Did you know that company swag can significantly enhance engagement? A recent survey found that 61% of respondents believe that promotional products increase brand awareness, and 58% expressed their enjoyment of receiving swag.
However, not all swag is equally appreciated. There's swag, and then there's GREAT swag. So, what ensures that the swag you invest in will be well-received, i.e., GREAT?
This article defines company swag, explores the best ways to get some, and shares some top swag ideas.
What is Company Swag?
Company swag encompasses any gifts or products that businesses give away for free to drive engagement and brand recognition.
You can use swag as a sales tool. For instance, giving clients gifts helps them feel valued and keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds. You've probably seen how companies distribute small branded items, like pens or pencils, to potential customers at conferences or events. This is the very basics of swag - we take it much further.
It’s not just for sales.
Yes, swag is not only there to boost sales or raise funds. It's also a valuable tool for employee retention and engagement. Whether it's a welcome gift for new hires, a holiday present for the team, or a milestone anniversary gift, swag can make employees feel appreciated.
Moreover, if the swag is practical, like a branded water bottle or hoodie, employees can use it daily, serving as ambassadors for your company wherever they go.
How to Order Swag
While company swag can be highly beneficial, it's essential to get it right. Here are some key factors to consider:
Budget
Start by determining your budget. Some companies already have a budget for swag. If not, it's best to get approval for a swag budget. If there is no predefined budget, benchmark against other major expenses, do online research, and consult colleagues to estimate a reasonable amount.
Quantity
Next, decide how many swag items you need. This will depend on how you plan to use the swag. For example, if you want items for every team member, count the recipients and include potential new hires. Also, consider if you'll need swag for one particular event or multiple events or occasions.
Vendors
After setting your budget and quantity, choose a vendor. Numerous vendors offer different products at varying price points and quality levels. It's crucial to go with a veteran swag company like TVP. Talk to us about options.
Lead Time
Don't forget about lead time! This is the time it takes for the vendor to produce and ship your swag. It's crucial if you have a specific deadline, like a conference or holiday party.
Distribution
Some of the larger and more experienced swag vendors, like us, provide in-house fulfillment and logistics solutions. It’s always better to have an end-to-end solution.
eCommerce
How will you sell/provide your swag items? Whether you need an eCommerce solution for shoppers or for employees or volunteers to order, it’s important to consider this additional requirement.
Best Company Swag Ideas
Once you've established your budget, quantity, vendor, and lead time, it's time to decide what to order. Here are some of our favorite company swag ideas:
Tech Items
For tech-savvy teams, consider these tech-related swag options.
Power Banks - Portable power banks are lifesavers! They come in various price ranges and are usually a welcome gift.
Portable Speakers - Custom-branded mini speakers are a high-quality, techy gift.
Charging Cables - Always useful; charging cables keep your brand visible with daily use.
Headphones - From basic to high-end, headphones are versatile and appreciated.
USB Drives - Customizable and practical, USB drives are useful for storing important files.
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Apparel
Apparel is a fantastic option as employees can wear it for years, promoting your brand everywhere.
Hats - From baseball caps to beanies, hats are always popular and relatively low-cost.
T-Shirts - Branded T-shirts are versatile and offer space for creative designs or company branding.
Hoodies - Everyone loves a cozy hoodie, especially in colder climates or air-conditioned offices.
Socks - Fun and customizable, socks are a unique swag option.
Jackets - High-quality jackets can be a big hit. Employees really appreciate them in colder regions!
Sunglasses - Ideal for sunny locations or in the days before holidays, branded sunglasses are practical and stylish.
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Productivity Items
These items can be used at home or in the office, enhancing daily productivity.
Notebooks - A high-quality notebook and pen are always a good ideas.
Pens and Pencils - Essential and useful, pens and pencils keep your brand visible daily.
Desk Organizers - A practical and genuinely useful swag item.
Mouse Pads - With ample space for custom designs, mouse pads are a great productivity gift.
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Travel Items
Travel swag is always handy, whether for commuting or international trips.
Tote Bags - Versatile and spacious, you can use tote bags for work, gym, or travel.
Travel Mugs - Perfect for coffee or tea drinkers, travel mugs are practical and appreciated.
Water Bottles - Help employees stay hydrated with branded water bottles.
Lunch Boxes - Unique and versatile, you can use lunch boxes for work or outdoor activities.
Beach Towels - Spacious and fun, beach towels offer maximum space for creative designs.
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Wellness Items
Show employees you care about their well-being with wellness-related swag.
Neck & Shoulder Wraps - Hot/cold neck and shoulder wraps help employees embrace self-care.
Wellness Sets - A wellness set with hand sanitizer, insect spray, after-burn spray and sunscreen is a thoughtful and practical gift.
Distraction Toys - Popular and engaging, push pop balls, snappers, and fidget spinners are a fun swag option.
Stress Balls - Versatile and low-cost, you can customize stress balls in various ways.
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Align Your Swag with Company Culture
The key to successful swag is aligning it with your company's culture. Choose items that reflect your brand's values and your team's preferences. Whether it's wellness-related gifts for a health-focused company or tech gadgets for a tech-savvy team, understanding your organization's culture will help you select the perfect swag. If you need some fresh strategies on keeping your team happy with swag, dive into our blog.
