they have any upcoming company events or promotions at which they can offer your products. Become a knowledgeable and reliable branding consultant by asking clients about their marketing goals and making item suggestions specifically related to their events.
Tags: promotional items, your products, company name, direct sales, direct sales efforts, items keep