1. Promo Products Work According to a recent survey of business travellers, 71% confirmed receiving a promo product in the prior 12 months, and advertiser name retention was 76% compared to 54% for a printed product advertisement seen in the prior week.

2. Over $17 Billion of Promo Products are sold each yearOf these, 30% are wearables, 11% writing instruments, 7.5% calendars, 6.25% drinkware, 6% desk and office accessories, 5.5% bags, and 4.3% awards and trophies. The remaining 29% are games, sporting goods, timepieces, food, computer accessories, and others.

3. Bigger is NOT Better Does a cruise ship rely on another cruise ship to bring it into port? No, a small but skilled and powerful tug boat does the job. Similarly, big brands often rely on smaller, resourceful creative agencies with the flexibility and personal attention they need.

4. Think Globally, Act Locally There is always an exception, but it's usually much easier doing business with a supplier with national or international reach, but who is close enough to visit you to discuss projects in person.

5. Murphy's Law Applies Business is never perfect; challenges exist in any product or service and at some point you will be disappointed. Does your current vendor work with you to overcome the inevitable challenges and look for alternative solutions? Do they take responsibility for the products and services they provide, or are they only interested in "making the sale"?

6. Promotional Products are a Great Way to Loosen Up Due to technological advances in communication, the business world is faster paced and more competitive every year. People need an outlet for their workplace stress, and fun, even silly promotional products can do just that.

7. Small Cost = Big Impact Even the least expensive promotional products have the power to create a positive and lasting impression of your brand. Promotional products are advertising on the most personal level.

8. Promo Products Multi-task Well Of all products sold in 2004, 18% were for business gifts, 12% trade shows, 10% brand awareness, 9% employees, 7% PR, 7% dealer/distributor programs, and 7% new customer acquisition. The remaining 50% were new product introductions, internal programs, service awards, community programs, and customer referrals.

9. The Best Deal is NOT the Lowest Price The promotional products business is extremely competitive and it is unlikely that you will find much difference in prices. The real difference is the service and commitment of your supplier. There is nothing more expensive than a "great deal" product that doesn’t show up at your trade show.

10. There are 21,168 Distributors of Promo Products in the US All you need is one good one! Choose Top Ten Promos.

* statistics provided by PPAI (Promotional Products Association International)