Are promotional products worth it?
You’ve probably asked yourself: Are promo products worth the investment? If I weren’t in the industry, I probably would have asked myself that too.
The truth is, when you give someone a promotional item, you’re giving them more than just a product. You’re giving them something physical they’ll keep, touch, and see. That builds brand visibility in a way a digital ad alone never will.
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Brand recall & impressions
In ASI’s breakdown of product categories: a $10 insulated travel mug can deliver thousands of impressions at a cost-per-impression of less than one-tenth of a cent.
Recipients keep items for a long time: some studies show as many as 87% of people hold on to promo items for over a year.
A well-chosen promo item stays in the field, working for your brand, long after the first distribution.
2. Conversions & loyalty
It’s not just visibility; there’s behavior change too. PPAI found that 83% of people say they’re more loyal to a brand after receiving a promotional product, and 70% would consider switching to the brand that gave the item even if they hadn’t done business with them before.
3. Market size & longevity
The industry itself backs this up. In 2023, the U.S. promotional products market hit approximately $26.1 billion. When you see that level of spend at the aggregate level, there’s some serious reason behind it.
But it only works when you do it thoughtfully…
Here’s where many go wrong: items get given away randomly, printed cheaply, or without a clear goal. The data shows quality and relevance matter. For example, in a survey of promo product buyers across industries, 95-98% reported satisfaction with promo product ROI, but those same buyers emphasized that durability and relevance were top criteria.
How to make promo items worth it
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Choose items people will use. Drinkware, apparel, and bags tend to receive more impressions.
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Ensure your brand aligns with the item. An item that doesn’t match your audience or message won’t stick.
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Think of long-term value. A one-time investment that delivers thousands of impressions and months (or years) of exposure offers compelling value.
If you’re ready to make your promo work harder, pick something that lasts, looks good, and shows you cared enough to give something meaningful. Contact us.
