Clients Want Green? Eco-Friendly Branded Products

by Woody Kaye on October 21, 2019

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Corporate social responsibility is all the rage – even when it comes to branded merchandise. After all, environmentally conscious “green” promotional products are a great way to convey specific brand messages and enhance logo visibility while simultaneously showcasing the company’s care and concern for planet Earth.

Recycled, Reclaimed, Renewed Items

Green promotional products come in many forms, and can include those manufactured from materials that have been recycled or reclaimed, created without the use of natural resources, or harvested from sustainable areas. Green logo items also include those that foster the user’s ability to conserve natural resources and reduce their own environmental footprint.

Here are some great ideas on how to incorporate a social consciousness into promotional marketing efforts while staying on budget:trans Clients Want Green? Eco Friendly Branded Products

  • Recycled totes, bags, and backpacks: These carry-alls are effective for exposing a company logo and/or message to a wide audience while giving the recipient a practical way to go green. The bags, totes, and backpacks can be continually reused during shopping excursions, reducing the need to use plastic and paper retail bags.
  • Sports and entertainment products: Marketers are often amazed with the wide range of eco-smart sports and entertainment promotional items now available, such as golf balls and poker chips made from recycled materials and apparel and accessories made from fast-growing renewable bamboo.  Branded water bottles can go a long way to keep plastic out of our landfills.
  • Office supplies: Much is possible when it comes to recycled or eco-conscious logo gear for the workplace. Green promotional office supplies now include everything from pens and pencils, to mouse pads, presentation folders, calculators, paper products, calendars, and corporate clothing. Green technology and electronics also abound for yet more socially-smart branded merchandise options.
  • Pamper products: Although many promotional products are made to benefit the recipient in some way, there is an entire category of Earth-friendly promotional items dedicated to making the client “feel” good – physically or emotionally. Imagine a client’s delight as he or she dons a plush bamboo robe or an organic cotton shirt brandishing your logo. Scented soaps, sachets, lotions and a bevy of corporate-branded beauty products abound.

Green Reminders

Here are some important green reminders about what is possible for companies when it comes to green promotional products:

  • Going eco-friendly with promotional strategies is a cost-effective way to enhance brand image with target audiences relative to the company’s value system.
  • Just about every type of promotional item is now available in a green-inspired option, including those what contain recycled or manufactured materials that help conserve the planet’s diminishing natural resources.
  • Green promotional items are a great way to help customers be environmentally conscious by supplying them with solutions that reduce waste or use of non eco-friendly materials or products.

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Power and Popularity of Branded Pens

by Woody Kaye on October 14, 2019

businessmans hands writing in the dairy 150x150 Power and Popularity of Branded Pens

One of the most popular and enduring promotional products has been the pen. And with good reason as pens are a ubiquitous front-line, high-use, readily visible tool in the business world and beyond.  For these and other reasons, including their affordable price point, pens are one of the most practical promotional products on the market and remain a highly effective strategy for getting a company’s name and brand seen in the marketplace.

Here we’ll cover a few current trends in the promotional pen marketplace.

 Pen Trends

Recent surveys illustrate just how much consumers appreciate promotional pens with 46% of all U.S. consumers noting they have at least one in a drawer or bag, according to ASI Ad Specialties Impressions Survey. These often come from hotel rooms, offices, beauty salons and service-based businesses.

And, with the fact that pens are such a low-cost promotional item, averaging a tenth of one cent per impression, it makes good business sense to select this as an investment that pays a significant return.

While pens certainly serve a function, there are some notable ways to make your promotional pen a standout amongst the competition’s promotional products:

  • Expensive-looking pens that cost less than they look is one of the biggest trends. Indeed, manufacturers are re-designing what had been mid-range pens but using lower cost materials in order to lower the price point for customers. These include sleek brass and stylish aluminum pens that can cost as little as those basic plastic stick pens that didn’t exude style per se. Even the ink in these modern pens has been upgraded as technology has improved, also allowing these promotional items to come down in price.
  • Savvy marketers will look to pop culture for inspiration to design appealing and eye-catching pens. These include everything from pens with neon colors or pearlescent shades to a wide range of cool and hot ink colors that reflect trends in clothing, automobiles, and interior design.
  • It’s always wise to add more, and today’s pens can offer multiple functions that serve this purpose. This includes features like a light on the pen, a stylus tip, or even a key chain. Provide consumers with more functionality, and they will be more likely to hang onto that pen rather than misplace it, providing a longer period of visibility for the brand detail imprinted on the instrument.
  • More people are looking to buy products made in America to support growth in the national economy rather, and are even willing to pay a higher price per unit for domestic manufactured goods over those produced in other countries.
  • There is an ongoing trend toward customization of products where customers have more options and versatility in the type of personalized information that can be imprinted on pen barrels, which can readily set their promotional endeavors apart from the competition. This could include photos, graphics, textures, grips, and more colors or specialized logos that stand out.

 In Summary

Here is a summary of the pen trends and their value as one of today’s most popular promotional products:

  • Pens are one of the cheapest promotional items but also one of the most popular ones for their practicality.
  • Everyone is looking for pen manufacturers to raise the bar on quality, performance, and functionality but maintain the same low price.
  • Pen designs recently have been inspired by consumer markets like clothes and interior design.
  • Customization remains an important trend in pen design to help businesses differentiate themselves among the competition that often uses the same type of promotional products.

 References

http://counselor-digital.com/publication/?i=127096&p=92

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Maximizing Employee Satisfaction with Corporate Gifts

by Woody Kaye on October 7, 2019

suit gift 150x150 Maximizing Employee Satisfaction with Corporate GiftsCorporate gifts can be a highly effective means of strengthening the employer/employee relationship.  Indeed, such business gift programs can prove integral in increasing employee satisfaction, thereby enhancing staff productivity, retention, loyalty and goodwill toward the organization in kind. [click to continue reading…]

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Promo Products Rule ROI

by Woody Kaye on September 3, 2019

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With an often limited budget to put toward marketing and advertising, companies are regularly challenged with deciding which channels or vehicles will deliver the most ROI. For their part, promo products are often compared against traditional forms of marketing such as television, radio, print advertising. It has been found that promo products actually deliver the best return for investment—one that extends beyond just reaching existing clients.

The Return from Promo Products

Findings published in Advantages magazine indicate that the majority (60%) of people who receive promotional merchandise then decide that they will do business with the granting company, and experience an overall increase in their favorable impression toward that company.

Also of benefit is the fact that promotional products often commonly get passed on to others if not used by the original person rather than being thrown away. This actually provides a viral way for the company to reach more of its target audience and beyond without having to do the work or pay for additional impressions.

Even better is the fact that this strategy is so much cheaper than traditional marketing and advertising mediums, offering a considerable payoff for what can be as little as half a cent per impression than, say, a few dollars or more per impression utilizing the traditional route.

In order to get the best return, however, it is recommended that a company does its homework and get an idea of the individual preferences among various demographic groups that may be targeted as part of such as promo product campaign. Some promotional items are more attractive to certain groups than others and it’s imperative to strategize accordingly.

Promo Products that Fare Well

In listing those items that appeal to the largest audience and deliver an attractive return among the many choices of promotional and branded products, the most ROI was gained from:

  • Bags, backpacks, and totes
  • Caps and headwear
  • Writing instruments like pens and pencils
  • Shirts of all different styles
  • Calendars, diaries, and planners

These are practical items that most anyone can use so the recipient is likely to hold onto the item and even wear it if it’s apparel-related. In turn, become walking billboards for the company whose logo and information are on them, which enhances the potential ROI. These items also have considerable room to put critical contact information, including name, address, phone, email and website address.

In Review

Here is a summary of the key ideas about promo products and why and how they deliver a significant return on investment:

  • They cost less per impression than traditional marketing channels like television, radio, and magazines, which immediately drives up the return.
  • Those that receive them either keep them or pass them on both of which have been found to leave the recipient with a positive impression of the company and a greater likelihood of buying from them.
  • Promo products should be suited to certain demographics but the overall products that do best are bags, headgear, writing instruments, shirts and calendars.

References

Source: Advantages Magazine, Feb 2011, p. 107

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Push for Unique Promo Products – They Make a Difference!

by Natalie Darr on August 19, 2019

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Source: Make a Push for Unique Promotional Products

In this day and age, it seems the go-to promotional products are all the same; the Water Bottle, the Pen, the Pedometer. Trying to market your brand and company is becoming increasingly more difficult, because your rival company is doing the same thing, using the same tactics and same products as you are. For your next marketing campaign, step out of the box and give or send an unforgettable, unique item that will keep your brand at the forefront of everyone’s mind. This doesn’t need to be an extravagant or pricey operation, just creative. Here are a few ideas on how to find the perfect product.

  • Tradeshows – I recently went to my first tradeshow, the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only was I blown away at the amount of products and vendors that were in attendance, but the ideas and possibilities for all the new items that were presented at the show were unparalleled. The opportunity to attend one of these shows, small or large, is worth it. Take pictures, ask questions, and leave business cards. The time and effort spent networking at your next tradeshow will be worth it.
  • Vendor Reach Out – You have done the networking at your tradeshow now it is time to reconnect. Ask your vendor to WOW you. Pens are a quick and inexpensive leave behind; now ask for one that is magnetic, with a stylus and dual highlighter. Instead of a wall-calendar, give away magnetic calendar cubes for the office desk. Having one or two special features on your leave-behind item will have your customer or prospect using, and more importantly, keeping it. The price points shouldn’t break the bank, but show off your creativity and attention to detail.
  • You – How many giveaway T-shirts have you thrown away because the shirt was itchy or the logo was hideously large and unflattering? You are a consumer as well and have no doubt received the very same items that your business is trying to send out. What do you like? What type of apparel item would you keep and actually wear?  A softer, trendy V-neck perhaps or a long-sleeve with thumb-holes. Most apparel vendors have lines that are a bit more comfortable and are keeping up with today’s clothing trends. Try to think outside of the average polo when selecting apparel items so your company’s shirt doesn’t end up in the garage sale.

The right promotional item can go a long way in building your business. So take the time to find that special piece that will represent your company and brand. Use your intuition as a consumer and provide that one product that will keep you top-of-mind for any marketing venture.

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Budget Friendly Procurement Strategies in Promo Products

by Woody Kaye on August 1, 2019

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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.

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Branded Fall Fashion – Sure Hits

by Woody Kaye on July 29, 2019

Branded Items for Fall

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!

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