Goodies vs Flyers: which one should you choose for a successful promo campaign?
When a brand wants to make a lasting impression — at an event, a trade show, or in the street — it usually turns to two tried-and-tested options: flyers or goodies. Both are useful promotional tools, and often complementary, but with a limited budget — as is often the case for short-term activations — a strategic choice must be made. Which one delivers the greatest impact? Let’s break it down for you.
Flyers: fast results, short lifespan
Flyers are a classic tool: cheap to print in bulk (around €0.05 to €0.20 per unit) and great for delivering a clear, direct message — a promo, an invite, or a special offer.
But be careful: they’re often ignored or discarded. A 2022 study by Two Sides Europe showed that 88% of flyers distributed in the street are binned within 5 minutes. To work, a flyer must be:
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well-designed (eye-catching, easy to read),
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handed out by the right person (tone and timing matter),
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and ideally offered to someone who’s open to receiving it.
At Xtravia, we know this well: a brand ambassador can make or break your flyer campaign. A well-briefed, friendly, enthusiastic person can turn a flyer into a real conversion tool. But it requires experience and training.
Goodies: staying in your customer’s daily life
A goodie is a branded item — fun or useful — that carries your logo or message. Think pens, tote bags, fans, sweets, stickers, even condoms (yes, very common at festivals!).
Why do they work? Because a goodie, when useful, becomes part of daily life. It won’t be thrown away — it’s seen, used, remembered. According to the French promotional products federation (2FPCO):
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76% of people keep promotional items they receive,
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and 55% still remember the brand 6 months later.
The downside? Cost — between €0.50 and €3 per item, depending on the type and quantity. Plus, there’s logistics to handle: stock, transport, distribution. Once again, your promo staff plays a key role in making that encounter count.
Flyers or goodies? It all depends on your goal
If your goal is to reach a large audience fast, or promote a limited-time offer, flyers are your best ally: affordable, scalable, quick to distribute. However, they have a very short shelf life if not handed out with care.
Goodies are more expensive, but they offer long-term visibility. A well-chosen item sticks around in someone’s life and strengthens brand perception. It takes more planning, but the result can be worth it.
In short: go for flyers for immediate reach, choose goodies for lasting brand impact — or combine both for maximum results.
What if you didn’t have to choose alone?
The success of your campaign isn’t just about the material. It’s about how your message is delivered. That’s where Xtravia comes in.
For over 10 years, we’ve been selecting and training brand ambassadors, flexi-jobbers and students to carry messages with energy and authenticity. From flyer distribution at festivals to product promo in stores, booth animation at trade fairs, street marketing, or campus sampling — we have the right profiles and the expertise to help you choose the best approach.
Ready to launch your campaign?
Contact us via xtravia.be and discover our flexible staffing services in events, retail, hospitality and promotion.
