"On the other hand, with the current economic climate, sending out that branded pen, calendar or stress item may seem like a huge outlay that may produce zero returns. But overall, there is a lot to be said for announcing 'We're surviving, here's something to say thanks for sticking with us, oh and by the way, why not contact us any time you need anything'."

According to Emma, smaller customers are cutting back on non-essential items, which at this time would include promotional products. But the larger companies, who are still managing to maintain marketing budgets and undertake events such as exhibitions, have still seen the benefit of leaving a constant reminder with their customers and creating an interest through promotional products.

Adds Emma: "To address this, we have formulated a loyalty scheme. If customers spend a certain amount on essential print items throughout the year, then the points accrued can be used to reduce the costs of purchasing and branding these promotional items, and because N2 Visual Communications has its own design studio, brand identity can easily be upheld."

So what's new for 2009/2010?

"Well, we really like the magic bean promotional gift, in which a ‘thank you' message is imprinted on a planted bean, so that the message then grows on the flower - out of a pot which has the company logo and branding on," says Emma. "We all like to have something pretty on our desks, and we think if we had been sent this, then the curiosity of whether this would work or not would definitely make us want to grow it. This is also a great way for companies to promote an environmentally friendly image, therefore boosting their CSR credentials."

The trick, says Emma, is to find the most competitive supplier and market your way out and beyond the recession, because overall, promotional gifts still represent a great marketing tool and offer a level of interaction with your customers that is hard to achieve in any other way.

For more information call 01992 440 333 or email  emma.batrick@n2vis.com

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