normal calenders' size doesn't fit into SFRB or other regional
boxen.
[the following questions are posted for your consideration in making decisions regarding promo materials. Don't need a reply, just for consideration-]
Do you have the same customers buying the same things for every holiday, or regularly throughout the year? (the same customer purchasing 6-8 times a year?) Which is where I would think different beads for every holiday would come into play or a hand made jam/value added item.
Are the orders all different customers all the time through the year and not so many repeat customers?
If most of your orders are one-offs, then pick a bonus item to include as you wish, make it work for multiple seasons and holidays, lightweight so as to not affect shipping rates, USEABLE!!! (key chain, Koozie, bottle opener, magnet, pen, )...but reasonable priced so you can afford a minimum order of 100 or so~....and not a handmade jam.
novelty items can be in the range of $ .15 for a koozie to 3.00 for an engraved metal key chain with LED light -vs- $9.00 for an 8 oz jar of home made jam. plus shipping. Don't include something with a $13 value for one-off orders of $20!
If you take the time and effort to make a jam, that is valuable and should be shared with valued customers and friends only. not every JoeBlow.
Other random comments~
I keep an eye on the orders and can usually recognize repeat names, even if it's from a few years ago. But not always~~~ and may include something extra or work with them to get them something extra that's not available on the website.
If I see it's to an APO/FPO often I'll upgrade to a gift box, but it's at my discretion and what I can do when I see it come through.
I price my items as fairly as possible to make it affordable to the customer and make a little profit for me. I don't have a lot of profit margin to be including a whole lot of free promo items. Including something like homemade jam is something I've done (not with jam but other hot stuff) for special customers, but rarely.
Novelty item to be included in any or all orders and special handmade items for special customers..... different customers, different orders~
hope this helps-
SL