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You Have your Logo. Now What?

Seven Things Business Owners Should Know about Promotional Products
BY KELLY SHERWIN
Logoworks Promotional Products Expert

Business cards, website, brochure - all places you might eventually find your new logo. You might also be considering putting your logo on things like T-shirts and hats as well. But did you know there are actually over 150,000 items you can put your logo on?

No longer just for pens and mugs, the world of "promotional products" - the name for any items imprinted with a logo or message - expands every year. That's because promotional products are important as they drive your message home and leave lasting impressions on your customers and others who use, wear, smell, touch or taste them.

Just look around your office. There is probably some item with another company's name on it, maybe a calendar, a magnet, or a key chain. Every time you see or use that item, somebody is reminding you that they exist and are eager to do business with you. That's why it's one of the most effective forms of advertising, and something that every company can take advantage of to create and keep loyal customers.

As we have just finished your new logo, we want to make sure you maximize its value, and in order to do that, the promotional products specialists at Logoworks have put together a quick guide of seven very important things every business owner should know as they embark on putting their logo on promotional products.

1. Insufficient or lack of quality artwork is the number one cause of customer dissatisfaction. Vector-based artwork is necessary for most promotional items and additional costs can be saved by having your artwork "camera-ready." (Shameless Logoworks plug: with our staff of expert designers, artwork issues can be nearly eliminated.)

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3. Multi-color logos on promo items can be pricey. While your logo can be transferred onto almost anything, it is important to remember that the price of most promotional products (excluding apparel) includes just a one color imprint. There is a running charge for additional colors - a small fee that increases the price of each item. Using a scaled-down version of your logo is the best way to save money and still market your company effectively. Also, the initial set-up cost increases with each color.

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5. Never sacrifice a few dollars for quality. Do you really want your logo on an inferior pen that doesn't write or a t-shirt that falls apart after the second time it's washed? Having shoddily made promotional items only cheapens your brand in the customers mind. Leaving a good impression on clients, employees, and potential customers is money well spent.

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7. Realize the potential of promotional products. Employees and customers can be walking billboards for your company! Show appreciation to employees by giving them a high-quality shirt and they'll wear it more than just to the office. Loyal clients are a great source of referrals for you and wearing your logo on their chest is just another way for them to endorse your business.

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9. The more items you buy, the less expensive each item will cost. Most promotional products companies have a minimum quantity or order amount that must be purchased. Price breaks occur as you purchase more of the same item. For example, we recently gave a quote to a customer where the price difference between 25 and 75 T-shirts was only $80 (or $1.60/shirt for the extra 50 shirts). Often, the price drops dramatically if you increase the number of products you're ordering, and it certainly never hurts to have extras on hand. You can distribute promo products to loyal customers or employees as recognition of a job well done.

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11. Most promotional items have a set-up fee associated with them, so don't be surprised by these additional costs. But before you order your item, ask how much the set-up fee is and factor it into the cost of your items. As mentioned before, make sure to take into account that the more imprint colors and/or locations you have, the more expenses you will accrue.

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13. Take advantage of specials and closeouts. Timing is everything when it comes to promotional products. Suppliers often try to close out their inventory by sending out specials. Some of our happiest customers have taken advantage of the specials we receive. (Another shameless Logoworks plug: look for periodic Promo Products Specials from Logoworks to start hitting your Inbox. Logoworks will gather the best specials available and make you aware of the deals that are available to our customers.)

Logoworks is eager to provide you with the promotional products that will help you resourcefully grow your business. Remember that October is the ideal month to order your Christmas items to ensure an on-time delivery. Call us at 1-888-908-LOGO or email us at promo@logoworks.com.

Author can be reached at kelly@logoworks.com

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