subject: How Custom Imprinted Items As A Marketing Instrument Began [print this page] Putting to work promotional cups and mugs in advertising a business is a common practice nowadays. Many companies consume their money on corporate giveaways not only as a mechanism for building up the image of their brand but also for grabbing the interest of new customers. These products have also been capitalized as an incentive for performing workers or as a token of gratitude for loyal customers. Over the years, however, the usefulness of custom imprinted items in the business sector has seen a considerable change.
During the inauguration of George Washington in 1789, promotional items, or specialty and novelty goods back then, were capitalized on for the same purpose as contemporary giveaways are being used now which is to heighten awareness of an idea, individual, or groups of people. In the early part of the 1800s, advertising calendars and rulers came into the picture but it was not until the latter part of the century did businesses saw the favors of operating promotional shot glasses in advancing their products and services resulting to the large scale development of the industry.
The promotional products employed during that time included products that were functional to the user such as fans, bags, and calendars. Since then, the use of these merchandise by companies became in demand and involved placing the name of the company side by side with the product logo. As time went by, businesses began to fix their sights on distinct and interesting merchandise.
Eventually, the competition became tough so it was crucial for companies to enhance their brand in order to create an impression. In order to keep in step with their competitors, businesses promoted new promotional tools. With the arrival of promotional thermos as a marketing mechanism, the price of older products went up and became collector's items.
Since then, corporate giveaways became not only a tool for invite new customers but also for heightening brand recall. A 2004 study spearheaded by the L.J. Market research revealed that 76.1 percent of the respondents could retain the name of the company from whom they got personalized promotional pens in the last year as compared to 53.5 percent recall for those who pitched in magazines or newspapers. A similar study which included a random survey of business travelers at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport reflected that 71 percent of the participants were given a corporate gift with 33.7 percent or over a third manipulating the item.
Nowadays, it would be normal for companies to consume on promotional sports giveaways, beach balls, travel pillows and other stuff as a way of advancing their business. But before the use of promotional branded stress balls came to being, you would either be getting a commemorative pin or horse blanket from companies trying to jump up brand awareness.
