5 ways to put large orders to work at marketing events

By Stephanie Lamie

It’s easy to fall into the trap of ordering just enough promotional products for your immediate needs, but that order is an opportunity to stock up at a bulk price! If you plan ahead and order a few extras, purchasing bulk giveaways keeps your closets or storerooms full of logo gifts that can save the day when surprise business guests drop by or an unforeseen marketing event occurs.

In addition to the cost savings per item, from pennies to dollars, here are five advantages of ordering promotional items in bulk:

1. Be prepared for high-traffic trade shows

Your best-made plans of booth attendance may miss, leaving you NOT holding the tote bag (or pen or other giveaway) if you have a bigger crowd than expected. When word gets around that you have the cool swag, it’s easy to run out! Find all your trade show giveaways in one handy place, then order a few extras, just in case.

Low-cost bulk giveaways like webcam privacy covers, screen cleaners, magnetic chip clips and more are easy to pack and hand out, plus will see constant use that keeps your brand top of mind.

2. Plan now for upcoming campaigns and events

Future prices seldom go down, so why not buy a few extra shirts, jackets, uniforms or other apparel for staff, valued customers and select vendors? As your business grows, you’ll need to order more anyway. Once you find a professional promo distributor like 4imprint, you’ll have your logo ready to go in the system and it’s fast and easy to stock up at bulk apparel prices! Think about extra shirts for seasonal staff and new hires. Quickly replace worn or damaged polo shirts and uniforms right now instead of waiting.

3. Make premium business gifts cost-effective

Top vendors, sales leaders, standout clients and above-and-beyond associates all deserve something special. Whether it’s an embroidered jacket, branded laptop bag or something else they’ll remember for years, you’ll get the best bulk price if you order a few extras. These items will have the same impact years from now and don’t age, so why not shop for future success? You might even be able to afford giving out a luxurious promo gift to the second-place sales team or the quiet vendor who will now work harder for you because he sees he is appreciated.

4. Stay stocked for last-minute opportunities

It’s easy to plan months ahead for major expos, fairs, open houses and company anniversaries. Order a few extra printed promos to be safe. But what about unexpected opportunities to promote your business or group, like local speaking engagements, farmers markets and sponsorship events? Keep a stash of small adhesive notepads, gel pens, hand sanitizer, mints and other small giveaways (all with your brand, of course) just to play it safe! And buying a decent quantity gets you that sweet bulk price!

5. Use versatile bulk giveaways across multiple promotions

Small bulk giveaways can be used for multiple marketing efforts, or combined with other handouts to attract more attention and offer choices at your booth or event. For example, printed lip balm, keyrings, small flashlights, bandages and stress relievers are easy to store and hand out. These pocket-sized items tuck into a briefcase or purse and will get used and seen! Stock up at a great bulk promotion price and you are ready for anything!

Bottom line: Order extras to boost your bottom line!

For only a few dollars more, you’ll get a lower per-item price and save time, energy and repeat shipping costs by ordering extra bulk promo gifts now! You also won’t have to worry about future price increases on the same items. Smart move.

Stephanie Lamie

Stephanie Lamie is a senior merchandising category manager who has been with 4imprint for 28 years, including 21 years in her current role. She oversees several product categories, with her largest areas of focus being writing instruments and tradeshow displays. Stephanie enjoys discovering new products, tracking industry and retail trends, partnering with suppliers and learning more about sustainability. She began her 4imprint career as an expediter before moving into sales, claims and corporate programs—experience that gives her a broad understanding of the business. As an expert in all things pens, she uses her deep knowledge of 4imprint’s departments and customer needs to bring the very best writing utensils and tradeshow products to the market.