Supplies That Just Won’t Quit
Flexibility and dual functionality are highly valued on the desktop. Office supplies that have multiple uses are popular because they take up less space while getting used more often.

“Real estate on a desk is in such high demand,” says Wendy Simons, vice president of sales and marketing for International Merchandise Concepts (UPIC: IMC1). “If you combine a clock


Leather accessories such as the Sedona Desktop Valet from Leed’s can make an elegant statement and fulfill multiple functions. This particular design includes a sewn paperweight with “in” and “out” debossed on each side and valet compartments for storage. Photo courtesy of Leed’s

with a business card holder, you kill two birds with one stone. People want to simplify and have items that are multi-functional.”

Low-tech, flexible items with universal appeal, such as storage containers, are also hot items. “Nobody works the same way anymore,” says Allison Gower, president of The Platform Group Gallery (UPIC: PLATFORM). “Everyone organizes differently. Distributors and their clients want pieces that can be used and reused in many different ways.”

Don’t overlook packaging when putting together office supply promotions. When carefully chosen, imprinted packages can have a second life holding office supplies and personal items, and they may be more likely to stay in public view.

“We do foam inserts designed for secondary use so the advertiser gets stickier, longer-lasting exposure,” Gower explains. “Hanging file boxes, magazine files, CD files, boxes...the concept of office and desktop storage has changed so much. These boxes are colorful, bright and logo-printed. They’re not going to be thrown away.”
Maximize Exposure
The ultimate goal for promotional office supplies is to get them to stay on the desktop, on display, or to be carried around by the worker. To that end, distributors should always consider:

Quality – Higher quality items are more likely to be displayed on the desktop or used in the home office.

Design – Items featuring a clean design and functionality will stick around.

Dual Functionality – A pen isn’t just a pen anymore—it can also be a flashlight. Office supplies that serve more than one purpose are more likely to command a piece of desktop real estate.

Personality – Office supplies in unusual designs, colors, shapes and textures get attention. When they resonate with an individual, they will be displayed proudly.

Portability – Items that travel with someone—either around the office, from home to office, or out of town—create opportunities for more impressions. Folders, portfolios, USB drives and pens all fit within this category.