If you have ever exhibited at a trade show, you know what I mean when I say “trick or treaters” stop by your table. These are the attendees who show up to the event looking for “free stuff” without a care in the world which company table they take from or even what that company does for the matter. For this reason, some may argue that you do not even need promotional giveaways at a tradeshow and claim you can purchase a more expensive gift for your raffle, instead.
The truth is there is nothing wrong with using promotional items as giveaways at a tradeshow. In fact, it is highly recommended! There are so many benefits of using promotional items, you may want to think twice about not using them! As we have talked about before in our blog, promotional giveaways can help you generate quality leads and advertise your brand to your target audience, when used properly.
With that said, here are a few guidelines to help you use promotional products effectively and to help you avoid “trick or treaters” taking your precious investments without being qualified first!
DO NOT: First and foremost, never, I repeat, never leave your promotional items on the top of your table! The only items on your table should be information and literature about your company, and candy – I guess you can have candy on your table if you want, but no promotional items. Business cards, brochures, testimonials and a fishbowl, birdcage or other “entryway” to your raffle are all you need.
DO: Make sure you keep promotional items away from the shifty eyes of the “trick or treater” – this is for 2 reasons:
- You can actually have a conversation with a prospect who shows up to your table without them looking around for a free item.
- You will have a chance to qualify your leads before you pass along your promotional giveaway/advertisement.
DO NOT: Give your promotional items away to everyone that talks to you.
DO: Qualify your prospects to make sure they are interested in your company and the products/services you offer. Promotional products are, in fact, an advertisement for your company.
DO NOT: Forget that promotional products, giveaways, tchotchkes, freebies, trinkets and trash and any other name you prefer to call them, are advertisements.
DO: Remember that because those who are given the freebies think they are “freebies”, does not mean that they can’t be useful advertising tools that can help you spread your company name and marketing message to those that hang onto them.
All in all, if you use promotional items effectively, they can produce a great return on your investment.
Creating Memorable Impressions For Your Brand 