Sometimes there are leftover products after your event or trade show, it’s to be expected. It is always better to have too much than too little.
But what is the best thing to do with these leftovers or old products that are no longer useable?
Glad you asked, like you, we hate things being wasted!
So here are some helpful tips and uses that you should consider for the next time this happens to you.
1. Repurpose
Your event is over, you’re exhausted but the day was a huge success. Ohh, but it looks like there is some promo merchandise leftover and your co-worker is slowly making their way to the bin with them. Hold it right there you exclaim. With your newly acquired thrifty promo knowledge, you know this is not the smart play.
Here are some possible ideas we should use them for instead:
- Gift them to employees or new starters
- Give them to customers as a gift with purchase
- Surprise walk-ins with them as a giveaway item
- Give them to courier drivers
- Reuse them at your next event
- Add them to gift baskets or raffle prizes
- Give them as a prize for competitions or on social media
2. Donate
In the office, we frequently get unbranded samples sent to us, so we can be 100% confident in the quality of products before we sell them. They also are shown to clients for ideas or suggestions.
Over time these do add up and we eventually have no use for them. Our favourite thing to do with these items is to donate them to the local Vinnies. It’s a win-win and ensures nothing goes to waste.
After all “One man’s trash is another mans treasure.”
Other great ideas for donations include:
- Schools (stationery items are usually popular)
- Put a listing online using Gumtree or Facebook
- Local charities
- Sporting teams (drink bottles work well here)
- Second Hand/Thrift Stores
- Local artists may also find use in old promotional products
3. Recycle
Reduce, reuse and then recycle.
Even though it’s going to be better to donate or repurpose them sometimes this is the final option. It is also going to be the last stop for old promotional products.
Ask yourself if the product can be recycled. Here is a convenient list on what can and can’t be recycled in Australia.
There are plenty of locations for your to recycle items including tote bag bins at the supermarket, your standard curb side recycling bin or containers for change depots.
Alternatively you can repurpose these items in a number of creative ways:
- Recycle them in art pieces
- Turn them into something else such as a drink bottle into a flower pot
- Use old apparel as rags in the garage or for painting
- Some items may also be compostable
Summing Up
Just about the worst thing you can do with leftover promotional merchandise is to just throw them out. There are so many better options for the planet and your marketing ROI as you’ve just read.
When you’re faced with old or leftover promotional products look to repurpose, donate and then recycle. If you’re interested in learning more about eco-friendly promotional products you can read our guide. Or get in contact with us to organise promo for your next event or promo campaign.
Matt has spent over eight years in Australia’s promotional products industry. As part of the Promotion Products marketing team, he manages product catalogues and content, keeping brands up to date with what’s new and what works. A contributor to the APPA Magazine, Matt brings practical insight into how quality merch helps businesses stand out.