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Top 5 Reasons Suppliers Join ASI

By Aileen Flaherty 

If you’ve been exploring the promotional products industry or simply wondering how to get your products in front of more buyers, you’ve probably heard the name ASI come up once or twice – maybe ten times.

But what exactly is ASI? And why do so many suppliers (3,000) choose to be part of it?

ASI® is the engine behind the promo industry’s product discovery. It connects suppliers with verified promotional products distributors who source products for corporate gifting, events, merch programs and so much more.

ASI’s mission is clear:


If you want your products to be seen, chosen and trusted by the right distributors, an ASI supplier membership gives you the visibility, credibility and tools to grow where it matters most.

1. Your ASI Number: The Industry’s Stamp of Credibility

Think of your ASI number as your VIP badge into the promotional products world. It’s your unique identifier and a signal that your business is verified, reputable and recognized inside the largest network in promo.

Buyers across the industry know to look for an ASI number when deciding who to trust. When you have one, it’s like saying:

  • “Yes, we’re a real supplier.”
  • “Yes, we’re ready for distributor business.”
  • “Yes, you can confidently source from us.”

For suppliers new to promo, there’s no need to spend time convincing buyers you’re legit – the ASI number communicates credibility on your behalf. And supplier credibility in the promo industry matters now more than ever.

2. Access to the Largest Network of Verified Distributors

Imagine thousands of buyers actively sourcing products: apparel, drinkware, accessories, outdoor gear, tech, hard goods – you name it, buyers are sourcing it.

That’s what an ASI membership unlocks.

With access to 125,000+ buyers, you’re plugged directly into the promo industry’s most active buyer network. Every day, these buyers search for suppliers to support client programs across:

  • Corporate gifting
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Outdoor, Wellness and lifestyle events
  • Education
  • And so many other verticals!

These are repeat order environments. Think high-volume, high-frequency, year-round opportunities. Whether you’re a specialty supplier or a broadline manufacturer, ASI’s network gives you the reach that would be almost impossible to build on your own.

3. Data, Insights, & Support That Drive Growth

Succeeding in promo isn’t just about having great products. It’s about knowing:

  • Who’s looking for your products
  • What buyers need next
  • Where market trends are headed
  • How to stay ahead of competitors

ASI gives suppliers access to research, education and ongoing support to help them grow smarter, not harder.

This includes:

  • Industry trend reports
  • Category-specific insights
  • Educational webinars and training
  • Benchmark data for suppliers
  • Support from teams that understand distributor needs

When you know the market better, you sell better. ASI turns guesswork into strategy.

 

4. Year-Round Visibility Through ASI’s Product Database (ESP+)

Welcome to ESP+, the heart of product discovery in the promotional products industry and where suppliers get discovered by distributors.

With 2 million product searches per month, ESP+ is a promotional products searching platform where distributors go to:

  • Source products
  • Compare suppliers
  • Request quotes
  • Place orders

And when you’re an ASI supplier member, your products live in the center of the action.

This means year-round visibility and distributor access, not just seasonal moments or one-off campaigns.

5. Marketing & Advertising Opportunities That Expand Your Reach

Visibility is good. Strategic visibility at the exact moment buyers are making decisions? Even better.

ASI offers suppliers a full suite of supplier marketing opportunities, including but not limited to:

  • Pay-for-placement ads inside ESP+
  • Email advertising
  • Content marketing
  • Enhanced product listings
  • ASI Trade Show exposure

These opportunities amplify your presence, especially in competitive categories.

For smaller suppliers, these tools level the playing field. For growing suppliers, they accelerate momentum. For established suppliers, they reinforce leadership.

Membership isn’t just about being listed – it’s about long-term exposure, relevance and growth.

So, Why Do Suppliers Join ASI?

Because they want to:

  • Earn instant credibility
  • Access the largest buyer network
  • Gain insights that fuel better decisions
  • Stay visible all year
  • Grow faster, with less friction

ASI supplier membership isn’t just a listing.

It’s not a directory.

It’s not a database.

It’s an ecosystem built to help suppliers grow – sustainably, strategically and visibly.

If you’re ready to explore the promo industry or scale your presence within it, ASI is the platform that helps you do that with clarity and confidence.