It’s getting increasingly uncommon to see anyone of any age from teens to seniors walking around without some sort of portable device for learning, entertaining, and communicating. We take speakers to the beach and park, and we take our music with us while jogging or at the gym, and of course, commuting.
Connectivity has taken on a new, diverse and ubiquitous meaning. And it can be a source of tremendous sales opportunities for promotional products salespeople.
Nick Augustine of ADG Promotional Products says the supplier has recently “been putting an increased emphasis on the tech category. A good promotional product is one that stays with you and the branding message is consistently hitting your target recipient. Tech items fit this bill perfectly as they are useful tools that people can use on a consistent basis. Tech items that provide multiple features and benefits in one are driving a lot of the demand right now.”
Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic relates that staying connected on-the-go is essential in today’s modern world and wireless technology in headphones, chargers, and trackers is now seen everywhere. Wireless tech accessories offer huge opportunities for brand exposure because people are using devices everywhere, every day.
“Portable electronics like power banks are great promotional items because they are useful to anyone in any industry,” she says. “Business service providers (human resources, logistics and IT services, etc.) are good targets for portable electronics because they often work remotely and encompass a variety of positions. Any industry where workers aren’t tied to a desk can benefit from portable electronics to stay connected while on-the-move. Good market examples include real estate (agents, brokers, appraisers, title companies) and the manufacturing/construction sector.”
Augustine agrees, noting that requests for portable electronics are coming from a multitude of businesses and organizations. Education markets have always done well in this category. “As iPads and Chromebooks go mainstream in the classrooms, so to do the tech accessories that complement them,” he says, advising that distributors should be presenting not just a USB stick or power bank, but a Flashlight that has a built-in power bank and cord, for example, or a charger that illuminates the advertised name and suctions easily to the bottom of the recipient’s phone or iPad.
By the way, promotional portable electronics are not an expensive proposition for your clients. “Presenting items at reasonable prices (below $10) with multiple features provides key value-added benefits,” Augustine asserts. The recipient holds these items in high esteem and will actually use them. And think of this, too – because these items are so desirable, when your client’s recipient is using the item, it is sure to attract attention, opening up a conversation or at least a mention of the company that provided it – and this is the exact goal.
In fact, BIC Graphic has launched over 60 portable technology products since January of this year, according to Lewis. “We are always looking for the latest innovations and trends in this popular category including wireless speakers, headphones, earbuds, power banks, phone accessories, key finders, adapters, and device organization.”
Such widespread and deep availability allows you to help your client select the most appropriate choice as an incentive or prize. “Wireless technology isn’t just for big budgets,” she said. Some premium brands are more easily recognizable and trusted, but budget-friendly options are also available.” For example, she offers, premium wireless earbuds like Sol Republic Amps Air (#32120) are great for incentives and gifts while Xoopar® Bluetooth® Earbuds (#32124) provide high-quality sound and great imprint options at a fraction of the cost.
Among BIC’s new offerings include: Ghost Qi 3-Coil Wireless Charging Base (#32189), Xoopar® Bluetooth® Sound Block Speaker (#32202), and the 5W Foldable Solar Charger (#32143)
Sweda offers the Delta Bluetooth speaker (ME7925), which has an on-speaker control panel, built-in mic, and aux-in port; and the UFO Wireless Water-Resistant Speaker (ME4155), that can be used in wet and dry environments. The recipient can adjust volume, skip songs, and answer calls. These would be suitable for company stores as well as the college store market.
New from Origaudio is the Flyington Selfie Drone, remotely controlled through an app on the recipient’s smart device. It takes real-time pictures and videos, features aerobatic flight, real-time camera transmission, and phone-tilt control. This item, perfect for videophiles and self-styled directors, can make a great thank-you gift for volunteers who host area film festivals, for example.
There are many ways to adapt the numerous portable electronics that are available for promotions. Bring in a few – nothing is more powerful than demonstrating it to your client and having him/her try it out.
Connectivity is now a constant. Plug into it!
CASE STUDY
Nick Augustine of ADG Promotional Products: “ADG has many times provided portable tech items, one great example was an orientation giveaway at a University. The distributor had been working with a school that wanted to provide a couple of tech items to students at orientation. Providing ADG’s TS Flashlight Charger and a Stylus Pen personalized with their name on it was a huge hit. The charger was a power bank and flashlight combo which had a wristband that doubled as the charging cord for the device. Students saw it as not only functional for school but also a safety item for traveling around campus. For around $10 the distributor was able to provide a unique and functional giveaway to the students that could be used throughout the year.”