I just spent $116 on vistaprint.com

Another option to consider is engraving clothing for advertising. I have a Cabela's corporate account that I use to engrave hats, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. I set up the graphics one time and they do not charge me for the engraving, only the merchandise that I purchase at a lower price because of my corporate account. Not only do I wear these, but I provide them as gifts for my best customers. The more people wearing my logo, the more discussion about my work, ethics, and free PR. Some might say I am paying to much for the Cabela's name (guilty as charged) or that these gifts are to expensive. The way I look at it, if I make $ 1,000 off one job, I can afford a $ 50 sweatshirt or jacket to show appreciation and get the PR. If I make $ 500 on a job, I can afford a $ 20 hat as a gift.



The other thing I consider is what is useful to the customer. Around here work clothing is popular. I pay attention to what my clients wear. If they wear zip sweatshirts vs pullovers or vis versa dictates their gift. I do not want my advertising sitting in a closet instead of the auto parts store. I also use pockets planners which are very popular here, magnets for their refrigerator for cold calls, and drop off pens at the parts store, hardware store, and bank. You never know where these will show up, cheap advertising. I know the intent of the thread was professionalism, but you can go one step further with advertising.

Originally Posted by Patriot76

Another option to consider is engraving clothing for advertising. I have a Cabela's corporate account that I use to engrave hats, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. I set up the graphics one time and they do not charge me for the engraving, only the merchandise that I purchase at a lower price because of my corporate account. Not only do I wear these, but I provide them as gifts for my best customers. The more people wearing my logo, the more discussion about my work, ethics, and free PR. Some might say I am paying to much for the Cabela's name (guilty as charged) or that these gifts are to expensive. The way I look at it, if I make $ 1,000 off one job, I can afford a $ 50 sweatshirt or jacket to show appreciation and get the PR. If I make $ 500 on a job, I can afford a $ 20 hat as a gift.

The other thing I consider is what is useful to the customer. Around here work clothing is popular. I pay attention to what my clients wear. If they wear zip sweatshirts vs pullovers or vis versa dictates their gift. I do not want my advertising sitting in a closet instead of the auto parts store. I also use pockets planners which are very popular here, magnets for their refrigerator for cold calls, and drop off pens at the parts store, hardware store, and bank. You never know where these will show up, cheap advertising. I know the intent of the thread was professionalism, but you can go one step further with advertising.

In the corporate world I think this is referred to as "targeted advertising". Might I say refined targeted advertising. Thanks for sharing, Mike