Sales teams spend a lot of time thinking about how to get through the door.
Perhaps they should also think about what they leave behind.
A brochure might be read once. A business card can disappear into a drawer. But a quality branded umbrella could still be promoting your company months — or even years — after the original meeting.
That's why promotional umbrellas can be surprisingly effective tools for businesses with customer-facing sales teams.
More Than Just a Free Gift
The best corporate gifts don't feel like promotional merchandise.
They feel useful.
Handing an important customer a quality umbrella after a meeting creates a very different impression from giving them another pen or inexpensive giveaway.
There's genuine value to it.
And because an umbrella is something almost everyone needs at some point, there's a good chance it will actually be used.
That's when the marketing starts.
Perfect for Client Meetings
Imagine your sales representative has just finished a successful meeting.
Outside, it's pouring with rain.
Rather than simply shaking hands and leaving, they can say:
"We've got one of our umbrellas in the car — take it with you."
It's a small gesture, but potentially a memorable one.
Your customer then walks away carrying your branding.
More importantly, that promotional umbrella may stay in their car, office or home ready for the next rainy day.
Ideal for Sales Teams on the Road
Branded umbrellas aren't only useful as customer gifts.
They're also practical equipment for the sales team itself.
Property developers, estate agents, construction companies, recruitment businesses, automotive companies and many other organisations regularly have staff travelling between appointments.
Matching corporate umbrellas can help create a professional, consistent appearance when employees arrive at meetings, exhibitions, site visits or outdoor events.
Instead of turning up carrying a random umbrella bought from a supermarket, they're carrying part of the company's brand identity.
Golf Days and Corporate Events
Corporate golf remains another obvious opportunity.
A large promotional golf umbrella combines practicality with an enormous branding area.
Give one to customers attending your golf day and your logo could potentially appear around the course throughout the event.
And unlike temporary event signage, the umbrella goes home with the customer afterwards.
The advertising doesn't end when the event does.
Make the Branding Worth Noticing
An umbrella also gives businesses far more creative space than many traditional promotional products.
You can keep things understated with a smart corporate logo on one or two panels, use contrasting corporate colours, print multiple panels or create something much more dramatic with a bespoke full-canopy design.
The right choice depends on your brand and your audience.
Put Your Brand in Their Hands
Sales is about relationships, visibility and being remembered.
A promotional umbrella can contribute to all three.
At Promotional Umbrellas, we supply printed and branded umbrellas to UK businesses, with options ranging from compact folding umbrellas to premium walking umbrellas, storm-resistant golf models and fully bespoke designs.
So, next time your sales team heads out to meet an important customer, consider giving them something extra to take along.
Because sometimes the most effective piece of marketing is the one your customer takes home with them.