Make customers happy with corporate gifts and promotional items.

Free branded travel coffee mug. Free gift with purchase. Free t-shirt with a gigantic logo on it that you’ll never wear. You love them all. But why? Why are we more likely to patronize a business that has handed us free stuff? According to Jerry McLaughlin, president of Branders, one of the largest sellers of corporate gifts and promotional items online, it’s all about reciprocity. When we receive something, we feel compelled to give something back. And that’s why so many places invest in branded items. Free stuff builds businesses.

Thinking of doing the same? Here’s a list of popular promotional gifts companies that can help place your business name in the hands of the masses.

1. Branders: Endorsed by the American Marketing Association, this vendor claims to be the world’s largest promotional items store, and they have low minimum order requirements.
2. Pinnacle Promotions: For a range of industries, this retailer’s “IdeaKit™” service can provide you with ideas that will help your brand get noticed.
3. 4imprint: This company was voted Great Place to Work 7 years in a row. They boast free samples, free art assistance, and ultra-fast service.
4. Discount Mugs: This vendor sells more than just mugs. In business for 20 years, they can brand everything from glassware to magnets to lip balm.
5. Empire Promotional Products: Featuring eco-friendly and energy conservation promos, this retailer also offers free rush service on 1000s of items.
6. Norwood Promotional Products: A subsidiary of BIC USA, Inc., this supplier has been in business for 25 years and offers a wide variety of decoration methods.
7. Hit Promotional Products: With the slogan Delivering Design on a Budget, this retailer has been in business over 50 years and has won numerous industry awards.
8. Staples: This popular office supplies store has a promotional products division boasting the highest credibility in the industry, and consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.
9. Vista Print: Not just for stationery and business cards, this vendor sells everything from branded clothing to travel mugs.
10. Quality Logo Products: This company features highly qualified representatives, receiving over 200 hours of training to ensure that your promotional product order is top shelf.
11. Promo Direct: This retailer features free artwork, 24-hour service, and free shipping and set-up on select orders.
12. Amsterdam Printing: This business originated in 1898, going from a one-man print shop to a leader in laser-engraved promotional products.
13. E-Promos: Offering over 15,000 products, this vendor has been around for 15 years and has options to fit any budget.
14. 4 All Promos: With a guarantee that states “If you are not satisfied with your order when it arrives, we’ll make it right either by rerunning your order or by refunding your payment,” it’s hard to go wrong with this vendor.
15. Lands’ End: The business outfitters division of this popular retailer offers wear-tested clothing, expert embroidery, and offers products to fit every body type.
16. Positive Promotions: This vendor specializes in turnkey solutions for promotional, educational, health and wellness, safety, recognition, and reward activities.
17. EmbroidMe: This global franchise specializes in embroidery, garment printing, screen printing, and more.
18. HALO Branded Solutions: With over 60 years’ experience, this company offers a custom product configurator that will guide you through the customization process right on their site.
19. Motivators: Focused on creating the ideal shopping experience, this vendor features branding buying guides on what to look for when shopping, what to avoid, and how to choose.