I read an article published in ADWEEK in November of 2008 which commented on a study released by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).  The study concluded that the most effective marketing medium to reach your target audience was promotional products. 

Read more at the link below.

http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/client/e3i2d029babe3f1f02ea0a389048245c2bc

The study also included a survey of 618 participants that consisted of business people in four metro areas: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.   The survey asked the participants to recall promotional swag that they had received over the past 12 months.  

Significant findings include:

·         84% of consumers can name the advertisers on the products they receive

·         62% have done business with an advertiser after receiving a product.

·          The average cost per impression of a promotional product = $0.004

·          42% percent had a more favorable impression of an advertiser after receiving a promotional product.

·         24% nearly one quarter, said they are more likely to do business with an advertiser based on items they receive.

·          #1 most commonly owned promotional item is a writing instrument, followed by apparel, caps, and bags.

·         81% of promotional products were kept because they were considered of a useful nature.

·          Over 66% of participants kept their items for seven months.