The SCOODA Quick Read – Planning Ahead this Financial Year

Developing a business plan that articulates clear targets is important for your business’ success. How and where you intend to attract and engage with your customers is an essential part of every business plan.

By considering and scheduling your use of branded collateral, you can maximise its impact and related business benefits, whilst minimising cost. For example, knowing the points in the year your organisation plans to distribute branded material allows your marketing team to order early. This opens up additional ranges to choose from and alternate lower cost delivery options.

Will you distribute Christmas or End of Year Gifts? Do you have Trade Shows or Conferences scheduled? Will generic material be available for your sales team to hand out at client appointments? Is it worthwhile producing some uniform pieces for your team? Is there any potential for selling your branded materials for profit or for fundraising purposes?

As part of the preparation process, assessing what various departments or divisions may need allows you to identify overlap in purchasing. Price per unit is generally lower on large volume orders. Coordinating the purchasing process by ordering as a group, and in advance, creates a significant cost saving opportunity. Collaboration and transparency between business units will lead to improvements in your marketing initiatives and may uncover new ideas and areas for growth.

Understanding your branded product requirements will also allow the allocation of appropriate funds. As previously mentioned, these funds can be maximised by purchasing goods with longer lead times and by bulk buying for better economies of scale. Longer lead times also mean you will be less likely to be exposed to issues such as stock shortages and freight delays. Extended time frames may also allow for the purchasing of factory direct items, custom made products, or bulk batch decoration of a variety of products.

To receive delivery of sea freighted, factory direct items, at your business by early December - for distribution of a Christmas Gift program - orders need to be confirmed by late August. If a physical pre-production sample is required, additional time is needed for production and delivery of the sample prior to order confirmation. Custom apparel can take several weeks to design and a minimise of 3-4 weeks to produce. These examples highlight the importance of pre-planning your marketing initiatives.

Planning supports informed decision making and allows greater flexibility. Brainstorm ideas and schedule your branded merchandise for the year ahead with the help of an experienced promotional products distributor.