Ahh, the trade show tchotchke—the little branded treasures that are produced en masse and given away to prospective customers and trinket-minded opportunists. Trade shows are littered with pens, notepads, bags and other items aimed at showcasing companies and outdoing competitors in a gifting arms race. But other than padding corporate egos and lining conventioneer bags, do these gifts help accelerate sales and visibility, or are they a budget drain?
Trade Show Samurai Mike Moyer has his own opinion on these tiny giveaways. In his blog, he says one thing plainly—tchotchkes are tchacky.
“Think about it. You are attending a trade show to learn all the great things an industry has to offer. To imply that you are there for anything other than intellectual and professional stimulation is an insult and for me to stand in my booth passing out tchotchkes is tacky. Everybody does it, but that doesn’t make it right.”
Mike argues that these gifts should punctuate your discussions with attendees and not be a gift in of itself. You should use giveaways as a way to end conversations and establish your company—giving them out at the end of your discussions rather than at the beginning. Instead of shelling out marketing dollars for high-priced items, consider providing gifts that give value to prospective customers while putting your name front and center.
Plastic Printers has plenty of options for your next trade show. Our plastic business cards uniquely showcase your company, providing a contact reference that won’t be lost in a shuffle of flyers and one-sheets. We can also print cards that provide useful information, such as calendars, proprietary tips and tricks, or short local guides for visiting attendees. Whatever you can think of, our team at Plastic Printers will find a solution that fits your budget. So, next time you want to make your mark in a sea of disposable items, turn to us to give you gifts that inform and excite without all the expense.