Our Philosophy

Identity

Everyone is looking for the best way to separate themselves from the competition...to stand out from the rest...to cut through the clutter, so meaningful communication can take place.

Promotional marketing, or dimensional advertising has proven to be a long-lived, cost effective form of advertising that helps promote and communicate ideas, products, and services.

Idea Reps, a promotional products distributor in Highland Park, IL, was founded in 1948. Our 58 years of experience include marketing and sales experience on the "client side". In fact, prior to coming into Idea Reps, everyone of us have had corporate sales and marketing experience. We've actually been in your shoes, so we understand your need for creative, new ideas and quick, thorough service.

If only we could just flip a switch for brilliant ideas, we'd magically have effective campaigns at our disposal at any time. Unfortunately, most promotional product distributors would rather use an old idea than slug out a new one. The inability to think creatively and quickly accounts for most of the sameness prevalent in the promotional business.

Fortunately, thinking is one of the hardest but best things we do for our clients. We have an identity that allows us to stand out from the rest and we can help you create your own. Because we have experienced the power of well thought out ideas and the impact that those ideas can have on your marketing effort, we are willing to sweat out with you those unique concepts that solve your promotional problem and set you apart from the rest.

We know we must put in the extra effort to find or create the special article that will build your sales, your loyalty, and your profitability. In other words, accomplish your objectives. That's the process we've been using for 58 years. We realize that if we don't understand your objectives, we won't stand apart from our competition and neither will you. So we take time to understand your goals and to make the visible difference for you to remember, and that is what we call partnership.

Partnership

Rather than trying to sell you the latest new item or our favorite things, we work very hard to earn your trust and establish credibility so our business relationship is long lasting and mutually profitable.

We understand the uniqueness of your company and that each project has it's own set of special needs. We take an analytical approach to your project to learn about your company, industry and target audience. We help you to define your objectives and uncover your competitive advantages. We then put our vast experience and resources to work in order to create and develop a solution that has the best chance of success within your budget and timing parameters. No matter what business you are involved in, an opportunity exists for you to utilize the creativity of Idea Reps...helping you meet your promotional needs.

Marketing...
New product introduction
Dimensional direct mail programs
Dealer and consumer product movement
Promotion of advertising programs
Trade show promotions

Sales...
Open new accounts
Sales aids
Sales meeting themes, contests, incentive programs
Trade show invitations and attendance boosters

Public Relations...
New identity programs
Anniversaries
Conventions
Open house mementos
Mergers and acquisitions
Press parties
Visitor gifts

Personnel and Recruiting...
Safety programs
Quality control
Productivity incentives
Suggestion programs
Recruitment
Awards
Service recognition
Holiday gifts

In addition, we also handle all of the "stuff" you routinely buy. Items such as calendars, imprinted office supplies, name badges, binders, plaques, presentation folders, parking stickers and ID holders are a few examples.

Why Idea Reps?

We aren't good because we've been in business 58 years. We've been in business for 58 years because we're so good. Here's why:

Better Process-Your job requires much more of you than buying promotional items, so we make it easier for you. We never expect you to search through a catalog, instead we ask the right questions, and then present you with only the most innovative solutions to fit your marketing needs. Better ideas-Less time for you!

Better Service-We understand the importance of deadlines. Our internal order process, combined with the knowledge of which factories we can depend on, assures that your order arrives on time, every time.

Better Pricing-Price is always important. We enjoy preferential pricing from most of our supplies as a reward for partnering with them. We pass those cost savings on to you and stand out as a low cost leader.