Specializing in specific industries is one way to grow your promo business, and as one of the largest sectors in the promo industry, education may be a great place to focus. This industry includes more than just schools, colleges and universities. Testing companies, textbook manufacturers, recruiters, tutoring companies, libraries, and school supply distributors are all potential sales opportunities. Here are some of our favorite items and ideas to achieve more sales by selling to schools and education-related businesses.

Back to School Ready

Back to school season is the second biggest shopping event annually, and practically every promo category has useful items for students. While there will always be a place for back-to-school bags, planners and writing instruments; thinking outside those traditional BTS categories will open doors for additional sales. Categories like technology (63% of back-to-school shoppers plan to buy tech items or accessories) and housewares (for college students leaving the nest) are just two areas where you can find new opportunities. [1]

back-to-school-promo-products

#32083 Bluetooth® Earbuds in Carabiner Case – These Bluetooth® 4.2 earbuds connect from up to 30 feet away and come in a convenient case with carabiner clip. Up to 2.5 hours of play time and includes volume, skip, play/pause and call answer controls.
#AP5004 PeeWee Backpack – With organization, comfort and tech features this is a great backpack for any student. The large zippered main compartment has a headphone port and interior organizer for cards and pens. The padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps help provide comfort going from class to class.
#51018 KOOZIE® Rectangle Food Container – Keep food fresh and secure in the dorm with KOOZIE® food containers. The lids are equipped with a steam release silicone plug for easy ventilation. Includes a removable triangle compartment, reusable fork, a silicone band and snap closure hinge-on lid to keep contents in place.
#BPS BIC® Pencil Solids – Wood pencils with #2 graphite lead available in a wide variety of barrel colors to match your school spirit. Large imprint area, 4”w x ¾”h and free set up.
#8201 Adult Coloring Book Planner, Academic – Take a break from class and relax with these delightful designs. A useful item for keeping your schedule organized and reducing stress while studying. Includes a 14-month July 2018 – August 2019 academic calendar.
#30728 2 GB Folding USB 2.0 Flash Drive – This USB folds inside its covering to protect the port and includes a black lanyard so it is easily accessible. Available in a wide variety of options to match school colors with 1-year warranty included.

High Potential in Higher Education

There are over 20,000 colleges and universities in the US and once students arrive at these schools, they can become walking billboards for the rest of their lives. There is plenty of opportunity beyond just the campus bookstore too. Sporting events, Greek organizations, clubs, intramural leagues, departments and employees provide an endless array of promo potential. [2]

promo-products-for-colleges-and-universities

#AP3200 A Step Ahead Messenger – Trendy charcoal gray is complemented by the pop of color on the front flap of this stylish messenger bag. The mesh water bottle pocket, organizer panel and roomy main compartment carry everything you need for a full day of classes. The headphone port keeps the tunes easily accessible while on the go.
#15567 Premium Stripe Chair – Take your tailgate seating up a notch with this folding chair. Complete with padded back and seat panels, mesh pocket and insulated pocket with attached bottle opener. Carry bag with strap included.
#46195 Lydia Sports Bottle – 20 oz. – This stylish sport bottle has a stainless steel double wall with trendy gradient coloring. Keeps drinks hot or cold for 8 hours and has a leak-proof flip lid with carrying loop.
#26111 Bold Sunglasses – These sunglasses sport UV400 protective lenses with bright and bold frames. Great for giveaways and special events and available in ten different frame color options.
#15027 Stadium Blanket – The gray fleece lining makes this a cozy option for tailgating and sporting events. This blanket folds into its own carrying case with adjustable shoulder strap, carry handle, buckle closure and front slash pocket.

Beyond the Classroom

There are many businesses outside schools that are included in the education and collegiate vertical market. From educational software developers to recruitment firms, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the benefits of promo with the 3.7 million+ employees in this growing sector. [3]

promotional-products-for-the-education-industry

#31903 ¾” Fine Print Lanyard – Includes full-color dye sublimation imprints on both sides which offers endless possibilities for corporate branding. Comes with a split ring, with bulldog clip or J-clip available for no additional charge.
#26096 Limber Cap – This six panel cap has flexible fabric that fits comfortably and is secured by an adjustable snap back closure. Six rows of stitching on the pre-curved visor gives this cap a sleek and stylish look.
#46178 KOOZIE® Hartwell Vacuum Tumbler – 20 oz. – This vacuum stainless steel double wall tumbler with copper lining will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours in style. The sleek, matte black design highlights the imprint while the leak-proof slider lid allows for easy drinking on-the-go.
#55878 Pitch Stylus Pen – The sleek modern design of this pen will appeal to any demographic! Includes a black barrel with metallic finishes and a stylus to quickly go from paper to screen.
#32178 Light UP USB Hub Organizer – Hold all your writing instruments in this desk accessory that includes four high-speed USB ports plus a phone stand. Lights up when connecting to the computer to truly highlight the imprint and elevate your desk-scape.

Visit bicgraphic.com to view more products perfectly suited to the Education and Collegiate vertical market.

These items are not intended for children (12 years of age or younger). Visit bicgraphic.com for information on CPSIA Certificates of compliance.

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