Do you? Snag swag? I know you all find this shocking, but I luv free stuff.
Back in my younger days, I visited my cousins doing 4H at the Dutchess County Fair and went crazy. All those midway and exhibit freebies! Stuffed animals, rulers, farm stickers, toy tractors, whatever!
So I’ll ask, be honest, do you snag swag?
It’s true, I’m a member of swagaholics (not even) anonymous and no, I’m not in recovery. I’m Bobby, an unrepentant swag snagger.
The worst swag? A plastic cup and straw from Zouk nightclub at Resorts World. I ordered a club soda. It was $24. No refills.
My Vegas swagventure started on ACG/MRB/new signup coupon runs, resulting in bags of free T-shirts, playing cards, coffee cups, dice, players cards, coasters, pens, matchbooks, and more. I still have my Aladdin and yes, the Riviera (very unPC) Crazy Girls “No ifs and or …” cups. I also have a SIGNIFICANT collection of Do Not Disturb door hangers. My Stardust “Maid service please” is one of my faves.
When my shampoo selection got low, I thought, “Time for another Vegas trip.” Then the casinos smartened up: bottles mounted on the wall of the shower. Sigh. Then I smartened up: I BYO refillable plastic travel bottles and stock up.
No, I don’t steal towels. But I do still pick up matches, pens, and coasters. The pair of brass coasters from opening week at a very iconic club were a lift, not a snag, I admit.
The ultimate snag? A corporate event in Encore’s five-star tower. A 6,000-square-foot three-bedroom two-story villa, a mere $5,000 a night. Told my client I’d be sweeping the swag as part of my compensation. Those villas are replenished twice a day. I snagged. They refilled. I literally loaded down a suitcase — loofah sponges, Wynn/Encore slippers, high-end soaps and lotions, etc. They made great gifts.
And that’s a postscript; it’s not all about collecting. At Christmas I made up bags of soap, shampoo, pens, etc. and gave them to the shelters. In my work years at trade shows, I collect pens, squeeze balls, etc., then gave them away at Halloween for my pirate theme, “Treats and Treasures.” Wanna see a deliriously happy kid? Give them a free squeeze ball. Or “Hey kid, wanna pack of Vegas playing cards?”
“Sure Bobby!”
My swag collection stimulates great trip memories.
How about you? Got any good swag stories to share? I know one of my heroes does. When Jean and Brad Scott lived in a condo in Vegas, they parked their car in the lot, so they could fill their entire one-car garage with casino collectibles. Talk about a Vegas merch museum! Logo jackets, shirts, T-shirts, sweats and sweatshirts, ball caps, keychains galore, carafes and decanters, plastic slots and roulette wheels, fridge magnets, tote bags, commemorative chips, socks, signs, posters — you name it. Jean and Brad ushered visiting kids of all ages into the garage for their pick of the litter. Heaven for casino aficionados.
To snag swag or not too snag, that is the question. Do you? Tell us of your merch adventures.