| One of the most inaccurate, not to say bizarre, | | | | The solution is targeted promotional products on a |
| myths about promotional merchandise is the strange | | | | reliable upfront cost basis, with a defined dollar value. |
| belief that they must be expensive. It'd be pretty | | | | Suppliers can provide sufficient quantities of products |
| difficult to get much further from the truth. The fact | | | | at low prices, ensuring the budget is stable. |
| is that promotional products need to be priced well, | | | | Brand promotions |
| to be effective.They have to be cost-effective, | | | | The professional approach to promotional products |
| viable options for promotion. | | | | for brands is a good illustration of budget control. |
| All aspects of promotional advertising, including the | | | | Marketers, who are if anything more cost, quality and |
| ideas and the materials needed to bring them about, | | | | value conscious than their clients, need to pin down |
| are structured into professional marketing plans. A | | | | the dollar values of brand promotions well in advance |
| good promotion is fully costed before it starts. The | | | | and get those costs approved. |
| real key to success is a good supplier who can work | | | | In this case, cost-effectiveness is achieved by |
| with your budget and understands the needs of your | | | | consultation with suppliers. This is a very efficient |
| promotion. | | | | way of dealing with all aspects of promotion costs, |
| Corporate items | | | | special needs for merchandise, and other potentially |
| Corporate promotional items are one of the best | | | | expensive issues. Suppliers can provide a fully costed |
| illustrations of the economics of promotional products | | | | package for all the promotional items and related |
| as corporate budgets are very cost sensitive. A | | | | services. |
| corporate budget is costed to the dollar, and included | | | | Event promotions |
| in the financial system and audit trail. Corporate | | | | If you've seen all the very conspicuous high profile |
| promotions demand cost effectiveness, because big | | | | promotional items for major events like sports |
| budgets need to achieve results. | | | | events, the main products are usually budgeted the |
| There are potential overheads, too. Merchandising, | | | | year before they happen. Budget blowouts are |
| storage, and warehousing are all possible major costs | | | | definitely not an option. |
| to the promotional budget. Top suppliers actually | | | | The solution is a fully costed run of promotional |
| provide warehousing for promotional products and | | | | products for the event. Costing is arranged through |
| other savings across the board, which greatly | | | | consultation, and there are no grey areas on the |
| improves the position for budget purposes. | | | | budget. The promoter will have a dollar figure to |
| Business items | | | | work with, and a defined quantity of products for |
| For small to middle businesses, costs and overheads | | | | the event. |
| of promotions are potentially serious issues. The | | | | Whatever industry you're in, talk to a supplier of |
| related budgets are smaller and have to be viable. | | | | promotional merchandise. You'll get hard facts, solid |
| Promotions are a critical part of expanding any | | | | dollar figures, meaningful advice and options if you |
| business, and the items used need to have a high | | | | need them. |
| impact at workable costs. | | | | |