6. Let there Be Light
Unsure if crazy colors, debossed leopard print leather sleeves, transparent outer walls and high-tech lids are enough to generate impressions? No problem. Just have your mug or tumbler light up like a signal flare. “The ultimate enhancement is light,” said Michael Horn, national sales manager for HOWW Manufacturing, Barrington, Ill. “We offer several mugs in one-, three- or five-light options in various colors. They blink, spin or remain on constantly, providing the maximum impact.”
7. Bundle Up
Pearson recommended stuffing a mug or tumbler with additional items such as T-shirts, pens, coffee or tea bags to further enhance the perceived value of the product. “You can really up your sale by bundling additional items packaged in one item,” he explained.
Horn described a promotion where a large Texas-based company held a barbecue and beer fest for its employees, and wanted an interesting way to deliver T-shirts featuring a motivational slogan. “We imprinted the mugs with the company logo on one side and the slogan on the other,” he said. “The company rolled up the tees and put them inside the mug, and each employee was given a beautiful collectors mug and a T-shirt when they arrived at the event.”
8. Rock the Box
“Offering a decorated gift box can do a lot for you,” said Krissman. “It can greatly enhance perceived value by providing a retail look and feel, it can increase decoration area and it can help prevent damage or breakage, especially on ceramics.”
9. Co-Brand
Horn explained that mugs and tumblers generally feature large imprint areas and can accommodate a variety of designs ranging from logos to photos, making them great products for co-branding promotions. “Beer or food festivals love to show the event on one side and the sponsor on the other,” he added.
10. Find a Reliable Supplier
Of course, none of these tips matter if your client orders 35,000 mugs and only receives 3,500. “Partner with a supplier that is reliable, offers a variety of products, can decorate in a variety of ways and offers top-notch service,” said Horn. “Matching a promotion to the client’s needs, providing a quality, compelling product and managing expectations effectively will result in a successful program and return business.”
