It is possible to Google around the web yourself and find a manufacturer. This may on initial inspection look like your least inexpensive option. It may look like you will save money. Are you absolutely sure? There are a number of horror stories around of why this method doesn’t work – read on for a number of reasons why using a Promotional Products Distributor is in your very best interest.
REASON #1: Good Promotional Product Distributors go beyond just selling Promotional Products. Successful promotion campaigns don’t happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, the ultimate goal of the client. While it’s true that you can buy a product anywhere, an experienced distributor can help you solve problems before they even arise, plan a program and get results.
REASON #2: Professional Promotional Product Distributors have access to vast product research resources, including an extensive database which contains more than 250,000 products. Yes, you can find a mug online, but a distributor can find hundreds of mugs, in a multitude of colors, sizes, shapes, materials, designs, etc. Have you saved money if you get the mugs and they are not the right color? Is it worth the extra savings if you get the mugs and they are so fragile that they break easily and are virtually unusable?
REASON #3: Distributors are in tune with the trends, including hot items and the newest products and processes. A qualified Promotional Products Distributor can add creativity, innovation and imagination to your overall program to help you to achieve your goals. A qualified Promotional Products Distributor will listen to what you want and help you find the right product for your needs. It’s also worth remembering that samples can be provided to help you with your final choices.
REASON #4: Your distributor is more than just a salesperson. Chances are you will buy promotional products more than once in your life. Once a company uses a Promotional Products Distributor, that relationship often continues for years—and even decades. Your Promotional Products Distributor is someone with whom you have worked with and someone you know and trust.
REASON #5: Personalized service is the role of a Promotional Products Distributor. When you work with a distributor, your selection is determined by your needs and goals, enhanced by the experience, creativity and recommendations of that distributor who has your best interests at heart. With a Promotional Products Distributor, you’re a client with your own personal shopper, receiving service along with ideas and prices, monitoring your order progress and delivery deadlines. Your Promotional Products Distributor has your interests in mind. You will receive personalized, “hand-holding” customer service and will be completely looked after from start to finish.
REASON #6: Industry Promotional Product Distributors can offer experienced advice on how best to brand items. You may have found the perfect key chain, but will you be able to brand it with your logo? Will it be recognizable? Some things don’t work or there might be something else that will work better. A qualified Promotional Products Distributor can explain to you the best printing process for your project, your branding and the product you’ve chosen.
REASON #7: Trained Promotional Product Distributors can save you money in the long run. Many times, a price you see in a generic catalog or on the internet does not cover many “hidden” costs involved. These could include set up, artwork, freight, etc. A Promotional Products Distributor can help you avoid unexpected and unbudgeted costs by quoting the total price up-front.
REASON #8: Distributors will work with you to make sure your branding is done to your specifications. Say you want your company’s logo embroidered on a golf shirt. How do you ensure it will be done properly, and with the correct colors? A trained distributor can work with you to accurately transfer your artwork, including correct fonts, size, spacing and many other important factors. You will receive an artwork “mock-up” to approve prior to any decoration going ahead. Your Promotional Products Distributor’s commitment to quality customer service will guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product.
REASON #9: Professional Promotional Products Distributors can assist you in developing a workable distribution plan for your products. Distribution of a promotional product is as important as the item itself. Research shows that a carefully executed distribution plan significantly increases the effectiveness of promotional products. But what if the cost of distributing your product is more than the product and more than your expected ROI (return on investment)? A distributor can help you avoid unexpected problems like this.