Thursday, May 19, 2005

Strategy behind free gifts

We can all guess, I think, that the strategy behind free gifts is to get you to become -- or continue as -- a customer for the gift-giver. For some of us, though, the right gift for the job is just a bit tricky to pick out. So here is what I at least think a free gift SHOULD be:
  • eye-catching
  • useful
  • lasting (or valuable in some other way)
  • marked with full contact info
And here is what they COULD be:
  • having a value tied to your business directly (for instance, Juterphusion has a poster)
  • something not offered by everyone else, or by just anyone
Here are some of what I think are the best free gifts:
  • t-shirts (which is what my kids' orthodontist has started doing) or other apparel
  • screwdrivers or other small tools
  • consumer samples (especially FOOD)
  • electronic devices or peripherals
  • pens or pencils -- cheap but tried and true!!!
The worst free gifts, on the other hand, include
  • pocket calendars -- which contain less info than a business card! (My Dad gave these out every year until he retired...)
  • coupons with expiration dates, unless they are for more free stuff
  • bookmarks (unless a book comes with them!)
I have been wondering why some people, like Anna Marie Stewart, give valuable stuff away for free while others make you pay for similar stuff. Stay tuned while I check on that...

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posted by Ron @ 1:46 PM

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