Why Promotional Products WORK for Tahoe & Reno Businesses
The PPAI Expos are the biggest promotional product trade shows out there. Every year, the Promotional Products Association International puts on a handful of these events, and we always make sure to attend at least one! They’re the best place for us to learn more about the latest products and trends – so we can share all our knowledge with you.
This year, the PPAI Expo went virtual. Tens of thousands of online exhibitors showed off their wares and dozens of presentations cued us on the latest and greatest in our industry. At this month’s show, we learned which products customers can’t get enough of, and how they use and share these items.
By the numbers: Here’s what works in promotional products, why it wins repeat customers, and how you can tap in to grow your business!
Customers In Tahoe, Reno & EVERYWHERE Really Want Promotional Products
99% will go out of their way to grab them, 8/10 like them, and 74% say promotional products make their experiences much more memorable.
Whether you’re sharing products at your shop, mailing out client gifts, or looking toward outdoor interactions this summer – promotional products make a huge impact. They help customers remember your brand and their positive interactions with YOU.
What’s more - 80% of people have an immediate reaction when they receive a product from a brand they’ve never heard of before. They want to learn more about your company. If you’re not there to tell them about your products, they may look you up online.
Which Promotional Products Get Kept?
99% of customers who receive promotional items will keep them. That’s right – 99%! It’s hard to think of another form of advertising that works this reliably. But – which types of products are kept the longest???
Nationally, the Top 5 favorite product categories to receive are: wearables (29%), health and beauty (17%), technology (14%), food and beverage (9%), and travel products (7%). Locally, we’ve found wearables to be especially popular! At Reno Tahoe Promotions, the majority of what we sell is clothing and accessories: shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and bags.
With these numbers in mind, we thought more about category #2 – health and beauty. We did some digging in our inventory and found some eye-catching products we know our locals will LOVE.
Fitness is so integral to everything we do in Tahoe. Year round – we ski, hike, bike, paddle, and climb as much as we can. Even on rainy days, staying active keeps us feeling energized and focused. Which is why yoga mats and strength resistance bands make great gifts for health-minded clients! And - whether we’re recreating on the water or on the snow – an all-natural lip balm keeps everyone protected. Aiming for an end-of-day gift? Personalized sleep kits and massagers will relax your clients while keeping your brand at front-of-mind.
Regifting Promotional Products at Reno-Tahoe Parks & Beaches
79% pass along promo products that are no longer valuable. Maybe that tee shirt didn’t quite fit. Or a friend borrowed your pen and (once again) forgot to return it? The right promotional products stay in circulation for a long time. Many potential customers see them.
My favorite personal example – last spring we found a deck of cards. Perhaps someone had left it at our house. The deck was a promotional product from a certain casino and featured the casino’s logo on every card. We used it through the first round of shelter in place, played with it on our early season camping trips, and brought it to our favorite Lake Tahoe beaches all summer. The deck grew sticky with sand and dirt from our travels, lost a couple essential numbers, and we were eventually forced to retire it. Still – after thousands of hands, the casino’s mark stuck. We looked up its location. Next time we’re in that city, we know we’ll have to visit!
Quality Promotional Products Matter to Tahoe & Reno Customers
72% believe that the quality of the product reflects the reputation of the company and 75% say the right product makes a difference.
This makes so much sense. Showcase your brand’s attention to detail by choosing thoughtful gifts that fit our active lifestyles and stand the test of time. Your clients will think of you again and again.
Within each of the Top 5 favorite product categories, we have countless high-quality gifts to choose from. When giving wearables, opt for the coziest, softest sweatshirts. When sharing wellness, think about sturdy foam rollers to upgrade the post-ski experience. Thinking about technology? Clip-on laptop lights highlight our best angles in virtual meetings. Or – add prestige to your food & beverage gift with an engraved Yeti tumbler. For travel-loving clients, consider a backpack loaded with practical pockets and details.
We learned so much at the PPAI Expo – and we’d love to continue to share knowledge with you! Schedule your free planning session with Jeannette to get started!