How One Distributor Overcame Inventory Challenges to Deliver Promo Kits for a Client

You always want the best for your clients. It’s hard to tell them that a product they had their hearts set on is out of stock, but things happen — especially right now when inventory and lead times can be real bears. That doesn’t mean the campaign is beyond repair. There are so many options to choose from as long as you have the know-how and initiative to call upon other suppliers.

Keith Hamilton, promotional product expert and design services director at Proforma Think Ink, Charlotte, North Carolina, faced this exact situation. Thanks to his relationships with different suppliers, he was able to deliver on a kit project with products that ticked all the boxes for his client.

Can you tell us about a promotional campaign you’ve worked on that blended both print and promotional products?

Keith Hamilton: Sure. The project that I did with my current client, they decided they needed a package to go out to their employees for completing a stellar year. So, we designed a box [and] a thank-you card, and then added in several promotional products, including a backpack and a tumbler. Together, it fits all of the needs of print and promo, but also it meets the client’s needs to give their employees as a thank-you for all of the hard work they’ve done.

How did you choose the particular collection of products for this application?

KH: That came from the client. They originally started with polo shirts, and after that they decided to go back because they didn’t feel the polo shirts were enough of a thank-you. So, they went back and rebudgeted and said, ‘Hey, let’s look at something like a really nice backpack.’ This is a tech department, so they wanted not just any backpack, but a high-quality backpack that tech employees would really enjoy using, and would fit and protect their computers. And then, of course, with that they said, ‘Well, let’s also get a tumbler that goes with the backpack.’

Did you run into any roadblocks working on this campaign? If so, how did you overcome them?

KH: They originally asked for Ogio [backpacks], and I ran into inventory issues with that brand, unfortunately. Great brand. Some were in stock, but not enough for the total project. So, of course, that’s always an issue. The second issue was deadline. They needed them within three weeks, and they needed more than 1,600 pieces. With embroidery and decorating the tumbler, that was a huge sticking point. So, I moved them over to PCNA and Leed’s, because their team is just stellar over there. Absolutely incredible team with how they can decorate. Just their capacity to decorate is incredible.

What advice would you give distributors looking to work on a similar project?

KH: The other big thing about PCNA is they had both pieces. They had both a great quality backpack and a high-quality tumbler, so they could do them together. They also have in-house fulfillment. However, I went with another fulfillment agency just because they could complete it faster.

Is there anything else you’d like to add that I haven’t asked about?

KH: When looking at projects like this, fulfillment is going to be a huge aspect of it—specifically in this day and age where one is so in the mix of ‘Are you still working from home? Are employees coming back?’ Having fulfillment where it can ship to the employees’ homes is always important.