A Study in Stress

Stress relievers: surprisingly complex items. Not in the sense of what they are (a vaguely circular thing you squeeze as a kind of calming fidget), but in how they're sold (a squishy thing with no function, outside of being squishy, that people will nevertheless still care enough about to make the items a functional marketing tool). Unlike tumblers, tote bags and other highly practical promotional items, stress reducers don't connect as easily to the idea of "basic everyday tool" that can be a useful part of a sales pitch. Not that a stress reliever's use isn't obvious, but for a client who is new to promotional products, it can be easy for them to look at a stress ball and say, "Why would I pay money for this goofy little squishy thing?"

It's a question that any salesperson should be prepared for in any pitch, but for stress relievers at least, the answer is fairly easy. Make your client believe in the compelling imagery a stress reducer can provide, and also offer some ideas on how the items can be used in a creative, brand-building way beyond the basic "cute thing you squeeze when you're feeling nervous."

To get you started, some of the industry's biggest stress reducer suppliers have named their favorite stress reducer designs and provided creative case studies to help you take these items from cutesy desk item to potent marketing product.