67 replies to this topic

[ProPrinters]

I have left the promotional products industry! After 5 years of this business I have decided that it's not where it is at.

I am now in the sales promotion business. I am in the agency business. Promotional products are just one tool in my kit to help me solve my customers problems. I have other tools, such as print, contests, online games etc, all to meet the needs of clients today in a very consultative manner.

It feels great!

[adupromo4u]

Until I get my IRA back on track...
Until it's not fun anymore!

[Wimco123]

Been doing this part time for about 40 yrs. ( am now 70). Love this business, people contact etc. and figure on keeping on selling until I "Belly Up" (die). My wife says I have a weird way with words! Wes :)

[DBeavers]

July marks my 25 anniversary in business, selling promotional advertising as an Independent Agent. I started with Newton Mfg. and began my association with K & B over 16 years ago. My business has provided my families sole or primary income since July '87, when I made this my full-time career.

I plan on retiring on my 97th birthday, provided I don't reach room temperature sometime in the 41 years before that event.

I love this industry and cannot see myself as ever returning to employee status.

Dennis

[ben]

sales have gone up lately but I am working on the closeout/liquidation business. anyone have any leads?

Thanks.

Ben

[DBeavers]

sales have gone up lately but I am working on the closeout/liquidation business. anyone have any leads?

Thanks.

Ben

Target customers south of the Canadian border. Lots of former Chrysler, Pontiac, and other GM dealerships had to liquidate. But maybe that wasn't the kind of liquidation business you are looking for.

Dennis

[ben]

Dennis, thanks for your response but I am looking for products like retail items. Tools, home decor, health and beauty aids. Pricing preferred at pennies on the dollar.

Ben

[ProPrinters]

Late last year, and finally in March of this year I decided to leave the promotional PRODUCTS industry! That's right the PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

I am not selling product, I am selling PROMOTIONS, campaigns, ideas to help grow my clients business, and promotional products are one of the tools in the bag to do such.

Since I sell games, contests with prizes etc, I offer turnkey solutions, rules writing, prize fulfillment etc. They are larger sales, with solid margins.

Derek

[ben]

someone once told me that I don't sell promotional products. I sell vactions, free time etc. In my opinion, 6 of one half a dozen of another. If people want to buy promos, why say we sell something else? Just never got it.

Ben

[a1promo]

I am in it for as long as Obama will allow me to make a decent living.

Kay

[DT868]

I think that this is a GREAT topic. This industry is great, it has its ups an downs. I have been in th eindustry for 8 years, and love it! Goal is not to leave it!

[admar7]

Relationships and money are too good to leave right now.. it's taken years to build my base that is still growing, and i dont want to walk away.. i enjoy manifesting campaigns for my clients, and seeing the entire process come to fruition...

[Linda]

I will stay in this business, until they take me out in my Custom Printed Coffin! Until then, I'll make sure I get a self-promo cane, or my self promo bag hanging on my walker.

I'll be the one in the Motor Home, with my self-promo artwork on the side, traveling all the states with my husband when he retires, hopefully in 6 years!

I'll see the sights, entering orders on my laptop with satellite card in between, stopping in at every bank in every town to collect my never ending
$$ from my never ending orders, becuase all the Top 40 distributors went out of business, cause they bought each other out, and the last one standing couldn't handle the financing! Tee-hee!

[DBeavers]

I will stay in this business, until they take me out in my Custom Printed Coffin!

Did you find the Custom Printed Coffins at CPI (Custom Crest) or CPS (Keystone)?

Batesville Casket is a division of SCI - one of the largest funeral industry service providers in the US. As a vendor to SCI, maybe I'll qualify for a discount if they do the imprinting.

At least I know I can have a custom embroidered BASSCO, Inc. pillow to rest on in mine.

Dennis

[DBeavers]

Linda,

Three weeks ago, we closed our office for 10 days. During our two days in Houston, I processed 3 orders that came by email and voice mail.

The during our visit to Ireland, I received a faxed PO, so I handled my first order from offshore. Usually is the suppliers who are offshore. I used my MOBAL internation cell phone to follow-up on my email to complete the order.

I think we handed 3 or more orders during our New England vacation two years ago.

All these using hotel or B & B internet or cafe WI-FI.

A couple more practice trips and we may be able to join you on the road, provided we pick up an RV. Could be a few of those available at distressed prices about now.

Dennis

[Linda]

We could have a traveling Promotional Business caravan of rv's. At night, we could sit around a bonfire, typing away, entering orders on our laptops, while our significant others sit on top of the money bags!

[DBeavers]

Linda,

If you can do the artwork on the road, I won't even need to send it to India.

[ridety]

We could have a traveling Promotional Business caravan of rv's. At night, we could sit around a bonfire, typing away, entering orders on our laptops, while our significant others sit on top of the money bags!

Nice way with words. Funny!

[rosec]

253 days...too old...too crabby....got to go fishing! Set the retirement date!!!!


Rose

[QStitch]

Done it for 10 years and still going!