What are some examples of promotional products?

There are over 600,000 items that fall into the promotional product category. These products can be divided into several sub-categories, many of which fit into more than one of the following:

Advertising specialties -- Items typically classified as advertising specialties are articles distributed free to the general consumer, either randomly or as part of an overall marketing campaign. They are normally branded with advertising an/or a message and the company name and logotype.

You may not realize it, but ad specialties surround practically every part of your day: an imprinted calendar on the wall; the coffee mug from which you drink; your desk calendar; the pad you jot down notes on and the pen with which you write. Check your pockets or purse -- the key tag, nail file or miniature flashlight. How about your car -- an ad on a bumper sticker, car dealer decal, license plate frame or perhaps the litter bag, coin-holder or sun screen. These are all examples of ad specialties if you received them at no cost.

Premiums -- A premium is a gift given as an incentive to make a purchase, complete a specific task or action or meet a certain requirement. Most often premiums are distributed as an inducement to buy but are not necessarily imprinted. For example, you might mail in a proof-of-purchase seal to get a T-shirt or attend a sporting event to get a free baseball cap.

Identification programs -- The primary objective of any identification program is to promote brand awareness and/or company image or presence in the seller's market. Most common among identification programs is the use of some type of apparel such as company uniforms, caps and jackets. Other frequently used products that are designed to circulate corporate images and messages are imprinted glassware and souvenirs.

Business gifts -- About 50% of all corporations give business gifts for any number of reasons. These items run the gamut of all categories and are, of course, imprinted with the corporate symbol. Business gifts are most commonly distributed by companies to their employees and customers.

Recognition awards -- Articles considered as awards are presented to recognize people for their service or for having reached specific levels of achievement. Others are given as a reward for exceptional performance and still others for attaining pre-determined sales or production goals. Plaques, trophies, lapel pins and jewelry are some examples; awards for winning sales contests or for maintaining outstanding plant safety records can also be considered premiums.