Swag Pack

The power of branded merchandise is a lot stronger than you probably even realise. Think it’s just another mug or branded t-shirt? Wondering if they’ll even keep hold of it? Think again! As one of the oldest forms of advertising, promotional products pack a punch when getting your brand message out there, and we’ve got the facts about merch to prove it — some of which you may find very surprising indeed! Promotional merch is big business and a great way to kick start the conversation with new clients. In fact, companies across the UK spend around £1.46bn on promotional merchandise every year. Practical solutions are always crucial in business but especially when it comes to merchandise. Around 89% of people who’ve been gifted promotional products keep hold of them if they’re practical — so keep use and practicality in mind! 79% of people who’ve received a promotional product are more likely to do business with you. So turning up to new client meetings and events with a truckload of swag really will not only get the conversation started but hopefully lead to so much more! And if you ever wondered what happens to those branded USB sticks, tote bags, and mugs after you’ve handed them out, well, 87% of people who have been gifted a promotional item have kept it for at least 12 months. A staggering 8 out of 10 consumers have at least one promotional product lurking around somewhere in their homes, with items for the kitchen being the most popular! Of course, we always like to know how many branded mugs people have in their cupboards! Did you know that a staggering 96% of people believe in the power of branded merch and promotional products? If that’s not a reason to keep handing it out, we don’t know what is! And with 83% of people going on to buy something from the company that they received branded merch from, it’s worth thinking carefully about what you plan to leave behind. A study conducted in 2019 found that 42% of consumers had a more favourable opinion of a company if the product was environmentally friendly. In fact, from what we’ve seen over the past year, we’d estimate that this figure is now a LOT higher in 2021 and will continue to grow! It would seem that tech products, such as portable chargers and USB sticks, are some of the longest kept products. So it’s always worth having some branded tech to hand for those new client meetings. If you’re pitching to a new client, why not consider leaving the pitch deck behind on a USB stick for them to reuse? Where your promo products are made also has an impact, with 53% of people favouring the company if the item gifted was made in their own country. And what about impressions (how many times an item is seen)? Items such as hoodies (around 6,100 impressions), t-shirts, promo bags (3,300) and face masks (4,235) receive some of the highest impressions. Nearly 60% felt that promo products encouraged brand loyalty at an event or cause. Higher than any other marketing method. Promotional reusable coffee cups and branded metal drinks bottles topped the charts as the UK’s favourite merch in 2020. Well, actually … do! Mugs are more effective at raising brand awareness than medium radio and television ads. 80% of people are more likely to recommend a brand off the back of branded merch. This goes to show it really is so much more than just a gift! See! The proof really is in the beautifully branded merch. So keep it relevant, and gift them usable, practical gifts with sustainability in mind and see how far your message reaches.