Market Data: Government Statistics

June 11, 2008

• 2.7 million: Total full-time U.S. government employees as of 2006. Part-time employees total 2.4 million.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

• 16.1 million: Total full-time state and local government employees as of 2006.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau

• $50 million: The marketing budget of the Air Force Recruit Services division (up from $15 million just a few years ago).
Source: Department of the Air Force

• 11,000: Number of companies that have a Government Service Agency (GSA) schedule.
Source: Government Marketing Best Practices

• 60%: Over 60% of the dollars awarded through GSA Schedules in FY 2005 went to fewer than 5% of the companies that have schedules.
Source: Government Marketing Best Practices

Add Spas to Rejuvenate Your Client List
The growing spa industry offers promotional products distributors a wealth of potential clients.
Where are you as you're surrounded by the sounds of a cool stream, the scent of flowers and the feeling you just might be in heaven? Well, it's not actual heaven, of course — but you're close. The soothing scents, sounds and surroundings of a spa are where more and more people go to rest, renew and rejuvenate.
December 08, 2008

DIGITAL EDITION

Buckle Up for a Thrill Ride
The decorated apparel industry, despite substantial challenges in the U.S. economy, is alive and…well, we could be doing better. Wall Street — and the economy in general — are on a wild roller coaster as the credit crunch continues and decorated apparel is not exempt. While no one can predict the future with certainty, this survey-based analysis suggests we'll be along for the ride, but perhaps on a smaller coaster that doesn't rise as high or plunge as fast as the monster whipsawing the rest of the U.S. economy.
December 01, 2008

How to Target Professional Niches
When selling promotional products to professionals, keep in mind that most want more than a vendor. They want a marketing partner.
Professionals such as attorneys, doctors and financial advisors are all experts in their respective fields. But what they need is an expert in the promotional products field.
November 21, 2008

Revving Up in the Automotive Industry
Though automobile sales may be declining, many dealerships are looking for promotional products to give a much-needed boost.
“People can have the Model T in any color — so long as it's black,” said Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Co. Although Ford might have been onto something with the Model T, it’s a good thing the idea didn’t catch on for promotional products, particularly in the automotive industry.
November 10, 2008

Reaching Out to Religious Institutions
Selling promotional products to religious entities requires direct targeting and building relationships.
John Bagwell knows marketing to religious entities is different than marketing to any other customer. When Dallas-based Bagwell Promotions created a Web site just for reaching out to churches, Bagwell took the utmost care to make sure the site reflected the market he was trying to reach, going through the online catalog to eliminate any items that didn't fit the mission of the new site.
October 27, 2008