Make Winter Travel Safer
I think one of the most appreciated promotional gifts is the roadside emergency kits. These are a great premium, Christmas or safety award, because they are something which everyone needs if they drive distances; they convey true care and they are something which people really appreciate, because it might not be the first thing they think to buy, but if given it, it is like giving peace of mind.
I think this is the perfect incentive for an insurance agent to give to someone who chooses to make a larger insurance investment, such as placing all of their policies with the company and buying higher limits. American Promotions offers an entire line of auto safety kits.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanksgiving - The Day After
I'm sure I will enjoy some left over turkey today, and after a client appointment in a couple of hours, we are headed to the hills to get a Christmas tree.
I just wanted to wish my readers and American Promotions loyal customers a Happy Thanksgiving.
I thought this promotional Turkey Pencil is unique and fun.
Papercraft is Growing (and it makes a good promotion too)
I've always loved building toys. I spent years building toys in my childhood and teen years. My brothers and I were very into papercraft - building paper toy models and objects with three dimensional designs. Our family did not have a lot of money, and we created most of our toys except for the ones we bought with our own money, and the few which we received at Christmas. My brothers and I thought we were unique in the creation of paper toys, but I've learned just in recent years that it is a fast growing worldwide hobby, which has in some ways exploded because of the advent of the internet and the color printer. Papercrafts can now be inexpensively downloaded and printed out, and some people seem to have created little side businesses actually selling the higher quality downloads. This is all very cool.
My favorite blog for monitoring the world of papercraft is Papercraft Paradise. It is a great aggregator of links from all over the world to new papercrafts, and a vibrant community of people who do this for a hobby. I've never used it, but there is a Japanese software called Pepakura which facilitates the conversion of a 3-D digital image to the parts of a papercraft model. From what I can tell, there is still quite a bit of skill which goes into producing a good design, but this tool is really helpful in creating good designs.
I've also learned that offering papercraft designs is growing in popularity as a business tool, and it is something free that a company can offer to generate website traffic and interest in their product. Canon, Yamaha and Nissan all seem to be getting in on this action.
American Promotions has not entered the business of offering 3-D papercraft printable models to it's promotional clients, and at this time, although it is a very interest field, I do not see us going there. However, there are other promotional building toys which we do offer, and hundreds more which we have access to.
I particularly like this Icon Stix and Stonz executive toy. You can logo the tin which goes with it. This Icon marble maze is also a neat promotion.
I've always loved building toys. I spent years building toys in my childhood and teen years. My brothers and I were very into papercraft - building paper toy models and objects with three dimensional designs. Our family did not have a lot of money, and we created most of our toys except for the ones we bought with our own money, and the few which we received at Christmas. My brothers and I thought we were unique in the creation of paper toys, but I've learned just in recent years that it is a fast growing worldwide hobby, which has in some ways exploded because of the advent of the internet and the color printer. Papercrafts can now be inexpensively downloaded and printed out, and some people seem to have created little side businesses actually selling the higher quality downloads. This is all very cool.
My favorite blog for monitoring the world of papercraft is Papercraft Paradise. It is a great aggregator of links from all over the world to new papercrafts, and a vibrant community of people who do this for a hobby. I've never used it, but there is a Japanese software called Pepakura which facilitates the conversion of a 3-D digital image to the parts of a papercraft model. From what I can tell, there is still quite a bit of skill which goes into producing a good design, but this tool is really helpful in creating good designs.
I've also learned that offering papercraft designs is growing in popularity as a business tool, and it is something free that a company can offer to generate website traffic and interest in their product. Canon, Yamaha and Nissan all seem to be getting in on this action.
American Promotions has not entered the business of offering 3-D papercraft printable models to it's promotional clients, and at this time, although it is a very interest field, I do not see us going there. However, there are other promotional building toys which we do offer, and hundreds more which we have access to.
I particularly like this Icon Stix and Stonz executive toy. You can logo the tin which goes with it. This Icon marble maze is also a neat promotion.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Weekend Explorer Grill
This is a unique set. I can't imagine it being in huge demand, but it has a certain innovative appeal. It is a Weekend Explorer Grill and Cooler set. I'd have to see it in person to know how it really works. The outer chamber holds the grill, while the inner chamber holds up to 12 cans of cooled beverage - not bad to pack all into one unit. My only question would be: How long do you have to wait for the grill to cool before you put it all back together, or if you just cooled it with water, would the fast temperature change warp the product.
To use this as a promotional product, it can have a single color or multi-color logo put onto it with image-bonding. This is an unusual imprinting methodology, and I think I'll ask Primeline, when I get a chance more about it.
This is a unique set. I can't imagine it being in huge demand, but it has a certain innovative appeal. It is a Weekend Explorer Grill and Cooler set. I'd have to see it in person to know how it really works. The outer chamber holds the grill, while the inner chamber holds up to 12 cans of cooled beverage - not bad to pack all into one unit. My only question would be: How long do you have to wait for the grill to cool before you put it all back together, or if you just cooled it with water, would the fast temperature change warp the product.
To use this as a promotional product, it can have a single color or multi-color logo put onto it with image-bonding. This is an unusual imprinting methodology, and I think I'll ask Primeline, when I get a chance more about it.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sweatshirt Blanket - Junior Size
Our sixth baby is over six months old, and he is huge. I think he weighs more than 25 lbs. now, and he just started rolling over a couple weeks ago. He is fat, adorable, smiley and a very contented baby. For whatever reason, he has started to interact more just within the past few weeks - kind of like he woke up from his previously contented nature. We are having a lot of fun with him.
It started me thinking about good promotional products which could be given by a hospital, another medical facility, or someone who wants to market to or gift to mothers. One of the best is this is this sweatshirt blanket. We sell a lot of these in a larger stadium blanket size, but this size would be perfect as a blanket for kids, toddlers and babies. It comes in a wide variety of colors and even the hang tags can be customized if your organization is offering it as a gift or offering it at resell.
Our sixth baby is over six months old, and he is huge. I think he weighs more than 25 lbs. now, and he just started rolling over a couple weeks ago. He is fat, adorable, smiley and a very contented baby. For whatever reason, he has started to interact more just within the past few weeks - kind of like he woke up from his previously contented nature. We are having a lot of fun with him.
It started me thinking about good promotional products which could be given by a hospital, another medical facility, or someone who wants to market to or gift to mothers. One of the best is this is this sweatshirt blanket. We sell a lot of these in a larger stadium blanket size, but this size would be perfect as a blanket for kids, toddlers and babies. It comes in a wide variety of colors and even the hang tags can be customized if your organization is offering it as a gift or offering it at resell.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
An Evening With My Daughter
Tonight, I go with my daughter to the annual Daddy/Daughter dance with my little girl sponsored by our church, Mandy. She is not so little anymore, as she turns 12 next month. This is the last year I will be attending this dance with her, as the dance is put on for girls age 8-11. It is always a very sweet evening. It usually has a Fifties theme. The fifties is kind of out of fashion in the U.S. right now, and even though it predates me by a couple of decades, I think about that era with fondness. It may be more perceived than real, but it seems to have been a simpler time, and an era of family values and wholesomeness. I'm sure it has many of the same problems as our modern era, and there is an element of innocence encapsulated in that decade.
I was searching for promotional items representing the fifties, and I frankly didn't find much. The sixties, seventies, eighties and even the thirties are a lot higher up in the cultural consciousness right now. I did however find a Compress T in the shape of a jukebox which I thought was kind of fun. I'm not too fond of the stock art, but it could be customized with cooler colors and design.
Need More Sports
I didn't grow up a very athletic guy. I regret it a little. I wish I would have been more involved in team sports. I played some basketball with a pick-up team at my church, and I practiced basketball a lot at home, because I wanted to be better. The only other sport which I really did competitively was swimming and I really enjoy swimming. My grandparents had a swimming pool and in the summer months, I used to swim four or five times a week. I was on a swimming team in 6th and 7th grades, and I really enjoyed that. We traveled to meets, and I did ok, and placed here and there.
I would like my children to be more involved in athletics than I am too, but at present that is not going so well. We have a big family, and I work a lot, and my children seem to be more interested in creating things, the sciences, books, stories, hiking, camping and cooking and the like. Those are fantastic skills and interests, but I would like them to be a little more involved in sports, and I guess I just need to make it more of a priority. I had my three oldest children in Little League for a while and that was fun, but all of the driving around just became a little too heavy.
Anyway, I need to put more emphasis on physical activity with my kids and sports.
Promotional products are a natural tie in with sports. One of my favorite vendors is Sport Products. It's a pretty unimaginative name for a company, but they have a great focused line of promotional sports balls and a bunch of cheering items as well. I really like their line of soft sport footballs.
I didn't grow up a very athletic guy. I regret it a little. I wish I would have been more involved in team sports. I played some basketball with a pick-up team at my church, and I practiced basketball a lot at home, because I wanted to be better. The only other sport which I really did competitively was swimming and I really enjoy swimming. My grandparents had a swimming pool and in the summer months, I used to swim four or five times a week. I was on a swimming team in 6th and 7th grades, and I really enjoyed that. We traveled to meets, and I did ok, and placed here and there.
I would like my children to be more involved in athletics than I am too, but at present that is not going so well. We have a big family, and I work a lot, and my children seem to be more interested in creating things, the sciences, books, stories, hiking, camping and cooking and the like. Those are fantastic skills and interests, but I would like them to be a little more involved in sports, and I guess I just need to make it more of a priority. I had my three oldest children in Little League for a while and that was fun, but all of the driving around just became a little too heavy.
Anyway, I need to put more emphasis on physical activity with my kids and sports.
Promotional products are a natural tie in with sports. One of my favorite vendors is Sport Products. It's a pretty unimaginative name for a company, but they have a great focused line of promotional sports balls and a bunch of cheering items as well. I really like their line of soft sport footballs.
On the americanpromotions.com website, I found lots of cool football promotional products. I really liked the mini football with laces. It is just really sharp looking with a logo. I also really liked the micro mini football by Sport Products. It can be made in all kinds of school colors.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
One of the more innovative suppliers in the promotional products industry right now is CorporateKey. They supply and manufacture over 1000 small portable electronics devices such as USB drives, wireless mice, USB hubs, MP3 players and digital photo frames.
American Promotions can offer any product which CorporateKey sales and at a discount. However, our website is best supplied with USB drives.
American Promotions can offer any product which CorporateKey sales and at a discount. However, our website is best supplied with USB drives.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Candidates
I'm keeping my vote private, but I will say that neither of the two major presidential candidates represent the kind of Constitutional and foundational thinking about government that I hold so dear. They are both cut from the cloth which states that government can solve most of humankind's problems if we can just find the right set of policies. This is fundamentally flawed. People must solve their own problems through their own efforts, with their families and by means of voluntary cooperation from like-minded communities. Governments, by contrast, try to coerce and financially incentivize change.
Our founding fathers were inspired men who understood that the primary role of government is to protect those rights which are inalienable to us. Neither McCain or Obama will govern this way. Both of them are ready to open the goody bag (and already have) for all types of special interests and ideologues even if it means freedom gets short shrift. Both are ready to help people avoid the consequences of poor choices.
I've always been interested in the political process, and I think if I were more of a collector, political memorabilia would be a great place to collect. Most political items are promotional products, and they are highly effective ones in that the primary function is message, as opposed to the peripheral function as with other promtional items.
Here are a few: patriotic foil pencil, custom hand fans, Republican elephant hand fan, Democratic donkey hand fan, and bumper stickers.
Here is a cool site if your are interested in becoming a political memorabilia collector: http://apic.us/
I'm keeping my vote private, but I will say that neither of the two major presidential candidates represent the kind of Constitutional and foundational thinking about government that I hold so dear. They are both cut from the cloth which states that government can solve most of humankind's problems if we can just find the right set of policies. This is fundamentally flawed. People must solve their own problems through their own efforts, with their families and by means of voluntary cooperation from like-minded communities. Governments, by contrast, try to coerce and financially incentivize change.
Our founding fathers were inspired men who understood that the primary role of government is to protect those rights which are inalienable to us. Neither McCain or Obama will govern this way. Both of them are ready to open the goody bag (and already have) for all types of special interests and ideologues even if it means freedom gets short shrift. Both are ready to help people avoid the consequences of poor choices.
I've always been interested in the political process, and I think if I were more of a collector, political memorabilia would be a great place to collect. Most political items are promotional products, and they are highly effective ones in that the primary function is message, as opposed to the peripheral function as with other promtional items.
Here are a few: patriotic foil pencil, custom hand fans, Republican elephant hand fan, Democratic donkey hand fan, and bumper stickers.
Here is a cool site if your are interested in becoming a political memorabilia collector: http://apic.us/
Cutting Wood
I had a very manly Saturday this last weekend and a lot of fun. Every year, many of the men from our church go up onto a property in the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, and we cut and split wood for other members of our church who are in need of it, and are unable to do it for themselves. The manly feeling runs deep as everyone is in their woodsy clothes and the sound of chainsaws, the splitting ax, and the mechanical log splitter pierce the cool mountain air. It is hard work and a lot of fun, and their is laughing, grunting and sweat.
I took my two boys with me this year, one 9 and the other 7 and they moved the cut wood into piles and pulled and lifted the more manageable pieces to be cut.
This is the type of job that is much less pleasant without the right tools. A natural promotional product for this type of work is the work glove. American Promotions offers an entire line of logoed work gloves from the inexpensive gardening type to high quality cowhide leather work gloves. I really like this pair.
I had a very manly Saturday this last weekend and a lot of fun. Every year, many of the men from our church go up onto a property in the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, and we cut and split wood for other members of our church who are in need of it, and are unable to do it for themselves. The manly feeling runs deep as everyone is in their woodsy clothes and the sound of chainsaws, the splitting ax, and the mechanical log splitter pierce the cool mountain air. It is hard work and a lot of fun, and their is laughing, grunting and sweat.
I took my two boys with me this year, one 9 and the other 7 and they moved the cut wood into piles and pulled and lifted the more manageable pieces to be cut.
This is the type of job that is much less pleasant without the right tools. A natural promotional product for this type of work is the work glove. American Promotions offers an entire line of logoed work gloves from the inexpensive gardening type to high quality cowhide leather work gloves. I really like this pair.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Custom Table Covers
One of our biggest sellers on our website is our custom table covers and our imprinted table runners and logo tablecloths. We sell these almost every day, and we believe with proper marketing that we could triple our performance on those items. We use multiple suppliers for our table covers. The more expensive ones demonstrate a real quality difference.
Our customers use these table covers at trade and community events, and from what I understand, some of them use them in retail as well. I believe we have the sources to do matching banners, which hang behind the table cover, but we need to improve that area of our website to show more possibilities. My business partner explains that they do not sell nearly as well as the tablecloths do.
The best made table covers have a polyester fabric which is woven in a way that the wrinkles virtually just fall out of them. We offer a less expensive table cover, but we have had a couple of complaints as of late that the product doesn't have the same wrinkle free drape. We have addressed this with the manufacturer, and they are working to correct the problem, but we hate selling stuff which does not convey quality, so if we cannot get the problems solved, we may have to discontinue this other line.
One of our biggest sellers on our website is our custom table covers and our imprinted table runners and logo tablecloths. We sell these almost every day, and we believe with proper marketing that we could triple our performance on those items. We use multiple suppliers for our table covers. The more expensive ones demonstrate a real quality difference.
Our customers use these table covers at trade and community events, and from what I understand, some of them use them in retail as well. I believe we have the sources to do matching banners, which hang behind the table cover, but we need to improve that area of our website to show more possibilities. My business partner explains that they do not sell nearly as well as the tablecloths do.
The best made table covers have a polyester fabric which is woven in a way that the wrinkles virtually just fall out of them. We offer a less expensive table cover, but we have had a couple of complaints as of late that the product doesn't have the same wrinkle free drape. We have addressed this with the manufacturer, and they are working to correct the problem, but we hate selling stuff which does not convey quality, so if we cannot get the problems solved, we may have to discontinue this other line.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Does OrangeSoda Really Have the Fizz?
American Promotions recently retained OrangeSoda to help us with search engine optimization in a couple of categories in our lead time. We are in the first part of our second month with their company, and so far I have been impressed with their very fast responsive and friendly service. I haven't been 100% in agreement with all of their website change recommendations, but they have listened and been flexible. Granted, it is not the cheapest source for this type of work, but it is not unreachable for a small business that is serious about expanding their market online.
In my opinion, the verdict is still out as to whether they are worth the money, but I will do a follow up post when I've been with them longer and can determine their performance.
In the past I used ideservepageone.com for SEO, and the proprieter there is a nice guy as well. He does good work, and has a cool reporting system, but his company is a LOT smaller than OrangeSoda, and doesn't have quite the muscle. Granted it is about a quarter the cost.
American Promotions recently retained OrangeSoda to help us with search engine optimization in a couple of categories in our lead time. We are in the first part of our second month with their company, and so far I have been impressed with their very fast responsive and friendly service. I haven't been 100% in agreement with all of their website change recommendations, but they have listened and been flexible. Granted, it is not the cheapest source for this type of work, but it is not unreachable for a small business that is serious about expanding their market online.
In my opinion, the verdict is still out as to whether they are worth the money, but I will do a follow up post when I've been with them longer and can determine their performance.
In the past I used ideservepageone.com for SEO, and the proprieter there is a nice guy as well. He does good work, and has a cool reporting system, but his company is a LOT smaller than OrangeSoda, and doesn't have quite the muscle. Granted it is about a quarter the cost.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
New USB Drives
We don't sell a lot of logo USB drives, because we have stronger competitors online who have more successfully carved out the niche. It is a great niche too, because the category practically didn't even exist in promotional products about six or seven years ago, and now it has become a microindustry within the advertising specialties world unto itself. And for good reason.
USB drives satisfy one of the major qualifiers of a good promotional product. They are useful! And that cannot be said for every little giveaway. They now come in every shape and color imaginable. I've also seen fully custom versions in the shape of figures and vehicles.
I was struck by the good looks of this USB drive in rose wood and maple wood.
We don't sell a lot of logo USB drives, because we have stronger competitors online who have more successfully carved out the niche. It is a great niche too, because the category practically didn't even exist in promotional products about six or seven years ago, and now it has become a microindustry within the advertising specialties world unto itself. And for good reason.
USB drives satisfy one of the major qualifiers of a good promotional product. They are useful! And that cannot be said for every little giveaway. They now come in every shape and color imaginable. I've also seen fully custom versions in the shape of figures and vehicles.
I was struck by the good looks of this USB drive in rose wood and maple wood.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Constitution
I'm feeling patriotic, because I am longing for an America that makes different choices, and I'm hoping that my beloved country can be redeemed. I'm not particularly enthused about either of the Presidential candidates. I frankly do not know who it will be better to live under, and I guess time will tell. I'm not a Bush hater, but I don't believe that he has taken our country in the right direction. I think he has made a lot of bad mistakes in the face of hard choices. Frankly, I just love the Constitution and I think most Americans have forgotten it or are simply confused about its history, meaning and intentions.
The best way to honor the Constitution is simply to read and study it.
But as I'm in the promotional products business, here are a couple of other ideas to promote this wonderful document: a logoed hardbound book copy of the Constitution which would be awesome for any company promoting freedom, and a calendar with the timeless "We The People."
I'm feeling patriotic, because I am longing for an America that makes different choices, and I'm hoping that my beloved country can be redeemed. I'm not particularly enthused about either of the Presidential candidates. I frankly do not know who it will be better to live under, and I guess time will tell. I'm not a Bush hater, but I don't believe that he has taken our country in the right direction. I think he has made a lot of bad mistakes in the face of hard choices. Frankly, I just love the Constitution and I think most Americans have forgotten it or are simply confused about its history, meaning and intentions.
The best way to honor the Constitution is simply to read and study it.
But as I'm in the promotional products business, here are a couple of other ideas to promote this wonderful document: a logoed hardbound book copy of the Constitution which would be awesome for any company promoting freedom, and a calendar with the timeless "We The People."
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Bank Bailout - French America
I am deeply disturbed by the bank bailout presently being undertaken by our Federal government. It seems that every day I wake up to a headline about how our country is taking us a step closer to economic socialism. We are economically approximating France.
Today, the news is that our government may take a direct investment stake in thousands of United States banks, healthy as well as sick banks - prop up an unsustainable debtor system. The markets love security and money only - not freedom, and the DJIA rallied 936 points, the biggest point gain in history.
The America I know and love is slipping into the annals of history. It is frightening. People are looking to government for economic salvation - to rescue us from the consequences of deficit and high risk living. Huge imbalances have been built into the financial system, and people are simply not willing to take responsibility and pay the painful price, and let the capitalist system correct and adjust which is the only way out of this mess. The U.S. Government, in its panicked attempt to stem the losses and the pain, is willing to take us only further in, like it or not.
In the words of Michael Shedlock, one of my favorite bloggers on the subject, you cannot plug a broken dam with water - which is exactly what our government is doing as it floods the market with cheap loans and money - with the perverse and illogical reasoning that this new liquidity will overcome an extended period of easy credit.
I understand that the government is simply trying to prevent collapse, by restoring confidence, but in reality, they are only eroding the account balance and credit worthiness of the United States. And many people see it for what it is.
It cannot and will not last, as it is not based on solid principals. It will just transfer the systemic risk which is built into the banking sector to the U.S. Government and the taxpayer. And there will be a huge price to pay in inflation or repayment. I read the insurance on the risk of default on government bonds has quadrupled. I guess I am not the only one thinking this way.
I am deeply disturbed by the bank bailout presently being undertaken by our Federal government. It seems that every day I wake up to a headline about how our country is taking us a step closer to economic socialism. We are economically approximating France.
Today, the news is that our government may take a direct investment stake in thousands of United States banks, healthy as well as sick banks - prop up an unsustainable debtor system. The markets love security and money only - not freedom, and the DJIA rallied 936 points, the biggest point gain in history.
The America I know and love is slipping into the annals of history. It is frightening. People are looking to government for economic salvation - to rescue us from the consequences of deficit and high risk living. Huge imbalances have been built into the financial system, and people are simply not willing to take responsibility and pay the painful price, and let the capitalist system correct and adjust which is the only way out of this mess. The U.S. Government, in its panicked attempt to stem the losses and the pain, is willing to take us only further in, like it or not.
In the words of Michael Shedlock, one of my favorite bloggers on the subject, you cannot plug a broken dam with water - which is exactly what our government is doing as it floods the market with cheap loans and money - with the perverse and illogical reasoning that this new liquidity will overcome an extended period of easy credit.
I understand that the government is simply trying to prevent collapse, by restoring confidence, but in reality, they are only eroding the account balance and credit worthiness of the United States. And many people see it for what it is.
It cannot and will not last, as it is not based on solid principals. It will just transfer the systemic risk which is built into the banking sector to the U.S. Government and the taxpayer. And there will be a huge price to pay in inflation or repayment. I read the insurance on the risk of default on government bonds has quadrupled. I guess I am not the only one thinking this way.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Promoting for Halloween
Halloween is big business. I enjoy the holiday, because I like the excitement my kids derive from it. But my idea of a good Halloween is pretty tame. I hate horror moview. Actually, I'm not sure that I've ever even seen a REAL horror movie. Does The Dark Knight count? That is actually one of my favorites.
Anyway, I read in the Detroit News tonight that National Retail Federation estimates that Halloween is a $5 billion retail bonanza. Businesses are increasingly jumping onboard as a means to promote everything from safety to just a good time.
We have a modest collection of Halloween promotional products at American Promotions, but we could certainly improve it. I think we have sold a couple of orders this year - some trick-or-treat bags and some bat pens.
Halloween is big business. I enjoy the holiday, because I like the excitement my kids derive from it. But my idea of a good Halloween is pretty tame. I hate horror moview. Actually, I'm not sure that I've ever even seen a REAL horror movie. Does The Dark Knight count? That is actually one of my favorites.
Anyway, I read in the Detroit News tonight that National Retail Federation estimates that Halloween is a $5 billion retail bonanza. Businesses are increasingly jumping onboard as a means to promote everything from safety to just a good time.
We have a modest collection of Halloween promotional products at American Promotions, but we could certainly improve it. I think we have sold a couple of orders this year - some trick-or-treat bags and some bat pens.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Lower Prices on Leed's Portfolios
We are lowering prices on our Leed's Padfolios. We should be done with the revisions by the end of this week.
We are lowering prices on our Leed's Padfolios. We should be done with the revisions by the end of this week.
The Return of the Promotional Piggy Bank
Now that the financial titans of the world are convulsing and collapsing around us, I wonder if there will be a cultural shift to remember old-fashioned values, such as saving and having a personal relationship with your banker, instead of deluding themselves with the notion that easy credit is the easiest way to economic prosperity.
I think a great promotional product which may see a resurgence is the logo piggy bank. Here is an inexpensive advertising piggy bank, and an even less expensive piggy bank, and some really nice higher end classic piggy banks.
Now that the financial titans of the world are convulsing and collapsing around us, I wonder if there will be a cultural shift to remember old-fashioned values, such as saving and having a personal relationship with your banker, instead of deluding themselves with the notion that easy credit is the easiest way to economic prosperity.
I think a great promotional product which may see a resurgence is the logo piggy bank. Here is an inexpensive advertising piggy bank, and an even less expensive piggy bank, and some really nice higher end classic piggy banks.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Cool Ham Luke
With a hat tip to the recently deceased Paul Newman, my post title is simply what came to mind when I decided to post this fun Football Ham with crackers, Wisconsin cheese, a hardwood cutting block and a knife. This would be perfect to give your organization's employees to celebrate the big home game or for a Superbowl gift.
Maple Ridge Farms calls it "Tailgater." Appropo and very unique.
With a hat tip to the recently deceased Paul Newman, my post title is simply what came to mind when I decided to post this fun Football Ham with crackers, Wisconsin cheese, a hardwood cutting block and a knife. This would be perfect to give your organization's employees to celebrate the big home game or for a Superbowl gift.
Maple Ridge Farms calls it "Tailgater." Appropo and very unique.
Maple Ridge Farms - The Perfect Choice For Christmas Giving
I am a huge fan of Maple Ridge Farms gourmet business gifts. They make a beautiful line of gourmet food gifts which are only sold through ASI member distributors. We sell Maple Ridge Farms every year, and last year is the first year that we had significant success selling the line via our online storefront.
On their own website, they boast that they sell to over 10,000 businesses every year, and I know that we have sold some very large orders over the years, so I would assume that they do a pretty healthy business. It will be interesting to see if the buying patterns change with the struggling economy. I'm sure that there will be a decline. I just don't know by how much.
Our company offers very competitive pricing on this line of business food gifts. Maple Ridge Farms offers the following product categories: Gourmet gift boxes with cookies, candy and nuts, smoked hams and turkeys, gourmet gift towers and party towers, a line of Quick Ship food gifts, really cool classic wooden trucks stuffed with goodies, a line of desk accessories combined with food gifts, and gorgeous food baskets a la The Office.
I am a huge fan of Maple Ridge Farms gourmet business gifts. They make a beautiful line of gourmet food gifts which are only sold through ASI member distributors. We sell Maple Ridge Farms every year, and last year is the first year that we had significant success selling the line via our online storefront.
On their own website, they boast that they sell to over 10,000 businesses every year, and I know that we have sold some very large orders over the years, so I would assume that they do a pretty healthy business. It will be interesting to see if the buying patterns change with the struggling economy. I'm sure that there will be a decline. I just don't know by how much.
Our company offers very competitive pricing on this line of business food gifts. Maple Ridge Farms offers the following product categories: Gourmet gift boxes with cookies, candy and nuts, smoked hams and turkeys, gourmet gift towers and party towers, a line of Quick Ship food gifts, really cool classic wooden trucks stuffed with goodies, a line of desk accessories combined with food gifts, and gorgeous food baskets a la The Office.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelets
We've sold several thousand breast cancer awareness bracelets this year. And it appears that lots of our competitors are selling them heavily as well, because it is only the first part of October, and most of our suppliers are telling us that they are already out of stock, and that they will not be restocking this year.
Last year there was an onslaught of "Pink" Find The Cure breast cancer awareness items available. We have an entire cancer awareness section of our website dedicated to these types of products. However, we've mostly moved bracelets. We sold a large order of beach balls and we may have sold a few other pink items, but the more expensive stuff is not moving.
I think with the economy seemingly on the brink, a lot of companies are cutting back on something extra like this, and that they hit the brakes very past, and the promotional products industry got blindsided, and they are overstocked. At least that is my guess. Plus, the trend this year seems to be in the "green" items.
We've sold several thousand breast cancer awareness bracelets this year. And it appears that lots of our competitors are selling them heavily as well, because it is only the first part of October, and most of our suppliers are telling us that they are already out of stock, and that they will not be restocking this year.
Last year there was an onslaught of "Pink" Find The Cure breast cancer awareness items available. We have an entire cancer awareness section of our website dedicated to these types of products. However, we've mostly moved bracelets. We sold a large order of beach balls and we may have sold a few other pink items, but the more expensive stuff is not moving.
I think with the economy seemingly on the brink, a lot of companies are cutting back on something extra like this, and that they hit the brakes very past, and the promotional products industry got blindsided, and they are overstocked. At least that is my guess. Plus, the trend this year seems to be in the "green" items.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Stainless Steel Water Bottles
One of the up and coming trends in the advertising specialties industry is the metal water bottle. Metal water containers have been around for a long time. The settlers of the American West of 150 years ago used metal canteens. However, the metal water bottle has come a long way.
The new bottles are sleek, modern, innovative caps, straps, and cases for attaching them to bicycles. They come in an array of colors or in rugged unfinished steel or aluminum. Aluminum and stainless steel are particularly effective in sport bottles, because they are chemically stable, and the water or liquid stays clean and untainted. They are BPA free which is a large concern right now. There are two consumer products manufacturers making beautiful metal sport bottles. One is Klean Kanteen making stainless steel sport bottles. The other is Sigg, a Swiss company which makes an extruded aluminum bottle with a patented liner. Neither Sigg nor Klean Kanteen are inexpensive, and bottles can range as high as $25 each with many of the models costing in the high teens.
My favorite products in the promotional products industry are the H2go steel water bottles made by ETS Express. They are attractive and come in several sizes and shapes and a lot of cool colors that can successfully match almost any brand, plus they are about one third the cost of the big name brands. American Promotions collection of H2Go stainless steel sport bottles is found here. Here is the color selection for the H2Go Bolt Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
One of the up and coming trends in the advertising specialties industry is the metal water bottle. Metal water containers have been around for a long time. The settlers of the American West of 150 years ago used metal canteens. However, the metal water bottle has come a long way.
The new bottles are sleek, modern, innovative caps, straps, and cases for attaching them to bicycles. They come in an array of colors or in rugged unfinished steel or aluminum. Aluminum and stainless steel are particularly effective in sport bottles, because they are chemically stable, and the water or liquid stays clean and untainted. They are BPA free which is a large concern right now. There are two consumer products manufacturers making beautiful metal sport bottles. One is Klean Kanteen making stainless steel sport bottles. The other is Sigg, a Swiss company which makes an extruded aluminum bottle with a patented liner. Neither Sigg nor Klean Kanteen are inexpensive, and bottles can range as high as $25 each with many of the models costing in the high teens.
My favorite products in the promotional products industry are the H2go steel water bottles made by ETS Express. They are attractive and come in several sizes and shapes and a lot of cool colors that can successfully match almost any brand, plus they are about one third the cost of the big name brands. American Promotions collection of H2Go stainless steel sport bottles is found here. Here is the color selection for the H2Go Bolt Stainless Steel Water Bottle.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Promotional Products Ideas From Estonia
Promo products are being used the world over, even in places where you would think that they are not as pervasive. More and more, people understand the power of branding.
http://timandrewsblog-asicentral.com/timblog/2008/09/03/product-ideas-from-estonia-pics/
Promo products are being used the world over, even in places where you would think that they are not as pervasive. More and more, people understand the power of branding.
http://timandrewsblog-asicentral.com/timblog/2008/09/03/product-ideas-from-estonia-pics/
Saturday, September 20, 2008
100% Recycled Biodegradable Funnel
This recycled 1 pint motor oil funnel is an inexpensive promotion for under a buck that can be used in connection with community recycling programs. It is 100% recycled polypropylene and it also has been designed with an additive which enhances the biodegradability of the plastic. Pretty neat.
Logo Airplane Glider
As I was out on the blogosphere and perusing for the latest and greates this morning, I encountered a fun product that makes me wish that I was a kid again. It is this Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Suit with Embroidered Cap. It has such a fun authentic look. I can just see my 5-year-old (or me) jumping on the trampoline in this suit as I defy gravity and explore uncharted space.
I was not sure if we had very many promotional items suitable for children. We actually don't. However, when I think about it, almost everything kids where or play with is logoed and designed to advertise the purchase of more of the same. I'm not sure that is a good thing, but it is what it is.
In the aeronautical theme, I did find this Promotional Bungee Glider which would be a great toy at a trade show or in a backyard.
As I was out on the blogosphere and perusing for the latest and greates this morning, I encountered a fun product that makes me wish that I was a kid again. It is this Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Suit with Embroidered Cap. It has such a fun authentic look. I can just see my 5-year-old (or me) jumping on the trampoline in this suit as I defy gravity and explore uncharted space.
I was not sure if we had very many promotional items suitable for children. We actually don't. However, when I think about it, almost everything kids where or play with is logoed and designed to advertise the purchase of more of the same. I'm not sure that is a good thing, but it is what it is.
In the aeronautical theme, I did find this Promotional Bungee Glider which would be a great toy at a trade show or in a backyard.
I spent the better part of the morning reading various blogs and participating in the "global conversation" as it is referred to by Technorati. I frequently post on others blogs, because I really like to respond when I read something interesting, and it naturally provides a backlink to American Promotions, and gives people a chance to find us.
It reminded me that there are so many things that I know so little about, and yet I have a broad curiosity and a renaissance variety of interests, but there is so much information out there that you can quickly get lost and waste gobs of time.
My favorite find this morning is this blog by newsman and writer Jeff Jarvis for The Guardian. I left a long comment on this post, "The moral imbalance of bailouts" and had some trouble with the submission process. When I emailed him, he kindly responded almost immediately. It encouraged me to read several additional posts from his blog, and it is easy to discern that Mr. Jarvis is an innovator who is not afraid of change and is a true journalist in the sense that he seeks the truth. I don't share all of his political views, but he is an insightful writer, and deserves a look.
It reminded me that there are so many things that I know so little about, and yet I have a broad curiosity and a renaissance variety of interests, but there is so much information out there that you can quickly get lost and waste gobs of time.
My favorite find this morning is this blog by newsman and writer Jeff Jarvis for The Guardian. I left a long comment on this post, "The moral imbalance of bailouts" and had some trouble with the submission process. When I emailed him, he kindly responded almost immediately. It encouraged me to read several additional posts from his blog, and it is easy to discern that Mr. Jarvis is an innovator who is not afraid of change and is a true journalist in the sense that he seeks the truth. I don't share all of his political views, but he is an insightful writer, and deserves a look.
Just wanted to share this beautiful and deeply moving blog post by my good friend Chris Jones about the passage of time, untimely loss of a loved one and the advice we give our sweet children. Read only if your interested.
http://cjgroup.blogspot.com/2008/09/sunrise-sunset.html
FYI: The boy whose death is mentioned in the post used to live in the home where Chris now lives in Lehi, Utah.
http://cjgroup.blogspot.com/2008/09/sunrise-sunset.html
FYI: The boy whose death is mentioned in the post used to live in the home where Chris now lives in Lehi, Utah.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Looking Cool
There is something very cool and professional about a slick leather portfolio. My own taste is minimalistic when it comes to something like this. I really like these sleek, unpretentious numbers from Aspinal of London.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Online vs. Offline Sales (and Really Nice Luggage)
I've been in selling corporate promotional items and premiums now for more than 12 years. We began the transition to primarily a web based business about 3 years ago, and it has really become the substantial share of our sales in the last 12 months. One thing that I have learned is that the dollar value of the products that you tend to sell online is lower, and that the average sale is smaller than in traditional corporate sales. Granted, the internet works for you 24 hours a day, and it does a lot of the selling for you as customers seek you out, and you are able to interact with your customer in a way that is not possible offline. Selling online has also exponentially broadened our customer base and allowed us to go national. There are pros and cons to online selling, but we are pleased by in large that we made the choice that we did, and we are hopeful for the future of the company.
One thing I do miss is the really special and unique requests we used to get from some of our corporate clients. I have sold everything from high end watches, to snorkeling gear to custom pewter and marble chess sets. We used to stock a complete rewards program for a large international nutritional supplement company, and it gave us the opportunity to sell all kinds of different items ranging from neck ties, to beach promotions and apparel and outerwear of every level of quality. We just don't receive such unique assignments anymore.
It was always really fun to get a special request, and to acquaint oneself with new manufacturers and new products. I remember receiving a request for Zero Halliburton aluminum briefcases. These are such a cool and classic product. Zero Halliburton was not set up to sell through the advertising specialties industry, and as it turned out, I believe that I simply directed our client directly to Zero, because there was not room or logic for a middle man.
I went on to the Zero Halliburton website today, and saw that there product line is as gorgeous as I remembered it.
Zero now makes computer cases that are made from polycarbonate and are very strong. We just reroofed our greenhouse in polycarbonate, and I know it is strong from selling polycarbonate drinkware for years. We still have a significant collection of polycarbonate drinkware within our line of logo water bottles, but we have focused our marketing efforts on safe, customer centric BPA water bottles.
I decided to check out the Zero website, because I came across some beautiful luggage by Logomark Bettoni, and I just thought to myself how cool it would be to actually have a customer request an order of something like it. I think it is unlikely to sell these items from our website, because the pricepoint is so high. The highest end luggage which acts as a business premium is by Cutter & Buck such as this piece.
I've been in selling corporate promotional items and premiums now for more than 12 years. We began the transition to primarily a web based business about 3 years ago, and it has really become the substantial share of our sales in the last 12 months. One thing that I have learned is that the dollar value of the products that you tend to sell online is lower, and that the average sale is smaller than in traditional corporate sales. Granted, the internet works for you 24 hours a day, and it does a lot of the selling for you as customers seek you out, and you are able to interact with your customer in a way that is not possible offline. Selling online has also exponentially broadened our customer base and allowed us to go national. There are pros and cons to online selling, but we are pleased by in large that we made the choice that we did, and we are hopeful for the future of the company.
One thing I do miss is the really special and unique requests we used to get from some of our corporate clients. I have sold everything from high end watches, to snorkeling gear to custom pewter and marble chess sets. We used to stock a complete rewards program for a large international nutritional supplement company, and it gave us the opportunity to sell all kinds of different items ranging from neck ties, to beach promotions and apparel and outerwear of every level of quality. We just don't receive such unique assignments anymore.
It was always really fun to get a special request, and to acquaint oneself with new manufacturers and new products. I remember receiving a request for Zero Halliburton aluminum briefcases. These are such a cool and classic product. Zero Halliburton was not set up to sell through the advertising specialties industry, and as it turned out, I believe that I simply directed our client directly to Zero, because there was not room or logic for a middle man.
I went on to the Zero Halliburton website today, and saw that there product line is as gorgeous as I remembered it.
Zero now makes computer cases that are made from polycarbonate and are very strong. We just reroofed our greenhouse in polycarbonate, and I know it is strong from selling polycarbonate drinkware for years. We still have a significant collection of polycarbonate drinkware within our line of logo water bottles, but we have focused our marketing efforts on safe, customer centric BPA water bottles.
I decided to check out the Zero website, because I came across some beautiful luggage by Logomark Bettoni, and I just thought to myself how cool it would be to actually have a customer request an order of something like it. I think it is unlikely to sell these items from our website, because the pricepoint is so high. The highest end luggage which acts as a business premium is by Cutter & Buck such as this piece.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Budget Logo Brief Bags
Leed's is trying to adust to the economic realities of a sliding economy with these brief bags under $10.00.
I think I may use the same collection to target some web sales with pay per click.
Leed's is trying to adust to the economic realities of a sliding economy with these brief bags under $10.00.
I think I may use the same collection to target some web sales with pay per click.
Adjusting to the Downturn
The economy has definitely taken a downward turn. The feeling is palpable in our industry and across the economy. But smart businesses will conserve, will be frugal and will cut costs while finding ways to grow. American Promotions is actually growing even this year when the economic headwinds against growth seem to be so strong. There are a lot of reasons we are growing - many of which we consider to be proprietary and secrect.
The main issue is that we are seeking to be adaptable, and to constantly adjust based on the best data we can get. Another reason is that we are not real large anyway, and so there is a lot of room to take market share from competitors even if the pie is not growing.
The official position of ASI is that the pie of promotional products sales is growing. According to ASI, the industry sales for the 2nd quarter of 2008 grew at 3.7% over the same quarter in 2007. I can't link to this because it is industry protected data. I find these numbers to be suspect, but I have no idea how ASI collects there data, so I don't have grounds to criticize them. From our experience, most prices across the industry have gone up 5% to 15% (in some cases much more). If ASI's data only represents the nominal value of all goods sold, then it is very likely that the industry is actually moving less product, but still eeking out sales gains. I also think there is a generalized trend of money flow from traditional advertising such as radio and television to nontraditional outlets such as promotions and web advertising.
In any case, a lot of distributors are struggling, and I imagine that some suppliers are too. I hope the government does not interfere with the market too much and that we can innovate our way out of this.
The economy has definitely taken a downward turn. The feeling is palpable in our industry and across the economy. But smart businesses will conserve, will be frugal and will cut costs while finding ways to grow. American Promotions is actually growing even this year when the economic headwinds against growth seem to be so strong. There are a lot of reasons we are growing - many of which we consider to be proprietary and secrect.
The main issue is that we are seeking to be adaptable, and to constantly adjust based on the best data we can get. Another reason is that we are not real large anyway, and so there is a lot of room to take market share from competitors even if the pie is not growing.
The official position of ASI is that the pie of promotional products sales is growing. According to ASI, the industry sales for the 2nd quarter of 2008 grew at 3.7% over the same quarter in 2007. I can't link to this because it is industry protected data. I find these numbers to be suspect, but I have no idea how ASI collects there data, so I don't have grounds to criticize them. From our experience, most prices across the industry have gone up 5% to 15% (in some cases much more). If ASI's data only represents the nominal value of all goods sold, then it is very likely that the industry is actually moving less product, but still eeking out sales gains. I also think there is a generalized trend of money flow from traditional advertising such as radio and television to nontraditional outlets such as promotions and web advertising.
In any case, a lot of distributors are struggling, and I imagine that some suppliers are too. I hope the government does not interfere with the market too much and that we can innovate our way out of this.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
How About Bamboo Tree For Your Desk
This is a really clever idea. Here is a promotional Bamboo Single Chute Pot set in a biodegradable pot that can display your logo. For the right program, this would make a very unique statement.
Be careful though where you plant it. Bamboo can take over if it is not managed.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
A Bamboo Cutting Board - With Your Logo
American Promotions carries a lot of bamboo cutting boards which are really nice unique items as business gifts and for promotional use. Your companies logo is usually printed on or better yet laser engraved into the surface. This Moso Bamboo Travel Cheese Set cutting board is my favorite.
Bamboo Promotions
I've seen a trend toward promotions made of bamboo. I've always liked bamboo. I like it as a flooring. I like fabrics made from bamboo, and I love the exotic beauty of a bamboo forest. It grows and regenerates so quickly, which makes it a wonder renewable resource for making things.
One of my favorite examples of the ethereal beauty of a bamboo forest is in the movie The House of Flying Daggers. This is not my favorite movie in this genre (my favorite is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and there are a couple of fundamentally flawed plot elements in Flying Daggers, but the battle scene which takes place in the bamboo forest is pure artistry.
Here are three fun promotional items which capture the beauty of bamboo:
Bamboo Keyhole Game
Bamboo Brainbuster Game
Bamboo Clip
I've seen a trend toward promotions made of bamboo. I've always liked bamboo. I like it as a flooring. I like fabrics made from bamboo, and I love the exotic beauty of a bamboo forest. It grows and regenerates so quickly, which makes it a wonder renewable resource for making things.
One of my favorite examples of the ethereal beauty of a bamboo forest is in the movie The House of Flying Daggers. This is not my favorite movie in this genre (my favorite is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and there are a couple of fundamentally flawed plot elements in Flying Daggers, but the battle scene which takes place in the bamboo forest is pure artistry.
Here are three fun promotional items which capture the beauty of bamboo:
Bamboo Keyhole Game
Bamboo Brainbuster Game
Bamboo Clip
Friday, September 05, 2008
A Great Pen Company
I just wanted to do a quick tip-of-the-hat to a great pen company - Senator Pen. They have done a fantastic job of offering a focused product line in the face of much more well funded and competition. They have great service and their website is innovative, straight-forward and intuitive. Promotional pens are the staple of the industry, and Senator has carved out a strong and well-deserved nitch.
I just wanted to do a quick tip-of-the-hat to a great pen company - Senator Pen. They have done a fantastic job of offering a focused product line in the face of much more well funded and competition. They have great service and their website is innovative, straight-forward and intuitive. Promotional pens are the staple of the industry, and Senator has carved out a strong and well-deserved nitch.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Leather Padfolios and Journals
I've always liked the feel of genuine leather desk accessories, padfolios and journals. Presently, we have a decent collection of leather portfolios and padfolios, but I would like to augment our line with a larger color selection, because I think there is a color trend that is in full swing and moving through the industry. The success of the companies online that only offer leather journals is a testament to this.
Our leather padfolios are found here, but I expect our selection to grow over the next few months.
American Promotions is an authorized distributor of the Andrew Phillips Deluxe Leather Collection, and we are going to be adding a lot of their products to our website.
I've always liked the feel of genuine leather desk accessories, padfolios and journals. Presently, we have a decent collection of leather portfolios and padfolios, but I would like to augment our line with a larger color selection, because I think there is a color trend that is in full swing and moving through the industry. The success of the companies online that only offer leather journals is a testament to this.
Our leather padfolios are found here, but I expect our selection to grow over the next few months.
American Promotions is an authorized distributor of the Andrew Phillips Deluxe Leather Collection, and we are going to be adding a lot of their products to our website.
Circa/Rollabind System
Circa Disc Bound system - Also called Rollabind
I just discovered a really cool product that I think I would like to try. It is called the Circa Notebook System and it is available from Levenger. It looks really innovative. It is a perforation/punch system that punches "teeth" along the edges of any size of page, and then a notebook is disc bound, because the teeth grip each individual disc. This allows for fast and easy movement of paper in and out of the organizer or notebook and exchanging between notebooks with the same system. It looks to me like Levenger does corporate sales of the product and they have a really nice line. From what I could find online, the Levenger Circa system is a licensee of Rollabind, and Rollabind invented the technology. The Levenger system is also quite expensive for promotional use, but would make a really nice gift to the right executive.
I also just learned that Leed's has their own line of Rollabind products available through promotional products distributors. Here is the link for the Leed's Rollabind system, and the Rollabind website.
We are going to need to get some of these up on our website, and perhaps do a custom landing page for them, because it is an ingenius system, and I am glad that we can offer it.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Ocean Theme Promotions
My mind is on advertising specialties with an ocean theme, because of our trip to the coast for the Labor Day holiday. Several years ago, I sold a couple orders of completely waterproof containers for holding valuables such as keys, credit cards, cash and small jewelry. They are a very handy item for keeping things dry and on your person. I don't know that I'd risk body surfing while wearing something like this:
Here is a good quality version - the Flip-Top Floating Container from Bulletline.
My mind is on advertising specialties with an ocean theme, because of our trip to the coast for the Labor Day holiday. Several years ago, I sold a couple orders of completely waterproof containers for holding valuables such as keys, credit cards, cash and small jewelry. They are a very handy item for keeping things dry and on your person. I don't know that I'd risk body surfing while wearing something like this:
Here is a good quality version - the Flip-Top Floating Container from Bulletline.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Laser Engraved Palm Tree Picture Frame
Promotional picture frames make nice gifts. My wife and I were looking at family pictures on Thursday evening. I enjoy looking at pictures, and I really like photography. At some point, I'd like to devote some energy to becoming a better photographer.
Promotional picture frames make very nice gifts. If you are planning a classy beach dinner or resort style event, or if you are doing a Hawaiian luau theme party for employees, this promotional Palm Tree Picture Frame might be a nice fit. It can be laser engraved with your logo or with individual recipient names.
Promotional picture frames make nice gifts. My wife and I were looking at family pictures on Thursday evening. I enjoy looking at pictures, and I really like photography. At some point, I'd like to devote some energy to becoming a better photographer.
Promotional picture frames make very nice gifts. If you are planning a classy beach dinner or resort style event, or if you are doing a Hawaiian luau theme party for employees, this promotional Palm Tree Picture Frame might be a nice fit. It can be laser engraved with your logo or with individual recipient names.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Another Travel Promotional Item Inspired by Coast Trip
This RoadMate Auto Set is a great auto organizer for road trips, and it comes with the Rand-McNally Atlas and a handy pen. Auto organizer includes pockets for necessities such as insurance and registration cards.
This RoadMate Auto Set is a great auto organizer for road trips, and it comes with the Rand-McNally Atlas and a handy pen. Auto organizer includes pockets for necessities such as insurance and registration cards.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Headed to the Oregon Coast
Living in Oregon, we usually get down to the Oregon coast a couple of times a year. Sometimes, my wife and I go for a little get away. Other times, we load up all the kids and make a trip of it. It is a gorgeous drive replete with a 15 minute wind through the northern part of Redwoods State Park.
We usually end up in Brookings, but sometimes we go to Crescent City in Northern California, and sometimes we don't make it to the coast at all. This Labor Day weekend, at least Friday and Saturday, we are going to go to Jedidiah Smith State Park in Northern California. It is about 20 miles Northeast of Crescent City. We will then likely go to Church on Sunday in Crescent City or Brookings.
I strongly recommend this state park, if you want a beautiful place to stay and you are in this part of the country. It is great for families, and it has some nice hikes adjacent to the Smith River.
The last time we went to Brookings, we stayed in this nice little bed-and-breakfast called Lowden's Beachfront Bed & Breakfast. There are several promotional products that work well for a Bed & Breakfast to generate positive feelings and repeat business.
The first is wine glasses or other types of drinkware. I'm not a wine drinker myself, but I love elegant drinkware. Choose a beautiful style for a higher end romantic style Bed & Breakfast. Give them away for multi-night stays, and they will sit in the display cabinets of the recipient, and remind them everytime they look of their wonderful stay. They will certainly want to return and recommend the promoted establishment.
Coasters are a nice way to give a premium, and are less expensive to purchase, store and ship.
I also think promotional Christmas ornaments are a sentimental way to promote a Bed & Breakfast.
Living in Oregon, we usually get down to the Oregon coast a couple of times a year. Sometimes, my wife and I go for a little get away. Other times, we load up all the kids and make a trip of it. It is a gorgeous drive replete with a 15 minute wind through the northern part of Redwoods State Park.
We usually end up in Brookings, but sometimes we go to Crescent City in Northern California, and sometimes we don't make it to the coast at all. This Labor Day weekend, at least Friday and Saturday, we are going to go to Jedidiah Smith State Park in Northern California. It is about 20 miles Northeast of Crescent City. We will then likely go to Church on Sunday in Crescent City or Brookings.
I strongly recommend this state park, if you want a beautiful place to stay and you are in this part of the country. It is great for families, and it has some nice hikes adjacent to the Smith River.
The last time we went to Brookings, we stayed in this nice little bed-and-breakfast called Lowden's Beachfront Bed & Breakfast. There are several promotional products that work well for a Bed & Breakfast to generate positive feelings and repeat business.
The first is wine glasses or other types of drinkware. I'm not a wine drinker myself, but I love elegant drinkware. Choose a beautiful style for a higher end romantic style Bed & Breakfast. Give them away for multi-night stays, and they will sit in the display cabinets of the recipient, and remind them everytime they look of their wonderful stay. They will certainly want to return and recommend the promoted establishment.
Coasters are a nice way to give a premium, and are less expensive to purchase, store and ship.
I also think promotional Christmas ornaments are a sentimental way to promote a Bed & Breakfast.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Recycled Promotional Journal
Promotional Journals are a classic and effective way to promote a company. They are perfect for conferences, smaller meetings, trade shows, as gifts and as a value added way to showcase your literature.
The most prominent manufacturer of custom imprinted journals in the promotional products industry is JournalBooks. They have a deep selection of cover styles and ways to customize your product, and I believe they are on the forefront of product innovation in the creation of custom promotional journals. American Promotions carries a full and extensive line of promotional journals including journals by JournalBooks, as well as Leed's and others. I like this Classic Recycled Journal. Here it is in two cool colorways:
The most prominent manufacturer of custom imprinted journals in the promotional products industry is JournalBooks. They have a deep selection of cover styles and ways to customize your product, and I believe they are on the forefront of product innovation in the creation of custom promotional journals. American Promotions carries a full and extensive line of promotional journals including journals by JournalBooks, as well as Leed's and others. I like this Classic Recycled Journal. Here it is in two cool colorways:
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Promotional Recycled Duffel Bag
"Green" products have been everywhere this, year. When it comes to promotional products, tote bags, briefs and duffels are a natural for the green movement. A lot of them were already as "green" as they are now, long before being environmentally sensitive with your product line became all the rage, because they are made of natural cottons or recycled fibers.
At American Promotions, I wouldn't call us green, and we are making no efforts to "greenwash" the company, because I feel it is disingenuous. I've always felt that God gave us the earth to care for it and for the wise benefit of His children, so I'm happy to use less energy, to do things more efficiently and to seek out ways to protect the earth and conserve its resources while still preserving the fundamental and inalienable rights of human beings. The search for alternative energy sources is exciting and it is a thrill to watch all of the innovation that is taking place, not because of government mandate, but because the market is begging for it.
We elected to put up a line of promotional items which are represented by our manufacturer partners as being more ecologically sensitive. Some are really cool.
I really like this Recycled Linx Sport Bag. It has a classic clean look, and it is 51% recycled fibers. It has nice useful features, and it is at a great price point.
"Green" products have been everywhere this, year. When it comes to promotional products, tote bags, briefs and duffels are a natural for the green movement. A lot of them were already as "green" as they are now, long before being environmentally sensitive with your product line became all the rage, because they are made of natural cottons or recycled fibers.
At American Promotions, I wouldn't call us green, and we are making no efforts to "greenwash" the company, because I feel it is disingenuous. I've always felt that God gave us the earth to care for it and for the wise benefit of His children, so I'm happy to use less energy, to do things more efficiently and to seek out ways to protect the earth and conserve its resources while still preserving the fundamental and inalienable rights of human beings. The search for alternative energy sources is exciting and it is a thrill to watch all of the innovation that is taking place, not because of government mandate, but because the market is begging for it.
We elected to put up a line of promotional items which are represented by our manufacturer partners as being more ecologically sensitive. Some are really cool.
I really like this Recycled Linx Sport Bag. It has a classic clean look, and it is 51% recycled fibers. It has nice useful features, and it is at a great price point.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Promotions for Real Estate Professionals
Today's real estate market is very tough. People are leaving the real estate profession in droves. However, there are those that are going to survive this down cycle. There are Realtors (R), and other dedicated people who love buying and selling houses and they want to make a living in it.
Earlier this year, we featured a 5 part series at ameripromo.com with some smart and sensible ideas for using promotional products to succeed in real estate marketing in the current environment.
Take a look: http://www.ameripromo.com/realtor-promotional-products-t-8.html
Today's real estate market is very tough. People are leaving the real estate profession in droves. However, there are those that are going to survive this down cycle. There are Realtors (R), and other dedicated people who love buying and selling houses and they want to make a living in it.
Earlier this year, we featured a 5 part series at ameripromo.com with some smart and sensible ideas for using promotional products to succeed in real estate marketing in the current environment.
Take a look: http://www.ameripromo.com/realtor-promotional-products-t-8.html
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Another Useful Gardening Promotion
My wife really likes this promotional gardening set. It is a 2 in1 Gardeners Tool Bag (and it comes with the tools.) She is about to give birth, and I doubt she will have the energy to be up on her feet a lot this summer. This Promotional Gardener Set is integrated with a nifty stool, so that your legs don't fall asleep or you don't wear out the knees of your pants when you are doing gardening. This would make a great business gift or could be used as a promotion with a Home Equity Line at a bank.
I don't think that this promotional gardener's set exhibits the same quality, but it accomplishes a similar function for just over half the price per unit.
My wife really likes this promotional gardening set. It is a 2 in1 Gardeners Tool Bag (and it comes with the tools.) She is about to give birth, and I doubt she will have the energy to be up on her feet a lot this summer. This Promotional Gardener Set is integrated with a nifty stool, so that your legs don't fall asleep or you don't wear out the knees of your pants when you are doing gardening. This would make a great business gift or could be used as a promotion with a Home Equity Line at a bank.
I don't think that this promotional gardener's set exhibits the same quality, but it accomplishes a similar function for just over half the price per unit.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
We are trying to put a garden in, but with my wife's due date only days away, I sheepishly admit that we haven't made a lot of progress. I've been keeping my eye on various gardener themed promotions. I think I've found the promotional product that I would most like to receive and that I think will get the most use.
Check out this Promotional Stainless Steel Folding Shovel. It is a really cool promotion, and I believe it would be very well received as a Spring or Safety promotion. A nice pairing would be to gift it with a couple packets of logoed seeds with "Let's Grow Our Business Together" as the tagline.
Check out this Promotional Stainless Steel Folding Shovel. It is a really cool promotion, and I believe it would be very well received as a Spring or Safety promotion. A nice pairing would be to gift it with a couple packets of logoed seeds with "Let's Grow Our Business Together" as the tagline.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
One of my coworkers, Brock, is fresh out of school. He likes photography and design and does some for American Promotions. He just did a new Spring/rainy day theme for our main web page. I like his work, and his skills and technique are improving. The new image is on our main web page at http://www.ameripromo.com/index.php?
This was an alternate shot:
This was an alternate shot:
Our promotional products website has sold thousands of drawstring backpacks. We have dozens of designs and we have a lot of colors as well. I think that these bags are so popular, because they have the functionality and reusability of a more expensive bag, but the price point is very low, and they are perfect as packaging for trade show materials or as a giveaway by themselves.
I think my favorite design is this promotional DUROcord drawstring backpack. It comes in a lot of colors, and I like how sturdy it is for the price which ranges from $3.00 to $3.80 depending on quantity.
I think my favorite design is this promotional DUROcord drawstring backpack. It comes in a lot of colors, and I like how sturdy it is for the price which ranges from $3.00 to $3.80 depending on quantity.
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