No matter where you live, you see a wide variety of automobiles, from high-end luxury cars, work trucks, vans, and vintage restored vehicles. Think too about how many auto-related businesses you may pass on your own way to work: repair garages, collision specialists, insurance agencies, gas stations, and of course, dealerships, and even parts retailers such as NAPA.
However, the promotional automotive product sector truly expands way beyond auto-related businesses. Let's say you have a spa client. How do the employees and customers get there? Same with a restaurant chain, bank, real estate firm, a physician or dentist practice, etc.
Hybrid and other sustainable/eco-friendly autos are being purchased by more people β however, according to Statista.com, "Over the next decade, Internet-connected car technologies and autonomous vehicles are set to stir up yet another revolution in the automotive sector. In 2014, some 23 percent of U.S. respondents stated that they were very likely to buy a fully autonomous car, mainly because they consider autonomous vehicles to be safer than conventional cars. The global market for autonomous driving hardware components is expected to grow from $400 million in 2015 to $40 billion in 2030."
Additionally, the auto mechanics industry has grown steadily between 2010 and 2015. "Individuals and businesses have increased demand for industry services, as rising per capita disposable income and corporate profit encourages consumers to opt for auto mechanic services over do-it-yourself repair. In the coming years, disposable income levels are expected to continue to grow, encouraging some consumers to spend more on the maintenance and repair of their vehicles. However, as consumers become more comfortable financially, an increasing numbers of car owners are expected to scrap older vehicles in need of expensive repairs, and instead opting to buy new replacement vehicles."
IBISWorld's December 2015 research about the auto mechanics market showed that this market contains approximately 251,016 businesses employing 530,978 Americans.
Suppliers provide a wide expanse of promotional products for nearly every aspect a motorist would desire to own. Nicole Demchak, Polyconcept North America, says that the company's Leed's division offers a comprehensive line of automotive products that include first aid kits, and highway roadside emergency sets along with many automotive accessories such as seat belt cutters and emergency flashlights. "Many of our distributors have used these products for dealership reward and incentive programs, as well as gift with purchase," she comments. In addition, "we recently had one distributor who was challenged by their automotive client to come up with a way to increase their parts sales to their supplier network. The client was looking to increase the per order dollar amount so the distributor created a reward incentive program using premium promotional products."
Sharon Menssen of Beacon Promotions notes that the company provides everything from ice scrapers and snow brushes, booster cables, trailer hitches, tire gauges, car air purifiers, auto phone holders, USB car chargers, frizzy dusters and car wash mitts/sponges, first aid kit, folding fan and numerous flashlight styles. "Our products are all very useful for the car owner and will be easily stored with the car and used frequently," she describes. "The most popular new items for the car are devices that allow you to stay connected while youβre on the go. The auto phone holders keep your smart phone or small media device handy and the multiple car chargers that we have keep your mobile devices charged up and ready for you when you get out of the car."
Several promotional products distributors around the country have specialized to a degree in servicing this wide market. At Garrett Specialties, (garrettspecialties.com) of New Jersey, some popular automotive promotional gifts are safety lights, seat belt cutter, hitch covers, pressure gauges, jumper cables and the Cell Mate. To give a scope of how wide this market is to suit nearly every client you have β this distributor provides 25 auto calendars, 94 flashlight/roadside lights, 49 key lights, 134 car mugs, 46 ice scrapers/snow brushes, 115 auto bottles, nine sunshades, 64 auto safety products, 44 truck-themed items and more.
Identity Links (identity-links.com) of Illinois, is a master distributor for auto-related promotional products, auto theme logo items, custom printed auto shaped items, imprinted auto shaped items, and promotional products for auto use. Its website says, "We supply automotive giveaway products and truck-related promotional handouts to auto and truck dealers, auto finance promotional marketers, and companies who look for automotive aftermarket promotional items. Your prospects and clients spend hours in their cars and trucks, which means that they will appreciate a useful auto or trucking related gift that carries your logo and advertising message. We are continually adding low cost automotive and trucking handouts, as well as new car shaped promotional products. Recently, we introduced a number of new products such as the tire tread electronics grip pad, the premium highway kit, premium highway kit and promo license plate frames."
How powerful can supplying your local auto dealer be? One dealer, Veronica Rodriguez Osborne of Century Trucks & Vans in Texas, exclaimed to her distributor, Gallagher Promotional Products (GPP) of Florida, "Now that I use GPP products my lot says 'Look at me! Iβm bright!' To our custom flags, hang tags, lock boxes, antenna fringe, angle model years, slogans, showroom bows, reusable balloon kits, balloons, event packages, adhesive floor mats, key tags, dealer tag magnets, windshield sign β and my favorite, vinyl numbers!"
Menssen provides several refreshing sales ideas: Car washes are always popular fundraisers for groups in the spring and summer months; many are school-oriented or for local charity drives. "A local businesses could sponsor the car wash and then hand out one of our handy car chargers as they exit the car wash," she offers. "There are many opportunities to promote a 'Safety while you drive' message. Beacon's booster cables and many flashlights can serve as highly appreciated gifts to give to new car owners and let them know you are concerned for their safety. Municipalities that host "town celebration fairs/days" that feature local businesses as well as municipal services would be strong opportunities for these and other auto-related products.
Later this year, before winter once again descends, think of the handy item that any car owner would be grateful to have. "Nobody wants to go through the first snowfall without an ice scraper to help them out," Menssen comments. "Ice scrapers are great gifts to give in the fall to let your customers know you care about their safety through the winter months."
Look at the vehicles that you, your family and friends and co-workers motor about in. Ask them what they consider to be the top three most important auto-related products they can't live without. Visit dealerships, collision repair, general auto repair, oil-change specialists, gas stations, and review what they may have in their promotional toolbox, ask what's worked β and what hasn't. Do they participate in community events? Do they host their own employee appreciation events?
Review your current active client list and solid prospects β how can a promotional automotive product fit for special marketing events they may be planning?
This research will certainly reveal a high number of creative promotional concepts β and products β for you to present for an all-year promotional marketing campaign to help your clients attract and retain business.
CASE STUDIES:
Sharon Menssen of Beacon Promotions: "A car repair shop was celebrating their 10 year anniversary. They wanted a gift to give to their current customers and something that would spread the word about their business. Every car that came for repair work, for a three-month period, went home with the TEC32CC 3 Port USB Car Charger in it when it left the shop. They wanted something that stayed in the car and would keep their name top of mind for future repair work."
"A towing company provided car cell phone holder, BA80PH, to prospective customers at the community home show. The ad carried their phone number, so if they ever had car issues and needed a tow, their phone number was in sight as the recipient reached for the phone."