People say it’s better to have extra leftovers than to run short of something. The same goes for trade show items (or trade show swag, if we use the modern vernacular). It’s better to have more on hand than to run out. But many businesses stash leftovers unused in an office and forget about them. GoPromotional, a promotional products supplier in UK, routinely advise their clients with ideas for further distribution beyond tradeshows. Try these ways to get more mileage from your promotional product budget.
Distribute through other channels
If you don’t have another upcoming trade show, here are a few ways to get promotional value out of the items in other ways:
Gift shop souvenirs
Souvenirs are a surefire way to attract new and retain existing customers. Many businesses globally have gift shops selling branded merch such as clothing, stationery, and even toys. If you’re in retail, don’t hesitate to display your leftover promo items with a low price tag.
Customer service boost
What better way to show people that our customer service is top-notch than by offering a free item or two?
- Send an item over as a thank-you to a valued return customer
- Send an item over to make up for any mistake.
- Send a thank you gift after a positive review or social media compliment.
All businesses eventually make mistakes, and the best way to make up for them is to show our clients how much they matter to us. A gift with a reparation method (refunding, replacing damaged goods, resending an order that failed to ship, etc.) is a good idea, and the result will always be positive.
Mailers done right
Are any of your clients within a 10-mile radius of our business? If so, you can send them some items directly using mailers. Products such as notepads, journals, and even pens and pencils can fit a mailer just right, and they are helpful enough to the consumer that they will appreciate the gesture. Your mailer will stand out if it includes a gift, plus the item gets passed to others for more visibility for your logo.
Social media contest prizes
Giveaways and online contests on social media are getting more and more popular. Use more valuable items as prizes and cheap consolation prizes for all the participants, such as stickers, notepads, or badges.
Donate leftover items
Donations can generate a tax write-off, which has a financial benefit. But there’s also a massive altruistic side and a marketing benefit. It’s good PR for the brand, but first and foremost, it’s the humane, noble thing to do.
Here are donation ideas for various promotional item categories:
- Office supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, notebooks, journals, post-it notes, binders, rulers, etc., can be donated to local schools or non-profit offices. Ask to be thanked in the school newsletter for additional brand coverage.
- Drinkware and kitchenware such as mugs, tumblers, water bottles, lunch boxes, wine glasses, and plastic cups all need new homes. Consider local homeless shelters, charities, thrift stores, or religious organizations and donate the drinkware directly.
- Tech promotional items such as flash drives, phone cases, and power banks are also helpful for schools, political groups, and social organizations.
- Medical supplies, including face masks, sanitizer, wipes, and face shields, will be appreciated by any health-themed organization such as Red Cross and Hospice.
- Toys and education items are welcomed at schools, church daycares, and many child themed non-profit organizations such as Make a Wish, St Jude’s, and McDonald House. Local charity thrift stores
Upcycle and repurpose leftover items
Using items for a different purpose breathes new life into a promotional product. These ideas can work directly in your office or employees’ or clients’ homes.
Office supplies
- Paper bag holders made out of simple file organizers
- A dish-drying rack consisting of a wooden board and extra pens or pencils
- File cabinets as extra home storage space
- Paper sorters as frying pan holders
- Stashing extra cash in old ball-point pens
- Binder clips as spring clamps
- Organising kitchen supplies with file folders.
Drinkware
If you have plastic tumblers, they are perfect for tiny, refreshing plants that we can keep in our office. Also, consider the tried-and-true route and use these cups as pen holders. You can customize them with waterproof markers, rubber bands, thumbtacks, and other small stationery bits.
Consumer tech items
Upcycling old computer cases are easy since they can serve as miniature shelves, planters, and a whole host of other items. Mouse pads are also neat as cup coasters since they are thick and absorb liquid well. Some creative folks can even make luggage tags out of old phone cases.
Medical supplies
Hand sanitizer is not just an excellent anti-bacterial tool. Many contain alcohol, making them perfect for cleaning pen and ink stains off smooth, hard surfaces. In addition, an empty sanitizer bottle can be refilled with a different liquid, such as alcohol. You can even use it as a simple watering spray container for small plants.
Face masks can also be used in different ways, like makeshift hair bands or poop bags for pets. Face protectors, on the other hand, can come in handy in the kitchen if we have to cut onions or do any kind of work that produces a lot of splashing.
Toys
Yes, you can even upcycle toys. Many tiny items, such as solid Kinder egg pieces, can be turned into keychains easily. Use extra puzzle pieces as fridge magnets, or simply glue them on a canvas and make fantastic art.
