Fall Promotions Bring Seasoned Profits

Now is the perfect time for distributors to get started on end-of-year promotional sales and rake in profits for the new year.

The season is ripe with opportunities for distributors who are interested in exploring the ad specialty market and for those who wish to expand their current promotional product offerings. "The fall is the beginning of another school year, and also the start of the fundraiser season," noted Dave Spangenberg, director of business development at Carlson Craft Business Solutions, North Mankato, Minn. "With the high profit margins available on promotional products, they clearly make lucrative fundraising products."

He noted that the fall season marks a growth in promotional products sales. "Clients are either preparing for the new year or are trying to find ways to energize fall sales with their remaining budget dollars—ad specialty items are usually welcomed to meet these needs," he said.

According to Cindy Scardino, marketing coordinator at Gill Studios, Shawnee Mission, Kan., virtually every business uses promotional products in some capacity. "Distributors have a variety of items to choose from, and only need to find what suits their customers," she noted.

Gill Studios, which offers a selection of calendars available on magnets, plastic cards and computer hardware, also offers a new line of holiday sticker sheets that are printed on a variety of materials. "Our keyboard and monitor calendars are great for fall and year-round selling," she said.

Spangenberg also said that the fall is an ideal time to remind accountants and tax preparers about their presentation folders and report cover inventory. He noted that Carlson Craft's Post-it Notes and holiday cards are also big sellers this time of year. "Inquiring about holiday cards during the fall allows adequate time to produce the order and apply early order discounts, as well as for clients to address and mail the cards."