Category: Years of Service Award Programs

Years of Service Award Programs

Spotlighting Merchandise Rewards

September 8, 2016 by

spotlighting merchandise rewardsSmall businesses are experiencing high levels of success utilizing incentive programs that feature merchandise rewards, according to a recent IMRA (Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Alliance) survey/study.  The survey was conducted in partnership with the IRF (Incentive Research Foundation) and focused on companies with between $1 million and $50 million in annual sales.

IMRA found that 55% of U.S. small businesses use merchandise rewards, and 72% of them reported moderate to significant growth.  According to the report, distribution of rewards is consistent with larger companies, using merchandise for reward/recognition/appreciation of employees (89%), salespeople (87%), distributors (83%) and customers (80%).  Top merchandise rewards are awarded for a variety of objectives, including customer gifts (60%), top performers (59%) and sales quotas (53%).

The target audience responded quite favorably about the effectiveness of merchandise rewards –

  • Our merchandise incentives work: they influence morale: 82%
  • The merchandise we include is fresh and interesting: 77%
  • Merchandise as reward is an effective motivator: 80%
  • We provide merchandise rewards as additional, “different” benefit besides compensation: 76%
  • The merchandise rewards we provide reflect who we are as a company: 71%
  • We are satisfied with the way our merchandise incentives work: 76%
  • Our merchandise incentives work – they influence behavior: 70%
  • Merchandise rewards are more memorable than cash: 61%

Companies are using a wide mix of award types, including apparel, electronics, food/beverage, housewares, sporting goods, cameras, watches, clocks and luggage.  Only 5% responded that they utilized gift cards/cash.

Program Rewards are Only Part of the Solution

This report confirms the value of utilizing merchandise rewards for incentive and recognition initiatives, but rewards are but a part of the overall solution.  Successful incentive and recognition programs are built around a clear understanding of objectives, solid program management tools and technology, and effective communication.  Half of the target audience in this study run points-based merchandise reward programs.

For a rewarding experience, contact us today and learn more about our incentive and recognition solutions.  Click here to review the full IMRA Small Business Merchandise Market Study.

Taking Incentive Programs Back to School

August 26, 2014 by

As I travel around the country these days, I encounter the unmistakable signs of the “back-to-school” season – more traffic, football games, advertisements for school supplies and less crowded airplanes, just to name a few. It’s been a couple of years since our family has experienced this rite of passage first-hand – and I must… Read more »

Summer – A Time for Engagement

July 28, 2014 by

Engage. Engaged. Engagement. Right now, this word seems to be very popular among many organizations. How to engage employees? How to keep employees engaged? How to manage the engagement of employees? For most businesses engagement is defined as “an emotional connection an employee feels toward his or her employment organization, which tends to influence his… Read more »

Building Trust with Program Communications

March 27, 2014 by

The design of any recognition or incentive program should be based on thoughtful consideration of the program’s purpose and potential for positive change.  Clearly defined, measurable objectives further increase the odds for successful results.  In addition, you must employ effective program communications to inform, engage and motivate program participants. QIC’s IncenTrac online points platform is… Read more »

Effective Communications Improve Engagement

March 4, 2014 by

Effective communications are instrumental to the success of any business, organization or enterprise.  As Rob Miklas colorfully illustrates in this post – A Smoother Flight with Effective Program Communications – without effective communications your recognition or incentive program will most likely never reach its full potential. Like regular announcements from the flight deck, pertinent program… Read more »