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If you own a sales, merchandising, or service business then you must certainly be aware that one of your most valued business assets is the client contact list. When used in the right way, promotional items can be turned into fantastic lead generators and adds immense value to your client list. Here is a list of the various ways, promotional products can be used to generate more business leads and encourage repeat purchases.

1. Distribute small corporate giveaways liberally. Every person you meet is a prospective customer, or a free advertising source that may refer your business to new customers. Promotional gifts are an excellent way of making a favourable impression. Promotional products like printed pens, key rings, appointment calendars are very practical products and are used by almost everyone. By gifting them to people, you are able to build an instant bond that will last long after the meeting is over.

2. By giving attractive promotional gifts at trade shows, conferences and seminars, you actually encourage customers to schedule follow-up meetings with your sales team. Gifts should also be handed to customers, who provide you with their contact information. Most people have short memory and may not remember you, when your sales team follows up on the lead. By gifting attractive promotional products printed with the name, logo and contact information of your company, you shall be more able to keep your name fresh in the minds of your customers.

3. The double gift strategy can be used very effectively to encourage repeat purchases. First use a promotional item as a teaser to make the customer order from your company for the first time. Then give them a thank you gift for purchasing from your company. Regularly reward those, who frequently visit your shop. Give promotional products like mugs, fridge magnets, and clocks imprinted with encouraging phrases like My most valued customer or Thanks for making us what we are.your favourite store. These little things will go on to make a huge difference to your store.

Now by logging onto the leading online suppliers you can browse through some of the largest online portals selling promotional marketing products. Whatever be the occasion, you will find a corresponding promotional item on their site with products like pens, mugs, coasters, watches, clocks, caps, tee-shirts, rulers, radios etc. Just pick your promotional item or allow their experts to help you in making the right decision.

Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items and promotional products company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit www.ideasbynet.com