Top It Off – A Little Out of the Ordinary

When it comes to golf tournaments, seems everyone gravitates towards the traditional golf cap. Be it structured, unstructured, 5-panel, 6-panel, or performance fabric, they're all pretty much the same:

Why not mix it up a little bit and try something totally different this year, make your event the one that gets remembered for the item they've never received before.

How about a straw hat, ala Greg Norman?

Choose from a variety of styles and colored hatbands to fit your event. Bands can be embroidered or screen printed.

A hat like this won't likely get tossed in that stack of caps in the closet. Every time the recipient puts it on, they will be reminded of the great time they had at your golf event!

And that's what marketing is all about!

Burlap and Neoprene...Together...at last?

Now here's something I really haven't seen in our industry.... burlap... and neoprene...together!

Brand new from one of our favorite suppliers, a line of burlap and neoprene items. Coolies, key tags, wine holders, lunch bags and more. And to top it off, you can mix and match neoprene and stitch colors to truly create a custom look.

"Consider using products as packaging."

It really does make a unique look. Create a custom gift set. Wouldn't these make a great alternative to standard packaging? Ordering tshirts for your employees? Why not pack each one in on of these lunch bags or iPad sleeves instead? Sponsoring a luncheon or conference? Use the key holder as a napkin ring at each place setting. Put your business card in the card guard and use as a leave-behind that will leave an impression.

And, if you've got your own idea of a product you'd like to have using these materials, they can do it. Everything is cut and sewn on demand, so just about any custom shape or item you might need can be created.

Camo + Activewear = Fun Performance

Camo-themed items has been a hot design trend the past couple years. From coolies and tumblers to hats and bags, it seems to be everywhere.

Now, new for 2015, camo is taken a step further:  incorporated into trendy, fashionable designs in active and sportswear, from our favorite warehouse supplier, Sanmar.

They've rolled out a new line called Camohex – a sublimated digital camo design which uses hexagons in a tonal pattern. Available in a variety of colors on several styles, it's a great way to update your activewear look.

All items are moisture-wicking 100% polyester – a great base for screen printing or heat transfer imprints.  And with a variety of colors, there's plenty of options available. The tees make a great alternative to standard tshirts. Tagless and lightweight, they perform wonderfully for runs or special events.

Sport Tek Camohex Colorblock Hoodies

Sport Tek Youth Camohex Tee

Sport Tek Camohex Ladies Tees

Sport Tek Camohex Tees

Sport Tek Camohex Hoodies

Sport Tek Camohex Caps

Power Banks - Recalls and Cease & Desist Letters

When connecting your high-dollar phone to any sort of power device, you want to be certain the energy source is not going to damage your phone.

We're very proactive with our suppliers to make sure we only sell certified and tested products. Below is a statement from our main supplier, KTI, about their standards:

"As most of you are aware, power banks and cables have been the center of quite a few issues – the Apple Cease and Desist letter that many suppliers have received and the Powerbank recall being two of the main headliners.

I have been asked by a few “Are KTI products involved with the recent recall and/or did KTI get a Cease and Desist letter from Apple?”  In short, no.  We certify all of our power banks to prevent this sort of issue coming up with anything purchased from us.  And we foresaw issues like this with Apple, so we have never offered any lightning cables or adapters that are not Apple MFI certified.(regardless of pressure to offer and sell at a low price).

You can count on us to continue this trend.  We watch out for your reputation.

   

I want you ensure you all KTI power banks have certifications and are not a part of the recall and KTI does not resell any cables without Apple MFI license."

Be sure to ask if items are tested and certified when inquiring about any electronic devices. The last thing you want when handing out these items to your employees, customers, friends or family, is to have them come back to tell you the device shorted out their expensive electronics!

Tradeshow Planning

We're almost to that season... No, not Christmas and the holidays, but Tradeshow Season. Winter and spring seem to be primetime for tradeshows. If you plan to exhibit at an upcoming tradeshow, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:.

1.  Set A Goal – What do you plan to gain by exhibiting?
You spend a lot of time, money and energy planning for a tradeshow. Make sure you have measurable goals defined. You'll be able to clearly track and measure your results in relation to the goals you set. Most goals are going to be either sales or communication related. Such as:

• Sales related – showcase your products and services, find the decision makers, influence customer attitudes, open doors for future sales calls
• Communication related – meet your customers, establish your company image, learn new industry trends, gather information about competitors, obtain feedback

For example, your goal might be to talk with at least 50 people of which you can qualify at least 10 prospects for future business.

2.  Staff Your Booth with Trained People

Staff should be well-trained on your product or services, friendly, and well presented. They should also understand your goals for the tradeshow and their role in achieving those goals. They need to come across as friendly and knowledgeable to anyone who stops at your booth. 

3.  Create a Budget

Draw up a budget so that costs can be kept in check. Don't forget to include display items and giveaways, such as banners, tablecloths, promotional materials and dining.

4.  Create an Eye-Catching and Effective Display

You won't reach your goals if nobody stops at your booth, so it's vital to have an eye-catching and inviting display. 

• Shoot for a high traffic location – look for locations near entrances, concessions, restrooms or near major exhibitors. Avoid dead-end aisles, obstructive columns, loading docks or other low traffic areas.
• Appeal to the senses – display your products or services in a variety of ways so that attendees can see, touch, hear or taste them. Use colorful visuals, employ background music or sound, offer demonstrations.
• Keep it simple – don't go overwhelm with your graphics or "stuff". One large photo or graphic that can be seen from down the aisle may have a greater impact than many smaller graphics. Use a catchy or simple slogan which readily identifies your business.
• Gimmicks work – Drive traffic to your booth with contests and giveaways. Offer incentives or rewards to attendees who bring others back to your booth. Give out crazy hats or bags that will be seen all over the show floor.

5.  Promote Your Presence

No matter how good your booth looks, it will fail if nobody shows up. Strong pre-show promotion is a must. Studies show that 76% of all show attendees arrive with an agenda. You need to ensure that your booth is part of their agenda.

• Call top customers and prospects, let them know where to find you at the show or set up meetings.
• Send out mailings – include a small giveaway with the mailing to increase awareness. A simple magnet, card, or contest piece will keep you top of mind and is proven to increase attendance.
• Email one or two reminders before the show.

6.  Be Approachable and Generate Leads

Being proactive at your booth will generate more conversations and thus more leads. Be proactive by initiating the conversation with the visitor. Use good opening questions such as:

• "What brings you to the show this year?"
• "What caught your eye in our booth?"
• "Have you found what you're looking for at the show this year?"

Generate qualified leads by determining the following about your booth visitors:

• What role does this prospect play in the decision making?
• Can they use your product or services in their company or department?
• How long do they need in order to make a decision?
• Are there any obstacles to your company conducting business with this person?
• Gather their contact information

7.  Plan Your Followup Strategy

Decide on your followup strategy before the show. You'll be able to reach out to the contacts you made while the show is still fresh in their minds. 

• Make followup a priority – it's your number 1 task to make sure your tradeshow was successful. 
• Create a mailing before the show that's ready to send out as soon as the show is over.
• Qualify leads during the show – rank your leads while at the show and contact the hottest ones immediately upon your return to work. 
• Keep your promises – make sure you followup on any promises you made at your booth.

This is just a brief overview of some things to consider before exhibiting at a tradeshow. For some creative ideas for exhibit display items, giveaways, and traffic generators, contact your rep at The Creative J.

Wear Tested – The Softest Sweatshirt You'll Ever Own

What says fall more than a soft, comfy sweatshirt? We ran across one that can't be beat.

Its 80% cotton/20% poly brushed-back jersey fleece makes you feel like you're wrapped up in your favorite plush blanket. And like Goldilock's porridge, it's medium weight of 7oz is just right.

Add a tagless label, rib v-notch and locker patch, and your run-of-the-mill sweatshirts just can't compete. We can't say enough about how much we love this particular sweatshirt.

And, to top it off, it comes in 3 styles:  Crewneck, Pullover Hoodie, and Full-Zip Hoodie.

We also love this creative decoration – laser tech patch appliqué.

Tech patch is a flexible, smooth, vinyl-like material that can be laser cut to any shape. 

It's thickness creates a 3D look, which when used in an outlined shape as shown below, 

creates a truly unique look. 

Combine it with embroidery, and you can really have a custom look.

Did You Know? Safety Laws & Promotional Products

Did you know that if you are purchasing promotional products for your organization which will be distributed and/or appeal to children under 12, there are federal safety laws you need to consider?

The federal government has laws specific to the use of small parts and materials in products which are intended for or will appeal to children under 12. Commonly known as CPSIA, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, they apply not only to items you buy in retail stores, but also to the promotional products and apparel you may use to market your company.

All products which are intended for this group are required to be marked with tracking information, as well as to be certified to be clear of or within the required levels of various materials deemed harmful, such as lead and plastics.

How might this affect you, as a buyer of promotional products?

• Company Reputation:  If your company is marketing items that will be used by or appeal to children under 12, then you want to be sure those items are compliant. Facing a lawsuit because a recipient was exposed to undue amounts of lead is not something any business wishes to occur.

For example:  In 2010, Winn-Dixie/Publix grocery chains were featured in an investigative report about reusable grocery bags. The bags from their stores were tested for lead. Although the lead discovered was relatively low and within the acceptable limits, the story created a public relations nightmare. Millions of bags were recalled and public trust was lost.

• Trackable Tagging:  Items which qualify under the CPSIA require a permanent label with a trackable code or website be included on the item whenever practical. (Very small items such as balloons or pencils, which can't be directly imprinted with this information can be excluded, but the packaging or cartons must still contain the required tracking information)

This required tagging may add run charges to your product. Some items may already have the information preprinted, especially in the case where that item has been deemed a children's item by the supplier. Many other items do not already have this information and it will be required to be added.

Printed tshirts are a great example of the latter. Although the tshirt itself will have some sort of tracking label attached by the shirt manufacturer, it only applies to the shirt itself, not the decoration which is applied later. A second tracking label needs to be applied to cover the decorating (content of lead & other chemicals in the inks, threads or transfers). This can be a separate label applied to the inside of the shirt, or a line of text incorporated into the shirt design. Using a separate label is most desirable, but will create an additional cost for application.


How can you make sure you are in compliance with items you purchase?

• Inform your promotional products distributor that items will be distributed to children under 12. (Having an imprint that appeals to children, regardless of the product, will cause it to qualify also)

• Ask for product safety certificates on items you purchase or plan to purchase. Top manufacturers will already have these available to view for their products.

• Request that only products which have passed testing and are certified be presented for your projects.



Above is just a very brief overview of one specific safety regulation. By asking questions and communicating fully with your promotional product consultant, you become an integral part of ensuring your marketing programs meet safety regulations.

The consultants at The Creative J have taken an active part in becoming educated about product safety laws and regulations. We are members of PPAI's "Product Safety Awareness Program," which requires training in various areas of product safety. Should you have any questions about product safety and your marketing plans, please contact us as we'll be glad to help you.

For more information on CPSIA:  Buying Promotional Products: A Guide to Federal Safety Laws