Technology is everywhere and the promotional products industry continues to keep up with state-of-the-art technological accessories like power banks and chargers. This trend has permeated the automotive promotional products market as well, with mobile device holders and power stations prevalent – in addition to the aforementioned items. Suppliers also point to trends in multifunctional items and safety products.
Conie Mangum of HandStands notes that "the continued use and growth of smartphones seems to have a tremendous effect on the products we create for this market." The company's mobile device holders are hot sellers, she adds.
Power stations and portable jump starter units are popular trends seen by Michael Gisser at Superex. "In this age of mobile technology people like having access to electricity at their fingertips," he comments. "Our broad selection of power stations and jump starters will not only boost a vehicle but also include USB outlets for charging smartphones and tablets and some include 120-volt household outlets (becoming no-gas generators for the home)."
Gisser adds that demand for power banks exploded in 2014 due to everyday demand that was not specific to any vertical industry, which has resulted in increased interest in power station technology — originally the domain of car-related markets. "Everyone uses mobile electronics and most everyone drives a car," he says. "The trend is strengthening as more powerful units with added functionality are being introduced."
Heather Smartt of Polyconcept also says that technology items are the top promotional products for the automotive market, with car chargers and mobile device holders driving the latest trends. She adds that automotive safety products, such as safety hammers and safety sets, are also in demand.
According to Grethe Castberg Adams of Southern Plus, car manufacturers are looking for alternatives to rebates and discounts to move more automobiles. "Many are trying to have nice gifts to offer in lieu of a discount," she points out. "These gifts are almost always branded, as they speak to the heart and lifestyle of the recipient, and attract others to the brand. Demand for these items is increasing rapidly."
Steven Weinstein of EMT observes that more people are holding on to their cars longer, which opens up another market opportunity. "Maintenance becomes a bigger part of owning an older car, so products that help maintain a new car look or smell are quite popular," he remarks. "Another driving force is the technology being built into new cars. Everyone is clamoring for the latest gadgets, and for those gadgets to be integrated into the driving experience. Demand in this market segment has been strong — and with gasoline prices down — it is projected to show continued strength."
Another top trend in the automotive promotional products market is convenience, according to Alan Tabasky of Bel Promo. "Cellphone holders for the dash, double-wall insulated travel mugs that keep your coffee hotter longer, and keychains that push your message and serve dual functions are strong," he lists. "As the economy improves, auto sales improve, and with that is an uptick in auto-related promotional items."
Promotional products suppliers have a number of new and best-selling products in this sector to address the latest trends. New from Superex is the Powerbank power station, which Gisser says is the latest technology for portable power. "The unit measures only 6 inches long and 3 inches wide but is powerful enough to jumpstart a vehicle 15 to 20 times before a recharge is required," he reports. The device also includes its own 10-gauge booster cables, and safety features such as overheat protection, overcharge protection and reverse polarity protection are all in place. Additionally, Gisser says the unit features the latest in Li-On battery technology — a lithium-cobalt-oxide battery which carries tremendous power and is resistant to temperature extremes, making it extremely well-suited to jumpstarting a vehicle. "The unit is powerful enough to power most laptop computers for up to two hours as well, and includes 2.1 amp USB outlets capable of charging most smartphones and tablets," he adds.
One of Polyconcept's new items is the Suction Phone Holder, which suctions to a windshield and rotates to perfectly position a smartphone for easy viewing, Smartt notes. On the safety side, the company offers the Auto 3-in-1 Safety Set, which features a bright LED light, seat belt cutter and window breaker. "One of our best sellers is the Rover Mobile Phone Holder and Car Charger, which serves as both a mobile phone holder and dual-port charger," she says. "Additionally, the Life Saving Hammer — featuring a double-sided window breaker and seat belt cutter — is a customer favorite."
Adams reports a significant uptick in sales of the company's premium chair, The Chairman, within the automotive industry. "If someone drives a luxury car, it is a safe bet that he or she likes finer things, and their ego tells them they deserve them," she elaborates. "Why wouldn’t someone who drives a Lexus or better want a nicer, more luxurious chair to sit in while watching their child play a sport on the weekend? One leading automobile offers one of these chairs in the trunk when you purchase the 2015 model year. Another major manufacturer is on its second 1000-piece order. They use them for dealer and sales incentives, as well as customer giveaways. It doesn’t take as many higher end gifts to add up to a nice order."
New offerings from HandStands include the Vivid™ Vent Stick, Clip-It Vent Mount™, Refresh Your Car® Wipes and Scribbler™. Best sellers are Clip-It Vent Mount™, Scribbler and Vent Stick. "The Clip-It Vent Mount™ provides a solution to safely hold a smartphone while driving," Mangum comments. "You can have the Clip-It Vent Mount™ hold your phone like a third hand while driving and using your navigation system. Voila’ — hands free. No more looking down and taking your eyes off the road — it is in perfect viewing range!" She adds that the company's Refresh Your Car® Wipes are not only an air freshener that provides a clear, fresh scent, but functions as an anti-bacterial cleaner that conditions the car’s inside surfaces.
Car air fresheners are also top sellers at EMT. Weinstein notes the fresheners are available in three configurations and price points. Additionally, EMT’s surface laser engraved key tags have the high-tech appearance and LED bling to reflect the technology trends.
When it comes to selling these wares to your customers, Weinstein states that new and used car dealers and repair shops are a natural market. "Add value and measure return on investment (ROI) with EMT's Paper Air Fresheners with removable coupon," he recommends. "A coupon for discounted auto services can be integrated into the promo product when distributed by mail, in person, or at a trade show. Counting the coupon redemptions gives a measurable and accurate ROI.” Smartt adds that pitching these items to rental car agencies, insurance carriers, universities, and companies with mobile sales teams can also result in success.
Adams urges distributors not to shy away from higher priced items. "They have a real purpose and role when it comes to incentives and rewards," she emphasizes. “It takes no more time to sell a high-priced item as it does a lower-priced item. Always think what you would prefer to receive, and then stand behind it." Mangum asserts that a car is a captive audience — "Your customers spend a great deal of time there, including weekends! If you provide a promotional item with purpose, it will stay there for a very long time."
Case Study
"At a recent event, one of the major automobile manufacturers was seeking a product to attract a younger crowd to its booth. Bullet's Color Pop Earbuds (SM- 3810) were selected due to the low price point and deep inventory. At the event, word quickly spread about this exciting giveaway and booth traffic dramatically increased from previous years. The initial order was for 50,000 pieces and there have been several reorders since. Having an inexpensive tech piece was a big hit for everyone involved!" John Bates, Polyconcept
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