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Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) is the largest membership organization serving the promotional products industry. It acts as a central hub connecting suppliers (who manufacture or import products) with distributors (who sell those products to end buyers). ASI provides the technology, networking events, and education necessary for these businesses to operate and grow.
An ASI number is a unique identifier assigned to ASI member companies. It acts as a “seal of approval” within the industry, verifying that a business is a legitimate professional in the promotional space. Suppliers use these numbers to ensure they are selling to authorized distributors at wholesale prices rather than to the general public.
Suppliers: The manufacturers or importers who create, warehouse, and imprint the products (e.g., the company that makes the pens).
Distributors: The sales and marketing professionals who work directly with businesses to develop promotional campaigns and sell them the imprinted products.
ESP+ is a proprietary database and search engine created by ASI. It allows distributors to search through nearly one million promotional products from thousands of suppliers in one place. It is the industry standard for sourcing items, creating presentations for clients, and managing orders.
No. ASI is a B2B (business-to-business) organization. They do not sell promotional products to the end-user. Instead, they provide the platform and resources that allow industry professionals to conduct business with each other.
ASI offers various certification programs, such as the BASI™ (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) and MASI™ (Master of Advertising Specialty Information). these programs help members stay current on decoration techniques, safety regulations, and modern marketing strategies
Membership in the Advertising Specialty Institute® is more than just a subscription; it’s an all-access pass to the $25 billion promotional products industry. As an ASI member, you gain the “industry’s seal of approval” with a dedicated ASI number, unlocking wholesale pricing from thousands of suppliers. Plus, you’ll get access to ESP+, the industry’s most powerful sourcing and marketing platform, designed to help you find the perfect products for your clients in seconds.