Americans spend more money on their bills than they do on consumer goods in today’s difficult economy. Companies must offer buyers incentives to buy their products in order to stay in business. Many companies are looking for new ways to increase the appeal of their products.

While it might seem like a good idea to put items up for sale, marking them down can cause problems. Customers will expect lower prices from businesses every time they shop, and may be reluctant to spend more than the price of the item. Businesses are looking for other ways to stay competitive.

Coupons have been an option for decades. The recession has brought new life to coupon-clipping, which was a tradition that dates back to grandmothers and mothers. NCH Marketing has found that 75 percent of customers with all income levels use coupons at most on a very limited level. Online coupons are available at many stores, so Americans don’t have to pick up the Sunday paper and hold on to their scissors.

Other businesses are looking for ways to do the same. “sweeten the deal”By offering vacation packages, gift vouchers or gas rebates in conjunction with their product or services.

“Gas and individual travel awards create a higher perceived value,”John P. Stockhausen Sr., CEO, MDC Group Inc., which assists other businesses with incentive arrangements, said. “Travel, merchandise and other incentives inspire customers, motivate employees and help generate traffic.”

MDC Group Inc. worked with regional and national companies, such as Ashley Furniture HomeStores (Mirco), Precision Time, GutterHelmet, GutterHelmet, and Cadillac dealers. Gas rebates are a popular choice, as it is not surprising.

“I used the Gas Certificate program to help my sales staff award our very best customers for their continued business,”Larry Brophy is RSC Equipment Rental’s district operations manager. “It is amazing how grateful our customers were to be receiving an unexpected benefit of the $500 Gas Certificate just for doing business with us. When times are tough, the existing customers are my best customers, and this goes a long way towards building their future business.”

For more information, please visit www.getawayincentives.com.