Creative Bag Imprinting Ideas

Bags are a common promotional item businesses are buying these days. Be it die cut plastic bags, recyclable grocery bags, coolers or totes, you see them everywhere you go. And because they are an item that gets used and reused, it's a great advertising vehicle for your logo.

But, problem is, since you do see them everywhere, we tend to not pay attention to them as much since most bags utilize the most basic decorating – a one color imprint centered on the front panel.

To really help your message and your brand stand out, how about trying some more creative and unique decorating methods? With just a little creative twist, what was once a plain looking bag will now stand out and help show off your brand.

So here's just a few ideas on how you can make your next bag project unique:

Full Color Imprinting:

Going from a simple one color imprint to a full color logo or even photo, can make a big impact. Look at these two examples – which one demands more attention? Upgrading to a full color doesn't always add a lot to the price of the item either. In most cases, it's just a bit over $1 with no additional set up charges.

In addition, by utilizing a full color imprint, you've just opened the possibilities for imprint content. How about a map of the event? Or, a schedule of events? Photos of your product? The possibilities are endless and you've created a marketing piece that really promotes  your brand or product, instead of just displaying your logo.

Custom Design

If you've got a large quantity (minimums vary, but usually over 3000 pieces), the opportunity for a completely unique and custom design is wide open. All aspects of the bag can be designed from scratch and present a great way to really stand out. From selecting materials to imprint colors and locations, the options are endless. It's a great way to create a bag that will be memorable and will be used time and time again, presenting your message each time it's used.

Unique Imprint Locations

Another option for a unique look is to place your imprint in non-standard locations. Depending on the bag supplier, your options may include handle imprints, imprinting inside the bag and on the gussets. Combining multiple imprints and locations on the same bag can truly provide a custom look.

These are just a few ideas for getting creative with bags. If you've got an occasion coming up where a bag is part of your marketing plans, give us a call and we'll present you with some creative, custom ideas that will make your bag get noticed.

What the heck is GSM, or How Good is My Tote?

GSM is a term you'll see a lot when looking at and ordering non-woven bags. You know, those recycled/recyclable grocery totes you see everywhere.

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter and measures the density of polypropylene material. The higher the GSM, the more dense, strong and durable the material.

Most bags in this industry will measure between 70 and 100 GSM. There is a definite difference between weights on either end of the spectrum. You'll be able to feel the difference between a 70 and a 100.

Keep in mind too that GSM measures the density, but not necessarily the quality of the material. Some polypro materials might contain fillers which will bring down the cost, but will also reduce the quality and strength of the material. The country of origin can also play a role in the quality as material produced in Europe tends to be of better quality than those produced in China.

Another issue to consider is stitch count. While traditionally, you might think that the higher the stitch count, the higher the quality, when it comes to polypro bags, it's actually the opposite. Imagine the polypro material as a sheet of plastic. Each time a needle enters the material, it makes a hole. If the holes are too close together, the material can rip. Look for a stitch count of 6 stitches/inch for optimal integrity.

When it comes to ordering non-woven totes or grocery bags, we prefer to use our suppliers who carry products with 80GSM or higher values. For best quality, we also like to stick with our supplier that has many products with 100GSM and sources their materials from German-manufactured machines without filler materials.

Keep in mind, when requesting non-woven totes, getting the lowest price isn't necessarily going to get you the best quality. You may only pay $.99 for a tote, but it may only last one time before it rips out. Paying just a few cents more can yield a much more durable and longer lasting bag – something that can be important when your name is advertised on it.