In this economy, bargainscan be found in some of the least expected places. I enjoy going to trade shows; I can remember the first trade shows I’ve ever been to was in an armory in Washington DC. My parents took me there because they were promoting their business and I got the chance to walk around and see all of the other exhibits. That was a big deal to me and I really enjoyed it a lot. I can remember one of the exhibits involved a demonstration of some kind of product that I think was actually used for insulation. The demonstration was being done by a beautiful lady and she poured two liquids into a can and then poured some into a styrofoam cup. The contents expanded into a foam that hardened very quickly. The demonstrator let me have the cup to keep, and I was thrilled. Ever since then I’ve been a sucker for going to a trade show and getting freebies!

I’ve noticed that when I go to a trade show of some kind, I often find that a lot of the companies there are giving away free promotional products that they hope will endear you to their company. I have received a lot of pens, calculators, visors, highlighters, tote bags, cup cozies and water bottles just by going to trade shows.

My parents run a small shipping business and they love to give me their freebies whenever they get a new shipment in. They’ve given me a travel sewing/mending kit, a bottle opener, a jar opener “round tuit” and lots of pens. I’ve suggested to them that they start using eco friendly promotional items the next time that they are going to be handing out freebies. I like to support businesses that are making an attempt to reduce their carbon footprint.

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