Three Ways to Use a Kit to Engage Your Customer

Let’s face it, some things are just more fun when experienced with others. Whether it be a focused activity with like-minded people, a social gathering with a common purpose, or a traditional business event, a kit can be the mechanism that encourages participation and can even be the reason for getting together in the first place!

A kit is a group of complementary items assembled together in an attractive way, designed to provide a platform to encourage participation with each other, engagement with your product, and motivation to have some fun! Kits fall into many different categories, and we’ll focus here on three of the most common ones:

1. The Sample Kit. Creating a sample pack of your products as a giveaway at tradeshows or in-store events is a good idea, and always well-received. Many companies give away samples of their products in fun packaging:

1. to introduce a product line
2. to allow customers to try a product
3. to keep a product “top of mind” for customers

At ClearBags, we know from our own experience at tradeshows that sample kits as a show giveaway work well to engage a customer or prospective customer. We participate in over 40 tradeshows a year across the nation. We’ve been using the sample pack giveaway at our shows as a way to provide immediate samples that are relevant to the client’s business, as well as a way to include information regarding special show promotions. This kit leaves an impression that will be remembered long after the show is over, which is how the sample kit leave-behind keeps you “top of mind” with your customer! Depending on the industry focus of the tradeshow, we have included in our kits a sample of our stationery, clear boxes, clear bags, pre-tied bows, mats for photographs, glassine bags, kraft boxes, cupcake boxes, barrier bags for food and scented items, and more. The list is endless!

Here are some pictures of our sample kits:

2. The Activity Kit. Designing an activity kit as a fun and productive pursuit provides several creative benefits:

1. It inspires ideas and encourages creativity
2. It teaches a skill
3. It creates a memorable experience

You may have already participated in an activity involving a kit without even thinking about it. The Home Depot brought the idea of the DIY kit to the forefront with their kids workshops, where they provide project kits that are designed to be assembled in the store, using the tools and materials that they sell. What a great way to get adults and kids (future customers) involved with the store, building trust, alliance, and maybe a birdhouse too!

In the craft industry, they have a different name for the DIY kit – the Make and Take. A Make and Take is a way to involve your customer in an activity whereby they create something from your kit of materials and take it home. This Make and Take kit activity is employed at tradeshows – not only to engage the customer in an activity – but also to drive traffic to the booth. Make and Takes are often scheduled as in-store events as well, bringing your customer into your store to craft and to shop. Some of the Make and Take activities we’ve seen include making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (served with a tiny glass of milk), crafting cards using die cuts and stamps, and painting t-shirts or wine glasses.

3. The Social Kit. Planning a social meeting around a purpose (think “playdate”) that you can schedule with your friends or customers is another way to encourage engagement. Examples of employing this type of social kit can include: create a meal, pedi party, PYOP (Paint Your Own Pottery), skincare/make-up session, make a mosaic, amongst others. These social kit ideas are great to bring people together:

1. By developing or deepening a relationship
2. By breaking down barriers/Building teams
3. by having some fun, and creating new memories

Whether you’re a crafter, a baker, an outdoor enthusiast or an event planner, introducing a kit into your offering can help generate interest in your business! The following are a few industries where we have seen kitting being used:

• Jewelry
• Craft
• Stationery
• Toys
• Food
• Gifts
• Wedding
• Health and Beauty
• Party

We challenge you to try out the kit idea with your product offering. You may be pleasantly surprised at the results! Of course, if you need ideas for some cute packaging for your kit inspiration, that’s our specialty at ClearBags. Let us know how we can help! If you’re already using kits to engage your customers, please share your experiences and photos with us in the comments below! And in the meantime, keep on kitting!