T-SHIRTS
Crown prince of the promotional world, T-shirts unsurprisingly rule over the booze-and-beverage market just as mightily as they do all the rest.
Answers and insights by: Teddy Roy, owner for TR Marketing, Coconut Creek, Florida, and Ronnie Kinker, sales representative for Virginia T’s; Dave Roberts, sales representative for Heritage Sportswear Inc.; Lea Robinson, vice president of sales and marketing for Staton Corporate & Casual, Dallas, Texas.
Ways to Use
Teddy Roy and Ronnie Kinker: We like to use polo shirts and T-shirts for giveaways for clients with the brand they promote and/or their bar’s info and logo. For service staff, we use the same styles, adding “STAFF” to the back of the T-shirts and to the front-right chest on the polo shirts.
Dave Roberts: Concerts, sporting events and events where the beverage company is a sponsor or promoting a new product, such as a new restaurant or bar opening.
Popular Choices
TR&RK: T-shirts predominantly for giveaways or for resale to patrons. Polo shirts for the staff. What works within the budget drives the buy.
DR: 4.0 100 percent ring-spun fashion tees with a large amount of V-necks also being used. Canvas 3001, Bella 6004, tri-blend tees, and other fashion-fit comparables. These garments appeal to the collegiate market and the overall 20-to-40 year-old market, offering a more modern retail fit in a softer cotton.
Lea Robinson: T-shirts and tank tops are by far the most popular. Although I believe tank tops outsell tees. Somehow, sipping on a cold beverage while wearing a tank and shorts seems to be a staple on those hot summer days.
On Working with Beer/Beverage Companies
TR&RK: We provide spec samples with our logo as well as the bar’s logo. It goes a long way with it in their hands. Once they see how well the piece advertises their business, it goes a long way with securing the sale. Note: It does get expensive to create printed samples printed, so work with your supplier closely.
DR: Stay creative, looking at new options like the Bella marble tees and keep up with price-point options, such as Trecento, offering retail quality at a value.
LR: Do not limit the companies to just apparel. We have many promotional items that beverage companies already use, and a few they may not. For example, koozies, caps, spirit towels, tote bags and much more.
Next: Bottle Openers
