Promotional Gifts - Guide

Promotional gifts can be supplied with a promotional gifts message (known as an Imprint). Generated from artwork (see artwork guidelines for promotional gifts) the imprint may consist of: a logo, marketing message, advertising strap line and call to action, and general contact details including phone numbers, fax numbers, email addresses and website URL.

Gifts with an imprint are known in the trade as 'branded products. The alternative 'unbranded priducts have no imprint. When customers cannot supply their artwork in the types of file formats needed we turn to our Design Studio who can generate artwork from scratch or take a file and convert it into the types we need.

Imprints

An imprint can be applied in a number of ways:

• Screen printing: most plastic (boomerangs), ceramics (mugs) and some metal items (aluminium cased flash drive)
• Embossing or De-embossing: rubber items like wrist bands (de-embossing is raised)
• Etching or engraving: some metal and glass gifts
• Embroidery: garments

Care also has to be taken when 'bagging' gifts together which have different print processes and case materials. For example a client may elect a USB flashdrive with a smooth aluminium body and a leather bookmark. The two gifts have different textured surfaces which can lead to differences in the final imprint. When 'bagging' gifts we recommend that you select gifts with similar textured surfaces to get a uniform print quality.

Gift Themes and Print Quality

Gift themes are a great idea when you can select two or more complimentary gifts together such as branded golf balls and towels. Gifts can also be tied into the theme of a marketing programme such as disposable using USB flashdrives to launch new datasheets at a seminar or exhibition. Packaging can also influence the overall quality and value of the gift itself and for some products Redbows recommends gift set packaging.

Gift Selection

It is important to consider the stakeholders involved, the event and desired outcome (or return on investment) when selecting a gift. Typical stakeholders include:

• Consumers
• Business-to-business customers
• Potential customers
• Suppliers
• Press and media contacts
• Employees
• Club and associations membership
• Local government contacts

Employees and suppliers are also stakeholders in the business and when ordering gifts it is usually worth while ordering extra quantities to pass along to these important groups. The right gifts can be used as a motivational 'thank you' and to bring the team together.

A key aspect with business-organisation gifts is the price and event. There are literally thousands of promotional gifts available. As part of a reseller reward program gifts should range from low cost to high cost items dependent on the level of spend achieved. When running key events like golf days it is always worthwhile spending a bit extra on a short run of specially engraved crystal awards for the winners and gifts to everyone who took part.

Pricing and Budgets

Gift pricing is always volume dependent. For certain gifts, especially those using computer memory and or when priced in US dollars from the Far East, prices can change daily. If you are working to a set budget it is always worthwhile letting Redbows know your ideal theme, ideal gifts, budget spend, total number of items wanted and delivery dates. We can then use our expertise and supply chain to put together a proposal.

Gift Dates

The UK is a multi cultural society. When launching any gift programme you should check whether your timing and selected gifts clash with or tie into important dates in the UK. Gifts can be used to tie into sporting events such as horse racing, rugby, football, cricket and formula one racing. Alternatively gift programmes can centre around UK holiday periods, especially parties and awards dinners.