Imprinted items are a resourceful way to create a clientele base or to augment existing customer relations. Imprinted items are a resourceful way to solicit a business name, a logo, and contact information to potential customers. There are a wide variety of settings to offer imprinted items; one, in particular, is the trade show. The trade show offers a venue specifically geared towards promoting a specific item or a theme that relates to a specific service or product. Trade show attendees are a select group of individuals who have a need to what is offered, which means the possibility of acquiring customers is vastly higher than street promotion or advertising.

A study was conducted in 2003, in order to determine the success of imprinted items at a trade show. The results are extremely positive, to say the least. 62.6 of trade-show attendees said they received an imprinted item. Of those who received one, 71.6% remembered the business that offered the imprinted item. 76.3% of attendees stated they had a favorable attitude toward the business that offered the imprinted item {1}. Not only do imprinted items create a positive attitude toward the business that offers them, but they also aid in remembering the name of the business. Imprinted items can be used as an initial promotion to obtain new customers or to revitalize the growth of an established customer base.

Trade shows offer a valuable opportunity to promote business wares and/or services, highlight new, as well as current products, create new leads and push sales. Trade shows also offers trends in the particular field, new contacts in the field, and exposure to the field, as a whole. They are generally offered in metropolitan areas that will invite a large number of people who need the services or products tied to the particular show.

There is much more to know about an imprinted item that can enhance its potency as an effective tool to give away at a trade show. Offer an item that fits within a budget. Certain imprinted items can become very expensive, even in bulk quantities. Acquire an imprinted item that fits within the scope of the product or service that is offered by your business. If a business offers carpet cleaning service, it would probably be a liability to offer an engraved crystal desk clock to promote the business, though it would certainly be appreciated.

The question remains, are trade shows an effective setting for imprinted items? If you want to leave a positive impression on a potential customer and offer them an item that allows that person a greater chance to remember you, then “yes.”

{1}Information is based on a 2003 case study conducted by Georgia Southern University. Information provided by PPAI, a non-profit organization that offers assistance to companies involved in promotional products industry.

Chris Miller is the owner of www.promopunch.com which specializes in custom imprinted products for promotions, marketing, giveaways, corporate gifts and tradeshows.

To learn more, visit www.promopunch.com and contact Chris for expert advice and support with your current marketing campaign.