Watch Out For Tricky and Deceiving Promotional Product Companies

Buyer beware! There are tricky and deceiving promotional products companies out there. And, you need to know how to spot them so you can stay away from them.

Tricky and deceiving promotional products companies use a number of tactics to get you, the consumer, to buy their products. They make you believe you are getting the very best deals out there, when in reality, you are not. They use certain ploys. In fact, every one of them uses the same ploys so it won’t be hard to recognize them.

• Use of set up fees—Every promotional products company has to set up their machines in order to print your custom items. A tricky company will say you are getting a discount on your products, but then in the end, will charge a set up fee, which increases your price.
• Use of shipping fees—Every promotional products company has to ship your items to you. Just like above, a tricky company will say you are getting a discount, but then you end up paying a huge shipping fee to get your products.
• High minimums—A tricky and deceiving promotional products company will have high minimums on your orders. Meaning, they will only accept orders that meet their high minimums. For examples, most companies require that you order at least 100 coffee mugs. If you only need 50, you are not getting a discount.
• No delivery date—Most tricky and deceiving promotional products companies do not give you a delivery date. So, if you are getting married and need your wedding favors by a certain date, you are never really sure if you are going to get them on time. Not a great deal!

The best way to avoid tricky and deceiving promotional products companies is to do your research. Find out from other business owners who they use. Use word-of-mouth advertising.

Another way is to thoroughly do your research on the Internet. Check with the Better Business Bureau, check testimonials, check reviews.

Finally, you want to look at the four points mentioned above. If the company you are looking into does any or all of these points, watch out! You are better off finding another promotional products company. It’s better to take some time and find the right company for you and what you need than to waste money on a tricky and deceiving promotional products company.