Blame it on the swine flu but according to “The Advertising Specialty Institute” hand sanitizers are now one of the most popular branded items that companies are giving away to clients and employees.

Searches of the key words “hand sanitizers” by promotional products distributors via the Advertising Specialty Institute’s promotional products database jumped 439% for the period between October 2009 and October 2008.

Only searches for pens – which for years have been the best-selling branded product in the promotional products industry – were higher that period. In addition, searches for sanitizer products of all kinds jumped by triple digits this year.

Novel Promotional Marketing

Novel Promotional Marketing has consistently been on the consumer trend by using hand sanitizers as a promotion for trade shows. The style shown below will be marketed at this years NADA conference in Orlando, FL.

I ordered this design from Kim for the Automotive Marketing Boot Camp which is being held the day before the official start of the NADA Convention.

To order your personalized hand sanitizers call Kim at 732-859-0426

I am known for my Internet Marketing articles so this may seem like a departure in my writing but keep in mind that 75% of car dealership ups still walk-out unsold.

Dealers spend thousands of dollars every month to get people into the dealership and a majority leave unsold.

To keep your brand and phone number in front of consumers that leave your business without becoming a customer, give them something of value as they leave.

Ladies will drop these right in their handbags and use it every day.  Guys will drop them in their briefcases, computer bags or coat pockets.

Hand Sanitizers

With all the concern about the H1N1 virus and the flue, these giveaways will never be thrown away. In fact they communicate a great message; we care about your health.

I never used hand sanitizers in the past but when Kim Depalma, CEO of Novel Promotional Marketing gave me a sample, I was hooked.

I handed these out at my booth at the 7th Digital Dealer Conference in Nashville and they were a hit!  People were coming over and taking a few samples and said that with all the people at the Conference shaking hands, this idea was a winner.

Whether you are looking for a new giveaway for an upcoming trade show or just to give away in your dealership, these are great branding tools.   Kim Depalma will be able to discuss pricing with you based on the quantities that you order.  You can reach Kim at 732-859-0426 or via email at kim@novelpm.com.

At the 7th Digital Dealer Conference I heard  of many good promotional marketing ideas like mugs and chip clips but these hand sanitizers really strike at where the consumer mindset is at today.  With cold and flu season in full swing, this is a good time to place and order since turn-around is fast.

Traditional Branding Still Works

Don’t forget traditional marketing strategies and local branding.  I may be an Internet Marketing advocate but successful promotional marketing and branding offline can also be a hit!