Category Archives for Products With Punch

Whisper, Don’t Scream

Delivering subtle, yet effective, brand messages to the corporate target market is not often associated with typical promotional merchandise options. However, a saavy promotional merchandise provider knows when to suggest a product that whispers, rather than one that screams.

For instance, when sending a thank-you gift to key customers, consider gift options that don’t come off as yet another blaring advertisement for your company logo.  A coffee mug or duffel bag in your corporate color with a logo that is printed to the maximum imprint area allowed is less likely to impress than a keepsake National Geographic book featuring stunning photographs from famous photographers.  The book can still be customized with promotional inserts that will deliver the brand message, and then that message becomes seamless and natural instead of loud and overwhelming.  The difference between these two approaches is, the discriminating recipient will appreciate the gift and remember the giver long after some other vendor’s coffee mug has been placed in the company break room.

Subtle branding drives a more thoughtful response. It’s not in-your-face or shouting so loud that your customer is tempted to walk away.  It’s a bit complex and somewhat intellectual, and the products that carry that message should have the same qualities.  Products that are designed to scream the corporate tidings work well for large, uninformed audiences.  But for that slightly more sophisticated customer base, try whispering – it almost always makes us want to lean in a little closer.

(image via National Geographic)

The Game Of Phones

A staggering 28 percent of all car accidents in the US are caused by drivers using cell phones.  But the reality is, in this world of immediate response and faster communication, driving while talking on the phone has become a necessary part of managing our time.  One way for corporations to promote safer driving habits, while respecting the undeniable need to stay in touch, is to provide branded wireless bluetooth car speakers for an employee safety program that encourages safety outside the work space, or for client gifts that say “we care”.

Besides the obvious advantage of avoiding accidents due to cell phone distractions, there are other benefits of a bluetooth wireless speaker:

  • Portability: small and lightweight
  • Efficiency:  work seamlessly with cell phones
  • Ease of Installation: plugs into car power socket without wires or drivers

Companies with a strong focus on safety and wellness don’t always consider gift options that aren’t associated with eating and exercise habits.  But what better way to encourage smarter life choices than to encourage your employees and customers to stop playing the game of phones and get both hands back on the wheel?!

(Image via Hirsch Gift)

Paper or Plastic?

The Worldwatch Institute claims Americans as a whole toss 100 billion plastic bags per year – less than 1 percent of which are recycled.  And considering the effect all those bags have on marine life, landfills and the environment, concern for the future of our planet is causing people to take a second look at alternatives to the plastic bag.  (Read more about this on Livestrong.com)

One of those alternatives is the age-old brown kraft bag.  Except in today’s eco-conscious world, more and more of those trusty carriers of our school lunch and weekly groceries are made from 100% recycled paper.  They are reusable, recyclable and biodegradable, and available in all shapes and sizes.  Of particular interest for the corporate buyer, the imprint area is large enough to carry a full color logo plus a tag line or corporate marketing message.

Consider the number of bags distributed at industry trade shows and community outreach programs.  Then consider the message you send to the recipient when you hand out your literature or product give-aways in a creatively designed paper shopper.  Regardless of the industry, more consumers are paying attention to the providers who ‘walk the walk’ when it comes to business practices around sustainability.  In 2009, 47 percent of consumers said they bought products from a socially or environmentally responsible company. Going into 2010, 76 percent of all consumers said they expected to purchase more from environmentally responsible companies  (Tiller, 2009).

In light of all the benefits of using paper bags, the choice of paper or plastic becomes an easy one!  Try it at your next corporate event!

(Image via Bag Makers)

An Ounce of Performance Is Worth Pounds Of Promises

Mae West was not referring to performance wear apparel when she made this statement, but her sentiment makes sense for branded clothing purchases nonetheless.  Clothing manufacturers use the word performance when describing fabrics that are resistant to stains, wrinkles, wind, rain and the ever-challenging body moisture.  In today’s world of active lifestyles, putting a corporate logo on an apparel piece that fits into the daily routine of the recipient will demonstrate your company’s awareness and appreciation of life outside the office.

When working with clients to come up with ideas for corporate give-aways, I always tell them that the money is wasted if it’s spent on an item that serves no purpose for the recipient.  And it’s not about the cost – a refrigerator magnet with the local team’s game schedule will remain in the house at least as long as the season.  But a lead crystal letter opener will likely end up in the bottom desk drawer.  Likewise, a lightweight jacket made from performance fabric will make it to the gym, yoga studio or children’s sports activities much faster than an unlined nylon jacket that is uncomfortable and makes that annoying swishing noise with every movement.

For easy reference on your next apparel purchase, I have provided an abridged summary of the most common fabrics and their characteristics, as offered on the Fabrics Manufacturers web site.

  • Cotton:        high water retention; long drying time; high shrinkage; medium durability
  • Wool:          high water retention; long drying time; high shrinkage; medium druability
  • Nylon:         medium water retention; short drying time; low shrinkage; high durability
  • Polyester:   lowest water retention; shortest drying time; low shrinkage; high durability

When considering clothing for a logo store, uniform program or client gift, ask your promotional merchandise partner to discuss the performance fabric options.  There’s no down side to associating your brand with high performance!

(Image via Ash City)

Let The Red (Or Blue) Tape Roll

Regardless of whether your brand is mature or newly created, the path to branding success is disciplined consistency and repetition.  Those corporations that store and ship logo product through a 3rd party fulfillment program can build on that consistency with custom branded shipping tape as part of the standard packaging requirements.

For a small investment of approximately $9.00 to $11.00 per roll (110 yards per roll), your logo tape can be used to seal every package and be the first impression for each recipient.  If you consider that each 110 yard roll can seal up to 85 average size boxes, the add-on cost for each package would be approximately $0.11 – $0.13.  While that is an expense that must be considered when negotiating the final shipped product cost with the supplier, there are few things that offer the same positive first impression for this level of investment.

Custom tape colors are available, as are custom print colors, eco friendly green tape options and, for less money, standard message tapes that can express a generic message such asThank You or Seasons Greetings.  Cartons can be customized also, but the cost is higher, and the ROI wouldn’t vary much from the humble sealing tape.

Effective reinforcement of your brand can be as easy as adding colorful, creative packaging tape to your product orders.  If you haven’t discussed this idea with your program manager yet, call her or him before the busy holiday season, and get the tape rolling!

(image via ULINE)

Journals and Jotters and Planners … Oh My!

Even with the ever growing affection we all have for our electronic devices as the business tool of choice, there is much to be said for the value of the written word to record our meeting notes, business expenses and last-minute thoughts.  For many people, it’s faster, easier and more convenient to pull out a right-sized journal than to launch a computer device that may, or may not, be able to find a wireless network connection.  And, of course, the opportunity it offers for creative branding and custom filler pages makes it the perfect promotional item for nearly every corporate audience.

As we approach fall, it’s not too early to consider the value of a calendar that outlines upcoming events for 2013.  This type of information can be printed and inserted into a journal for valued customers.  For the next trade show, a small jotter with custom pages inserted to advertise the new product line or web site features would be a handy pocket or purse device for every recipient.  Or, consider a motivational tool for the sales team that offers a notebook to name, organize and track individual goals.

There are several style options and endless choices for creative customization.  Some to consider:

  • recycled front and back covers for the eco-conscious
  • book-bound leather with elastic privacy closure
  • full color cover with spiral bound lined paper that features a motivational message on every page
  • aluminum or paperboard front with flexible binding that offers ability to refill or reorganize notes
  • tri fold with a business card pocket, ribbon marker and elastic pen loop

There are journals and planners that appeal to gardeners, sports teams, energy consumers, wine enthusiasts and any budget-tracking individual in the home or office.  They come in many sizes, shapes and colors – and they all give the corporate procurement team a creative vehicle to support the brand.  Take the time to consider your message, and give a journal that delivers it to the messenger!

(Image via Journal Books)

Take The ‘Made In America’ Challenge

In January, 2011, ABC News and Diane Sawyer kicked off the Made in America Challenge.    It was a series dedicated to exploring the positive economic effects of buying USA-made merchandise and challenging all Americans to open their minds to the opportunites we have to make a difference in our own homes.  It’s this type of call to arms that has helped to create a real emotional connection to products that are made in America. Due to that connnection, many consumers will recognize, and reward, those corporate citizens that demonstrate an awareness of this growing movement, and incorporate American-made products into their marketing campaigns.

Admittedly, it is often difficult to find cost effective domestic merchandise in certain product categories (just try to find a compelling selection of USA-made clothing styles for your next uniform program!).  However, like the growth in ladies clothing styles and eco-friendly products over the last ten years, the availability of American-made products in the promotional products industry continues to grow in response to the customer demand.  Common items like pens, cups, caps, coolers, and writing journals can all be sourced from domestic suppliers.  The quality is often superior and the pricing is surprisingly competitive for many of these items.  Although domestic manufacturers are still dealing with the reality of higher labor costs, when the freight costs, duties, and timing for production and delivery are factored in with the rising labor costs in China, the price difference shrinks, or disappears.

It’s true that the breadth of USA-made promotional merchandise still pales in comparison to items made overseas, but the companies that turn the “challenge” into an opportunity, will be rewarded with a more loyal customer base that will view your company as an empathetic ally, rather than just another provider.  Reach out to your preferred brand identity partner, and take a fresh look at the expanded selection of products that are ‘Made in America’!

Corporate Eye Candy

Summer sun brings ample opportunity for marketing your brand with fun flair!  Beach towels, coolers, sandals and, for those companies looking for an “in (or more appropriately, on) your face” promotional item … high quality, lightweight sunglasses.

With complete coverage of your logo, advertising designs or photo images across the entire frame, custom designed sunglasses provide a unique way to bring attention to your brand.  Not to be confused with the age-old, low quality promotional glasses that even the youngest of your customer base found unappealing, today’s choices offer UV protection, stylish frame choices and scratch-resistant lenses.

With style options that appeal to both genders and all ages, custom eyewear that protects the eyes while creatively showcasing the corporate brand is an ideal promotional product choice for sporting events, company picnics or wellness initiatives.  Bundle the glasses with a branded eyewear retainer and bottle of sunscreen, and you’ll have a summer promotional package that will shine!

(image via BrandRims)

Under The Corporate Umbrella

There are few products better than a custom designed umbrella that offer such a high profile billboard for your corporate brand.  Everyone needs one (or in most cases, two or three), but few corporations consider the opportunity this simple accessory offers for all-over customization that transforms a basic umbrella into a work of advertising art.

When you consider how many places the recipient will use this gift – running to the office on the busy streets; sitting at sports activities; walking around the neighborhood; or standing at the bus stop – it becomes clear how many other potential customers will be nearby to view and appreciate the marketing message.  Customization options range from all-over print designs on the fabric panels (inside and out) to carved handles and color matched frames.  And if the design is applied to a well-built umbrella with wind-resistant construction, the customer will be able to weather the storms for years, rather than send it to a landfill after the first gust of downtown wind turns it inside out!

As with all fully customized products, a winning design takes an open mind, production expertise and TIME (this isn’t something that can be delivered in time for next month’s new product launch).  But with the right vendor partner and creative graphics, a basic everyday item invented over 4,000 years ago can become a corporate canopy that makes a bold statement!

(image via AAA Umbrella)

Texting While Driving Kills

Corporations interested in sponsoring an advocacy compaign that everyone can relate to should consider that raising awareness about the dangers of texting while driving is a social cause worth shouting about!  Teens and adults alike are guilty of contributing to this epidemic.  And similar to the dangers of drinking (or eating or shaving or hairstyling) while driving, texting can kill!

One way to get the word out is with this debossed Silicone Thumb Band that carries the message “Texting Kills” or “Text Free Driver”.  Available in different sizes and colors, this band can be worn by people before they get into a car to remind them of the dangers of texting while driving.  Schools, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, insurance carriers and non-profit agencies are among the many types of institutions with a customer base that could benefit from this message.

For the cost of a refrigerator magnet you can distribute an item that will speak to your company’s commitment to promoting safe driving habits, which can enhance the other parts of your marketing strategy and encourage loyalty and support for your firm.  Win, Win … results worth investing in!

(image via BamBams)