Tradeshows Are Back and Swag Is Strong

After the two year break “that shall not be discussed”, tradeshows and conferences are coming back. It’s exciting to be back on the floor, meeting with industry friends and seeing potential clients face to face. As exciting as it is to be back out there, it does feel different and connecting can be a little more difficult- which is the perfect opportunity to use promo items as giveaways and trade show gifts to reinforce your marketing message.

In the past, tradeshow giveaways were used mainly as handouts at the booth or to drop in swag bags, ways to remind clients or potential clients that they saw you and what items or services you offer. In this “new” tradeshow and convention world using a swag giveaway that fits your message, compliments your marketing campaign and is useful once it is unpacked back at the office or at home is crucial.

Booth giveaways or swag bag fillers that compliment your product or services reinforce your brand and products every time your client or potential client sees and uses the promo item in the future. Are you selling medical equipment? Then think about post-it notes with your equipment in the background. Is your product anitvirus software? Look at a bug shaped stress reliever. Does your product increase safety? Webcam covers get that message across.

Another way to increase your ROI is to think about your true audience. Are the decision makers for purchasing your product home owners? Consider kitchen items such as a cutting board or measuring cup. Are they purchasing managers? Desk items such as note pads or highlighters will be used and remembered.

Tying your swag giveaways into your tag line or product name can be fun way to guarantee you will be remembered. Does your product “soar” or “fly”? Rocket themed giveaways not only tie in perfectly, but will give you an opportunity for extra talking points at the booth. Is your product “environmentally friendly”? Recycled or recyclable products continue to promote that message while promoting your brand. Do your services give your clients “peace of mind”? Sleep masks or stress toys can reinforce that message.

Planning your logo giveaways and gifts for trade shows and conferences so that they will tie in with and help convey your message is just as important as how you are going to set up your booth and talk to attendees. Remember that your swag should remind people of exactly what you offer and shouldn’t leave them guessing or wondering what message you are trying to get across. Let us help you find the perfect product to increase your ROI at trade shows, conventions and conferences.

http://www.barefootswag.com

866-247-4320 sales@barefootswag.com

Go With the Flow

How to still get great swag during ongoing Covid complications

Covid has certainly disrupted many aspect of life… work, school, travel, dining, entertainment, even healthcare.  Sadly, swag is no different!  Between stock issues, production disruptions, shipping delays, and higher prices, it’s tempting to just assume it’s too much to tackle right now.  But here are some pro tips on how to make swag still feasible (and even easy!) during such a difficult time.

1. PLAN AHEAD- in the past, we have worked some serious miracles when it came to in-hands dates.  There was even one order that we produced AND delivered in the same day for a customer that was in an emergency!  Sadly, those days are LONG gone.  We now have very limited options even for 24-48 hour rush, and those options have more restrictions and higher fees.  Additionally, standard production times are longer, as suppliers battle staffing shortages.  Your best option is to PLAN AHEAD.  Most suppliers are currently at a 7-10 day production after art and order approval, plus shipping.  So we encourage everyone to give themselves a good 3 business weeks to have access to the largest variety of options.

2. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR CHOICES- stock issues have meant that everyone has to be a little flexible with the products they choose.  We highly recommend that you have a few backup choices so that if an item is out of stock, you have a second, third, and sometimes even a fourth choice to fall back on.  It’s better to identify these “alternates” when you’re making your initial product selection so that no time is wasted making new selections if an item is out of stock.  We are also really happy to help you find items!  If you’re able to provide us with a budget, quantity, and deadline, we can pull together a selection of items that we know are in stock to meet your needs.

3. BUDGETS MAY NEED TO CHANGE- as we’re sure you’re feeling at the grocery store, hardware store, car dealership, etc., prices are going up.  Worldwide supply chain issues means demand is outpacing supply, and labor shortages means that the cost to produce any goods is higher.  So naturally, the price to the end user is higher as well.  This is important to keep in mind, as your dollar may not go as far as it did on the same products even just a few months ago.  That doesn’t mean you can’t get a good value though!  We can help you find items that haven’t seen such a large price increase, and we can certainly help you find items that are produced closer to you to cut down on shipping costs. 

4. WHEN IN DOUBT, REACH OUT- if time has gotten away from you, or you need something very specific, it doesn’t mean we absolutely CAN’T come through with what you need!  It’s always best to ask, but know that we are doing everything we can to meet needs, without setting unrealistic expectations or making promises we can’t keep.  If we feel confident we can meet a deadline or get a product, we’ll do it!  But if we don’t feel totally sure, we’ll definitely tell you… and then suggest some other options that might still work.

Now is a GREAT time to start planning for spring and summer events, when hopefully germs, quarantines and cancelled activities won’t be such issues.  Give us a call or email us today to let us get started on helping you plan!

sales@barefootswag.com http://www.barefootswag.com

866-247-4320