9 out of 10 consumers agreed that promotional products were a good way to learn about a new business in the area. And since recipients hold onto their items for months or years, promotional products serve as a reminder of your brand for the long haul; whereas digital ads make dozens of strong impressions over their life cycle, the typical branded writing instrument can make 3,000.

Worried you might be giving away a bunch of stuff that nobody wants? It turns out that a lot of people really do like free swag, especially from small businesses. They also agree that it helps them get to know a brand.   

- 61% agree that promo products help build brand awareness  

- 58% say they love getting promo products  

- 54% say they regularly use promo products in their day-to-day life   

- 44% say they prefer to get products from an unknown brand or small business 

Finally, branded items have been shown to increase sales for businesses. A study by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) found that customers who received a promotional product were 20% more likely to make a purchase from the company in the future. Furthermore, a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) found that promotional products generated a higher ROI than most other forms of advertising, including television, print, and online ads.

Branded merchandise, such as branded t-shirts, caps, and bags, can help increase brand awareness. When customers wear or use these items, they effectively become walking billboards for your brand, exposing your logo and message to a wider audience. This can help increase brand recognition and generate more leads and sales.