Plug and Play

BLACK FRIDAY HAS come and gone, and if you missed out on all the good doorbusters—the 90" flat screen at a price "too low to print," the next-generation gaming console you swear is "for the kids" but everybody knows the truth—then you've come to the right place. No, we don't have inside tips on where to find all the hot tech items you woke up too late to snag, but we do have inside tips from industry experts on how to sell promotional electronics and accessories. Read on for the low-down on the most popular items, the future of promotional electronics and more from Scott Pearson, vice president of merchandise and design, Sweda Company LLC, City of Industry, Calif.; CJ Schmidt, vice president of sales, Hit Promotional Products, Largo, Fla.; and Kim Gasparini, sales manager, Numo, Kaufman, Texas.

Promo Marketing (PM): What kinds of electronics or electronics accessories do you see used most often as promotional items? What makes these items so popular or effective? What are some new electronics-related products or trends that you're particularly excited about, and what makes them exciting or worthwhile?

Scott Pearson: Power banks and listening accessories such as headphones, earbuds and speakers have made a big jump in popularity. They're a desired gift due to the functionality and usefulness of the items. These are items that users are keeping with them every day—a big value for cost per impression.

CJ Schmidt: Items that can be used on the go and for several different types of phones or devices are the most popular right now. Most of these items are compact, which enables the user to grab a small charger and throw it in their car, travel bag, purse or briefcase, and has taken away the need to search for outlets while traveling. In addition, many items are now compatible with almost any Bluetooth-enabled device, which covers a broad array of recipients. The convenience factor makes these items appealing to all demographics.