Give an Effective Trade Show Gift

A trade show gift, or "premium", is commonly given out by exhibitors to encourage potential customers to remember the company and eventually do business with them. And while well thought out premiums can be hugely profitable, a poorly conceived one is a waste of money. Here are some tips for successful, effective gifts you can give out at trade shows:

The premium item should pertain to your business. It should also be something that appeals to your target market.
It should be imprinted with your company's name and contact information. Ideally your slogan, tagline, key benefit, or unique selling proposition should be on it too, if it fits. You never know when the gift may wind up in the possession of someone else, and you want to be sure to have your contact info on it!
Give a decent-quality item, not junk. What does a junky gift say about the business that gives it out?
Make it something useful. The more people use the trade show freebie they received from you, the more opportunities they have to become familiar with your name and message.
Make it something unusual. People are far more motivated by a neat new gadget than by yet another coffee cup printed with some company's ad.
Choose trade show gifts that you can keep giving after the show, in case you have some left over.
Consider how best to package and give your free gift.
Choose a novelty item that's big enough to have your business name and contact info printed on it without looking like it's too small to hold the information.

Research what's out there for trade show premiums. There are a lot of classy, unusual items that are not too expensive but would be appreciated by your potential customers!

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