Promotional products are often thought of as a "freebie" at a trade show, or an imprinted gift that bears a company's logo and phone number. Custom printed mugs, and personalized pens with the insurance or real estate agent's name are classic examples of promotional products. They serve as good will advertising vehicles, and remind the recipient of a product or service, and the giver's phone number.
However, government agencies and non-profit organizations have recently become significant purchasers of custom printed logo items, while using tax dollars. Are they worth the cost? Should our tax dollars be used for custom logo promotional products, or would the money be better spent on other forms of publicity and advertising. It's a question that all Americans should be asking, take a look at some of the ways publicly funded entities utilize imprinted give away items, then decide for yourself.
County and local government agencies attend community events and use imprinted promotional products to promote a specific agenda. For example, a county agency who wants to promote water conservation will hand out imprinted piggy banks custom printed with the message of Help Save Our Water, or an imprinted stress reliever in the shape of a rain drop, that says "Water. Use It Wisely." County Health agencies use custom imprinted hand sanitizers as a way to encourage people to stop the spread of germs. It's a great freebie for those who receive them, but the question remains whether using these types of imprinted giveaways truly reinforce the message, or would our dollars be better spent on a mass mailing to every citizen in the area.
Some will argue that a physical item that has utility, will have a more lasting impression than a printed page that may or not be read and kept.
Armed Forces Recruitment Centers - The recruiting divisions of our Armed Forces spend millions of dollars on custom logo promotional products. The want every potential recruit to leave the office with a positive impression, and therefore give away items like imprinted logo backpacks, personalized can holders, or logo mouse pads. These imprinted handouts serve as good will builders and help the recruit feel closer to the recruiter. But will an imprinted key tag or custom travel mug actually help that young man or woman decide on a military career? Would those millions of dollars spent on recruitment gifts be better spent on a series of TV or billboard ads? Do we trust those in charge of tax supported budgets to determine if these are dollars well spent?
Charitable Organizations - Breast Cancer Awareness and pink ribbon awareness items are an example of how important imprinted promotional products have become. Custom printed umbrellas that display the pink ribbon symbol are given out in the hopes that everyone will see the symbol, remember what it represents, and then hopefully make a donation or go for an exam. Charitable organizations also give out imprinted rubber ducks, key tags, and picture frames with ribbons, all in the hopes of drawing attention and awareness to their campaign. Public funds are used to promote a very worthwhile cause. The agencies are free to decide how to use their public funds, and we can only hope that these imprinted awareness items are worth the cost.
Our Federal Government also uses imprinted promotional items on a large scale. The most obvious example is when our President signs a bill using a series of custom imprinted pens. They are then given out as souvenirs to those in attendance. While it's a miniscule expense in relation to our federal budget, it shows the importance the government places on imprinted handouts.
Every federal agency uses imprinted logo gifts in their training classes. Imprinted jotter note books, logo flashlights and personalized wallets are printed with the agency's name and given to all who complete the training. The idea behind it is that it helps build team spirit, and makes one feel part of the organization. Should we, as American taxpayers, pay more attention to these imprinted gifts, or should we assume that the agency knows how to best spend their limited funds.
City and State Governments - Part of our city and state tax dollars goes to the convention and tourism offices. These agencies use imprinted desk clocks, custom printed Frisbees, and customized Sticky Notes with their logo to give out to meeting and convention planners. The idea is that these imprinted logo gifts will help convince the decision maker that this particular city or state best meets his organization's needs. Imprinted light up pens are supposed to convey the idea that the city has a bright night life. But do they really make a difference in the final decision of where he is going to hold his next event?
Promotional products have been proven to be an effective, targeted advertising medium in the private sector. The Industry has grown to $18 billion dollars, and continues to grow. The public sector has only recently begun to recognize the value of using imprinted
promotional items. Let's hope they use them wisely and effectively.
