The article considers the historical experience of the marketing practices of local entrepreneurs. It analyzes the way the savvy Kharkiv entrepreneurs, trying to attract attention of the consumers, used a variety of methods to promote products in the market. It highlights "the advertising weapon" and identifies all of its areas. It has been found out the effectiveness of sales of goods would significantly increase if modern entrepreneurship considered the history and used the techniques of the known compatriots.

Key words: entrepreneurial activities, promotional items, sales promotion, marketing position, the Kharkiv entrepreneurs, historical experience.