Are you one of those people that go to a trade show and walkfrom booth to booth filling up your bag with goodies from all the trade show booths?Do you collect pens from your doctor's office? Keep the magnet from theveterinarian on the refrigerator? I do.
I love collecting all this stuff -- it's shameless andit's fun.
I love going back to my room after a trade show and sorting throughall the stuff I collected throughout the day.
I came home from the last trade show I attended (SHSMD conferencein Washington DC) with tons of stuff.
My favorite pens arethere every year and I was sure to grab several this time - one in every colorthey had.
I come home with gifts for the kids.
This year I came home with anelectronic coffee warmer to plug in by my computer, it's truly amazing thethings companies give away.
The question is, isit worth it? As the receiver of these handouts I enjoy the overall experienceof the conference more.
But what about the companies handing out thepromotional items? Is spending the money on these trinkets worth it? How manyof you have worked a trade show, or sponsored a community event, and felt likepeople were taking things without caring who handed them out? They didn't evenlook at your name on the mug, they just grabbed it and walked on.
I did a littleresearch on the promotional products industry.
Let me share with you what Idiscovered...
According to Promotional Products Association International(PPAI), the healthcare industry is one of the top ten users of promotionalproducts in the U.
S.
Another one in the top ten is professionals such as doctors and lawyers.
Mydear readers that is most of you! The promotional products industry was an 18.
8 billion dollarindustry in 2006, so we know companies purchase promotional items.
A lot ofpromotional items.
But do they work? Is a patient more likely to visit yourpractice if you hand out a mug or a pen with your talk? According to studies done by Georgia Southern University, theanswer is yes! Recipients of promotional products are reported to have:

1. A significantly more positive outlook on your business
2. A higher likelihood of recommending your business
3. A higher likelihood of patronizing the business.
   

The top three promotional items purchased in 2006? Wearablessuch as t-shirts, hats, etc, writing instruments followed by calendars.
Top ten uses for promotional items? Business gifts, trade shows, brand awareness, employee relations & events, public relations,dealer/distributor programs, new customer/account generation, newproduct/service introduction, employee service awards, not-for-profit programs.
4 Tips for choosing apromotional products company Here are a few suggestions for healthcare marketers whenchoosing a vendor for promotional products:

1. Try to find a vendor thatspecializes in health care.
   They understand the unique needs of our industryand may have good suggestions for items that worked well for others in theindustry.
   
2. Ensure thevendor is available when you need them.
   As we all know, sometimes we needproducts in a rush.
   Will your vendor be there when you need them? Are theyreadily accessible? Do they have published hours of operation? It's easy foranyone to set up a promotional products business from their home, which isfine.
   Just be aware of who you are working with and their history.
   
3. Ensure theyprovide a satisfaction guarantee.
   
4. Ask if theyprovide discounts for bulk purchases.
   You may be able to save money if you planahead for the year or can combine orders with other departments, such as humanresources.