Posts Tagged products
Personalized Pens – Choosing the Perfect Fit
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on October 8, 2008
Customized Brilliance Pen
Personalized Pens – Choosing the Right Pen for Your Promotion
Vast selection, many options make for difficult choices
Overwhelm, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, means to “overpower in thought or feeling.” In the busy business world, it can be brought on by too many phone calls to make, too many e-mails to read or too many meetings to attend. In the promotional sphere, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by one simple product category: writing instruments.
Promotional pens are everywhere!!!!!
They’re often inexpensive, everyone needs them and they’re easy to disseminate. So, how do you narrow the playing field to choose the best option for each of your clients? It’s another seemingly overwhelming task.
“Faced with the vast selection, it is difficult to decide where to begin your search,” says Scott Pearson, vice president of merchandising for Sweda.
But take some advice from industry experts, and the task becomes much easier.
Cost Effective
For starters, know when to choose a high-priced writing instrument. As Lisa Newell, vice president of sales for Gold Bond in Hixson, Tenn., points out, the uses are different for high-end and low-end pens. “Higher-end pens are usually given out as gifts or awards, where low-end pens are used for trade shows and hand outs.”
The less expensive varieties also can mean reaching a much larger audience pool — and therefore greater buying power, says Eric Flecha, Ritter
The end result, Flecha adds, is more effective brand awareness.
“The higher–end variety, due to cost, may only reach a limited market niche but is perfect for awards and incentive programs.”
High- and low-cost pens “serve different purposes depending on whether your campaign is directed toward a mass or niche audience,” affirms Scott Meng, marketing director with KTI “If your goal is reaching the most eyeballs, then a low-cost pen is great. Plus, these pens can even float from person to person, gaining additional exposure.”
End users view more expensive pens, Meng continues, as keepsake items. “High-end pens work well for building and maintaining relationships with key contacts.”
Supplier Choice
Once you’ve slashed your number of options by determining a price range, you can further narrow the options by asking targeted questions.
“Quality, production time and competitive pricing are some of the main factors [about which to ask],” Pearson says. “Also weigh your options between general market pens or proprietary designs, but always keep in mind, cheapest does not mean profitability. Make sure you have pre-qualified your suppliers.”
As expected, suppliers have different ideas about how best to choose a writing-instruments supplier with which to work. “Ask fellow distributors about working experiences with different suppliers,” Meng advises. “Determine if pens are a supplier’s main product line; if so, they will have more knowledge and experience than suppliers who carry a few pens along with many other product categories.”
Flecha offers these criteria for choosing a pen supplier:
Does this company stand behind their product?
Is it 100 percent guaranteed?
Does the supplier manufacture its own pen product or do they outsource?
What is the supplier’s rating?
Meng, too, recommends asking more questions beyond price.
“What is the end user’s brand personality — conservative, edgy, fun?
Who’s ultimately using these pens — age, gender, lifestyle attributes?
Any other special considerations — eco-friendly, multifunction, novelty?” he suggests. “The more detailed information you can get, the easier it will be to narrow down the number of choices.”
Fun Facts from the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association
A typical pencil can draw a line 35 miles long or write about 45,000 words. Most ball point pens will draw a line 4,000 to 7,500 feet long.
In 1977, the rollerball pen was introduced as a new type of ball point that uses low-viscosity ink.
An unpainted pencil inserted into the soil of a potted plant can eliminate mealy bugs on plants.
Plant growers mark their plant labels with pencil because it won’t fade in sunlight.
Seeing a pencil in your dream indicates that you are making a temporary impact in a situation. It may also suggest that a relationship may not last long. Dreaming that you are sharpening a pencil suggests that you need to be more flexible in your way of thinking.
Typically, text is printed on a pencil from tip to head so you can read it while writing, but left-handed pencils are printed from head to tip.
Promotional Packaging that POP’s
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on October 8, 2008
Ensuring the contents of a package are delicious is at the core of our business,
but the packaging itself is equally important — in fact, it can be the deciding factor during a sale.
When developing new packages, we always consider color trends and the latest packaging materials. We also assess what is available through retails channels and global sources, and strive to create packages that are current yet corporate.
Because we drop-ship many gifts directly to end-users, how a package arrives is critical. We have a protocol that’s quite rigorous yet fun — we take the product, package it inside the proposed master carton and start the testing process, which includes conducting the “courier drop kick” test across the parking lot. We’ve also been known to ship a package across the country and back again just to make sure the beautiful packaging still looks that way when it arrives.
The Evolve drinkware line is eco-friendly — and so is the packaging. In a recent survey, distributors told us that the overwhelming top-two product lines their customers requested in eco-friendly materials are packaging and drinkware. We’ve combined both by working with a U.S. vendor to create eco-friendly packaging for biodegradable drinkware.
Embossed Labels – embossed labels add a professional touch to boxes and envelopes.
Packaging has always been what makes the proverbial “first impression” when marketing a product. Hence, the amount of research and time that goes into preparing products for the shelves and consumers. It makes sense to apply those same concepts to packages, boxes, bags and specialty envelopes used in the promotional world. Can you imagine how your spouse or significant other would feel if you gave him or her a gift in a plastic grocery bag? What does that say about the time and preparation you invested?
We often receive requests to use our embossed labels on boxes or envelopes. The labels provide a cost-effective yet professional-looking means to dress up a package or envelope, even those just containing invoices. Likewise, a company can use labels to celebrate anniversaries or special events without more costly custom-printed packaging.
Patented Self-Locking Gift Box and 2-Piece Gift Box
A mug is a mug, and a coaster is a coaster — both commodity items that can be fairly boring and unappreciated when given as standalone gifts.
But add some gift packaging and a little creativity, and your gift will never be forgotten.
Everyone enjoys opening a present. Remember those holiday mornings spent anxiously waiting to see what was in all of those boxes? The same holds true for gift-giving all year round, as the anticipation of unveiling “what’s in the box” creates excitement and a feeling of gratitude toward the gift-giver even before the box is opened. Charles believes that packaging is one of the most important aspects of gift-giving; therefore, every
Charles gift item comes in attractive, designer gift packaging — most at no additional charge. Take that mug and put it in a designer box, maybe with some coffee or candy, and a mug will never be just a mug again.
Retreat Mini Doctor’s Kit -
Unique miniature doctor’s bag holds all the makings of an at-home spa treatment.
SafeHaven learned long ago the importance of product presentation — after all, that’s what promotional products are all about. First impressions are very important as they can attract or distract, excite or disappoint recipients in seconds. The packaging and first-impression communication is important as it presents the good will, value, emotions and integrity of the giver. For example, handing out a personal-care item sends a “caring” message. People respond very well to those whom they feel care about them.
Case Study: A medical-industry company was hosting its sales meeting and retreat. The distributor chose the Mini Dr’s Bag with customized contents including golf items and sunscreen and added the tag line: “Day of Golf — Dr.’s Orders!” The item was a hit with all the recipients; it was adorable, useful and fit easily into their suitcases to take home.
Eco Friendly Products – Easier Going Green
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on September 24, 2008
Eco-Friendly Promotions – It’s Getting Easier Being Green
Years ago, if a client wanted a green promotional product, the first question was “lime or kelly?” Nowadays, environmental friendliness has ushered in a whole new set of questions: What qualifies as a green product? Can I provide a wide range of options to clients? How can I pitch the eco-friendly angle without making customers feel guilty for their non-sustainable product choices?
Earlier this year, when I received “eco-lifestyle 2008” from Logomark, a lot of my questions were answered. As much an educational resource as a product catalog, eco-lifestyle is filled with solid educational information about the green movement. Neat and easy to understand, Logomark breaks products into five categories with great facts you can share with your clients:
*Sustainable
These resources are naturally replenished at the same rate that they are consumed and include products made from organic cotton, cotton canvas, bamboo and corn. Sample bamboo items include blankets, kitchen utensils, key tags, cutting boards, desk supplies and frames. Renewable corn plastic – which comes from corn resin, also known as polylactic acid or PLA – is being used to make pens and golf tees.
*Recycled
Made from recycled plastic and paper, these items keep trees from being cut down and save additional energy that typically goes into harvesting non-recycled materials. Of special interest are totes and bags made from recycled plastic bottles (denoted by the number 1 or “PET,” the abbreviation for Polyethylen-terephthalat). Approximately two to three 600 ml. plastic bottles are used to make one average-size tote bag.
*Recyclable
“Paper or plastic” sounded so liberating when it first hit grocery stores, but plastic shopping bags have become a real pain. The average family of four accumulates 1,460 of them a year – and it can take up to 1,000 years for a single bag to break down in the environment. Bags made from non-woven polypropylene (or PP) material allow for repeated use and are recyclable.
*Energy-Saving
These products reduce or eliminate battery or electrical use in favor of alternative non-harmful resources such as dynamo power, solar energy and water energy. Choices range from clocks, lights and calculators to radios and emergency cell-phone chargers.
*Reusable
One great suggestion for clients who haven’t totally warmed up to green is reusable products that replace throwaway items. Practical items that reduce waste through reuse include lunch sacks, coolers, picnic sets and beverage containers. Americans throw away 25 million Styrofoam coffee cups every year – and it takes 500 years for a single cup to dissolve. With that info, who could turn away a reusable coffee mug?
As I survey the promotional products landscape, I’m pleased to see an increase in the amount and quality of green options. As the trend becomes the norm, the suppliers providing not just products – but quality education – are sure to find themselves among distributors’ favorite “reusable” natural resources.
Eco Friendly Promotions – Become an Expert
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on September 24, 2008
Becoming Your Client’s Eco Promotions Expert
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ve noticed the green trend sweeping the promotional products industry. Every industry show is inundated with green options, and many distributors have created end-user green catalogs. It’s no longer just a fad.
Ms. Chandler, a nationally renowned green and LOHAS marketing, communications and trends expert, says the green lifestyle appeals to a group of consumers wielding a $230-billion market share. Chandler, helps companies better understand environmental and health trends so organizations of all sizes and types can position their green brands.
In lay terms, Chandler is referring to the group we think of as eco-friendly consumers who generally aren’t making purchase decisions based on convenience or cost. These are the people who shop farther from their homes to purchase organic foods and pay more to buy recycled or fair-trade products. It’s important to remember that LOHAS consumers’ preferences extend beyond environmental concerns to social justice, fair trade, inclusion and other key social issues.
These consumers are quickly becoming a major force in today’s market. They may be prospects that were previously unreachable but have come within reach due to the eco-friendly products and services your clients now provide. Your clients will appreciate the time you take to educate them. Many may not be aware of LOHAS or the terminology surrounding this group. Consider compiling a resource and presentation tool that contains common vocabulary — everything from LOHAS to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Also, if you do not have a green catalog, put together a small sampling of products to share with them at your first appointment. By educating clients, you are demonstrating that you bring value to the table.
As you know, understanding what makes your target end users tick is one of the most crucial elements of a successful marketing campaign. When promoting an eco-friendly initiative, you first need to identify and reach the audience. You’ll need to know the behaviors and preferences of audience members to ensure communications are well-received. One challenge many distributors currently face is finding detailed information about LOHAS audiences or those audiences you can influence with a green message.
Imagine the reception you would get walking into your client’s office armed with specific demographic information for the audience he or she wants to reach; you could quickly rise from a promotional products provider to a marketing expert who is able to recommend the best media vehicles, messages and eco-friendly promos. Make use of free educational resources, and consider attending more educational events. Gaining audience knowledge will place you a step ahead of your competition and make your client’s eco-friendly promotions more effective.
As a marketing consultant, you should ensure your client is making the best decisions about eco-friendly promos and communications — and not greenwashing. Viewed negatively by the LOHAS crowd and others, greenwashing is any practice to make something appear environmentally friendly when it is not. “You can equate this to false advertising,” Chandler explains. When people buy products or services based on false or misleading attributes, they tend to question their faith and loyalty to the company, she says.
LOHAS consumers are especially sensitive to authenticity concerns. “Green individuals are a little less trusting and will investigate companies to see if they are greenwashing,” Chandler cautions. When they discover companies are greenwashing, these comsumers don’t hesitate to pass the word through their communities, the media and more, which can destroy a company’s credibility.
Many companies do not understand what it means to be green and are unaware of the potential to turn off consumers. “They think something such as recycling allows them to say they are a green company, where it’s really just a first step in an overall process toward becoming more environmentally friendly,” Chandler says. “Green is not a marketing, PR or advertising tactic; it’s a lifestyle for many consumers. They expect companies to understand that and support their lifestyle with products and services they can believe in.”
A critical part of being a green expert is doing your due diligence to ensure you’re selling truly eco-friendly products. Many times, greenwashing happens outside the knowledge of companies trying to communicate their eco-friendly initiatives, Chandler points out. “While industry suppliers are advertising eco-friendly products left and right, on occasion, those products are not as eco-friendly as they seem,” she says. For instance, a product made of a sustainable material [such as bamboo or organic cotton] may be less than green if the manufacturing process creates more waste and toxins than the non-eco-friendly alternative method. Or, there’s always the possibility of a supplier misrepresenting its product as green, even if they really believe it is so. You could lose clients if they hear from one of their end users that the product you sold them really is not eco-friendly.
Due diligence means asking for certification or other forms of documentation from your supplier stating that the product meets green standards. Always probe a little deeper to ensure that products are what they claim to be, and share the proof or certification with your clients. They will appreciate your expertise and feel more confident purchasing eco-friendly items from you if they know you do your homework and protect their interests.
The more you know about eco-friendly promotional products, LOHAS consumers and best green business practices, the more value you can offer your clients. If you take these five tips to heart, you can position yourself as an expert and set yourself apart from the competition in green promotions.
A company — we’ll call it ABC Co. — was excited to launch its brand-new, eco-friendly product. The marketing team sent releases to media outlets and consumers of ABC’s products. A blogger covered the launch and gave it rave reviews. The company decided to send him a small thank-you gift to help foster a relationship.
The blogger received the package a few days later. Much to his surprise, the package was shipped through a common shipping company via a city more than 100 miles away, despite ABC being only blocks away. He marveled that ABC, with its new eco-friendly product, didn’t think to hand-deliver the package to save fuel and carbon emissions from the shipping. When he opened the package, he saw it was packed with Styrofoam peanuts.
The blogger was displeased that ABC promoted a green product with very un-green means. He roasted the company in his next blog, pointing out ABC’s environmentally unfriendly business practices and effectively alienating many LOHAS consumers who were interested in the new product. Branded as a greenwasher, the company lost potential revenue from the new product when intensely loyal LOHAS consumers refused to purchase from a non-eco-friendly company.
The LOHAS Demographic
Empower your clients with details on LOHAS consumers.
Client Gifts – Tower of Treats
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on September 24, 2008
New Breast-Cancer Awareness Items
Posted by Gallant in Promotional Ideas on September 24, 2008
Breast-Cancer Awareness Promotions