Before we even talk about the 5 worst promo items, be sure you address the following checklist:

• What is the purpose of handing out the promotional products?
• What is your budget ?
• How many recipients do you expect will receive the promo items?
• Do the promotional items have the right information on it to contact you?

Now, let's look at some real blunders.
Many company buyers of promotional products look at this as a commodity-driven purchase. My comment to this is that they really are not "marketing" experts.
Promotional products should and when done correctly, will open many doors to prospective clients, rekindle dormant accounts and act as a peace offering to accounts that may may gone bad.
With this in mind, a corporate purchaser of promo items should be partnering up with a consultant/distributor in the promotional industry.

#1 Worst Promo Item on my list is a cheap pen.
Why would you want to buy the cheapest pen you can find? Promotional items you give out are a reflection of your company and your abilities. Case in point, a friend told me of an experience they had a conference meeting where "cheap pens' were passed out. This recipient's pen actually broke at the meeting. She left it on the table and another person picked it up and tried to put it back together. Frustrated after several minutes of trying fix it, the pen was thrown in the trash. This obviously created distraction from the meeting and an embarrassing situation not to mention a waste of money.

#2 Worst Promo Item on my list is the Stress Ball.
Stress balls do have a valued place in the promotional industry with rehab centers, certain doctors practices and health clubs. So, ask yourself, what significance does the stress ball have to your company, and don't tell me you help clients relieve stress. Do you know where the stress ball will wind up, in a child's toy bin. So ask yourself, did you get the dollar value out of that promotional item?

#3 Worst Promo Item is handing out ceramic coffee mugs at trade shows. Yes folks, I have had many people ask me for ceramic mugs for a trade show. Like the stress ball, these porcelain mugs have a very useful life and can be a tremendous topic of conversation, but look at the practicality of the trade show attendee carrying a fragile imprinted mug. Give them a travel mug instead.

#4 Worst Promo Item on my list is the accordian pocket address book. We are now in the techno world and these items were popular several years ago, they have gone the way of the dinosaur.

#5 Worst Promo Item bottoming out on my list is an Adhesive Bumper Sticker. In case you didn't know there are static cling stickers like what you get when you have your oil changed, and car magnets. Unless it was a parking permit, or you are using these stickers for other purposes, why gunk up your car with a permanent sticker?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Lay out your marketing challenge with a promotional distributor and ask them what they recommend and why. A lot can be learned from their response. Eventually you will know if they are "salesman" or solution providers.