Giving Away Branded Merchandise

I’ve been considering a few different traditional marketing methods for my company and clients.  One of the concepts is built around branded merchandise, and I’m curious if any other freelancers think that this is an effective way to promote your business.

I love free merchandise.  If I have 50 pens, and you offer me a free one, I’m going to say “yes please!”  My concern is that once I’ve put your pen in with the other 50, I am not likely to stumble across your pen anytime soon, so it might be a long time before that pen makes me think of your brand.  That being said, the act of giving me the pen in the first place has given me that warm and fuzzy feeling about you and your business.  Is it worth it to you?

Here are a few links for some companies that do reasonably priced branded swag:

BestpromoProducts – Lots of choices and the prices seem reasonable.  Offices in USA, Canada, and Overseas

CommercialMarketing – Tonnes of choices on the home page, from apparel to writing instruments – but you have to login to see any products or prices.  Horrible music on the home page video…

Jem Promotional Products – With over 10,000 products, there’s bound to be something that meets your needs here.  From awards and trophies to Workwear – and they’ve got a “Green & Clean” section, if you’re thinking of an eco friendly option.

What are your thoughts?  Waste of money or effective marketing?