High Impact imprinting techniques

Why be ordinary? With so many options for high impact branding on promotional apparel and merchandise, I am often disappointed that most clients simply stick with basic screenprinting and embroidery. All it takes is a little creativity and (admittedly) a little help from the graphics team, and your item becomes a full-fledged billboard for your brand.
The tote bags shown are sporting fully sublimated four color graphics...quite a difference from spot colors, huh? It doesn't take much more to create these one-of-a-kind products, and the results are well worth the effort. Keep sublimation in mind when you are planning tote bags, duffels, even tees. The technique is perfect for high visibility events like show openings, milestone achievement dates, and press-heavy events.

It's Time for Gift Baskets!

OK, I was never too fond of the old "Basket of Cheese and Sausage in Cellophane" as a corporate gift, but times have changed. I recently struck up a partnership with one of the largest suppliers/creators of consumer gift baskets in the U.S. They basically run the show behind-the-scenes for retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and 1-800-Flowers (you didn't think there were actual people at Neiman putting these things together, did you?). Big business, especially in 4th quarter of course, but their creative gift packages work year round.

I was pretty impressed when I toured the factory. This is not a cookie cutter approach (no pun intended). After a thorough analysis of your needs, they choose a package to best represent the promotion, your brand, etc. It could be a basket, sure, but it could also be a leather photo box, a cooler, a boat tote, even an upside-down ball cap. The package is then filled, in accordance with your desired size and budget, with luxury food gifts, spa items, imprinted merchandise, or your own product samples. Branding is via imprinted gift ribbon (subtle), et voila! Your custom gift is fulfilled and ready to go.

Think about these high end gifts for low quantity, high impact events...room drops, anniversaries, milestone parties, client appreciation. Everyone loves a big basket of cheer, right?

Hottest Electronic Gadget

For my money, you can't beat the Flip Mino HD video camera from PURE Digital. This has just been introduced into the incentive market, and I love it. Compact, simple, high quality and pretty damn cheap at $200. If I had to spiff a sales team or add something into my Oscar night swag bag, this would be a no-brainer.

Promo Merchandise Top Ten

Although I tend to operate a bit outside the box when it comes to merchandise selected for my clients, there are some traditional "can't miss" items that folks tend to incorporate on a consistent basis. Check the list and see if you're a fan of any of these:
1. Pens: ubiquitous, uninspiring perhaps? But hey...they're inexpensive, used by everyone, and I bet you prefer one that actually writes well. Your clients do, too. Here's your chance to wow them.
2. Mugs & Cups: you have one on your desk or in your car cup-holder right now. It might very be a little "brown" from constant use. Wouldn't you like someone to give you a shiny new mug, or one of those cool travel tumblers?
3. Polo Shirts: perfect for many applications- trade show wear, client gifting, employee uniforms. Good embroidery pushes up the perceived value. See my old blogs...you can go econo or top shelf.
4. T-Shirts: the gold standard for giveaways. Low cost, great billboard for branding, appealing to all, etc.
5. Caps and Hats: see #4 above...the perfect tag-along with a tee, but also great for higher end giveaways, golf and outdoor events, team building.
6. Calendars: your customers stare at them for 12 months. 'Nuf said.
7. Jackets: popular add-on/upgrade for polos, tees.
8. Key tags: universal appeal, until we're all driving bikes to work
9. Tote Bags: almost required for many events; they provide a great walking billboard, they are low cost and when done right, they are used well beyond the event.
10. Mouse Pads: this ranking might be a bit dated, but mousepads are still a great promo item. It never ceases to amaze me how many grungy Staples mousepads I see sitting next to sweet new iMacs on luxurious corporate desktops. It's time to help your clients replace those nasty cloth pads with a high-tech, hard surface, laser mouse-friendly pad with your brand all over it.