(3 Minutes Read)

Monitor’s Fall 2019 Consumer Survey

Marketers waste valuable marketing dollars by ordering promotional products that fail to be consumer-centric. The results are missed opportunities to engage consumers more meaningfully, a wasted budget, and negative environmental consequences.

In the Fall of 2019, Monitor conducted a statistically valid survey (based on population and geographic scope) of 18 to 35 year-olds to measure consumers’ experiences with promotional items. Monitor focused on 1) product attributes consumers found most preferable and 2) whether their opinion of a promo item influences their impression of a brand.

The results identify some important insights for brands to consider when selecting promo items for their next project.

Consumers Want Utility, Quality, and Design

Respondents cited utility, quality, attractive design or appealing branding as the top four attributes they prefer in promotional items. By selecting an item that checks all of these boxes, a brand increases its likelihood of positively impacting the consumer.

“Receiving a promo item I like is a great way to inspire my loyalty and keep me buying your brand”. – Female from Lakeland, FL

Selecting the Right Product Pays Off

The legwork by a brand to help identify the “right” promotional products is worth it. When an event giveaway, employee gift, or gift with purchase engages a consumer, it positively influences their opinion of the brand.

In addition to wasting marketing dollars, there are two other negative outcomes when a brand hands out less engaging promo items: brand perception and environmental impact.

“I appreciate swag items that are actually useful and not just something that is going to waste resources and be thrown away immediately.” – Female from Franklin, IN

Higher End Products Increase Impact

In shifting the focus from quantity to quality, the ability for a promotional item to build positive connections increases. Respondents made it clear that their perceived value of the item they received favorably impacted what they thought of the brand.

“Quality is important, especially if it represents your company.” – Female from Little Rock, AR

For some thought-starter products that fit the criteria of what consumers prefer, click here. To learn more about the impact of promotional items, to discuss your promo product needs, or to place an order, please contact us.