12 blunders Brands make with their custom plush toy giveaways

 

Custom plush toys are a cuddly way to promote your brand, but even the cutest plushie can fall flat if given away strategically. This guide explores 12 common mistakes to avoid when using plush toys as giveaways, ensuring your adorable ambassadors deliver maximum brand recognition! Let us dive in.

Mistake #1: The Tail Wags the Dog

Your exhibit theme and message should be the leader, not your custom plushie! Start by setting clear goals and objectives. What are your key objectives for attending the show? Increase brand awareness? Generate leads? Connect with VIPs?

Once you know your goals, choose a custom plushie that supports them.

• Are you Raising Awareness? Go for a unique, eye-catching custom plush toy that gets people talking and sharing photos on social media.
• Are you Targeting VIPs? Opt for a higher-quality custom plushie with a touch of elegance, showing you value their time and attention.
• Do you want to promote a New Product? Customize a plushie that reflects your new offering, creating a memorable association.

The Right Custom Plushie for the Right Reason:

• Goal: Awareness - Plushie Choice: A funky, unique design perfect for social media sharing.
• Goal: VIP Connection - Plushie Choice: A premium, well-crafted plush that oozes quality.
• Goal: New Product Launch - Plushie Choice: A miniaturized version of your new product, sparking attendee interest.

 

 

Mistake #2: Mistaking One-Size-Fits-All Custom Plushies for Smart Gifting

Not all audiences are created equal! Imagine a plush targeted at adults ending up with children (or vice versa). It's a recipe for disappointment.

Know your target market: Consider their age, interests, and lifestyle (demographics and psychographics). Will they find a custom plush toy helpful, playful, or just plain odd?

Think "Top of Desk, Top of Mind":

Will this custom plushie become a cherished desk companion, a fidget toy they can't put down, or forgotten in a drawer? Think about giveaways you've kept from past events - what made them special?

Tap into Your Network:

• Sales Team Whisperer: Your sales team interacts with your target audience daily. Ask them for insights into what custom plushie styles or features might resonate.
• Customer Cuddle Consultants: Survey your current clients! What kind of plushie would they appreciate? Look for common threads to guide your decision.

Mistake #3: The Lone Wolf Snuggler

Making the custom plushie in isolation is a recipe for missed opportunities. Embrace collaboration!

• Team Think Tank: Assemble your creative team and brainstorm exhibit themes. Consider incorporating your custom plushie design into the overall theme for a cohesive brand message.
• Web Exploration Expedition: Scour the internet for inspiration! Look at promotional item websites and vendor catalogs to see what's trending in the plushie world.
• Vendor Collaboration: Connect with your plushie vendor once you have some ideas. They can offer valuable insights on design possibilities, pre-show marketing tie-ins, and even post-show follow-up strategies to amplify your brand message.

The Power of Diverse Perspectives:

Don't underestimate the value of outside input! Asking customers, vendors, or colleagues for feedback can save you from a plushy faux pas.

Real-World Example:

Imagine designing holographic logoed mouse pads as giveaways. Sounds cool, right? Wrong! Consulting your tech department would reveal that these pads wouldn't work with most modern optical mice. By getting diverse perspectives, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your custom plushies are as functional as adorable.

Mistake #4: The Egalitarian Snuggle

Not all leads are created equal! Consider the potential value each attendee brings to your business. Do not reward people with a glance at your booth with the same custom plushie as a highly qualified prospect.

Tiered Cuddles for Targeted Results:

• Casual Visitors: For those who want a quick hello, offer a smaller, more basic plushie or something else. It creates a positive brand association without breaking the bank.
• Warmer Prospects: Show them you value their interest with a slightly larger, more detailed plushie. It could be a design that reflects your brand personality or a new product offering.
• High-Value Leads: Pull out the stops for these VIPs! A premium, custom plushie with high-quality materials demonstrates the importance you place on their potential business.

Real-World Plushie Power:

Here are some examples of how companies have tiered giveaways successfully:

• Coffee Shop Client: This company offers branded coffee gift cards, but the denomination varies depending on the potential customer. A casual visitor gets a $5 card, while a qualified lead receives a $20 card, showing appreciation for their time and interest.
• "Isn't It Time" Client: This company used a time-themed giveaway. Casual visitors received a $1 stopwatch, while qualified leads got a more substantial $12 desk clock. This approach highlights the value proposition for prospects.

 

 

Mistake #5: The Forbidden Fluff:

Not all giveaways are created equal! Before you unleash your custom plushie army, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the show's exhibitor guidelines. These often contain a list of prohibited items.

Common "No-No" Giveaways:

• Nuisance Nightmares: Items like stickers or gum might seem harmless but become a nightmare for cleaning crews. Avoid giveaways that leave a sticky mess.
• Balloon Bonanza Gone Bad: Helium balloons might seem fun, but they can easily detach and end up tangled in the rafters, causing a safety hazard.
• Messy Munchies Mishap: Popcorn or other food items might seem like a crowd-pleaser, but they can create a greasy mess on the show floor. Save the snacks for after the event!

Understanding the Rules:

Some shows might even have a blanket ban on giveaways unless they're part of a sponsorship package. It is their way of encouraging exhibitors to invest in sponsorships.

The Consequences of Cuddly Chaos:

If caught handing out forbidden items, you might face hefty cleanup fees or even have your custom plushie stock confiscated until the show ends. Nobody wants that!

Mistake #6: Underestimating the Custom Plushie Price Equation

Don't be fooled by the sticker price! Several factors contribute to the total cost of your custom plushie giveaways.

Beyond the Base Price:

• Setup Fees: There might be initial setup costs with creating your custom plushie design.
• Printing Prowess: The number of colors and size of your plushie's logo or design can impact printing costs.
• Shipping Shuffle: Factor in shipping costs to your company and then on to the trade show location, considering both weight and volume.
• Showroom Storage: Don't forget the potential fees for handling and storing your plushie stock at the event.

The Power of Plushie Planning:

• Bulk Buying Bliss: Buying in bulk can lead to significant discounts. Plan and see if upcoming shows share a similar target audience, allowing you to reuse the same plushie design and maximize your bulk-buy savings.
• Quantity Quandary: Talk to your plushie vendor! They can provide information on price breaks for different order quantities, helping you find the spot between affordability and having enough plushie stock for the show.

 

 

Mistake #7: The Cuddly Catastrophe:

Imagine a plushie with lumpy stuffing, wonky stitching, or a design that falls apart after minimal use. It is not exactly a recipe for brand loyalty!

Perceived Value is Key:

Focus on finding plushies that offer a high perceived value for their cost. A well-made, huggable plushie reflects positively on your brand, fostering trust and positive associations.

The Trash Talk Trap:

Low-quality plushies often end up in the trash – a waste for attendees and your budget. Remember, you could've skipped the middleman and thrown your money away directly if that's the ultimate fate of your giveaways.

Investing in Quality:

Think of your plushie giveaways as an investment. High-quality plushies create a positive brand impression, generate goodwill, and become cherished keepsakes. They're more likely to be used and displayed, maximizing brand exposure.

Mistake #8: The Award No One Wants:

Nobody wants chocolate-covered bugs or suggestive T-shirts as a giveaway. These items might generate a buzz, but it's the kind you want to avoid.

Positive Buzz is the Goal:

Focus on creating a positive and memorable brand association. Would our ideal customer see this plushie design and trust us as a brand?

Edgy Can Be Okay (But Proceed with Caution):

There's a time and place for edgy marketing, but tread carefully. Before choosing a potentially controversial plushie design, consider the potential backlash.

Stay Playful, Stay Professional:

Custom plushie toys can be a playful way to connect with potential customers. Keep your designs lighthearted, appropriate for your target audience, and reflective of your brand values. It ensures your plushies become cuddly brand ambassadors, not sources of awkwardness.

 

 

Mistake #9: The Anonymous Snuggle

Imagine a sea of cute plushie giveaways, all lacking any identification. How will attendees remember who gave them these cuddly companions? Don't let your plushie be a brand identity crisis!

Make Contact Easy:

Display your company name and contact information on your plushie. It could be your website URL, a social media handle, or a QR code that leads to a dedicated landing page.

Think Globally, Cuddle Locally:

Ensure your chosen contact method is accessible to all attendees. Avoid using toll-free numbers that don't work internationally, for example.

The Power of a Clear Message:

A well-branded plushie giveaway acts as a miniature billboard, keeping your company name and contact details fresh in attendees' minds long after the trade show ends. It is your chance to turn a fleeting cuddle into a future customer!

Mistake #10: The "Passport to Plushie Purgatory"

Nobody enjoys being a "swag stalker," collecting stamps just for a chance to win. These contests often attract attendees more interested in free stuff than genuine brand connections.

Focus on Quality Interactions:

Instead of impersonal contests, create opportunities for meaningful interaction with potential customers. It could involve a quick conversation about their needs, a fun plushie-related demo, or a social media challenge featuring your plushie.

Respect Attendee Time:

Serious trade show attendees juggle busy schedules. Keep any interaction requirements brief and engaging.

The Right Audience, the Right Reward:

Consider your target audience and what would incentivize them to participate. Would a quick product demo be more appealing than a lengthy survey?

 

 

Mistake #11: The Custom Plushie Giveaway Buffet

Leaving your plushie stash on a counter for anyone to grab cheapens their value and undermines your goal of genuine connections.

Turn Giveaways into Conversation Starters:

Develop a system that encourages interaction with your staff. It could involve:

• Displaying a Locked Showcase: Showcase a single plushie design in a locked display case. It intrigues and motivates attendees to inquire how to "unlock" their plushie companion.
• Earning the Snuggle: Offer plushies as a reward for engaging with your staff. It could involve watching a product demo, having a quick conversation about their needs, or completing a lead form.

Benefits of a Strategic Approach:

• Qualify Leads: By requiring interaction, you can focus on attendees who fit your brand.
• Maximize Interaction: The "earning" process creates opportunities for your staff to connect with potential customers and learn about their needs.
• Increased Value Perception: Having to "earn" the plushie makes it a more desirable reward, increasing its perceived value.

Mistake #12: The Fleeting Plushie Frenzy

Think of your plushie giveaways as cuddly brand ambassadors with a long shelf life! Utilize them across all stages, i.e., pre-show, during the show, and post-show.

Pre-Show Plushie Power:

• Mailer Magic: Generate excitement by mentioning your custom plushie giveaway in pre-show emails or mailers. It entices attendees to visit your booth and snag their huggable friend.

Showtime Snuggles:

• Thank You Through Plushie Hugs: Use your plushies to thank attendees for stopping by your booth and learning about your brand.

Post-Show Plushie Powerhouse:

• Rekindle the Connection: In your post-show communication, subtly remind attendees of your company by mentioning the plushie giveaway. It reinforces brand recall and keeps you top-of-mind.
• The Appreciation Snuggle: Consider offering a follow-up giveaway (perhaps a smaller or exclusive design) to a few customers and prospects. It shows appreciation for their time and interest in the show.

 

Cuddly Conversions: Don't Let Your Plushie Giveaways Be a Snooze!

Custom plushie toys can be a powerful tool to engage potential customers, generate leads, and build brand loyalty at trade shows. However, avoiding common mistakes is maximizing their impact. This guide has explored 12 cuddle catastrophes to keep at bay, ensuring your plushie giveaways become adorable brand ambassadors, not forgotten clutter.

Ready to create plushie magic for your next trade show? Look no further than EverLighten! We offer:

• 100% Customization: Design your dream plushie from concept to huggable reality!
• 100% Quality Check: We ensure every plushie meets the highest quality standards.
• Free Design Help: Need a hand bringing your plushie vision to life? Our design team is here to help!
• Worldwide Delivery: We'll get your plushie army to your trade show location, no matter where it is.
• 24/7 Support: Our team answers your questions and ensures a smooth experience.
• Unlimited Revisions: We'll work with you until your plushie design is on point.
• Low MOQ: No need to order thousands of plushies! We offer low minimum order quantities to fit your needs.

Don't let your plushie giveaways be a missed opportunity! Turn your next trade show into a lead-generating cuddle fest. Contact EverLighten today and transform your ideas into adorable brand ambassadors that win hearts!

FAQs:

Q: I have a unique plushie design. Can EverLighten still create it?

Absolutely! EverLighten offers 100% customization, so bring on your most creative plushie concepts. Let's collaborate to turn your vision into reality.

Q: I'm worried about the quality of the plushies. What guarantees do you offer?

We understand quality is crucial. EverLighten prioritizes top-notch craftsmanship. That's why we have a 100% quality check process to ensure every plushie meets our rigorous standards.

Q: I'm not sure what my plushie design should look like. Can you help?

Of course! EverLighten provides free design help. Our team of experts can assist you in crafting the perfect plushie to represent your brand.

Q: My trade show is in another country. Will you ship the plushies there?

We've got you covered! EverLighten offers worldwide delivery, ensuring your plushie army arrives at your trade show location, no matter where it is.

Q: What if I have questions or need help with my order?

EverLighten provides 24/7 support. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Q: I'm worried about making mistakes with the design. Can I make changes?

We believe in getting it just right. That's why EverLighten offers unlimited revisions. We'll work with you until your plushie design is what you envisioned.

Q: I don't need a huge order. Can I still get custom plushies?

Yes! EverLighten understands that needs vary. We offer low MOQ (minimum order quantity), so you can order the plushies you need without breaking the bank.