Analysis exhibits that firm swag could be a extremely efficient software for enhancing engagement. Actually, in a single recent study, 61% of survey respondents agreed that promotional merchandise assist construct model consciousness, and 58% reported that they cherished getting swag.
That being stated, by means of my expertise as the top of selling at two totally different tech corporations, I’ve discovered that not all swag is equally well-received. What does it take to just be sure you spend money on creating swag that individuals will truly like?
On this article, I’ll begin by explaining what firm swag is and how one can order it, after which I’ll dive into a few of my favourite concepts for firm swag.
What’s Firm Swag?
Broadly talking, “swag” refers to any sort of reward or product that corporations give away at no cost as a way to drive engagement and model consciousness.
In lots of circumstances, swag is used as a gross sales software. For instance, giving gifts to clients could be an effective way to verify current clients really feel valued — and to maintain your model top-of-mind. Equally, many corporations give out small, branded objects such, as pens or pencils, to potential clients at conferences or different occasions.
Nonetheless, swag isn’t only a gross sales software. One other necessary software of firm swag is as a software for retention and worker engagement.
Whether or not as a welcome reward for brand spanking new staff, a vacation reward for a whole staff, or a congratulations reward for staff members who’ve reached an anniversary milestone, giving staff swag helps them really feel appreciated.
Plus, if the swag is one thing they’ll use or put on of their day-to-day lives — like a water bottle or hoodie along with your firm’s emblem — it permits them to function ambassadors of the corporate wherever they go.
The right way to Order Swag
Clearly, firm swag could be massively beneficial — however it’s additionally simple to get it improper. Particularly, relating to ordering swag, it’s important to verify to think about the funds you’ll be able to afford to speculate, the amount of swag objects you’ll want, one of the best distributors to work with, and the lead time it’ll take.
Price range
The primary necessary consideration to bear in mind is funds. When you could also be tempted to launch straight into designing and ordering your swag, I’ve discovered firsthand that it’s essential to start out by ensuring you understand how a lot you’ll be able to spend on the undertaking.
In some organizations, there may be already a longtime funds for swag, whether or not on a month-to-month or annual foundation. That stated, even when the funds is about, it’s nonetheless important to keep away from making assumptions: I like to recommend getting specific approval for the precise quantity you intend to spend to keep away from working into issues or misaligned expectations down the road.
In different circumstances, there might not be a predefined funds. For instance, I labored with a startup that had by no means ordered swag earlier than, so my boss wasn’t certain how a lot we ought to be spending on it.
In case you don’t have a funds, you’ll be able to benchmark in opposition to different main line objects in your staff’s funds, do some on-line analysis, and ask for enter from colleagues to get a way of what can be cheap.
Then, you’ll be able to share that estimate with the related decision-makers — and once more, make sure to get specific approval earlier than clicking “purchase.”
Amount
The subsequent query you’ll want to consider is amount. What number of shirts, hats, or pens do you want? Answering this query will rely on how you propose to make use of the swag.
If you wish to get one thing for each worker in your staff or in your division, begin by counting the variety of anticipated recipients. Keep in mind to account for potential new additions to the staff, in addition to some extras, in case you’ve forgotten anybody.
Alongside the variety of recipients, there’s additionally the query of timing. Once I’ve ordered swag previously, it’s generally for a single, one-off occasion, however extra usually, I’ve deliberate to make use of a single order of swag for a number of occasions.
For instance, for those who’re shopping for branded water bottles for brand spanking new staff, it in all probability doesn’t make sense to simply purchase sufficient on your present cohort of latest hires. As a substitute, it could be value estimating what number of new hires you anticipate to have over the subsequent six months and even the subsequent 12 months, and getting sufficient swag to final you thru a number of cohorts.
Distributors
When you’ve decided how a lot you’ll be able to spend and the tough quantity of swag you’ll want, it’s time to start out excited about distributors. There are numerous choices for swag distributors, all of whom provide various kinds of merchandise at totally different value factors and high quality ranges.
In case you’re unsure the place to start out, a fast Google search can get you some preliminary choices. As well as, I all the time suggest asking buddies or coworkers for his or her recommendation. They are able to inform you a couple of vendor that you just wouldn’t have discovered by yourself, and enter from somebody you belief will help enhance your confidence that the seller will ship as promised.
Plus, some distributors provide referral offers and reductions, doubtlessly saving each you and your colleague some money.
Lead Time
Lastly, don’t overlook about lead time, or the time it should take for a vendor to make and ship your swag to you. That is particularly necessary for those who’ve obtained a tough deadline, like a convention or vacation occasion the place you intend to offer out the swag.
In my expertise, you’re unlikely to discover a vendor who can provide a lead time of lower than 5-10 enterprise days — so be sure that to plan forward, and construct some additional buffer time into your schedule in case of delays.
Greatest Firm Swag Concepts
All proper, so that you’ve set a funds, selected amount, chosen a vendor, and accounted for lead time. However what precisely must you order? Beneath, I’ve shared a few of my favourite firm swag concepts, from attire to wellness and past.
Attire
One of many largest advantages of attire is that if staff just like the swag, they’ll put on it for years, spreading consciousness of your model all over the place they go. Listed below are a few of my favourite choices for attire swag.
Hats
Who doesn’t want a hat? One of many lower-cost forms of attire, hats are all the time a well-liked swag possibility. In case you’re in a hotter local weather, strive baseball caps, and for those who’re someplace with colder climate, beanies could also be extra appreciated.
T-Shirts
Branded T-shirts are one other nice giveaway. They’re additionally an excellent possibility for those who’re seeking to get a bit extra inventive along with your design, since there’s loads of room to incorporate not simply your emblem, however a {custom} slogan or different design parts.
Hoodies
In case you’ve obtained a bit extra funds, everybody loves a pleasant, cozy hoodie. These are an particularly good thought in case your staff relies someplace with colder climate, or in case your workplace tends to have the air-con cranked up.
Socks
Socks are a enjoyable swag concept that additionally provide a great deal of customization choices. Past simply including your emblem or different designs, you too can take into consideration totally different kinds. Would your staff respect fuzzy socks? Additional-long socks? The chances are limitless.
Jackets
A high-quality jacket is one other swag merchandise I’ve discovered is commonly a giant hit. Actually, I do know individuals who have saved sporting their company-branded jackets years after leaving the job! Particularly for individuals in colder-weather areas, jackets or coats are sometimes very a lot appreciated.
Sun shades
In distinction, for those who’re based mostly someplace with loads of solar, contemplate wanting into {custom} sun shades. You may get glasses in your model colours, and you too can have your emblem or slogan printed on the edges.
Sun shades could also be particularly well-liked in case your staff spend time outdoors whereas on the job, or in case your staff enjoys out of doors actions of their day without work.
Productiveness
The subsequent class of swag concepts is expounded to productiveness. These are objects that staff would possibly select to take house, however they’ll additionally use them whereas within the workplace.
Sticky Notes
A traditional swag merchandise, sticky notes are one thing all of us want — simply be sure you select ones which are sufficiently big that they are going to truly be helpful.
Pens
You’ll be able to by no means have sufficient pens! Pens are a fantastic choice to preserve your organization top-of-mind each time an worker writes one thing down.
Pencils
For workers preferring one thing erasable, branded pencils are one other low-cost swag possibility which are all the time appreciated.
Erasers
Whereas rather less widespread than pens and pencils, erasers are one in every of my favourite swag concepts. They will are available in virtually any dimension, form, or coloration, providing you with numerous customization choices, and so they’re each reasonably priced and universally helpful.
Mouse Pads
Whereas numerous productiveness objects are pretty small, mouse pads offer you a good quantity of actual property to work with, providing you with much more flexibility and area to incorporate {custom} designs.
Journey
One other one in every of my favourite classes of swag is journey objects. In spite of everything, whether or not I’m simply taking the prepare into the workplace or embarking on a global flight, I all the time want journey objects to assist with the journey.
Tote Bag
Tote baggage could be a versatile possibility for coming to work, heading to the gymnasium, or occurring an extended journey. Plus, they’re sufficiently big to incorporate some bigger paintings, past only a firm emblem or slogan.
Journey Mug
Are your staff large espresso or tea drinkers? If that’s the case, a journey mug is bound to be successful. Ensure you get one with good critiques, although, since the very last thing you need is individuals associating your organization with spilling scorching espresso throughout themselves on the drive to work.
Water Bottle
Give your individuals the reward of hydration! Whether or not they preserve it on their desk, take it to the gymnasium, or carry it of their bag, everybody wants a water bottle to assist them keep hydrated all through the day.
Lunch Field
When you may not have used a lunch field since grade faculty, this can be a distinctive swag possibility that may make a big effect. A lunch field can also be extra versatile than you would possibly suppose. Some staff would possibly simply use it to hold their lunch to work, however others would possibly take it to the park for a picnic, and even use it as a mini cooler for a seashore day.
Seashore Towel
In case you’re on the lookout for a swag possibility with most actual property on your inventive designs and imagery, look no additional — not solely is a seashore towel enjoyable and helpful, however it provides you all of the area you might need for a big, {custom} design.
Wellness
Swag isn’t nearly free stuff. It’s about displaying individuals they matter. And the way higher to ship that message than with swag that’s targeted on supporting their well being and wellness? Listed below are a few of my favourite wellness-related swag concepts.
Lip Balm
Assist your staff stave off chapped lips with a branded lip balm. You’ll be able to add a {custom} emblem or slogan on the facet of the tube, reminding individuals of your model each time they take it out.
Tissue Packs
Many individuals carry round a pack of tissues of their bag or purse. So why not substitute it with a custom-designed bundle? This can be a helpful reward that’s sufficiently small to journey simply, however a bit extra substantial and strange than a lip balm.
Fidget Spinners
Lately, fidget spinners have change into massively well-liked. That stated, they’re nonetheless a comparatively unusual swag reward, so providing a branded fidget spinner could be an effective way to face out from the group.
Stress Balls
A traditional swag reward, stress balls are a low-cost but extremely versatile possibility. They will are available in just about any coloration, dimension, or form, and a few corporations even develop {custom} stress balls in a singular form that’s related to their enterprise.
Hand Sanitizer
Particularly within the post-Covid period, hand sanitizer has change into an more and more appreciated reward. Encourage your individuals to remain wholesome whereas additionally conserving one another secure with a {custom} bottle of hand sanitizer.
Tech
Lastly, in case your group enjoys tech and devices, it could be value wanting into tech swag choices. A few of these can get a bit expensive, however there are additionally loads of low-cost choices to think about.
Energy Financial institution
We’ve all been there: You pull out your phone to check a message or make an important call while on the go, only to discover that the battery’s dead. A portable power bank can be a real lifesaver, and there are plenty of low-cost ones on the market if budget is a concern.
Mini Speaker
In case you’re open to spending a bit extra money, a custom-branded mini speaker is one other nice, techy swag reward. This could be an particularly becoming reward for a corporation within the audio business, or for an worker who’s a giant music buff.
Charging Cable
A lower-cost possibility, cellphone charging cables are all the time helpful. They don’t provide an excessive amount of room for personalisation, however you’ll be able to embrace a emblem or small picture, in addition to exploring choices for colours aligned along with your branding.
Headphones
From cheap, wired headphones to advanced, noise-canceling headphones or earbuds, headphones offer a wide range of price points and quality levels to choose from. They’re also useful in a wide range of settings, from playing music to help you concentrate at work to listening to an audiobook on your commute home.
USB Drive
Finally, USB drives are another low-cost swag idea that can easily be customized with your logo and brand colors. USB drives are also useful in a wide range of contexts, and if an employee uses it to store important files, they’ll likely be looking at it every day!
Align Your Company Swag with Your Company Culture
At the end of the day, the most important factor to consider when ordering company swag is your company’s culture. The best swag aligns not just with your brand colors and style guide, but with the culture of your organization.
For example, if you’re a wellness-focused organization, wellness-related swag gifts may be appropriate. In contrast, if your team is highly technical, techy swag may be more appreciated. It’s all about understanding the culture of your organization, and then identifying the best kinds of swag for your unique team.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in November 2013 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
