With some planning the world of promo is your oyster
In this world of need it yesterday, ordering tomorrow for three days from now, etc. are we giving up on creative ideas?
If you had four weeks to plan your next promotion, you could look at many more options than when it needs to be here in 48 hours.
Imagine the promotions you could create if you could carefully plan the program, integrate it with your marketing theme, generate some enthusiasm using social media, and then present your customers with a product that was manufactured in Europe or the UK that is not stocked here in the US and as such is not being given out by everyone.
Don’t you think that this would have greater impact than handing out another made in China plastic something or even a stock cooler bag or mug with your logo silkscreened on it in one color?
Now think of the money you could save as well. When you need something in 48 hours, you are either limited to the one manufacturer within a one day ground ship or you have to pay for overnight shipping. As freight costs continue to rise, the overnight freight can be more than the item.
Let's look at a couple of examples. (costs are accurate to 12/31/2023)
This box cooler is $20.78 each on 100 coolers with a one color silkscreen imprint for a total cost of $2,078
UPS Ground shipping for the same 100 coolers is $373.48 (rack rates) with a four day delivery time from the factory to Chicago
UPS Two Day Air to the same location is $1,344.01 (rack rates)
UPS Overnight Saver to the same location is $2,525.63 (rack rates)
Not a small savings on freight if one plans and has the four days to ship the coolers. If one planned so poorly as to need overnight shipping the freight is more than the cost of the coolers.
Hydro Flask® All Around™ Travel Tumbler 32oz with Straw $51.97 each with a laser engrave for a total cost of $5197.00
UPS Ground shipping for the same 100 tumblers is $298.50 (rack rates) with a three day delivery time from the factory to South Florida
UPS Two Day Air to the same location is $1,233.87 (rack rates)
UPS Overnight Saver to the same location is $2,270.61 (rack rates)
Not a small savings on freight if one plans and has the three days to ship the tumblers. If one planned so poorly as to need overnight shipping the freight is almost half the cost of the tumblers.
Having shown you the monetary cost of not planning, let's talk about the creative side in a bit more detail. Both of the products shown above are basic stock products. If you have two weeks, you can get your logo printed and ship to you using ground shipping. Now let's look at what you can do if you have four weeks or more to plan your gifts.
Did you know that in four to six weeks we can create a completely custom umbrella?
How about a custom Tapestry?
Or even a completely custom mug?
There are many more options for custom products. Resin casts of buildings, 3D etching of your product in blocks of crystal, belt buckles, scarves, socks and so many other options that you can get creative with and make your swag work for you.