Having done the hard part and achieved those elusive new customers, this is prime time to make sure they return, and also refer you to their colleagues, friends and family.

By giving away promotional items with every new purchase, you can thank your new customer, show them you care and send your branding away with them into their homes or workplaces where it will be seen every day, increasing brand awareness, and acting as a constant reminder of your gratitude for the new business.

Point of sale giveaways are more likely to be appreciated and used if they are tailored specifically to the item being purchased. For example:

Travel agents: Customers booking a holiday will find branded promotional items like luggage tags, passport holders, travel folders and travel games very useful for their journey.

Motor industry: Gifting candidates on passing a driving test with promotional items for their new car like keyrings, tax disc holders and ice scrapers says congratulations as well as thank you.

Wine merchants: corkscrews and bottle openers make a handy gift that will be retained and used again and again.

Gyms: Water bottles, stop watches and gym bags all make excellent membership freebies that will have a high retention factor and will be considered a useful gift by your new member.

This is just a small selection of examples where giving away promotional items to new customers can help keep your brand in their minds and make them more likely to return and refer your business to others.