#Money #Early #Bank #Promotional #Gifts #WorthPoint
With most people using mobile banking today, banks no longer rely on promotional gifts to attract customers. However, there was a time when branded giveaways and promotional collectibles became a way for banks to establish a customer base. These prospective customers were offered premium-quality items to open a bank account. Today, selling some of these promotional gifts can put money in your bank.
FROM SIMPLE TO TOP-NOTCH GIVEAWAYS
During the early to mid-1900s, after banks developed convenient services like drive-up windows, they began enticing customers with freebies. New customers could leave the bank with coin banks, calendars, stuffed animals, sewing kits, or even toasters.
Furthermore, customers could participate in raffles for ponies, vacations, and brand-new cars at some branch openings. As branded giveaways became popular, some banks produced catalogs and sales programs or opened stores offering existing customers a way to purchase premium branded merchandise.
These giveaways mostly ended when changes in banking regulations limited a bank’s ability to give expensive promotional materials to customers. Today, most early bank promotional gifts are available on the secondary market. If you plan to resell bank-branded merchandise for profit, you should focus on buying the following items.
COIN BANKS
Coin banks were likely the most popular giveaway, inspiring customers to store spare change over time. These promotional gifts benefited banks by simultaneously promoting their business and encouraging customers to save money to bring to the bank and deposit into their savings accounts.
Promotional coin banks came in various shapes, symbolizing animals, everyday objects, vehicles, buildings, architecture, and people. Some promotional coin banks represented a miniature version of the item the customer was encouraged to save money for, like a large appliance or a house.
Coin banks were also made from different materials, such as cast iron, metal, ceramic, chalkware, or plastic. Some were mechanical, requiring the weight of a coin and activation to set them into motion. Others included a key for retrieving the coins.
If you plan to resell promotional coin banks for profit, focus on buying ones made of cast iron or metal, especially if they include the original keys. Early mechanical examples also fetch a pretty penny. Coin banks representing early space exploration or historical landmarks sell at higher prices, too.
Promotional coin banks made by quality manufacturers can command top dollar. Some of these makers include Banthrico, Duro Mold & Manufacturing, and A.C. Rehberger Company. Chalkware Santa Claus banks, initially given to customers who opened a Christmas Savings Club account, also sell for more money.
PREMIUM ITEMS
In the 1970s, Wells Fargo launched a collectibles series where customers could buy commemorative belt buckles, leather wallets, pocket watches, and more that bore the bank’s name. These items sell on the steeper end. Other banks sold similar items.
First Federal Savings Bank of Chicago offered customers a coin bank and pocket watch combo as a premium. Some banks offered sterling silver chain bracelets and paperweights. Today, some of these items sell on the secondary market in the hundred-dollar range or higher.
EARLY BANK GIVEAWAYS
Some banks offered branded thermometers as early giveaways, which can sell for hundreds today. Since most thermometers were hung outside, damage from the elements is expected. Because of this, those with working temperature gauges command more.
Other early giveaways include celluloid pocket items like dime banks, tape measures, mirrors, needle tins, paperweights, and toy tops. These items sell at higher prices, especially if the bank advertisement helps date the piece.
Since calendars are easy to date, early bank promotional gift calendars fetch more money. Calendars include year-at-a-glance, twelve-month tear-sheet, desk, and pocket options. Most paper examples include lithography images designed by well-known artists. Value is based on the calendar’s condition and the artwork’s quality. Tear-sheet calendars with all the months intact, starting with January, sell on the higher end.
Keychains were also popular bank giveaway items. Some unique early keychains sell at higher prices. Metal keychain ornaments advertising early banks sell on the steeper end. Ones serving a dual purpose, like toothpick holders, tape measures, or pocketknives, fetch more money.
WHERE TO FIND BANK GIVEAWAYS
Now that you know what bank promotional gifts to focus on buying, where do you find them? The best selections are available at sites like eBay and Etsy. You might be lucky to stumble upon some early bank giveaways at antique stores, thrift stores, and yard sales.
A better option is to search for estate sales of former long-term bank employees. Often, banks gave employees branded merchandise that was unavailable to the public. A long-term bank employee could have quite the stash of bank promotional gifts.
Search online platforms like CTBids.com, MaxSold.com, and others for specific items you are looking for. You could also look for local estate sale listings on buy-and-sell sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Follow local estate sale companies on social media and sign up for their mailing lists to see previews of upcoming sales.
Not all bank giveaways are worth reselling for profit. Before you buy bank-branded merchandise, use the WorthPoint Price Guide to help determine the value. If you find the right piece, it can be worth selling to put money in your own bank.
Karen Weiss is a freelance writer and enjoys decorating her home with vintage finds from her many collections. She also has an Etsy shop called SimplePatinaFinds.
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