Top 4 Products We No Longer Recommend (And What to Use Instead)

We’ve been supplying promotional merchandise across Australia for well over a decade. In that time, we’ve seen certain products perform brilliantly — and others, not so much. This article is about the latter.

Whether it’s due to changing client needs, shifting workplace habits, or low repeat orders, we occasionally stop recommending certain items. Not because we don’t sell them — we still do — but because we want your budget to work smarter.

Here are four promotional items we no longer recommend, along with better alternatives that offer greater visibility, utility, and long-term brand value.

1. Throat Lozenges

Why don’t they work anymore?

Once seen as a hygienic and practical giveaway at conferences, branded lozenges have lost their appeal. They’re:

• They are favoured less than jelly beans and lollipops
• Less appealing post-COVID 

Although they’re inexpensive, they’re rarely reordered. Sales data indicate that lozenges now account for less than 0.1% of our promotional orders.

Try this instead:

Personalised Mint tins or mint rolls or reusable custom travel mugs. Mint tins last longer and can be displayed on desks or in bags with your logo still visible. Reusable mugs offer branding visibility multiple times a day — and show off your eco values too.

2. Clocks

Why don’t they work anymore?

They’ve gone the way of the fax machine. With most people checking the time on their phones, clocks — especially plastic ones — no longer feel essential. They also require more branding setup time and cost, with minimal long-term ROI.

Our internal team has noted a 90% decline in clock orders over the past three years.

Try this instead:

Wireless chargers branded with your logo or branded desk organisers. These are functional, sleek, and align better with modern tech-heavy workspaces. Bonus: people don’t just see them — they use them.

3. Ice Scrapers

Why don’t they work anymore?

This one’s all about geography. Most of Australia doesn’t experience frost. These made sense for colder climates, but our data shows zero reorders outside of Canberra and select ACT-based events.

Try this instead:

Logo-branded Car sunshades, corporate printed first-aid kits, or boot organisers. All still fit into a vehicle-themed campaign, but are helpful for your Australian customers.

4. Novelty Pens with Low Levels of Ink

Why do we avoid them?

Many novelty pens come with lower levels of ink flow inside the barrel. As a result from a purely functional point of view they have less of an appeal. Visually a novelty pen is still brilliant to attract attention though.

Try this instead:

Personalised Metal pens with laser engraving. They’re sturdy, feel premium, and showcase your logo in a sleek, long-lasting finish. Additionally, they remain budget-friendly in bulk.

But Wait — You Still Sell These?

Yep. And that’s intentional. We recognise that in niche situations — such as cold climates, specific industries, or event themes — some of these products still have a place. But unless they’re part of a very targeted campaign, we recommend steering toward more effective, modern alternatives.

Want Help Choosing the Right Promo Products?

We don’t just sell branded items — we help businesses get real results from them. Contact us to explore custom branding options, request a quote, or schedule a meeting with one of our Creative Directors today.

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