The real costs of advertising

[Katymac]

I had this bright idea

I would get hessian bags & print them with my logo/phone no & give them to all my childminded children; for them to bring their spare clothes/nappies/bottles etc in (partly because I was getting large bags I couldn't store easily during the day & partly as when parents were out & about they might use my bag & I'd get a bit of free advertising

Great worked well but everyone wants one(my SIL, someone gave theirs away & wants a replacement, parents want 2 etc)

So I have about 3 left out of 50 & I only have 17 children.

So if I get more printed & I get asked for them again should I charge for them

Problems:
They cost quite a lot & if the people who had them for free find out will they feel guilty?
Will people resent paying as other people got them for free?

Should I just grit my teeth & hand them out for free?

the logo bugs are probably better as they have the cute factor am trying to push my business atm too

'logo bugs'?

Bump to get more opinions

I think the bags sound great - a really good maketing idea!

Here is my opinion: I wouldn't get bags printed as a response to customer pressure - because they're a marketing tool not a product. If and when it suits you, for marketing purposes (eg you want to attract more mindees) to do another lot, then note the demand this time and print a few more. Maybe there is a lesson from the world of designer handbags hidden in here somewhere too - scarcity makes them (appear) more valuable.

Bearing in mind it's a marketing exercise, if it were me I would absorb the cost myself. However, I guess there is a whole industry - the branding industry - devoted to getting people to buy stuff with company logos on - so maybe they wouldn't agree with me.

That makes lots of sense - however I have new children starting so I need to sort it out now iyswim

I agree about keeping a record about who has them in future - that is really good

I guess you are right about not charging....but it is a pain