What products out there are selling like hotcakes for your peers? What are salespeople doing to move these gems so well? Which items do industry pros expect to top the charts in the coming year? Read on, and you just may fall in love with a few of these products yourself. 

For Valentine’s Day, Advantages wanted to find out which products are generating the most love in the industry. We polled distributors on what items are practically selling themselves, and then asked a few suppliers to chime in. The resulting collection of product ideas and selling tips is our Valentine to you. Go ahead and feel the love.

Product courtesy of Lapstix (asi/65966)

1. Lapstix
On CNBC’s The Big Idea, Donny Deutsch, the enthusiastic CEO who built a multibillion dollar advertising and media business, interviews men and women who turned their ideas into sizzling sellers. The point is, these people recognize needs and find a way to fill them.

Such is the case with Steve Smith, CEO of Lapstix (asi/65966) and inventor of Lapstix, personal privacy screens for your laptop. Smith was sitting on his balcony one day and had a hard time seeing his computer screen because of the glare. “I said, there’s got to be a better way; there should be a universal product that fits any laptop,” he says.

And, voila! Lapstix was born. Not only does the product cut down on glare, but Smith also realized it could protect your privacy. Think of how many times you’ve been reading your e-mail or watching a DVD on a plane with your nosy aisle mates peering over. “It’s a must have for any business traveler,” the supplier says. But, he also suggests selling it to college campuses; Starbucks and other wireless hotspots; stadiums, “because they’re fan-oriented;” and hotels.

The product debuted at the ASI Show in Orlando and was met with rave reviews. When we visited the booth, it was buzzing with interested distributors. Patty Rosenberg, president of the Patty Rosenberg Company (asi/312106), thinks it will sell well. “I really like it. I’d recommend it for people who travel a lot, college bookstores, offices and banks,” she says. “It’s different … unique. Plus, you can take the clips off and fan yourself.”

photo courtesy of Boardroom Custom Clothing (asi/40705))

2. Eco Plasma-Schell jacket
When Boardroom Custom Clothing (asi/40705) put together their 2007 catalog, they included a new fabric called Eco Plasma-Schell. Because it has a recycled-polyester outer layer, plasma-bonded to an Eco-carbon inner layer, it’s an expensive fabric, but they wanted to showcase it as a high-tech, eco-friendly option.

“We definitely did not expect a lot of sales, knowing how price-driven the industry normally is,” says Graphic Designer Jason Neve. “But, what happened was our trade show booth was swarmed, the phone rang off the hook, the Internet cables heated up, and the orders came flooding in.”

The company ended up reordering stock three times during the year, brought in two new colors, and even arranged a new production contract with an importer for a big project.

“Overall, it was a very big and unanticipated success,” Neve says. “We learned that there are companies out there that want the best, and are not overly concerned with the cost, as long as the item is a good value.”

His tips for selling upscale eco-products? “Basically, learn about the environmental crisis, especially in reference to apparel and textiles manufacturing. Educate yourself on fabrics, where they come from, how they are made and their impact on the environment. Pass the information on to your clients, or seek out like-minded customers.”

photo courtesy of Tomax Enterprises (asi/91435)

3. Mini Optical Mouse
Several distributors we talked to told us they’ve been selling a lot of tech items. One favorite is an optical mouse for laptops from Tomax Enterprises (asi/91435). “They are only about $11, so it is an easy sell, and they make great gifts,” says Tammie Blum, sales partner at Geiger (asi/202900). “I have one client (a graduate school bookstore) that keeps reordering them, as they can’t keep them on their shelves.”

Michael Del Buccia, VP of sales and marketing at Tomax, agrees that their Stuart Mouse (MS-1870) is a hot seller. “It comes in five colors and features the great chrome accent,” he says. “The key to this piece is that it’s a mini mouse, which has a much higher demand as a promotional advertising item than the full-size mouse.”

Longtime Geiger sales partners – and spouses – Tom and Mary Lou Hood were also impressed with the little mouse. “I think the mini optical mouse is an awesome product,” Tom says. “We have one for our laptop and couldn’t do without it. It’s something anyone could use, as most people do have laptops. It would be a good program item – in fact, I think I will suggest it. And the price is right.”

photo courtesy of Leed’s (asi/66887)

4. Digital-Frame Keychain
Digital photo frames have evolved from somewhat of a novelty to a must-have tech item for corporate giving. “I have been showing samples, but quite a few people are asking for them outright, too,” says Jenny Williams, sales partner at Geiger – Promos Plus (branch of asi/202900). “I think a lot of clients tend to follow the retail trends, and the digital stuff is really hot in retail now, too,” she adds.

Dennis R. Day, also a Geiger sales partner, agrees that digital frames are a current client favorite. Technology products can be expensive, so he likes to offer prospects a choice of items at several price points. “I like a good, better and best offering,” he says.

Keychain-size photo frames, like the one shown here, are a little less pricey option than the desktop models, and buyers are eating them up. “It was our most-sold item on Black Friday,” says Lindsay Hoylman, marketing specialist at Leed’s (asi/66887). She adds that the company has a steep in-house inventory, and all photo frames qualify for SureShip, meaning that any order placed by midnight EST will ship the next day.

product courtesy of Prime Line (asi/79530)

5. Time Check
Prime Line’s (asi/79530) Pinpoint World Time Clock was a finalist in Counselor magazine’s product design contest (winners will be announced in its May issue), and for good reason. The product is a twist on a traditional desktop staple. Not only does it display the local time, but you can use the silver plane that’s included to pinpoint one of 16 worldwide cities and display the time there as well.

“It’s fun to play with; it actually gets you involved with a clock,” says Joseph Gottlieb of Axis Promotions & Events (asi/128263). “People will interact with it often.” Which, of course, means your client’s name stays top-of-mind.

Besides the obvious tie in to travel-related markets, Sarah Gottlieb, also of Axis, predicts this item could be a hot seller with her financial and special events clients, such as Meetings International.

product courtesy of Creative Sales Company (asi/47194)

6. Big Bobber
The Big Bobber floating cooler from Creative Sales Company (asi/47194) was another product getting rave reviews at the ASI Show in Orlando. Cindi Ward, of Layne & Associates (asi/250355), says the possibilities are endless when it comes to markets for this unique idea.

She would love to sell it to Bass Masters clubs, marinas, fish and wildlife associations and the like. “But you could also sell it to your financial clients,” she says. “They can give them out to customers who open new accounts.”

After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a floating cooler that holds 12 cans with ice?

product courtesy of SnugZ/USA (asi/88060)

7. Life’s a Picnic
Everyone loves a multitasker. The Deluxe Picnic Chair from SnugZ/USA (asi/88060) gets kudos for its all-in-one convenience.

It’s a small picnic chair. But don’t let the size of it fool you. The supplier says it holds up to a 250-pound person and it’s comfortable to boot. We know; we tried it. But the handy design is such that underneath it has a large insulated cooler bag, which keeps food fresh and beverages ice cold for hours. Flip open the front and you’ll find a six-piece picnic set including fork, knife, spoon, plate, napkin and goblet. What’s more, you can carry it on your shoulder. Simply fold it up and use the durable twin carrying straps and adjustable shoulder strap for easy portability.

Danie Haralson, of Layne & Associates (asi/250355), says this item would be perfect for clients who hold company picnics to give out to employees who attend. “It’s great, because it includes everything and the plates, utensils and wine glass are all sturdy plastic, so there will be no glass breaking,” she says. “This would be a hot seller in gift shops and I’d put this in company stores in a minute.”

photo courtesy of Prime Line (asi/79530)

8. Mood Dude Sticky Book
Though many communications have gone paperless, the sticky note is still alive and kicking. “I am giving out personalized samples of Prime’s (asi/79530) Mood Dude sticky book and getting a great response,” says Sue Reeve, sales partners at Geiger.

It is also a useful item and, again, something anyone could use.

The book features the copyrighted images of Creative Therapy Association Inc., drawn by Pulitzer Prize-winning illustrator Jim Borgman, and includes three sizes of sticky-note pads and 25 sheets of page-marker strips in five neon colors.

“Price point makes it a very universal product,” says Paula Shulman, CAS, VP of sales at Prime, “along with the fact that it can be used on a desktop, in a purse, briefcase or just about anywhere. The large imprint area is a plus as well.”

product courtesy of Hog Wild LLC (asi/61228)

9. Recycling Joe Bender
Green products are huge for 2008. One cute eco-themed idea is the Recycling Joe Bender from Hog Wild LLC (asi/61228). Besides the fun bendable figure, the desktop holder/executive toy set includes a metal trashcan with earth-friendly messages and an orange recycling bin filled with paper clips.

“I think it is adorable,” says Terry Paul, sales partner at Geiger Southwest. “In 2008, I am going to put this idea out to all my clients. I have gotten samples and am showing them to clients.”

Kim Leininger, customer-service rep at Hog Wild, says, “The reason why we think this product is such a great seller for us is because it’s just a fun and unique toy. It’s inexpensive, but not lacking in character. Right now, we know the ‘go green’ campaign is sweeping across the globe, and we are excited to have a product to encourage that.”

photo courtesy of Prime Line (asi/79530)

10. Mini Jam FM-Scan Radio
Few items are as hot as iPods, but not many clients have a promotional budget that will cover the cost. On the other hand, this look-alike, the Mini Jam FM-scan radio from Lanco Corp. (asi/66224), sells at under $4 a piece.

These sleek little radios are a great way to reach school-age kids with an educational or public-service message. “The Arizona Department of Health Services bought 5,000 as an incentive for schoolkids in their ‘Not Smoking’ campaign,” says Tim Holt, sales partner at Geiger, “and First Credit Union purchased 5,000 for promoting savings account to kids.”

Holt also has a client who’s looking at placing a 10,000-piece order to promote a new FM radio station. Other prime prospects include fitness centers, outdoor venues like parks and beaches, and sports teams – especially if the games are covered on an FM station.

Jen Zorger is senior associate editor of Advantages; Kathy Huston is editor of Advantages.