Analysis exhibits that firm swag is usually a extremely efficient instrument for reinforcing engagement. In reality, in a single recent study, 61% of survey respondents agreed that promotional merchandise assist construct model consciousness, and 58% reported that they liked getting swag.
That being mentioned, by way of my expertise as the pinnacle of promoting at two completely 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 folks will truly like?
On this article, I’ll begin by explaining what firm swag is and tips on how to 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 totally free as a way to drive engagement and model consciousness.
In lots of circumstances, swag is used as a gross sales instrument. For instance, giving presents to purchasers may be a good way to verify current clients really feel valued — and to maintain your model top-of-mind. Equally, many corporations give out small, branded gadgets such, as pens or pencils, to potential clients at conferences or different occasions.
Nonetheless, swag isn’t only a gross sales instrument. One other necessary software of firm swag is as a instrument for retention and worker engagement.
Whether or not as a welcome reward for brand new workers, a vacation reward for a complete crew, or a congratulations reward for crew members who’ve reached an anniversary milestone, giving workers 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 together with your firm’s emblem — it permits them to function ambassadors of the corporate wherever they go.
Tips on how to Order Swag
Clearly, firm swag may be massively helpful — but it surely’s additionally simple to get it incorrect. Particularly, in relation to ordering swag, it’s very important to verify to think about the finances you’ll be able to afford to take a position, the amount of swag gadgets you’ll want, the most effective distributors to work with, and the lead time it’ll take.
Price range
The primary necessary consideration to remember is finances. When you could also be tempted to launch straight into designing and ordering your swag, I’ve realized firsthand that it’s essential to begin by ensuring you understand how a lot you’ll be able to spend on the challenge.
In some organizations, there’s already a longtime finances for swag, whether or not on a month-to-month or annual foundation. That mentioned, even when the finances is about, it’s nonetheless important to keep away from making assumptions: I like to recommend getting express 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 finances. For instance, I labored with a startup that had by no means ordered swag earlier than, so my boss wasn’t positive how a lot we must be spending on it.
In case you don’t have a finances, you’ll be able to benchmark towards different main line gadgets in your crew’s finances, do some on-line analysis, and ask for enter from colleagues to get a way of what could be affordable.
Then, you’ll be able to share that estimate with the related decision-makers — and once more, make sure to get express 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 depend upon how you propose to make use of the swag.
If you wish to get one thing for each worker in your crew or in your division, begin by counting the variety of anticipated recipients. Keep in mind to account for potential new additions to the crew, in addition to some extras, in case you’ve forgotten anybody.
Alongside the variety of recipients, there’s additionally the query of timing. After I’ve ordered swag up to now, it’s typically 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 new workers, it most likely doesn’t make sense to only purchase sufficient in your present cohort of recent hires. As an alternative, it could be value estimating what number of new hires you count on to have over the following six months and even the following 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 begin excited about distributors. There are numerous choices for swag distributors, all of whom supply several types of merchandise at completely different worth factors and high quality ranges.
In case you’re undecided the place to begin, a fast Google search can get you some preliminary choices. As well as, I all the time suggest asking mates or coworkers for his or her recommendation. They are able to let you know a couple of vendor that you just wouldn’t have discovered by yourself, and enter from somebody you belief may also help enhance your confidence that the seller will ship as promised.
Plus, some distributors supply referral offers and reductions, probably saving each you and your colleague some money.
Lead Time
Lastly, don’t overlook about lead time, or the time it’s going to take for a vendor to make and ship your swag to you. That is particularly necessary for those who’ve acquired a tough deadline, like a convention or vacation celebration the place you intend to offer out the swag.
In my expertise, you’re unlikely to discover a vendor who can supply a lead time of lower than 5-10 enterprise days — so make 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 finances, 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 greatest advantages of attire is that if workers just like the swag, they’ll put on it for years, spreading consciousness of your model all over the place they go. Listed here are a few of my favourite choices for attire swag.
Hats
Who doesn’t want a hat? One of many lower-cost kinds of attire, hats are all the time a preferred swag choice. 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 a very good choice for those who’re trying to get a bit extra inventive together with your design, since there’s loads of room to incorporate not simply your emblem, however a {custom} slogan or different design components.
Hoodies
In case you’ve acquired a bit extra finances, everybody loves a pleasant, cozy hoodie. These are an particularly good concept in case your crew 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 supply a great deal of customization choices. Past simply including your emblem or different designs, it’s also possible to take into consideration completely different types. Would your workers respect fuzzy socks? Additional-long socks? The chances are limitless.
Jackets
A high-quality jacket is one other swag merchandise I’ve discovered is usually an enormous hit. In reality, I do know individuals who have saved sporting their company-branded jackets years after leaving the job! Particularly for individuals in colder-weather places, jackets or coats are sometimes very a lot appreciated.
Sun shades
In distinction, for those who’re primarily based someplace with loads of solar, take into account trying into {custom} sun shades. You will get glasses in your model colours, and it’s also possible to have your emblem or slogan printed on the perimeters.
Sun shades could also be particularly well-liked in case your workers spend time outdoors whereas on the job, or in case your crew enjoys out of doors actions of their day off.
Productiveness
The subsequent class of swag concepts is said to productiveness. These are gadgets that workers may select to take dwelling, 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 to select ones which are large enough that they’ll truly be helpful.
Pens
You possibly can by no means have sufficient pens! Pens are a terrific choice to hold 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 choice 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 nearly any measurement, form, or shade, supplying you with numerous customization choices, and so they’re each reasonably priced and universally helpful.
Mouse Pads
Whereas a whole lot of productiveness gadgets are pretty small, mouse pads offer you an honest quantity of actual property to work with, supplying 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 gadgets. In spite of everything, whether or not I’m simply taking the practice into the workplace or embarking on a world flight, I all the time want journey gadgets to assist with the journey.
Tote Bag
Tote baggage is usually a versatile choice for coming to work, heading to the health club, or occurring an extended journey. Plus, they’re large enough to incorporate some bigger paintings, past only a firm emblem or slogan.
Journey Mug
Are your workers huge espresso or tea drinkers? If that’s the case, a journey mug is bound to be a success. Be sure you get one with good evaluations, 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 hold it on their desk, take it to the health club, or carry it of their bag, everybody wants a water bottle to assist them keep hydrated all through the day.
Lunch Field
When you won’t have used a lunch field since grade faculty, this can be a distinctive swag choice that may make a huge impact. A lunch field can also be extra versatile than you may suppose. Some workers may simply use it to hold their lunch to work, however others may 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 in search of a swag choice with most actual property in your inventive designs and imagery, look no additional — not solely is a seashore towel enjoyable and helpful, but it surely offers you all of the area you would need for a big, {custom} design.
Wellness
Swag isn’t nearly free stuff. It’s about exhibiting individuals they matter. And the way higher to ship that message than with swag that’s centered on supporting their well being and wellness? Listed here are a few of my favourite wellness-related swag concepts.
Lip Balm
Assist your workers stave off chapped lips with a branded lip balm. You possibly can 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 change it with a custom-designed package deal? This can be a helpful reward that’s sufficiently small to journey simply, however a bit extra substantial and weird than a lip balm.
Fidget Spinners
Lately, fidget spinners have grow to be massively well-liked. That mentioned, they’re nonetheless a comparatively unusual swag reward, so providing a branded fidget spinner may be a good way to face out from the gang.
Stress Balls
A traditional swag reward, stress balls are a low-cost but extremely versatile choice. They will are available just about any shade, measurement, 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 grow to be an more and more appreciated reward. Encourage your individuals to remain wholesome whereas additionally preserving one another secure with a {custom} bottle of hand sanitizer.
Tech
Lastly, in case your group enjoys tech and devices, it could be value trying 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 more cash, a custom-branded mini speaker is one other nice, techy swag reward. This is likely to be an particularly becoming reward for an organization within the audio business, or for an worker who’s an enormous music buff.
Charging Cable
A lower-cost choice, telephone charging cables are all the time helpful. They don’t supply 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 together 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.
