Why would I want to work with a Qualified Promotional Products Distributor?
In keeping with my commitment to the members of Referrals Unlimited Network, I am including an article recently written by Mike Donnelly – a Qualified Promotional Products Distributor with PA Promotions. Mike is an active member of the RUN Group #2 in Lancaster, PA but don’t let his geographical location stop you from working with him! Take a few minutes to connect with Mike – he’s got lots of great ideas how to make your advertising dollars go as far as possible – and that’s a great benefit during this economic recession!
10 Reasons to Use a Qualified Promotional Products Distributor!
A professional and experienced promotional products distributor will help answer your questions – even those you might not think of or didn’t know you needed to ask. He/she will be able to help you design a program to get results and save you time and money in the process.
Reason #1: Good distributors go beyond just selling products.
Successful promotion campaigns don’t happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, the ultimate result to be gained. While it’s true that you can buy a product anywhere, an experienced distributor can help you solve problems, plan a program and get results.
Reason #2: Professional distributors have access to vast product research resources, including an extensive database which contains more than 600,000 products.
Yes, you can find a mug online, but a distributor can find hundreds of mugs, in a multitude of colors, sizes and shapes, materials, designs, etc. Have you saved money if you get the mugs and they are not the right color? Is it worth the extra savings if you get the mugs and they are so breakable due to inferior materials that they are virtually unusable?
Reason #3: Distributors are in time with the trends including hot items and the newest products and processes.
A qualified distributor can add creativity, innovation and imagination to your overall program to achieve your goals. They can also help you in creating the desired mood. Many online services show you the products they want to sell or push close-outs. The qualified distributor will listen to what you want and help you find the right product for your needs. And a distributor can provide tangible samples that appeal to your senses, taste, touch and feel.
Reason #4: Your distributor is more than just a salesperson.
Chances are you will buy promotional products more than once in your life. Once a company uses a distributor, that relationship often continues for years – and even decades. Your promotional products distributor is someone with whom you have worked, someone you know and someone you trust. In many cases, companies use the distributor as part of the creative team, even including him/her in marketing meetings.
Reason #5: Personalized service is the role of the distributor.
When going online, your selections are what the Internet company determines to make available. When you work with a distributor, your selection is determined by your needs and goals, enhanced by the experience, creativity and recommendations of that distributor who has your best interest at heart. Online or by mail, you’re a faceless, nameless buyer. With a distributor, you’re a client with your own personal shopper, receiving service along with ideas and prices. Order online . . . who is monitoring your order and deadline? Who is going to immediately handle any mistake or a defect. Your distributor has your best interest in mind. Seldom do you receive that kind of “hand holding” customer service from an unknown online company.
Reason #6: Industry distributors can offer experienced advice on how (and if) to imprint items.
OK, you found the perfect key chain or pen, but will your logo imprint on it? Will it be recognizable? Some things don’t work or there might be something else that would work better. A qualified promotional products distributor can explain to you the best printing process for your program, your imprint and the product you’ve chosen.
Reason #7: Trained distributors can save you money in the long run.
Many times, a price you see in a generic catalog or on the Internet does not cover many “hidden” costs involved – set-up, imprint duplication, color match, shipping, etc. The distributor can help you avoid unexpected and unbudgeted costs by quoting the total price up-front.
Reason #8: Distributors will work with you to get your artwork imprinted properly.
Say you want your company’s logo embroidered on golf shirts. How do you insure it will be done properly, and with the correct colors? A trained distributor can work with you to insure accurate transfer of your artwork, including correct fonts, size, spacing, location, and many other important factors. Also, he/she will explain the type of fabric on which your logo will look best, if we are talking apparel. And the distributor’s commitment to quality customer service will guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product.
Reason #9: Professional promotional products distributors can assist you in developing a workable distribution plan for your products.
Distribution of promotional products is as important as the item itself. Research shows that a carefully executed plan significantly increases the effectiveness of promotional products. But what if the cost of distributing your product is more than the product and more than your expected ROI (return on investment)? A distributor can help you avoid unexpected problems like this. The distributor can also help get products to the desired “target” clients.
Reason #10: Distributors are the experts in their field.
When you’re sick, you want a doctor who has the specialization and training to help you. Many distributors meet the highest standards in the industry and display “The Mark of a Professional.” The MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) or CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) designation after a distributor’s name means he or she has earned the industry’s only official certification. There is no need to spend your time on the Internet or searching through catalogs. Your promotional products distributor will come to you – like a doctor who makes house calls!
For more information: Call: Mike Donnelly, Pennsylvania Promotions, Inc.
Cell: 717-314-0010
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