Using pens as promotional items has always been popular. Promotional pens are cost effective and easy to give out. They almost seem to “walk away” on their own. The problem has been that you want to get those pens into the hands of new customers. Using local schools to distribute promotional pens is a great way to do this. Most students are now required to buy their own supplies. Often those supplies have to be donated. The “big box” stores have taken a lead in this area by collecting donations for supplies and often matching those donations. The good will these donations have generated for those businesses is priceless. How does the smaller businessman generate the same goodwill on a smaller scale? Donating boxes of pens to teachers puts you in the game. It puts your advertising money to work in a number of ways.

First, by donating pens to schools you get a tax deductible way to make your business look good. Your company is “giving back” to the community. The effect is multiplied if you distribute your pens through individual teachers. These underpaid professionals often buy supplies out of their own pockets. They need small items to reward students and help others whose supplies have run out. You are helping the teacher at the same time you are helping the student. Remember, students are potential customers.

Your pens and your message will grow legs and walk in homes all over your business area. Follow this one scenario. The teacher gives Selma a pen because she lost hers. Selma takes it home and leaves it laying on the kitchen table. Mom picks it up and puts in in the pen cup by the phone. Dad’s looking for a pen and puts it in his pocket when he goes to work the next morning. Eventually, one of his customers or co-workers will end up borrowing it and not returning it. The cycle starts again when that person goes home. At least five, and most likely more, potential customers will have your message in their hands. They might not remember your phone number but they will remember your company’s name and product.

The important thing is to evaluate your product and the audience you want to reach. This method works best for businesses that provide local consumer items and services. The bottom line is that to generate interest in a local consumer business you can”t beat the cost-effectiveness of a promotional pen.

Twenty Tidbits for New Teachers | Edutopia

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