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Staples.com® | Expert: Rick Segel

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Retail Marketing Expert: Rick Segel

Beyond promotional pens

Q: I have just started a refrigeration repair company and would like to know what is the best way to get customers calling as far as pens, cups, post–its. Keep in mind that the ones that find troubles are the cooks and chefs.

A: When purchasing promotional products, the key is to find something that is usable. Too many times pens get lost, cups get taken home, or the dog eats the Frisbee. The one thing that seems to be appreciated and used the most are the big blocks of paper that are bound in 3–inch squares with your company logo printed along the side. There are some companies that sell them as post–it notes. Those work even better. Everybody needs note paper, it's rarely thrown away, and before someone takes one home, they usually call up and ask for another. The other thing that I recommend that you do is observe what types of promotional products your customers have around and use. Then try to do something better! Editor's note: For more information on picking the right give–aways, read Rick's answer on picking promotional products.

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