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.
Showing posts with label t-shirts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label t-shirts. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Plain White Tees
No, not the band.
Wearables, aka apparel, are the largest category of promotional products...and the ubiquitous T-shirt leads the way as far as being the #1 item launched into promotional programs. It's relatively cheap, it appeals to all demographics, it has a well defined perceived value and a long shelf life, and it's a great canvas for creative graphic design and branding. When in doubt...give 'em a T-shirt.
That said, there are some things you should know about T-shirt fabric, styles, imprint techniques, etc. Gone are the days when a white XL Beefy-T would do the trick for all your needs. Now the influence is from retail (Abercrombie, Hollister, et al) showcasing slim, fashion cuts with ultra lightweight cotton fabrics and cutting-edge imprint treatments.
Today's post dishes on the basic white T-shirt only. We'll get into other styles and issues at a later date.
The basic white cotton T is as close to a true commodity item that you will see in the industry. Prices fluctuate wildly in domestic markets, but most mills provide nearly identical styles within weight categories, so my advice is to choose a weight/quality level and just pick a shirt. For the record, my top 4 mills are Gildan, Anvil, Fruit of the Loom and Hanes. All provide specific women's styles as well.
1. The entry-level fabric is 100% cotton in a 5.0 to 5.5 oz. weight. These tees work well for large quantity promotions.
2. Next up is a "6 ounce" shirt (depending on mill, 6.0 to 6.1 oz fabric)... a little more heft, less shrinkage perhaps, better for holding complex imprints, slight increase in price. My pick for most applications, it does the job without going overboard.
3. At a premium price are the "ringspun" cotton shirts; most of you are familiar with the Hanes Beefy-T which set the mark years ago, but there are other very good selections in the category. Typically offered in a 6 oz. weight, this fabric offers a much softer hand than standard tees, and is worth the extra cost if you are looking for a premium luxury fabric for your promotion.
4. Cotton/poly blends: the 50/50 tee is a good choice if you are concerned about shrinkage and durability. There are perceptions that blends hold imprints better than pure cotton fabric, but I personally haven't seen any discernable difference.
5. Fashion tees from American Apparel, Alternative Apparel and the like are very hot right now. The fabric is very lightweight (under 5 oz.), typically soft ringspun cotton, and there are many styles to choose from. Yes, they are relatively pricey, but if you are targeting a tough-to-please youth demographic, they are the way to go.
Next week...colors, imprints, and pricing issues!
Jim
Wearables, aka apparel, are the largest category of promotional products...and the ubiquitous T-shirt leads the way as far as being the #1 item launched into promotional programs. It's relatively cheap, it appeals to all demographics, it has a well defined perceived value and a long shelf life, and it's a great canvas for creative graphic design and branding. When in doubt...give 'em a T-shirt.
That said, there are some things you should know about T-shirt fabric, styles, imprint techniques, etc. Gone are the days when a white XL Beefy-T would do the trick for all your needs. Now the influence is from retail (Abercrombie, Hollister, et al) showcasing slim, fashion cuts with ultra lightweight cotton fabrics and cutting-edge imprint treatments.
Today's post dishes on the basic white T-shirt only. We'll get into other styles and issues at a later date.
The basic white cotton T is as close to a true commodity item that you will see in the industry. Prices fluctuate wildly in domestic markets, but most mills provide nearly identical styles within weight categories, so my advice is to choose a weight/quality level and just pick a shirt. For the record, my top 4 mills are Gildan, Anvil, Fruit of the Loom and Hanes. All provide specific women's styles as well.
1. The entry-level fabric is 100% cotton in a 5.0 to 5.5 oz. weight. These tees work well for large quantity promotions.
2. Next up is a "6 ounce" shirt (depending on mill, 6.0 to 6.1 oz fabric)... a little more heft, less shrinkage perhaps, better for holding complex imprints, slight increase in price. My pick for most applications, it does the job without going overboard.
3. At a premium price are the "ringspun" cotton shirts; most of you are familiar with the Hanes Beefy-T which set the mark years ago, but there are other very good selections in the category. Typically offered in a 6 oz. weight, this fabric offers a much softer hand than standard tees, and is worth the extra cost if you are looking for a premium luxury fabric for your promotion.
4. Cotton/poly blends: the 50/50 tee is a good choice if you are concerned about shrinkage and durability. There are perceptions that blends hold imprints better than pure cotton fabric, but I personally haven't seen any discernable difference.
5. Fashion tees from American Apparel, Alternative Apparel and the like are very hot right now. The fabric is very lightweight (under 5 oz.), typically soft ringspun cotton, and there are many styles to choose from. Yes, they are relatively pricey, but if you are targeting a tough-to-please youth demographic, they are the way to go.
Next week...colors, imprints, and pricing issues!
Jim
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