Take a look at your desk. If it’s anything like mine, you probably have a cup full of pens, pencils, and markers at the ready for taking notes, signing forms, and more. And chances are that at least some of your pens or pencils are branded promotional pieces.

You might not realize this, but the promotional products industry has a long history. Do you know that history? Take this quiz to find out.

1. The history of promotional products goes a long way back, and got its start in US elections. What year’s election saw the first commemorative button?

A) 1789 - George Washington

B) 1792 - George Washington

C) 1796 - John Adams

D) 1800 - Thomas Jefferson

2. That wasn’t the end of campaign buttons. Who was the first presidential candidate to have the image of their face featured on a button?

A) Andrew Jackson

B) Abraham Lincoln

C) Teddy Roosevelt

D) Ulysses S. Grant

3. Promotional products have been around for a long time, but one businessman is most often credited as the first to produce them commercially in the late 1800s. What was his name?

A) George Eastman - photographer

B) Jeremiah Lanphier - missionary

C) Jasper Meek - newspaper man

D) Cecil Rhodes - diamond speculator

4. Sometimes promotional products are popular enough to become products on their own. Which of these products got their start as a promotional offer?

A) Hall’s cough drops

B) McDonalds hamburgers

C) Singer sewing needles

D) Wrigley’s chewing gum

5. Writing utensils like pens and pencils are some of the most effective promotional products around. How many times are pens used every day?

A) 3 to 4 times per day.

B) 1 to 2 times per day.

C) 11 to 12 times per day.

D) 6 to 7 times per day.

ANSWERS:

1) A. The first promotional item in US history was a commemorative button made for George Washington in the election of 1789.

2) B. Abraham Lincoln was the first presidential candidate to have his face featured on a campaign button.

3) C. In the late 1800s, Jasper Meek wanted to keep his newspaper presses running during slow times. He then started printing burlap bags with advertising messages. A local shoe store then gave them to school children to promote his business.

4) D. Believe it or not, Wrigley’s sold baking powder before their promotional gum became a smash hit. Their baking powder was also a promotional product that was a hit; they originally sold soap.

5) A. Logoed pens are used an average of 3 to 4 times per day throughout their lifetime.  According to ASI, 68% of consumers in the Midwest own a logoed pen (more than any other region of the US!)

Here are a few more stats about using pens and pencils as a promotional tool. 

Democrats are more likely to own a logoed pen, with 74% of them owning them  when compared to 65% of Republicans. More women than men own logoed pens in the United States, though the gap is smaller than it was between political parties. 58% of women own logoed pens compared to 54% of men. 

The cost per impression in the United States is less than 1/10 of a cent—that’s a lot of views per penny!

The promotional products industry has come a long way since the commemorative buttons in the 1789 election. With nationwide trade organizations, trade shows, and publications, it is now a booming business, and we’re happy to be a part of it!

What’s the most memorable promotional product you have ever received? How did you do on the quiz? Hit reply and let me know!

Put your name on something! Check these out!

https://ahgrafix.dcpromosite.com/