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Analysis exhibits that firm swag could be a extremely efficient instrument for reinforcing engagement. In truth, in a single recent study, 61% of survey respondents agreed that promotional merchandise assist construct model consciousness, and 58% reported that they beloved getting swag.
That being stated, by way of my expertise as the top of promoting at two completely different tech corporations, I’ve discovered that not all swag is equally well-received. What does it take to just remember to put money into creating swag that folks will really like?
On this article, I’ll begin by explaining what firm swag is and easy methods to order it, after which I’ll dive into a few of my favourite concepts for firm swag.
What’s Firm Swag?
Broadly talking, “swag” refers to any sort of reward or product that corporations give away free of charge so as to drive engagement and model consciousness.
In lots of circumstances, swag is used as a gross sales instrument. For instance, giving gifts to clients might be a good way to ensure present prospects really feel valued — and to maintain your model top-of-mind. Equally, many corporations give out small, branded gadgets such, as pens or pencils, to potential prospects at conferences or different occasions.
Nonetheless, swag isn’t only a gross sales instrument. One other vital software of firm swag is as a instrument for retention and worker engagement.
Whether or not as a welcome reward for brand spanking new workers, a vacation reward for a whole crew, or a congratulations reward for crew members who’ve reached an anniversary milestone, giving workers swag helps them really feel appreciated.
Plus, if the swag is one thing they will use or put on of their day-to-day lives — like a water bottle or hoodie along with your firm’s brand — it permits them to function ambassadors of the corporate wherever they go.
Methods to Order Swag
Clearly, firm swag might be vastly beneficial — nevertheless it’s additionally straightforward to get it flawed. Particularly, in terms of ordering swag, it’s important to ensure to think about the funds you may afford to take a position, the amount of swag gadgets you’ll want, the perfect distributors to work with, and the lead time it’ll take.
Price range
The primary vital consideration to remember is funds. Whilst you could also be tempted to launch straight into designing and ordering your swag, I’ve discovered firsthand that it’s vital to start out by ensuring you know the way a lot you may spend on the undertaking.
In some organizations, there’s already a longtime funds for swag, whether or not on a month-to-month or annual foundation. That stated, even when the funds is about, it’s nonetheless important to keep away from making assumptions: I like to recommend getting specific approval for the precise quantity you intend to spend to keep away from operating into issues or misaligned expectations down the road.
In different circumstances, there might not be a predefined funds. For instance, I labored with a startup that had by no means ordered swag earlier than, so my boss wasn’t positive how a lot we must be spending on it.
In the event you don’t have a funds, you may benchmark towards different main line gadgets in your crew’s funds, do some on-line analysis, and ask for enter from colleagues to get a way of what can be affordable.
Then, you may share that estimate with the related decision-makers — and once more, make sure to get specific approval earlier than clicking “purchase.”
Amount
The following query you’ll want to consider is amount. What number of shirts, hats, or pens do you want? Answering this query will rely on how you plan to make use of the swag.
If you wish to get one thing for each worker in your crew or in your division, begin by counting the variety of anticipated recipients. Bear in mind to account for potential new additions to the crew, in addition to some extras, in case you’ve forgotten anybody.
Alongside the variety of recipients, there’s additionally the query of timing. After I’ve ordered swag prior to now, it’s generally for a single, one-off occasion, however extra typically, I’ve deliberate to make use of a single order of swag for a number of occasions.
For instance, for those who’re shopping for branded water bottles for brand spanking new workers, it in all probability doesn’t make sense to only purchase sufficient in your present cohort of latest hires. As a substitute, it might be price estimating what number of new hires you anticipate to have over the subsequent six months and even the subsequent yr, and getting sufficient swag to final you thru a number of cohorts.
Distributors
When you’ve decided how a lot you may spend and the tough quantity of swag you’ll want, it’s time to start out fascinated about distributors. There are numerous choices for swag distributors, all of whom supply several types of merchandise at completely different worth factors and high quality ranges.
In the event you’re undecided the place to start out, a fast Google search can get you some preliminary choices. As well as, I all the time suggest asking pals or coworkers for his or her recommendation. They can let you know a couple of vendor that you simply wouldn’t have discovered by yourself, and enter from somebody you belief might help increase your confidence that the seller will ship as promised.
Plus, some distributors supply referral offers and reductions, doubtlessly saving each you and your colleague some money.
Lead Time
Lastly, don’t overlook about lead time, or the time it’ll take for a vendor to make and ship your swag to you. That is particularly vital for those who’ve obtained a tough deadline, like a convention or vacation get together the place you intend to present out the swag.
In my expertise, you’re unlikely to discover a vendor who can supply a lead time of lower than 5-10 enterprise days — so be certain that to plan forward, and construct some additional buffer time into your schedule in case of delays.
Finest Firm Swag Concepts
All proper, so that you’ve set a funds, selected amount, chosen a vendor, and accounted for lead time. However what precisely must you order? Under, I’ve shared a few of my favourite firm swag concepts, from attire to wellness and past.
Attire
One of many greatest advantages of attire is that if workers just like the swag, they’ll put on it for years, spreading consciousness of your model in every single place they go. Listed here are a few of my favourite choices for attire swag.
Hats
Who doesn’t want a hat? One of many lower-cost sorts of attire, hats are all the time a preferred swag possibility. In the event you’re in a hotter local weather, strive baseball caps, and for those who’re someplace with colder climate, beanies could also be extra appreciated.
T-Shirts
Branded T-shirts are one other nice giveaway. They’re additionally an excellent possibility for those who’re seeking to get a bit extra inventive along with your design, since there’s loads of room to incorporate not simply your brand, however a {custom} slogan or different design components.
Hoodies
In the event you’ve obtained a bit extra funds, everybody loves a pleasant, cozy hoodie. These are an particularly good thought in case your crew is predicated someplace with colder climate, or in case your workplace tends to have the air con cranked up.
Socks
Socks are a enjoyable swag concept that additionally supply a great deal of customization choices. Past simply including your brand or different designs, you too can take into consideration completely different kinds. Would your workers admire fuzzy socks? Additional-long socks? The probabilities are infinite.
Jackets
A high-quality jacket is one other swag merchandise I’ve discovered is usually an enormous hit. In truth, I do know individuals who have saved sporting their company-branded jackets years after leaving the job! Particularly for individuals in colder-weather areas, jackets or coats are sometimes very a lot appreciated.
Sun shades
In distinction, for those who’re primarily based someplace with loads of solar, contemplate wanting into {custom} sun shades. You may get glasses in your model colours, and you too can have your brand or slogan printed on the perimeters.
Sun shades could also be particularly common in case your workers spend time exterior whereas on the job, or in case your crew enjoys outside actions of their break day.
Productiveness
The following class of swag concepts is said to productiveness. These are gadgets that workers may select to take house, however they will additionally use them whereas within the workplace.
Sticky Notes
A basic swag merchandise, sticky notes are one thing all of us want — simply be sure to select ones which can be large enough that they may really be helpful.
Pens
You possibly can by no means have sufficient pens! Pens are an awesome choice to preserve your organization top-of-mind each time an worker writes one thing down.
Pencils
For workers preferring one thing erasable, branded pencils are one other low-cost swag possibility which can be all the time appreciated.
Erasers
Whereas rather less widespread than pens and pencils, erasers are one in every of my favourite swag concepts. They’ll are available nearly any dimension, form, or colour, supplying you with numerous customization choices, and so they’re each inexpensive and universally helpful.
Mouse Pads
Whereas loads of productiveness gadgets are pretty small, mouse pads offer you a good quantity of actual property to work with, supplying you with much more flexibility and area to incorporate {custom} designs.
Journey
One other one in every of my favourite classes of swag is journey gadgets. In any case, whether or not I’m simply taking the practice into the workplace or embarking on a global flight, I all the time want journey gadgets to assist with the journey.
Tote Bag
Tote baggage could be a versatile possibility for coming to work, heading to the fitness center, or occurring an extended journey. Plus, they’re large enough to incorporate some bigger art work, past only a firm brand or slogan.
Journey Mug
Are your workers huge espresso or tea drinkers? In that case, a journey mug is certain to be a success. Be sure you get one with good opinions, although, since the very last thing you need is individuals associating your organization with spilling sizzling espresso throughout themselves on the drive to work.
Water Bottle
Give your individuals the reward of hydration! Whether or not they preserve it on their desk, take it to the fitness center, or carry it of their bag, everybody wants a water bottle to assist them keep hydrated all through the day.
Lunch Field
Whilst you may not have used a lunch field since grade faculty, this can be a distinctive swag possibility that may make a big effect. A lunch field can be extra versatile than you may suppose. Some workers may simply use it to hold their lunch to work, however others may take it to the park for a picnic, and even use it as a mini cooler for a seaside day.
Seashore Towel
In the event you’re searching for a swag possibility with most actual property in your inventive designs and imagery, look no additional — not solely is a seaside towel enjoyable and helpful, nevertheless it offers you all of the area you might need for a big, {custom} design.
Wellness
Swag isn’t nearly free stuff. It’s about exhibiting individuals they matter. And the way higher to ship that message than with swag that’s centered on supporting their well being and wellness? Listed here are a few of my favourite wellness-related swag concepts.
Lip Balm
Assist your workers stave off chapped lips with a branded lip balm. You possibly can add a {custom} brand or slogan on the facet of the tube, reminding individuals of your model each time they take it out.
Tissue Packs
Many individuals carry round a pack of tissues of their bag or purse. So why not exchange it with a custom-designed package deal? It is a helpful reward that’s sufficiently small to journey simply, however just a little extra substantial and strange than a lip balm.
Fidget Spinners
Lately, fidget spinners have turn into massively common. That stated, they’re nonetheless a comparatively unusual swag reward, so providing a branded fidget spinner might be a good way to face out from the gang.
Stress Balls
A basic swag reward, stress balls are a low-cost but extremely versatile possibility. They’ll are available just about any colour, dimension, or form, and a few corporations even develop {custom} stress balls in a novel form that’s related to their enterprise.
Hand Sanitizer
Particularly within the post-Covid period, hand sanitizer has turn into an more and more appreciated reward. Encourage your individuals to remain wholesome whereas additionally retaining one another protected with a {custom} bottle of hand sanitizer.
Tech
Lastly, in case your group enjoys tech and devices, it might be price wanting into tech swag choices. A few of these can get just a little dear, however there are additionally loads of low-cost choices to think about.
Energy Financial institution
We’ve all been there: You pull out your phone to check a message or make an important call while on the go, only to discover that the battery’s dead. A portable power bank can be a real lifesaver, and there are plenty of low-cost ones on the market if budget is a concern.
Mini Speaker
In the event you’re open to spending a bit extra money, a custom-branded mini speaker is one other nice, techy swag reward. This is perhaps an particularly becoming reward for an organization within the audio business, or for an worker who’s an enormous music buff.
Charging Cable
A lower-cost possibility, cellphone charging cables are all the time helpful. They don’t supply an excessive amount of room for personalisation, however you may embody a brand or small picture, in addition to exploring choices for colours aligned along with your branding.
Headphones
From cheap, wired headphones to advanced, noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, headphones offer a wide range of price points and quality levels to choose from. They’re also useful in a wide range of settings, from playing music to help you concentrate at work to listening to an audiobook on your commute home.
USB Drive
Finally, USB drives are another low-cost swag idea that can easily be customized with your logo and brand colors. USB drives are also useful in a wide range of contexts, and if an employee uses it to store important files, they’ll likely be looking at it every day!
Align Your Company Swag with Your Company Culture
At the end of the day, the most important factor to consider when ordering company swag is your company’s culture. The best swag aligns not just with your brand colors and style guide, but with the culture of your organization.
For example, if you’re a wellness-focused organization, wellness-related swag gifts may be appropriate. In contrast, if your team is highly technical, techy swag may be more appreciated. It’s all about understanding the culture of your organization, and then identifying the best kinds of swag for your unique team.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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