Helping a Client Source for a Project: Are You Asking the Right Questions?
This post is based on a topic covered in one of our Friday Flashback newsletters. Friday Flashback is a weekly newsletter from Kaeser & Blair Director of Sales Liza Sachs. Each edition contains valuable insights and updates for the promotional products industry.
Whether it’s a pen, mug, t-shirt, or any other item, promotional products help create brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and attract new customers. However, choosing the right promotional product for your clients’ projects can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several questions to consider to ensure that you are helping them source the best items. Here, I’ve outlined the questions you need to ask to ensure you’re aware of what your client needs and can guide them to the best choices.
Who is the audience?
The first question you need to ask is who is the audience how do we target this demographic? Understanding the target audience is crucial in selecting the right promotional product. Think about their age, gender, profession, interests, and lifestyle. For instance, if the majority of people attending the event are college students, encourage your client to contribute products that are fun or useful, trendy, and sustainable.
What is the budget?
Knowing the budget is essential in helping your clients select the right branded items. Ask your client about how much they’re looking to spend, and suggest products that fall within that range. Also, take into account the quantity of the product needed to stay within the budget. Keep in mind that the product’s cost doesn’t always equate to its effectiveness in promoting the brand.
What will be useful to this audience that they would want to keep?
Products that are useful and practical tend to be kept and used by customers, which makes them effective in promoting the brand. Think about products that will be used regularly, such as pens, mugs, water bottles, and tote bags.
What event or location will these items be distributed?
The location where the promotional products will be distributed plays a critical role in selecting the appropriate item. For instance, for an outdoor event, it’s advisable to choose products that are suitable for outdoor use, such as sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses. Conversely, for an indoor event, it’s recommended to opt for products that are more suitable for indoor use, such as keychains or pens. By selecting products based on the event location, you can ensure that they are practical and well-suited for the intended audience.
Is there a specific season that is appropriate to promote for the event or client?
If the promotional products are related to a specific season, it’s crucial to choose a product that is suitable for that season. Winter event? Suggest your clients provide products that are warm and cozy, such as blankets or jackets. Celebrating in spring or summer? Items related to the sun, gardening, or water are sure to be a hit.
What is the best-valued item based on budget?
To maximize your client’s budget, it’s important to prioritize the quality of the promotional product. Look for items that are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. By selecting durable products that offer good value for money, you can ensure that your clients don’t have to compromise on quality to stay within their budget.
How are we using the logo?
The logo is a crucial element in the promotional product. Consider the size, color, and placement of the logo on the product. Is it appropriate to add personalization or maybe a quote to the item to make it memorable? Adding a personal touch can make a common item more special and unique.
Are you aligning with the brands?
By helping your client select a product that accurately reflects their brand’s mission, vision, and values, you can ensure that the promotional item effectively reinforces their message and resonates with their target audience. This approach ensures that the product is aligned with the client’s principles and will have a positive impact on their overall branding efforts.
What supplier are you using?
To uphold our reputation, it’s crucial to rely on trusted sources when selecting supplier partners. By choosing a supplier with a good reputation and an established presence in the industry, we can help ensure the quality and reliability of the products we offer. Additionally, it’s important to take into account factors such as the supplier’s customer service and response time, as these can have a significant impact on our overall customer experience.
Are you planning ahead?
Finally, it’s important to keep timing in mind. Think about the lead time required for the production and delivery of the promotional product, as well as the timing of the event or campaign it will be used for. To avoid any last-minute rush or delays, it’s recommended to obtain your client’s marketing calendar in advance and plan accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right promotional product for your clients requires careful consideration of several factors. By asking the questions above, you can help your client source the best branded items for their project, ensuring the success of their promotional campaign.
At Kaeser & Blair, we offer the resources you need to set your clients (and your promotional products business) up for success. We’re here to help you every step of the way. To stay up-to-date with industry trends and expert advice, subscribe to our newsletter today!
– Liza
Liza Sachs is a 25+ year veteran of the promotional products industry and heads up our Sales and Supplier Relationships for the organization as Director of Sales. During her tenure, Liza has experience on both the distributor and supplier sides, which gives her the unique vision to assist our dealers to expand their sales.