With innovation the name of today’s game, electronic logo gear and high-tech branded merchandise are among the more popular promotional items. While common logo-laden items like pens, buttons, shirt, tote bags and the like can be effective in many instances, high-tech branded products are often received, and continually utilized, with a higher level of excitement and appreciation.
Popular Hi-Tech Promotional Products (Batteries Not Included)
High-tech branded merchandise can readily take your company’s promotional efforts to a whole new level. No matter your budget, there are suitable gadgets and gizmos at all price points to elevate and enhance your strategic initiatives. Consider these ideas:
- Computer cache: Whether it is a laptop, tablet, or desktop, virtually everyone uses computers – and most can benefit from helpful tech gadgets that can make business and life easier. Some particularly smart branded solutions include electronic devices like USB flash drives, memory sticks, and mice…with mouse pads even better!
- iPod accessories: One of today’s most widely used devices is the iPod, so offering a docking station for device recharging – especially those with clock, radio, and speaker functionality – is a sure-fire way to ensure your promotional product will be used often, keeping your brand top-of-mind. Other great iPod tech-related accessories include ear phones, leather cases, and sports arm bands.
- Digital picture frames: Now among the most popular gadgets, digital photo frames are a great way to help customers store, organize, and share their favorite photos, videos, and even music. Given these frames often display or otherwise output sentimental content, this piece of branded tech merchandise will be close to the recipient’s heart and warmly regarded…over and over again.
- Chargers: With so much dependence on electrical gadgets, chargers are one of the most in-demand high-tech promotional items. Whether for computers, cell phones, iPods or other MP3 players, iPads, and a bevy of hand-helds, here is a wide range of “brandable” chargers to choose from, including those for the car, home/office, base, and even green tech options like the solar-powered variety.
- Practical promotional products: Many customers may enjoy high-tech logo merchandise that helps them with their daily routine at home or at the office. Great ideas include alarm clocks for getting up, pedometers for getting healthy, calculators for balancing the books, voice recorders for remembering some great points to use later, and timers for staying on schedule.
- Small gadgets: Although a company feels like it only has a low-tech budget, there are some surprising finds for very little money. Consider some smaller branded gadgets packed with enough electronic pizzazz to keep clients happy, such as laser pointers, wireless presenters, travel and desk clocks and virtual candles.
A Tech Summary
Here are some things to remember about high-tech branded merchandise:
- It is not as expensive as you think. There are many corporate branded gadgets and techie products to fit all budgets.
- Splurge and also provide batteries if the item requires it. Clients appreciate that they can get started right away with their new tech toy.
- Match electronic gift ideas to recipients in a way that illustrates the level of knowledge and concern you have for their needs, preferences and/or personal taste.
- Use technology logo items for all types of industries and applications, both internally and externally. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like electronic gifts.
It is important to always continue strategic marketing efforts that keep your brand name visible and top-of-mind with existing and prospective customers. One of the best ways to do this is with logoed promotional products, which do not have to be expensive to be an effective “billboard” for your company.
Focus on Smart Branded Products that Add Value
It doesn’t pay to simply pick the cheapest promotional item out there and slap your logo on it. Here’s why:
- This item may not represent your company’s brand image or industry relevance.
- Low cost doesn’t have to mean ‘cheap’ in terms of quality, making items impractical for long-term use and requiring a higher volume – and higher cost – purchase.
- Spend your money on lower cost items more likely to stand the test of time – the less moving parts, the better.
Instead, purchase wisely:
- Select an industry and/or demographic-relevant item that may be used over the long-term – optimally one that solves a problem or makes life or work easier.
- Consider selecting an item that is out of the ordinary to help you stand out and build “buzz.” While pens or refrigerator magnets have their place, try to think outside of the proverbial box so customers will think of you more often and fondly.
Do Your Research
Take the time to do research before you select a budget-friendly promotional product rather than hastily picking items in that catalog that’s been sitting on your desk for a while, or just going with the first company that pops up in the search engine. Consider this strategy:
- Ask customers what kind of promotional product would be useful to them by conducting a quick survey, however informal. This will tell you what’s hot and what’s not.
- Check out newly introduced products in your low-end price point being offered across multiple companies.
- Compare prices between companies; call various firms to see if they provide any special discounts for new customers, return customers, bulk orders, end of month/quarter/fiscal, etc.
Find a Trusted Partner
Lastly, you may want to consider finding a trusted partner from which to purchase all of your branded products. Here’s why:
- They value your business and can provide special incentives or value-added pricing.
- They can advise on ways to determine which low cost products provide the best return on investment.
- Your partner would have your best interests at heart and be ready with great quality product suggestions that meet your budget and marketing objectives.
In Summary
In highlighting the top points about economical promotional product procurement, remember this:
- Be unique but practical.
- Represent your brand and carry through your marketing theme.
- Don’t just pick the cheapest item on price, alone, as there are other strategic factors to consider.
- Do research on what’s available and what your customers want.
- Compare prices, products, and companies.
- Pick a partner for a long-term value-added relationship.
The fall season is here and, with it, comes crisp mornings and chillier evenings—maybe even a rain drop or two. Yet, there are days where amid the cooler temperatures the sun is shining brightly. This distinctive climate calls for special fashions, and branded clothing ideas for fall abound.
Top Branded Clothing for Fall
When putting together promotional items for the fall season, consider some of these top branded clothing ideas sure to appeal to your prospects, customers or employees:
- Fleece-Lined and Micro-Fleece Jackets: These jackets offer warmth while still being lightweight, making them ideal for fluctuating temperatures and windy conditions. These jackets can be screen printed or embroidered with your corporate logo or other brand imagery.
- Cotton Mock Turtlenecks: The fall season is all about layering, and a mock turtleneck looks nice alone or paired with a shirt or sweater, so that there is added warmth and comfort.
- Long Sleeve Wicking Tee: Fitness enthusiasts will really appreciate branded merchandise of this nature because of its ability to keep moisture away from the body. This shirt goes the distance by providing added comfort and warmth – especially on those chilly morning runs.
- Soft Shell Vest: This branded clothing item is both water and wind-resistant, making it an ideal addition to any fall wardrobe. It’s warm without overheating, and it offers a convenient zippered side pocket to keep keys and other valuables.
- Full-Zip Hoodie: A long-favored look for men, women, and children, these hoodies work well with casual clothes or as part of a sporty look. They are a great way to keep the chill and wind at bay. These fashion favorites are available in a wide range of colors to suit all types of branded options and come in cozy micro-fiber and cotton blends, adding greater warmth and comfort.
- Fleece Scarf: These cold-weather accessories look great on men and women, keeping necks warm and adding a fashionable flair. There are a wide range of colors, lengths and ways to incorporate a brand to customize for every occasion and image, including patches and embroidery.
- Custom Suede Boots: Men and women can enjoy this comfortable and warm footwear, which look great paired with jeans or other casual attire. The interior provides more warmth with faux sheepskin while the outside offers many places to embroider a brand and logo.
- Wool Driver’s Hat: This cap makes a fashion statement plus helps with additional warmth as the weather changes. With colors like navy, black, camel and charcoal, this practical fashion accessory adds style and coordinates with everything from business attire to casual weekend wear.
- Leather Shopping Bag: These extra large totes work well as an eco-friendly shopping bag, but they also make for a stylish handbag. Made of high-quality leather, these large totes have long straps and interior and exterior pockets that provide ample storage space.
- Shawl Collared Robe: What man or woman wouldn’t want a cozy robe to slip into after a long day? Featuring luxurious cotton velour, these robes can be embroidered with a company, product or other brand name and offer the same comfort and luxury as robes found at the spa or a hotel.
- Slippers: Comfy, cozy slippers are perfect for those cooler evenings and mornings. Having them embroidered with a brand name and logo is one way to keep the company at the top of a customer’s mind even if they are wearing it on their feet. From terry and velour to extra fuzzy, slippers are a perfect fall indulgence.
In Summary
When it comes to fall fashions, there are a lot of possibilities for adding a brand name and logo to practical and comfortable seasonal outerwear. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Select items that work well with layered fall looks, such as turtlenecks, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and vests.
- Fleece jackets, vests and scarves work well for wide-ranging temperatures and inclement weather like rain and wind.
- Fitness enthusiasts need practical, breathable, and comfortable athletic wear to keep them comfortable on cold fall mornings. Clothing made for wicking helps to fulfill all those needs.
- Who says fall fashion is all about going out? Everyone loves to have a plush, great-looking robe and cozy slippers to come home to!
It’s a new year – the quintessential time to simplify and de-clutter our spaces for greater productivity and less stress. Helping clients and employees achieve these goals is easy given the wide array of organization promotional products available for the home or office that can not only help them cut the clutter but also keep your brand and message top-of-mind.
Top Organization Promotional Products
To help keep YOU productive and organized in your promotional efforts, here we’ve compiled a quick list of some of the top organization promotional products now available that will help you help others while also achieving strategic marketing communications objectives:
- Wall Calendars and Monthly Planners: Having a large reminder of what you have to do with plenty of room to write appointments, deadlines, and important events is an excellent way to stay on top of everything you have to do in your personal and professional life. It also helps you mentally track how it will all get done and allow you to look ahead for what is to come for more effective time management. Plus, it’s great to cross things off and see how much has been accomplished.
- Storage Totes and Bins: These portable organizers take organization with you from office to home or on the road and back again. They work great for folders and paperwork or if you have to carry product samples. The large space on all sides for a brand also makes it a great marketing vehicle for travel. These totes and bins are also just as much at home in an office as they are on-the-go, helping to keep papers from engulfing your desk.
- Storage Cases and Bags: Don’t lose all the little things that are large on importance to you. These handy organizers will keep track of things like memory sticks and flash drives (you know, the ones that have all those important documents and pictures), keys, tools, and electronic devices or cords. These cases and bags can be kept in drawers or travel in suitcases, briefcases, and handbags to keep all that you need, organized and within reach.
- Binders and Padfolios: When you need to track important projects and documents, binders are a great way to keep everyone on a team or in a family organized and up-to-date with all the information they need. Padfolios take it a step further and offer a way to take notes on the go while also keeping vital paperwork in a place you can find quickly.
- Trunk Organizers: These organization promotional products are great for the person who may need to get that junk in their trunk in better order. From the mom-on-the-go who is shuttling kids to various sports to the salesman on the road who lives out of their vehicle, a trunk organizer keeps items in the trunk from shifting into one big pile and offers a way to spot and grab what’s needed.
Your clients and employees will love these handy organizers that are sure to be put to good use. And, you will be happy knowing that the items are clearly displaying your company logo, name, or message. Such values as productivity and efficiency may even be perceptually attributed to your brand – always a good thing.
In Review
Here are the main points from this blog post:
- There is a wide array of organization promotion products, including items for the home, office, and vehicle. These include trunk organizers, storage cases and bags, storage totes and bins, binders and padfolios, and wall calendars and monthly planners.
- Storage and organization products often have ample room to advertise and promote your brand.
- Clients and employees will appreciate your desire to help them get organized and it will offer a way to promote that you are a productive and efficient company in the minds of those who see your organization promotion products.
Want to be the toast of the town with your prospects, clients and employees, alike? Think branded barware! Indeed, branded beverage accessories and drinkware are sure-fire promotional tools to keep spirits high. Whether the preference is beer, wine, liquor or liqueur, you’ll find a litany of logo-laden bar options to choose from.
Branded Barware Basics
Here are some of the most popular items to help your recipient duly stock the bar:
- Glassware: From wine glasses and champagne flutes to martini and shot glasses, glassware is a standout branded barware product for its practicality, long life, and surface area on which to display your message or logo.
- Steins and Stadium Cups: With everything from glass beer steins to their plastic stein mug counterparts…not to mention stadium plastic cups in various sizes and colors, these containers are appropriate for a bevy of beverages. The large variety of plastic sizes and colors also helps to ensure a corporate identity match. People just love these convenient cups for their portability and durability.
- Bottle Openers: This handy gadget comes in a multitude of shapes, sizes and configurations, including those that are key-ring size or can be mounted on the side of a counter for regular use – and visibly display your logo.
- Coasters: No one likes liquid rings on their furniture so coasters are always a desired bar item to have on hand. These come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, including leather, acrylic, plastic and heavy-duty cardboard. Many also offer two sides on which to market your brand or even add a personalized message for the recipient.
- Cocktail Napkins: If you want to help the recipient enjoy their cocktails with class, nothing says sophistication like an elegant cocktail napkin tucked under a martini glass. This is a great way to make an elevated brand statement.
- Beer Buckets: Whether plastic or galvanized steel, a fun barware item is a beer bucket to hold a bunch of brews on ice. These are great for parties, backyard barbecues, or a camping or beach trip. The buckets can even be used as décor items when they are not keeping cold beer within reach. Of course, their large size offers a great promotional billboard opportunity.
In Summary
Here is a summary of the latest and greatest ways to say “cheers” with branded barware:
- Go for glass and plastic drinkware, including wine glasses, champagne flutes, and other stemware; beer steins; shot glasses; and mugs.
- A mountable bottle opener keeps it handy and well-used. Keychain bottles openers are also convenient…and highly visible.
- Coasters and cocktail napkins keep beverages from ruining cherished furniture with wet circles while also making a style statement.
- Beer buckets keep many drinks on ice to save on having to leave the game or party to get your next brew. Large buckets are great for displaying logos and messages in large form.
In tandem with fostering customer loyalty, a company must also cultivate employee loyalty through a culture that motivates and rewards staffers for superior performance. Such rewards and incentives can be in the form of promotional incentive products to deepen an employee’s commitment to the organization.
While some might prefer to allocate promotional products budget toward prospects, customers and business partners, investing in employee incentive products can have an equitable impact on your bottom line. Satisfied staffers have more longevity with a company, and they’ll also go the extra mile and perform at an optimum level, thus delivering a compelling return. This might be in the form of enhanced productivity and higher caliber customer service that translates to boosted revenues and sustained profitability.
Incentive products can vary greatly, and today’s promotional merchandise marketplace has no shortage of options. Here are some ideas of premium items sure to elicit the desired level of appreciation—and that will serve as a motivator in kind:
Leather Briefcases, Backpacks, and Computer Bags are a luxurious way to treat your staff. There is a wide range of high-quality carriers that can assist your talent, including soft and supple leather duffle bags, carry-all bags, laptop bags, computer backpacks, totes and portfolios in various sizes, styles, and colors.
- Jewelry and Watches are time-honored incentive gifts. Designs available include stainless steel and two-tone watches, bracelets and necklaces for both men and women. It’s a great way to be reminded that you support their efforts every day.
- Mantle and Table Top clocks are beautiful décor items for a home or office in both gold and glass/crystal to rich wood mantle clocks that are an elegant way to incentivize your talent.
- Golf Clubs and Accessories will be coveted by the golf-crazed employee, including golf clubs like putters and drivers, golf bags, golf stands, tour bags and golf shoes.
- High Tech Gadgets are a popular item that employees will fall in love with, especially if it’s something that they might not have sprung for themselves. Great gadgets include GPS Navigation devices, iPods, headphones, portable DVD players and Blu-Ray players. Other great ideas include shelf systems that are compatible with your iPhone or iPod, an HD camcorder, digital frames and flat screen TVs.
- Cashmere Items like beautiful throws and scarves make a gift of comfort and luxury that anyone is sure to enjoy as they wrap themselves in softness and warmth during those cold months.
In Summary
Here are some key points to remember when it comes to enhancing employee performance and incentive products:
- Luxury products are a way to show that you truly treasure your talent and want to give them something as special as they are, including items like cashmere throws and scarves, elegant watches, and stunning jewelry.
- Special décor items are always appreciated like mantle and table top clocks.
- High-tech items are always a hit, especially when so much of our personal and professional lives revolve such items as iPods, DVD players, camcorders, TVs and navigation devices.
- With so many gadgets to transport, a beautiful leather briefcase, computer case, or all-in-one bag makes for a beautiful and durable way to keep all those electronic toys at our beck and call.
Flag Day is very important to patriots who appreciate our country and what theU.S.A.stands for in terms of freedom and rights. To honor this American spirit, there are many types of logo gear items that’ll duly show each citizen’s true colors: red, white, and blue.
Here we salute logo gear that will help the recipient exhibit their American price and celebrate Flag Day, Independence Day, and every other day of the year they spend on American soil:
- Polyester American Flags with Poles: Show your pride with logo gear that offers a flag pole to raise the American flag alongside your company’s branded flag, illustrating what your brand stands for.
- American Car Window Flag: Pride can travel, too, by displaying an American Flag on a car window. This is a way recipients can share the message about what they believe in as well as what your company represents.
- American Flag Post-It Notes: Others will take note of just how patriotic a company is when company info is imprinted on Post-It Notes that are in the shape and design of the American flag.
- American Flag Luggage Tags: Get your company name and information imprinted on luggage tags so travelers can take your patriotic message with you on the road across the city, country and around the world.
- Key Rings: A beautiful metal key ring that shows love of your country’s flag provides a subtle message to others about the pride you feel as a citizen. These can be engraved with a company logo and/or brand message.
- Cooler Pack: Whether taken it to the game, beach, or picnic, this is a colorful way to show off American pride while keeping goodies cool and fresh.
- Canvas Bag: This practical gear shows off the American flag in all its glory while providing plenty of room to store essentials. These are particularly great for shopping trips where the brand will be highly visible to many.
Flags aside, there are all sorts of logo gear showcasing the deep rich colors of the American flag – from clothing and hats to bags, cell phone covers, and umbrellas. From the fun and whimsical to the practical, the choices are endless. Each makes a dramatic and bold statement about your pride and appreciation for the American way.
In Summary
The main points in this blog post are:
- The American flag is an excellent symbol for promotional products to enjoy on Flag Day or any day of the year
- Patriotic promotional products represent pride in country – an emotion you can readily associate with your company and brand.
- Gear can include actual flags to items you can take with you like car window flags, luggage tags, and coolers.
- Post-It notes, key chains, and canvas bags are useful items that also provide a great, eye-catching way to show off your national pride.
When it is time each year to honor those hard-working and dedicated dads, it’s also a great time to identify those notable promotional products that guys gravitate toward. Here is a rundown of category-specific, Father’s Day-inspired promotional products that are particularly suited for men – those with children and without:
- Sports Fans: No matter what type of sports fanatic he is – from golf and tennis to basketball, football, and baseball, there are sports-themed promotional products that can represent his team and love of the game. These include everything from the tools of the trade to play that sport to sports gear to sports apparel. From actually playing the game to simply rooting the home team on, sporty dudes will love to receive something that shows their spirit.
- Exercise Buffs: For those guys who like to stay in shape, there are many branded products to choose from, including running gear, branded water bottles, MP3 holders, tachometers, and more. He can even enjoy his very own personalized towels, gear bags, or gear organizers so he can always be ready to go for a run, bike ride, or hike.
- Tech Heads: So many men are into gadgets and electronics, and with today’s ever-changing world of technology, there always seems to be something new to play with. Logoed products include MP3 players, digital cameras, computer accessories, USB drives, remote-controlled vehicles and more.
- Car Lovers: Guys typically love promotional products that’ll keep their car, truck, or van looking its best. Some great promotional auto accessories include air fresheners, floor mats, license plates and frames, vehicle covers, maps and map holders and travel mugs. Whether it is for his restored classic or his everyday commuter car, he will appreciate that you thought to make his trip more comfortable and stylish.
- The Head Chef: For those men who like to tap into their inner culinary master, gift some new tools of the trade: kitchen cutlery or appliances, an apron, or new recipe books that will inspire him to keep on dishing out those epicurean delights.
In Review
The main points from this blog post are:
- Guys enjoy a wide array of promotional products based on some favorite pastimes.
- From sports fans to exercise buffs, there are ways to enjoy and celebrate these hobbies with gear, clothing, and accessories.
- Most men are a gadget geek and techie at heart so give him something that will keep him busy for hours, especially if there are lots of bells and whistles to explore.
- Car nuts love anything that make his ride look better or that offers comfort and enjoyment while out for a spin.
- Men who love to cook love to be treated to anything that adds further enjoyment to this often passionate hobby.
The sweltering heat of the summer months calls for a more air conditioned form of apparel, which can be proffered from your pool of promotional products. Hot summer styles that’ll keep your customers, clients, partners and employees feeling cool while highlighting your brand are the order of the season.
Fashion-forward promotional products abound. Here are a few summer style staples that sizzle:
Sunglasses and Shades: It’s a bright idea to help your staff and customers shade their precious peepers with a chic or fun pair of sunglasses. Today’s trends in branded eyewear offer everything from those retro Ray-Ban-style black sunglasses and cat’s eye shapes to super cool designs that have fluorescent highlights or are outlined in a bright color like red or orange. There’s a style to coordinate with every outfit and, at a relative per unit low cost, you can ensure everyone receives stylish shades!
- Shirts: Whether the preference is a casual tee to a bit more structured polo style with a collar, cool and comfortable shirts are always a summer wardrobe staple. Coupled with their adaptability and economical price point, such shirts are a perennial promotional products favorite. Ever versatile, shirts are available in a wide range of colors and cuts to fit men and women of all shapes and sizes. Just as notable is that they can be embroidered or silk-screened with logos, images, and/or messages in many places, allowing your “body billboard” to be seen on the beach, at the golf course, and everywhere in between.
- Visors and Hats: Many summer outfits and activities can do with those finishing accessories – particularly hats that do double-duty by protecting your customers and employees from too much sun on their heads and faces. This summer fashion favorite can range from a visor that works on the tennis court or golf course to baseball-style caps that help those working or playing outdoors. Of course, your brand will be front and center on these promotional products for all to see.
- Flip Flops: It wouldn’t be summer without at least one pair of new flip flops for those more casual occasions. Today’s flip flop footwear comes in nearly any color as well as a dizzying array of patterns and even sole thickness. Some even bring the “bling” with luxury features like rhinestones or seashells. Even better is that your staff and customers are tracking your brand everywhere they go.
In Summary
Here’s a quick checklist of the promotional products you can offer that will expand your target’s warm weather wardrobe:
- Sunglasses minimize the brightness factor while upping the cool factor of the person behind those stylish shades.
- Practical, yet fashionable, t-shirts and polo shirts can go from casual to semi-professional and work well for most types of outdoor activities.
- A wide range of hats, caps, and visors are available to help shield the head and face from summer’s damaging rays.
- Flip flops are a shoe-in as a popular summer fashion item that allows you to promote your brand on-the-go.
The summer season offers a perfect opportunity to provide customers and prospects practical and timely items that will duly promote your business and keep your brand top-of-mind while they are out and about. Here are some perennially popular summer promotional products that your customers will enjoy as they try to beat the heat.
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With innovation the name of today’s game, electronic logo gear and high-tech branded merchandise are among the more popular promotional items. While common logo-laden items like pens, buttons, shirt, tote bags and the like can be effective in many instances, high-tech branded products are often received, and continually utilized, with a higher level of excitement and appreciation.
