Laser Etching - Decorating Methods #1

Since there's so many decorating methods for apparel, in addition to the standard embroidery and screenprinting, I thought it might be a good idea to talk about some of them.

One of our favorite decorating methods is laser etching. Instead of adding something to the apparel, like stitching with embroidery or ink with screenprinting, laser etching actually changes the fabric's surface. The result differs depending on the type of fabric it's applied.

For a quick little video showing a fleece being etched, click here.

On most laser etching, you'll want to stay away from fabrics that are really dark in color, like black or navy, as the effect will not show up well on those colors, since the imprint takes on a tone-on-tone look for most applications.

Fleece fabric probably creates the most dramatic effect since the laser actually etches part of the top layer away. This leaves a 3 dimensional effect for the imprint. It can be really dramatic when used as a full imprint on a blanket or the back of a fleece jacket or pullover.

On wovens or knits, the effect is more subtle, usually darkening the fabric color a bit to create a tone-on-tone look. Since it is a more subtle effect, it offers the ability to be more creative with placement and sizing as the imprint can then become part of the design of the apparel. One example would be to take a graphic element from a logo, enlarge it, and position it possibly at the bottom of a shirt, overlapping a zipper, or extending off the item. View some of the out-of-the-box etching placements here.

Denim creates a whole different look since the laser removes the pigment, leaving a lighter-colored imprint. This would be a very affordable way to imprint the full back of a jean jacket.

Laser etching tends to be very cost effective too. Set ups range from $0 to $32 and run charges are right in the range of embroidery, but usually don't vary based on size. We have some items which can be ordered at just 1 piece with no set up charge -- a great idea for gifts or thank you's.

And, we offer laser etching in our online webstore – no set ups, no additional run charges, no minimums. Check it out here. Items which can be lasered include blankets, awards, glassware, sportswear, jackets and more.

The Wicking Myth - Performance Fabrics

What are "performance fabrics?" These are fabrics which are engineered to offer some special feature, usually moisture-wicking capabilities.

Most moisture wicking fabrics are comprised of dual layers, usually an inner layer which wicks the moisture from the skin and an outer layer which allows the moisture to evaporate quickly.

This helps to keep the wearer drier and more comfortable, especially during activities such as golf or running.

There is a wide variety of performance fabrics in the industry and not all of them perform equally. One of our favorite brands, Vantage, tests every lot of their fabrics to make sure they meet their standards for moisture management. We really recommend their apparel not only for their quality standards, but also for their great style and price points for every budget. View them all here: Vantage Performance Apparel

Here's a great little video they've put together which explains the wicking process: Wicking Test Video

Our customers who have purchased these products have responded enthusiastically about how well these shirts work at keeping them comfortable and dry, even when working outside most of the day.

Here's our happy customers from Bellevue University at a recent golf outing, wearing their Vantage polos. All smiles!!

American Made - Coming Back

If you've bought promotional products in the past, I'm sure you've noticed most of the items come with a "Made in China" sticker or tag attached. You may have even asked for products only made in the USA, to find there wasn't much readily available, or not the items you were hoping to purchase.

That trend is starting to change. With the downturn in the economy, the call for American-made products has grown stronger. In fact, a quick check of our supplier database shows that over 500 suppliers now offer American-made products. We can source products in almost every category, the lone exception being electronics. USB drives, MP3 players, computer accessories and other electronics are imported.

The major drawback in buying American? It all comes down to price. Most products are just going to be cheaper if they are imported, due mainly to labor costs. However, with American-made products, there tends to be greater control over quality, service and safety concerns.

If using American-made products in your marketing efforts is important to you and your company, make sure you express that need when speaking with your consultant here at The Creative J. We'll target our research on the manufacturers who make their products here in the US. Offering this option is just one of the many services we're happy to extend to our customers.

Parades and Promos Go Together

Don't you just love small town parades? I was at the Elkhorn Days parade this weekend, watching my kids participate with their karate school, and just had a great time.

The parade was delayed for an hour due to the rain, and I think that caused several of the entries to not show up, but it turned out to be a beautiful day and everyone had a great time.

As I sat on the curb, watching each entry go by, it occurred to me that these parades are really an advertisement for the businesses & organizations in the community. As each car, truck, flatbed, or wagon passed by the judge's table, the emcee would announce the business name and give a short little plug of their services or product. Since the majority of the entries were businesses, it really was a FUN rolling/walking advertising opportunity for all of them. What better way to reach their local customers and to show off their personalities along with their services?

Of course, it goes without saying that they were all handing and throwing out a variety of promotional items (and candy). Plus, most of them were wearing tshirts made just for the event. I saw frisbees, stress balls, pencils, koozies, plastic bags, yo-yo's, fliers, postcards, stickers (can't forget the politicians!), wristbands, and lots and lots of Tootsie Rolls!

The kids went crazy over it all, and of course, us adults had to check it all over carefully ourselves to make sure the candy was ok! But in the course of doing so, those items that were imprinted with the business's logo, stood out and made us take a second look. Maybe I hadn't heard of that business before, but now, seeing their logo on one of those items has imprinted it in my memory and I will know who they are when I hear or see their name next. Or, if I'm in need of one of those services, I'll probably remember their name and give them a call.

Now, if there was a way to imprint a funnel cake.............

Who Wants to Receive Promotional Products?

Do consumers enjoy receiving promotional products, or do they see them as a hassle, or item to discard? What makes them want to pick up a product emblazoned with your logo?

If you read a study done by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), you'll find out that American consumers really do love promotional products.

Some quick statistics: 83% of American consumers liked receiving promotional items; 48% would like to receive them more often; and 38% felt they served as a constant reminder of the advertiser.

However, the statistics for how or why a person would pick up a promotional product at a tradeshow or event are even more telling: only 23% would pick it up regardless of what it was, but a whopping 69% would pick it up if they found it to be useful.

So, when planning your budget for promotional product marketing, it's an important thing to keep in mind. If your audience finds it useful, they are more likely to pick it up and then continue to hold on to it.

And the statistic that tells it all, over 76% surveyed could recall over the past two years the specific product they received, the advertiser and the message the item conveyed. That's all value added to your bottom line when using promotional products to gain and maintain customers and brand recognition.

Calendars – Still a Top Promotional Product

When you think of calendars as an advertising vehicle, visions of the Norman Rockwell calendar you would pick up at your local pharmacy are probably what come to mind. And that design still remains a pretty popular one: Norman Rockwell Calendar.

Calendars have been around forever, but they still remain a very popular advertising medium for businesses. Why? It's simple: They provide continuous marketing every day of the year. What other product is guaranteed to make an impression daily on your customer? When a customer receives a calendar, they put it up on the wall, put it on their desk, or stick it in their car... and then it stays there for a year, constantly reminding them of who gave it to them.

No matter what your budget or preference, you can find a calendar to fit. From small press-n-stick calendars starting at $.40 each, on up to full-color fully customized works of art, there's a calendar perfect to create awareness of your business or brand.

Don't want to spend a lot of time designing a calendar? Choose from hundreds of pre-made calendars, ready to have your imprint added, such as these: Appointment Calendars. Or for a little more customization, how about options such as coupon add-ons, desk pads, or a fully customized calendar such as these: Custom Calendars. Then there's all sorts of other options such as planners, commercial calendars, stick up or magnetic calendars, and more: Planners.

When is the best time to buy calendars? Surprisingly, it's early the year before the calendar's year. Many suppliers print only a limited number of each style and can run low on inventory towards the fall. There are some suppliers and styles however that do have guaranteed inventories throughout the year. Another advantage to buying before July is discounted pricing, offered by most calendar suppliers.

Even though we're starting to wind down the year, there's still plenty of time available to get those 2011 calendars ordered. What better way to show your thanks to your customers or employees and keep that appreciation in front of them throughout the year?

The Power of Promotional Products

PPAI, the non-profit trade organization for the promotional products industry, has just released their latest research on the power of promotional products. For a quick view of the results, check out this link to a short presentation: Reach And Recall

The findings reinforce past studies -- consumers like receiving promotional items, they tend to remember the company that gave them out, and they tend to hold on to the item, creating multiple impressions of the product or brand.

The study also shows that promotional products advertising has a 15-50% higher recall rate than tv, print and online advertising -- a great bang for the buck.

Some quick facts:
• 83% of consumers surveyed like receiving promotional items
• 48% would like to receive them more often
• 69% generally will keep the item if it is useful
• 36% generally will give it to someone else if they don't have a use for it, expanding it's exposure
• 35% generally keep the product if they like the advertiser
• Decreases in advertising dollars are the least for promotional products as compared to other mediums
• A significantly more positive impact on brand image is projected by promotional products than other mediums

The PPAI website has a host of research and facts about the impact of promotional products. It's a great source when you are considering your advertising budgets and the impact you wish to create.