AP Video: Travel Sentry Tag and Lock Promotional Product

This American Promotions video demonstrates how to use the Travel Sentry Luggage Tag and Lock promotional tool.

This imprinted Travel Sentry Luggage Lock is tiny, but that's just what you want in a luggage lock. It's TSA compliant, so you know it's strong, and the handy personal information label on the lock helps you keep track of your bag. This video shows how to use the simple combination lock. 

For more luggage tags and accessories or some imprinted luggage, check out this page on our website.

For product and ordering information, and for samples, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

What accessories to you use when you travel?

AP Video: JournalBooks Pedova Custom Printed Journals

This American Promotions video showcases a JournalBook from the Pedova line of promotional journals.

These Pedova JournalBooks are made from faux leather that looks real and feels very soft. The Italian style covers have a thread sewn binding, a high quality detail.

The imprinting is blind deboss. You can deboss your logo, or can choose a full cover design, from four stock designs, to complement your logo. Watch the video to see the difference between the two logo options. The Pedova JournalBooks come in five different colors and they include two satin ribbon bookmarks and an elastic pen holder. To complete your promotional package, choose an imprinted pen (we have hundreds of different pen choices).

Click here to see more JournalBooks on the American Promotions website.

To take a look at some of the pen options from American Promotions, click here.

For product and ordering information, and for samples, go to our website or feel free to call us toll-free at 1-877-604-5646.

Do you write in a journal? Would you like a gift like this from your employer?

AP Video: H2Go Stealth Promotional Water Bottle

This American Promotions video displays the H2Go Stealth promotional water bottle.

Designed for cold liquids, the H2GO Stealth promotional water bottle has a large opening for easy cleaning and for adding ice easily. It is BPA free and comes in nine translucent colors.

The H2Go Stealth has a large imprint area and its clean, modern lines make it a standout in promotional drinkware.

For samples or more product information, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

To see a similar promotional water bottle, the H2Go Vornado, click here.

What is your favorite type of water bottle and why?

AP Video: H2GO Aluminum Classic Promotional Water Bottles

This American Promotions video showcases the H2Go Aluminum Classic promotional water bottle.

The H2GO Aluminum Classic promotional water bottles come with carabiners and are BPA FREE. They're manufactured in ten vivid colors and are designed for cold liquids. They're available with your imprint or with full wrap stock designs that cover the whole bottle and can be color changed to match your logo.

These full wrap stock designs are very attractive! Simply choose a full wrap stock design out of many choices, click colors to match your logo, and then your logo is printed nestled in a full coverage design that maximizes the water bottle's promotional capability.

To see a line of stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on the names below:

• H2Go Bolt promotional water bottle
• H2Go Athans promotional water bottle
• H2Go Stainless Steel Classic promotional water bottle

For more product information, visit our American Promotions website by clicking here. For samples or answers to your questions, call us toll-free at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

Do you own a metal water bottle, or a water bottle made of some other material? What's your favorite?

AP Video: High Sierra Multi-Tool Promotional Product

This American Promotions video showcases the High Sierra 15-Function Multi-Tool promotional product.

The advertising specialty High Sierra Multi-Tool is made from stainless steel and comes with a whopping 15 functions. This video shows where they are, helpful since a couple of the tools have multiple function. This tool is so useful and durable recipients will use them for years, giving your logo long term visibility. This product has two locations where logos can be imprinted.

Go to our American Promotions website for product and ordering information, or for  samples and answers to your questions just call us toll-free at 1-877-604-5646.

Do you own a multi-tool? What are its most useful functions? 

AP Video: H2Go Vornado Promotional Waterbottles

This American Promotions video shows the H2Go Vornado promotional waterbottle line.

The H2Go Vornado water bottles hold 32 oz. of cold liquid and are BPA FREE. They come in 9 translucent colors. They display a large imprint area of 7 x 3 inches, although if you want more, ask us about the full wrap option. Their large opening makes cleaning or adding ice easy to do.

To see a similar water bottle, called the H2Go Stealth, click here.

For product and ordering information, or for samples, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

What's your favorite type of water bottle?

Product Review: Promotional Stuffed Animals, A Beaver

We got an order for 250 of these stuffed animal beavers. They're so soft and cute!

 Here is a picture of the beaver with the t-shirt. The logoed tiny t-shirts are on their way here from the printer, the one this beaver is wearing is blank. Both blank and logoed tiny t-shirts are available.

Stuffed animals are a growing promotional category. Probably because there are so many animals to choose from, all of them appealing, and animals advertise well---almost everyone loves them.

These beavers are for an organization that fights wildfires. They're going to give them away to their people.

American Promotions carries a large line of stuffed promotional animals. Go here to see a stuffed Bull for a financial company her for a stuffed Bear that was ordered for a bank, and here to see a stuffed promotional cow that was ordered for a pharmaceutical company.

What's your favorite animal? What company do you think should use a stuffed animal promotion?

AP Video: SS Classic Promotional Water Bottle

This American Promotions video displays the H2Go Stainless Steel Classic promotional water bottle.

The H2Go Stainless Steel Classic water bottles are made from 18/8 stainless steel and hold 24 oz. of cold liquids. Their screw-on black lids come with a hole for the add-on carabiners. They're manufactured in 7 colors. Imprint area is 5 1/4 x 3 inches, but be sure to ask us about the full wrap option (using color coordinated stock art to design a fully covered water bottle).

Go to our American Promotions webpage for product and ordering information of the H2Go SS Classic. 

To see similar stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on their names:

• The Stainless Steel H2Go Bolt promotional water bottle
• The Stainless Steel H2Go Athans promotional water bottle

For an aluminum version, the H2Go Aluminum Classic promotional water bottle, take a look at this video by clicking here.

For samples and answers to your questions feel free to contact us with a toll-free call at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

Do you prefer a water bottle made of stainless steel, or a different material?

Real Promotions: Mousepad

We had an order recently of full color mousepads. Mousepads are a classic promotional product because of their low cost and high logo visibility.They have a soft fabric top layer on top of a rubber circle, and come in different thicknesses.

I'm using one of these mousepads under my computer mouse at this very moment. It works great, even at the thinner size, which is key to a successful promotion. The product must work well! I think the colors on the mousepad make it a successful promotion as well. What isn't as successful, to me at least, are the five initials printed at the bottom of the pad. I assume it has something to do with the company, but it doesn't tell me what the company does or how to contact them. Including that information would take the promotion to a higher advertising level--even if the phone number or website were tiny on the pad. However, this company still gets high points for choosing long lasting mousepads and for the bright full color logo that catches the eye.

Thanks for your order, and best promoting wishes to you, WPAFB.

What's under your computer mouse? 

AP Video: H2Go Bolt Promotional Water Bottles

This American Promotions video shows the H2GO Stainless Steel Bolt promotional water bottle.

The H2Go Bolt water bottle is made from 18/8 stainless steel and holds 24 oz of cold liquid. Available blank or with your logo, the Bolt also offers a full wrap option that surrounds your logo with a stock art wrap custom colored to match. The stock art wraps are very attractive and give you water bottle a designer look.

The Bolt comes with a screw-on black lid that has a hole for an add-on carabiner and is textured to make screwing the lid on and off easy even with wet fingers. 

To see similar stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on their names:

• The Stainless Steel H2Go Classic promotional water bottle 
• The Stainless Steel H2Go Athans promotional water bottle

For an aluminum version, the H2Go Aluminum Classic, take a look at this video by clicking here.

Click here for more product and ordering information at the American Promotions website (live chat available). For samples and answers to your questions, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646 

Where do you use your water bottles? What's your favorite?

Product Review: Promotional Sweatshirt Blankets

My eldest daughter just entered high school. I'm rather in shock, because I can't believe she's old enough and I can't believe I'm old enough.

With her in high school, I expect she'll want to go to outdoor football games (high school football is really big in our town). I remember my high school football days. The bright lights, the loud cheering, the chilly fall air...NO, I didn't actually play. But in my senior year I wore the school mascot suit, taking turns with my twin sister, riling up the crowd. It was a comet suit. Yes, most unusual mascot.

A popular school sport promotion is the sweatshirt blanket.

People use sweatshirt blankets to keep warm and show school spirit as spectators, like this woman in a Hunter green promotional sweatshirt blanket....

or like this sport participant wearing a red sweatshirt blanket, and, um, little else.

Imprinted sweatshirt blankets roll up small, making them slightly more portable than the also popular fleece promotional blankets or plush promotional blankets. 

For other school event promotional accessories, check out these fold-out stadium cushions, self-inflating stadium cushions, football shaped stadium cushions, as well as stadium noisemaker sticks (here's the AP video of those noisemakers).

What was the mascot of your school? Anyone else have a Comet for their mascot?

AP Video: H2Go Athans Promotional Water Bottle

We made this video over at American Promotions to display the H2go Athans promotional water bottle.

The H2Go Athans promotional water bottles are made from 18/8 stainless steel and hold 24 oz. of cold liquid. They come with a standard Screw-On Lid but have a Carabiner Lid or a Sport Pull Lid option. They're designed in six metallic colors and have an add-on carabiner available.

The H2Go Athans water bottles look very sleek and modern with their handsome metallic design. They slope in at the "waist" to make a comfortable hand hold when carrying or drinking.

To see similar stainless steel promotional water bottles, click on their names:

• The Stainless Steel H2Go Bolt promotional water bottle
• The Stainless Steel H2Go Classic promotional water bottle

For an aluminum version, the H2Go Aluminum Classic promotional water bottle, take a look at this video by clicking here.


Go here for product and ordering information (live chat available on the website), or for samples and answers to your questions, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646.

What kind of water bottle do you use?

Marketing Opinion: Courtesy Calls Aren't About Just Saying Hi

When I answer the phone and hear the words, "Hi, I'm [Jane] and I'm calling from [a business] and this is just a quick courtesy call...." I instantly know that it's NOT just a courtesy call. Jane isn't calling to just say Hi.

It's a sales call. And when callers come to the part in their script that asks, "Are you interested?" I say No. Most of the time. Because I'm not interested. And they're off to the next call. Because they have a certain amount of calls to make an hour so they can get paid. No one is really interested on either side of the telephone.

This pattern as a marketing plan doesn't seem to be working. Paying people to make calls that no one wants to hear? There has to be a better way to use the telephone to connect to prospective customers.

I think I know a better pattern. What if a company sent a gift to a prospective customer, and THEN made the follow up call? And the follow up call was to ask them what they thought of the gift. If they didn't like it, then find out why. If they did like it, then find out why. A conversation happens. A real conversation, not just a false courtesy call to see if someone is interested in listening to a sales pitch. The gift begins the conversation.

Here are some items that are:

• inexpensive, which is important for giveaways, 
• small, so they fit into a mailer,
• useful, so they don't get thrown away before the call,
• unique, so the gift will be remembered when the follow up call is made.

Here are FIVE mailer gift possibilities:

The Mint Pen. This is a pen shaped container that dispenses mints one at a time. Available in three flavors: peppermint, cinnamon and squint and sugar free. 

While I'm on the subject of mints, Check out these Slim Mints:

They're small so they fit in a wallet, pocket or mailer. And they have a large imprint space for the money, plus they get double the logo views when your recipient shares a mint! They are available in a sugar free version too.

That flat credit card shape is easy to mail and portable to carry, so take a look at these uniquely shaped Flatinum USB Flash Drives:

The last two mailer suggestions will be promotional pens. Pens are the most popular promotional item, because they are inexpensive and useful to everyone. But to go into a mail, the pen has to be unique, otherwise it won't get much notice.

Here are two unique pens that will make a promotional mailer stand out:

These pens are the Retractable Pocket Telescope Ballpoint Pens.

The ribbed silver barrel telescopes into a full sized pen! The retracted size is smaller, which makes mailing easier.

These pens are the Shorty Sporty Pens. They're only 3 1/2 inches long, great for mailing, and they include a key chain attachment, which increases the usefulness to include portability as well as writing!

So next time you get a courtesy call, ask the caller to give you a courtesy gift first, and then you'll talk.

Does your company use the telephone for sales calls? Have you ever made a business call and got shot down by an uninterested listener? Do you like courtesy calls?

AP Video: Double Wall Plastic Tumbler

Sometimes it's helpful to see a cup in a video rather than in a photograph, so we've created this American Promotions video for the Double Wall Plastic Tumbler. The imprint for this product goes on the side.

With Fall and Winter weather right around the corner, it's time for hot drinks. Steaming coffee, hot chocolate and tea warm us up during the cold season. Then comes Spring and Summer with iced tea and cold sodas to keep us cool.  If you want promotional drinkware designed for cold AND hot liquids, then the 12 oz. Double Wall Plastic Tumbler is an excellent choice.

The 12 oz. Double Wall Plastic Tumbler is a promotional cup designed for keeping hot or cold liquids at temperature. Its dimensions fit most corporate coffee machines and it is BPA free. It comes in WHITE.

American Promotions carries a variety of tumblers made from plastic to stainless steel. For samples or more product information, contact us at American Promotions or at 1-877-604-5646.

What do you drink to keep cool in the Summer and warm up in the Winter?

Real Promotions: Office Break Room Promotional Imprinted Mugs

I wandered over to the Break Room of our office complex. I wanted to see what kind of promotional cups that people kept and used. I found five.

One was from a local radio station, one from an electric supply company, a local college, a local branch of Kiwanis Club, and People's Bank. All five of their imprints were in mint condition. These mugs are used a lot, so it's a real life example of how long logoed mugs last. 

Although these logos were in excellent condition, they could've used the ad space more completely.

Lots of  points goes to the college for including their contact information--they were the only one out of the five. 

Now, there are two camps about including contact information. One side says just use the logo, it will keep your business at the top of the customer's mind, and they'll use the phone book or the Internet to find contact information. That makes some sense, but I am of a different mind. I believe that contact information, even if very small, makes more use of the ad space and makes customer communication more easy. In my opinion, the easier it is for a customer to make contact, the more customers will do so. 

I've used promotional products to quickly access a phone number. I did it with a dentist's refrigerator magnet and a sign maker's pen. Both included their phone number and both of them received my business. 

That being said, sometimes all a company wants is name recognition. I think of the pharmaceutical industry. Since prescriptions are delivered through doctors and pharmacies, name recognition of their drug is all a pharmaceutical company wants. But they are an exception to the general rule. Another exception is promotions for large chains. 

The bank mug that I'm looking at right now is for a large chain. They probably ordered a big mug order through corporate and distributed it to the branches. They exchanged customer contact for a cheaper price on the mugs, and I think that can be justified, but they should've included their website at the very least, to encourage online banking.

The radio station should have included their radio station number! The Electric supply company should have included their phone number to make reorders easier! The Kiwanis should have included their meeting time, which is the same year round (for example: Meet with us the fourth Tuesday of every month). This would be a good reminder for their members and would take their mug's advertising potential up a notch.

Mugs are a classic promotional product because they are long lasting, visible, inexpensive and useful. American Promotions carries promotional Bistro mugs here and Diner Mugs here. If you're thinking about a mug promotion, consider taking it up a notch by pairing it with imprinted packets of hot chocolate or coffee like this:

What mugs are in your break room? Your kitchen cupboard?

AP Video: Metropolitan Desk Organizer

This is a video we made to show the Metropolitan Desk Organizer.

It has a logo area on the top, an integrated photograph frame, and four velvet-lined trays that can double as coasters.

The Desk Organizer makes a great gift for employee recognition or for industries that use tiny objects, like scrapbooking, beading, train models, etc.

American Promotions carries a whole line of Metropolitan office tools and gifts. Contact us for samples or more product information at 1-877-604-5646.

Does your desk need organizing? What are your favorite office tools?

Real Promotions: "Read" Visor Glasses Promotional Clip

I was thinking about the promotional products that stick around in my life and that I use, when I looked up (I was driving at the time) and attached to my visor was this:



It's a clip that attaches to a visor that holds glasses or sunglasses. I use it all the time, since I only use glasses when I drive. I wish I had two, since I keep my sunglasses in the car too.

The successful part of this promotional product is that it gets used every day, so the imprinted logo gets repetitive visibility. However, this particular company did not use the visor clip to its upmost. The imprinting simply says "Read." I'm assuming it came from a promotion by our local library. Or was it the school? The truth is, I don't remember. The company that paid to gives these visors away made a big mistake by not self-promoting their business. They didn't print their company name or contact information. So I can only give half points to this nameless company! They chose a good promotional product, but they didn't imprint it memorably.

Visor Glasses Clips would be a useful promotion in the Auto industry, from car washes to oil changes, and for an optometrist business, to carry their glasses in the car, as well as a sunglasses business for the same reason.

American Promotions carries a line of visor clips called the Auto Visor Mate Sunglasses Caddy. If you choose this advertising product, be sure to include your company name and either a phone number or website, so that your whole promotional package will point toward your company.

What's on your visor?

Real Promotions: Lexapro Plastic Reusable Grocery Bag

I bought eggs from my neighbor's little girl, and she gave them to me in this bag:



Her father is a pharmaceutical rep, obviously. But, since I'm always interested promotional items, after I put the eggs away I examined the bag. It's a simple plastic bag with handles made of the same material. This company imprinted a full coverage four color logo on both the front and the back.

Is this a successful promotion? Yes, I think it is. The logo is bright, eye catching and readable from afar--useful attributes on a bag that gets carried around. The base of the bag includes the company name, Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and their five focuses: Pharmaceuticals, Therapeutics, Healthcare, Managed Care, and Specialty Sales. There is no contact number or website--but I don't think that's an omission on their part. The purpose of the bag is not to encourage people to shop at Forest Pharmaceuticals. Since prescriptions can only be written by a doctor, the purpose of the bag is to encourage people to recognize the name of the drug Lexapro and maybe ask their doctor about it. And the cost of plastic bags are lower than if they were non-woven or cotton bags or totes, so these bags help make marketing dollars go farther.

American Promotions carries a line of plastic bags so your company can "carry" your logo into promotional success too. Here's a Vinyl Accessory Bag, the clear Weekender, INSERT PLASTIC BAP LINK HERE

What promotional bags have crossed your path?

Real Promotions: Whole Foods Market Reusable Shopping Bag

I came across this Whole Foods Market bag. It's very large, non-woven and laminated. Here's a picture of it:



Whole Foods Market not only promotes their company, with their logo front and center, but they show how they feel about the environment, with their bold bag statement "I used to be a plastic bottle" above their logo. They even explain how this bag is "made from 80% post-consumer waste."



I would consider this promotion a success because:

1. The Whole Foods logo is prominent. People who use the bag and people who see the bag will be reminded of Whole Foods Market.

2. The recycled message appeals to Whole Foods consumers

3. The bag is made of laminated non-woven polypropylene which is durable, and the handles are re-enforced, so the bag will last.

4. The bag itself is a successful part of the promotions because it replaces plastic and paper disposable bags at the store, and so it is USEFUL to the Whole Foods customer.

Good job Whole Foods for a great promotion!



This Eco Message bag is similar to the Whole Foods bag: it is made from non-woven laminated polypropylene, and it has a full wrap of environmental designs that can surround a logo.

To look at more non-woven bags we carry at American Promotions, click HERE.

Real Promotions: Cotton Reusable Bag from the Library

The fundraising arm of our county library is called Central Point Friends of the Library, and they gave away, as part of a promotion, a cotton bag. You can see it here:



A bag likes this fits perfectly for a library promotion, since these cotton bags are sturdy enough to hold heavy books and inexpensive to buy.

To see our line of similar cotton bags and totes, click HERE. and HERE.

Click here to see our whole line of cotton bags and totes.

Real Promotions: Law Office Promotional Imprinted Pens

Imprinted pens are a classic promotional item. I wanted to see how they did in a real life setting.

So as an experiment, I walked around my Dad's law office and collected all the promotional pens they were using. I collected twelve.




The pens I found were all kinds of different designs. One of them wrote so well, that I had to tell my Mom that I would return it that day. She was attached. That was this pen:



These six pens have rubber grips, which were popular in this office.


I found two of the same kind! These two pens, exactly alike except for color, are some of the most inexpensive pens you see everywhere. Both of them were imprinted with hotel logos.



This is what I can learn from this real life search for promotional pens:

1. How a promotional pen writes translates directly into how attached a person feels toward the logoed pen.

2. People like the rubber grips on pens.

3. The most inexpensive pens are the most common pens, and seeing them everywhere means the pens are displaying those logos everywhere.

My conclusion from this "promotional pen journey" is that logoed pens are a classic advertising specialty for GOOD REASON--people use them and share them and do not throw them away.

To see hundreds of styles of promotional pens, take a look at our website at American Promotions.

Product Review: Sedici Tumbler Promotional Water Bottles

The Sedici Tumblers combine the usefulness of fast food cups and straws with the durability of BPA FREE acrylic. These Tumblers have a rubber gasket under the lid that aids the acrylic double walls in keeping cold drinks cold. Comes in 8 translucent colors. Includes a matching straw, but upon request contrasting colored straws are available. Did you see the peppermint striped straw in the video??



For product and ordering information, and for samples, contact us at American Promotions 1-877-604-5646 http://www.americanpromotions.com

Product Review: Classic Promotional Umbrella

Umbrellas make great promotional gifts or giveaways for all seasons of the year: Fall, Winter and Spring for rain/snow and Summer for shade. Because umbrellas are carried open when in use, umbrellas display high logo visibility.

The Classic Folding Umbrella featured in this video is made in the USA, is manually operated, and folds up to a mere 9" long. Available in 5 colors.

For product or ordering information, or for samples, contact us at American Promotions http://www.americanpromotions.com 1-877-604-5646

AP Video: H2Go SS Bolt and Solus Promotional Water Bottles

This is a video we just created to showcase our collection of sleek H2Go stainless steel water bottles.

You can see more information on these water bottles at: http://www.ameripromo.com/advanced_search_result.php?search_in_description=1&keywords=H2Go&x=54&y=12

Interested in samples or in making an order? Contact us at www.americanpromotions.com or by phone at 1-877-604-5646

Real Promotions: Shari's Non-Woven Tote Bags

When my husband and I went out to Shari's, a family diner type restaurant, to meet his brother's fiancee's family, we ate dinner and then had pie. Shari's has some good pie! I'm drooling just remembering the coconut cream pie as I look at the non-woven polypropylene bag that Shari's uses pie take out. I took a picture of it here:



They have a two color logo that covers the front panel and rear panel. The tag on the inside says it's designed for multiple use--and that's one of the reasons businesses use these bags for promotions. Because they get re-used and everytime they're being used for shopping, the business logo is receiving more coverage. This is the inside of the bag:



There are lots of different non-woven polypropylene bag and tote designs, some with stock designs that surround a logo with full color and coverage on the front and rear panels. Some non-woven bags are made of recyclable materials (some were former 2 ltr. bottles!). To look at the non-woven polypropylene promotional bags and totes we carry at American Promotions, click HERE. or HERE.

What's your favorite pie?

Product Review: Imprinted Wine and Cheese Promotional Tote Bags

I'm not a wine drinker myself. The closest I get to a little libation is some sparkling cider, but I suppose this handsome Meritage Wine and Cheese Tote by Picnic Time would work for that as well.
We are going to be releasing at least half a dozen new wine totes at American Promotions in August. They make fine company gifts.

Promotional Noisemaker: Thunderstix

This is an American PromotionsTV video that shows Thunderstix tubes, noisemakers for stadiums, school events, parades, and political rallies. Banging the two tubes together makes a thundering boom sound that grabs attention everywhere, perfect for advertising a logo.

Click here to see more product information on Thunderstix: http://www.ameripromo.com/thunderstix%C3%83%E2%80%A0-noisemakers-p-2501.html

To ask for a sample or make an order, contact us at http://www.americanpromotions.com or call us at 1-877-604-5646

Great Balls of Fire - Happy 4th of July!

Here is a little fun for your 4th of July evening.

A Few Reflections on Independence Day

For me, Independence Day is not a celebration of our government or even of the United States of America. It is a holiday to embrace every human freedom, and to commemorate a group of great men and women who recognized that God is the giver of all freedoms. He, not government, makes us free. When our nation was established, and for the first time in human history, these Founders courageously crafted a government to preserve these freedoms. They instituted checks and balances on the reach of government power. They intended a nation of freeholders, a nation where people can enjoy these freedoms and achieve their highest hopes and aspirations. They weren't perfect - no men are; but they did something which had never been done before.

The governments of men, by and large, are the enemies of human freedom. The constant war, the declining influence of the United States, the confusion of the regular citizen, the immorality of many leaders, and the shredding of Constitutional principles are all evidence of the general rapacious and self-interested nature of those who seek to govern.

The United States of America is in a perilous place, and its future is dark and uncertain, but I am seeing many concerned and liberty-loving people who are actively working and seeking to set us again on the right path. It is my fervent hope and prayer, that the best days for human freedom are still to come.

Bags and Totes: Eco, Polypropylene, Laminated, Recycled

Promotional Bags and Totes is a huge category in the Advertising Specialties business. This American PromotionsTV video showcases bags that are recycled, laminated, made of polypropylene (recycled from the same plastic that makes 2 liter pop bottles), hand wipeable or hand washable, and non-woven materials.

To ask for samples or to order, contact us at http://www.americanpromotions.com or call us at 1-877-604-5646

Horsin' Around.

A month or so back I wrote about my little two year old's adoration of all things equine. He can spot a horse from a quarter mile, and he seems to find every book on the shelf which features a horse, and implores me read it to him. And as the doting parent I am, I do so happily.

Here are three horse theme promotional items for the cowboys, ranchers and horse lovers at work or at play:

Horse Bender
Moseez Horse Stuffed Animal
Horse Stress Ball

Two Legendary Metal Forges

I was reading yesterday on the Advertising Specialty Institute ASI website when I came across an article in the Mergers & Acquisitions section which announced Wendell August Forge's purchase of Old Forge Metals, Inc., the terms being undisclosed.

Apparently, Wendell Forge has come back after a very trying period, as their headquarters burned about a year ago.

I was a little familiar with Old Forge Metals. Years ago, early in my promotional products career, I sold a series of 100 very high end fully custom chess sets with pewter playing pieces on a marble chess board and custom pewter corner pieces to Tahitian Noni International. I can't remember which supplier I used. If it was not Old Forge Metals - they were at least among the various suppliers that I researched when I was bidding the job.

The article piqued my interest, and I browsed the respective websites of Old Forge and Wendell August Forge. They both do stunning, inspiring work.

As just a small example, check out this Common Ground Alliance award exquisitely crafted for only the highest honors.

American Promotions is an ASI Distributor with 16 years of experience, and we are authorized to offer the products of Wendell August Forge and Old Forge Metals. If this supernal level of recognition product is what you require, you can contact us here.

$10,000 Houses From Trash?!

I came across a news article on Dan Phillips today - an inspiring and quirky home builder in Texas who builds whimsical homes from 80% plus reclaimed and recycled products in the $10k to $50k range. He runs the for-profit Phoenix Commotion initiative. His work is simply an inspiration. This man understands the value of a dollar. More importantly, he understands the value of a human being, and how to scale a dream to the dreamer.

Solid Bamboo Cutting Board

Giant bamboo are the largest members of grass family. These mind boggling plants can grow 39 centimeters in the right soil and in the right climate in a single day. Unlike trees they do not narrow as they climb skyward, but instead push into the blue in a regal columnar fashion. I've always been fascinated with bamboo, and if it didn't spread so uncontrollably, I think it would be cool to grow.

Bamboo is a wonderful renewable resource, and many housewares, and home construction materials and decor are constructed from bamboo.

If you are looking for a sincere bamboo cutting board to promote your business or organization, this laser engraved bamboo cutting board is an easy choice. It is generously sized, with beautiful contrasting color and expert laser engraving.

Google Can Be Such A Whale

The past week has been a whale - or it feels like I am inside one waiting to be spit out on some foreign shore.

At American Promotions, we have been dealing with a major Google Algorithm change which has slammed our position in the Google Shopping feed, and we are desperately trying to ascertain which steps to take to move forward. I have been up until between 1 and 2:30 four nights in the last eight or so days, and fairly late on the other nights too, burning the midnight oil.

To memorialize this craziness, and in keeping with the purpose of this blog, here are a couple of Whale promotional products which you may find a way to use for your business.

Whale Stress Balls

Humback Whale Stress Balls

and a cool website on whale watching in Oregon near where I live.

Visittheoregoncoast.com

Leaf Journal - Custom Green Crush Cover

While considering products to feature on American Promotions front page for the spring season, I came across the JournalBooks Crush Series, and this gorgeous Leaf Print Journal in Green Crush. This journal is available in a variety of striking colors and patterns. There are even a few with a more masculine aesthetic.

One of the things I really enjoy about working in the promotional products industry is seeking our products which are useful AND delightful to touch and see. This certainly falls in that category.

A Son Who Loves Horses

I have a 2 year old son who loves horses. We don't own a horse. We tried to own a shetland pony last year, and after four escapes in a week, we concluded that we needed much better fencing than we were able to pay for, and we gave up and gave the horse away. It was a stubborn horse.

However, our 2 year old is the first to see every horse in every field as we are driving by, and when he chooses a book, it always has a horse in it, and if you tell him a story, then he wants you to make a horse one of the main characters.

We are unclear as to why horses became so central to this little guys thinking, but as we've raised each of our children, it is clear that God sends each of them with different personalities and proclivities.

H2Go Fusion BPA Free Bottle

Here is a water bottle with some tough, sturdy features. The H2Go Fusion BPA Free Water Bottle is made with tough acrylic with stainless steel accents and a big chunky strap which connects the lid to the base. It comes in eight bright translucent colors.

This is the water bottle for the person who goes their own road.

Little Mascots For School Or Business

Is your business or school represented by an animal mascot? Consider choosing a stuffed animal with a custom logo t-shirt for your next promotion or event. One of the best selling lines of stuffed animals in the promotional products industry is the Moseez line of 31 different critters which are ready to sport your insignia or message and show up at your next event. This line was created by our supplier It's All Greek to Me.

The biggest problem we have had with this line is they are so popular and so well made, that they are constantly selling out.

I live in Oregon, and the Oregon State Beavers and the University of Oregon Ducks are the two big state university brands. Pictured below is the Moseez Beaver and the Moseez Duck.

However, there are 31 different little furry creatures from which to choose. See if you can find yours here.

(I like the Moseez Cougar :)

Up Too Late and A Cool Backpack

I did a lot of work updating the backpacks on the website tonight. It is late. This is my second night up until 2 a.m.. We have had some problems with the website which are costing us substantially, and I have been scrambling to try to understand and fix them.

I found 18 plus bags and backpacks which I'm going to have the team load onto the website over the next week, because Leed's has some great new backpacks, especially in the sub $15 range, and I want to get some of them featured.

I'm enthusiastic about Leed's this year, because we have already done as much wholesale volume in the first quarter (almost) as we did most of the year last year.

The Leed's Coil Backpack is a great daypack or school pack for the money. It has a nice design and just enough features to make it interesting. It can be had for under $13 or in volume for under $9.

Two More Cool Hand Sanitizer Products

In my post earlier today, I mentioned a useful hand sanitizer product. I thought I would drop my readers a couple of quick links for two more neat hand sanitizer products.

The first is a Pocket Pump Hand Sanitizer Gel. This little gem is compact, clean and handy, and will tuck into even the smallest hand clutch or pocket. Pictured below.

The second is the hand shaped Hand Sanitizer. I'm always a fan of visual product puns and this one is a classic. Pictured below.

I Never Get This Sick!

I've been fighting this cold / stuffy nose / periodic headache now for more than two weeks. This is the first time I can remember in my adult life that a sickness has really taken hold like a clamp tightened around my throat and chest and then hung on for two long weeks.

Most people envy the my health. I'm one of those people (knock on wood) who simply rarely get sick. I usually miss less than a day of work a year due to illness. Even with this recent bout of sickness, I didn't miss a full day of work. Although, I did end up sleeping for an hour and a half literally under my desk when I felt terrible a little more than a week ago, and going home early a few days before that.

There are a lot of promotional items which can boast a health benefit. One simple and appreciated giveaway are these hand sanitizer bottles on a carabiner. They are convenient, inexpensive and make quick work of workplace germs. I hope whoever invented hand sanitizer was rewarded with a medal. Better yet, I'm sure he or she became rich.

Although, I use hand sanitizer occasionally, I'm not a mysophobic (the correct term for germaphobia). I think it is important to encounter bacteria in the environment regularly, but to maintain a boosted immune system and good nutrition to keep a strong bodily constitution. Even contact with small amounts of "bad" pathogenic bacteria is good for a healthy individual as it builds immunity. Here is a great article on this subject.

Good Value Fleece Vest

Sometimes cost is the primary factor in choosing corporate apparel or a gift. This is a well made light fleece sport vest which can be decorated with a company logo for under $20, unless the logo is really complex. I've always liked fleece vests. I went hiking here in Southern Oregon just a couple of weeks ago with my 10 year old son and some of his friends and other parents, and I wore a fleece vest very similar to this one, and it served my purposes perfectly, even shedding off a light rain. It is light enough that I can stuff it into a day pack. If you really want to stay dry, I'd take a packable waterproof shell to wear over the top as well.

There are a couple of other fleece vests which I really like available at American Promotions.

Ladies North End Microfleece Vest
Mens North End Microfleece Vest
Mens North End Down Vest (This is one I'm really considering getting for myself.)

Logo Plush Bunny

I had a client looking for a logo plush bunny today for a late March delivery. This is a really cute 10" version at a great price.

These are a natural for Easter or other Spring themed promotions, but they are also perfect for hospitals and other not for profit promotions.

A Bit of Spring - But Only For Us

Today was simply gorgeous. The mid-day temperature was in the low fifties. The sun was shining warmly on my face and arms, and I was wearing a short-sleeved shirt.

Granted, it is January 22nd, and Spring is still at least a month, probably two away, but the beautiful weather makes me very excited for the reasons I love Southern Oregon. The climate here is so beautiful, and the year round green is like very few other places on earth.

I pity the Mid-westerners and Northeasters enduring this frigid single digit night. Brrrrrrr!

However, Spring brings with it lots of rain, and it is time to consider custom umbrellas to promote your business or organization this year. When choosing a promotional item, especially something with so many options like an umbrella, it is best to consider your purchase at least one month (and better if it is two) in order to get everything just right.

American Promotions has plenty of suppliers who can deliver on much shorter lead times, and I personally am aware of umbrella products which can be imprinted and shipped in as few as three business days. Yet, you will always save money, and have more options with preparation.

You can find a great selection of promotional umbrellas here. I'm particularly into this new eco umbrella made of recycled materials and bamboo.

Finding Clients in Unusual Places

A recent article "Make A Splash In Unusual Places" in the Advertising Specialty Institute's monthly magazine, Advantages, discusses finding clients in unusual places. Tim Larson had been trying to break in to the local Chrysler plant for a long time, but ultimately, the connection was made a kid's pool party.

Other's in the article, found great leads at a horse show, a cowboy poetry event, and when answering someone who had dialed the wrong number.

This article is a simple representation of why it is important for a marketer or salesperson to always be ready and to have multiple ways of approaching a sales opportunity, even in casual conversation. The opportunities constantly present themselves, but it requires a measure of tact and human understanding to resist a pitch, but still naturally share information which people find useful.