The Dunstan Group

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Customers Agree: Promotional Products Work in Any Economy

 

Downturn or up, the economy is really only as “good” as your company’s bottom line. And every business wants its marketing dollars to fuel that bottom line in any economy. New research shows that even in a downturn, promotional products are a successful strategy.

A Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) survey finds consumer value of promotional products actually goes up in a softer economy when compared to other forms of marketing and advertising.

The February 2023 study shows 59% of people would rather receive a useful promotional product than be exposed to ads on television, social media, radio, and other forms of advertising. The study also revealed:

  • 53% of people feel included in their team when they receive promotional products.
  • 62% feel appreciated by their employer when they receive promotional products.
  • 67% of people would like to receive promotional products from brands they know and like.
  • 61% said that they would look up a brand they didn’t know if they received a promotional product from them.

“The results are clear; promotional products make people feel special,” says Robert Fitzpatrick, PPAI research manager. “Whether employers are aiming to boost morale or businesses are trying to reach new customers, promotional products can help. Not only do people want more useful promotional merchandise, but they’re open to it coming from brands they’re familiar with and brands they’re new to.”

Scott Dunstan, president and founder of The Dunstan Group, agrees.

“When promotional products, branded merchandise, or apparel that are thoughtfully chosen, they can make an impact a real impact,” he adds. “The more time lead time we have, the more creative we can be, and the more options our clients can consider.”

Promotional products strengthen the loyalty of existing customers and employees, while also opening the door for building relationships with new clients.

“Have you ever heard a client say, ‘thank you,’ when they see your ads?” asked Dunstan. “When done right, promotional products have the power of a well-chosen gift…that’s not a power we take for granted.”

WellTrust Medical Uses Fun, Cheeky Branding to Make Men’s Health Issues  Approachable

As a rule, men don’t have a reputation for talking about what’s troubling them. The more “personal” the problem, the less likely they are to open up about it. The conversation is slightly easier, now that men’s health brands advertisements are as commonplace as beer commercials.

Charlotte-based WellTrust Medical is taking approachability to the next level with its Male Excel brand of products.

“Male Excel launched in 2019 as a company that helps men feel young again!” said Chris Halstead, COO of WellTrust Medical. “We’re on a mission to transform the way people age by delivering healthcare that focuses on optimization and prevention. Our protocol, developed by a renowned preventive medicine expert, makes us one of the most sought-after healthy aging clinics in the US.”

Halstead connected with The Dunstan Group at an event at Charlotte’s Carmel Country Club. And the rest, he said, is history.

“We hit it off immediately,” said Scott Dunstan, founder and president of The Dunstan Group. “They wanted to creatively show off their brand, get their team excited about it, and they weren’t afraid to have fun with it.”

“The vibe of the office lets you feel right at home and custom is what The Dunstan Group does,” added Halstead. “We also love to support local business, so that was an added benefit!”

WellTrust Medical recognized the power of branded merchandise and apparel to, “make their brands to come alive,” with their team. “So we went all out from notebooks and pens, to coffee mugs and hats, and tons of wearable gear,” finished Halstead, “and we are just getting started!”

Find out more about Male Excel and WellTrust Medical at their website:

https://welltrustmedical.com/

Project with Duke Energy is an Award-Winner

Storm Radios Score PPAI Pyramid Award for The Dunstan Group

A potentially lifesaving product pick is now an award-winning project for The Dunstan Group. A branded weather radio promotion produced for Duke Energy earned The Dunstan Group a 2022 Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Pyramid Award.

Duke Energy distributed 7,000 of the branded solar-powered weather radios to seniors as part of its National Preparedness Month campaign in September of 2021. Each one is emblazoned with the company’s blue and green Duke Energy logo, to remind owners who to call to report an outage in their area after severe weather.

The radios include a flashlight, USB port, and a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) radio to alert residents to severe weather in their area. They can be plugged into a wall for regular use, or can be charged with a hand crank or built-in solar panel in the case of a power outage.

“The folks at Duke Energy asked us for ideas, and gave us time to get creative and present them with options,” said Scott Dunstan, founder and president of The Dunstan Group. “We knew these radios would be perfect for the Duke Energy brand, and the message they wanted to send to their senior clients.”

Founded in 1903, Promotional Products Association International is the world’s largest and oldest not-for-profit association serving more than 14,000 corporate members of the $22 billion promotional products industry. Along with three industry publications, PPAI produces the industry’s largest trade show, provides professional development, and recognizes industry excellence through the annual PPAI Pyramid Awards. This is the fourth PPAI Pyramid Award for The Dunstan Group.

“We like to say we can routinely pull off last-minute miracles around here,” added Dunstan. “But with a little more time, additional possibilities open up for the client. The PPAI award is recognition of the creativity, teamwork, and the time that went into the project.”