Promotional Product of the Month - Book Light w/ Laser Pointer

Help your clients see the light this new year with this nifty Book light w/ Laser pointer!  They'll thank you for helping them read their sales reports and zapping out the numbers that they don't want to see with the laser!  Okay, it's really not that kind of laser but it's cool nonetheless.

Book Light with Laser Pointer
SM-9755

Product Features

Single white LED book light. Red laser pointer. Adjustable neck. Magnetic base. Durable metal clip

Material
Lacquer-coated brass

Item Size
6-1/2" H x 1/2" D

Decorating Information

Silkscreened
5/16"H x 1-1/8"W

Laser Engraved per side (silver engraves gold, black engraves silver)
5/16"H x 1-1/8"W

Item Size
6-1/2" H x 1/2" D

• Setup Fee: $50.00 per color
• Min. order: 150 pieces
• Turnaround time: 10-15 business days

•   $4.37 each

  *shipping cost not included

Promotional Product of the Month: Tech Tip Stylus

With the newly released iPad Mini, Nexus 7 32GB, Galaxy Note and the iPad 4 aka the 4th generation iPad, it's a sure bet that tablets will be more ubiquitous than ever.  It's likely that some of your best Clients will be toting these babies around to meetings or just for fun.  The holidays are just around the corner so what better gift to give than an accessory that they can use with their tablet (with your biz name on it of course).  Check out this handy dandy Tech Tip Stylus.  It has a stylus to help keep the tablets fingerprint-free and when it does get smudges, there's a built in microfiber cloth.  Double bonus!  No way!  Yes way. :)

Tech Tip Stylus
#CA500

Product Features

Soft rubber stylus for touch-screen devices.  Pull off cap to expose microfiber screen cleaner inside.

Material
Plastic

Item Size
2-1/2" W x 1-1/8" L x 7/16" H

 

Decorating Information

Silkscreened per side
3/8"H x 1-1/2"W

Item Size
2-1/2" W x 1-1/8" L x 7/16" H

• Screen Print Setup Fee: $50.00 per color
• Min. order: 250 pieces
• Turnaround time: 10-15 business days

•   $0.99 each

  *shipping cost not included

Jersey Time....

Nope, we're not talking about the Jersey shore or the New Jersey Nets moving to Brooklyn but about some good old b-ball jerseys for your leagues.  The NBA season tips off in a week and you know how we all get when we see the stars do their thing....we start wadding up paper balls and tossing them towards the waste basket at work and shooting imaginary jumpers to practice our form.  Next thing you know, you've signed yourself or your kids up for three b-ball leagues at your neighborhood rec park.  So since you're gonna act the part, why not look the part too and get your team some nice jerseys to show off your team pride.  Those duct tape and sharpie name and numbers on your old, nasty t-shirts aren't going to cut it this season!  While you can get some uber-fancy get ups, most of us just want something simple and affordable like this Holloway Halfcourt Tank.

HOLLOWAY HALFCOURT TANK
Style 229508

Description

• Dry-Excel™ Perform close-hole micromesh, reverses to dry-Excel™ Fresh Micro-Interlock, polyester knit
• Wicking and anti-microbial n Fully reversible
• Bottom hems not sewn together for easy decoration access

Sizes

XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL

Available Colors

Black/white, Forest/white, Light Gold/white, Maroon/white, Navy/white, Orange/white, Purple/white, Royal/white, Scarlet/white

$30.00 each (XXS-XL)
*Includes team/school name and 6" number on the front and 8" number on the back.

Minimum order: 12 pieces
Turnaround time: 10 business days

Quick Tip: Claim your listings!

In this day and age, virtually anyone can post information on the web.  People have their own blogs, post reviews and often times we take what is posted as fact.  Sites like Yelp, Facebook places and foursquare more or less rely on crowdsourcing for their information.  A lot listings of businesses are created without the business owner's knowledge.  This is why it is so important for you to claim your listings on these various sites so that you can make sure that the information is accurate.  YOU want to be the one saying when you are open and closed and what your services really are.  Whether you like it or not, people or companies will create a listing for you that may be intentionally or unintentionally incorrect.  We once had a customer call and asked how much we charged for tattooing eyebrows.  While I could probably attempt to do it with a needle and thread, I don't think she would've been happy with the outcome.  ;)  But she must've gotten the wrong information from some where.  There are numerous directories and sites that allow business listings to be created and many of them are FREE.  When used correctly and populated with accurate information, these listings can be a great tool for your business.  So take a little time and 'google' your business and see what information is out there about you.  If things are all good, great...if not, claim your listing and tell everyone the real scoops about your business.  You know your business best so don't leave it up to random people and companies to disperse the information.  It's like people who interpret art at museum or gallery, they see the anguish and pain that the artist went through in his childhood when really the artist was just hungry and wanted a cheeseburger.  Okay, not the same thing but you get the point.  Here are some sites that offer free listings...check them out and CLAIM what's YOURS!

Product of the Month - Cutie Patootie Slingpack

Normally when we feature promotional products, we simply tell you how beneficial it would be for businesses and their clients but promotional products can be used for much more than that.  It can be used for 1st birthdays where the number of attendees is usually the highest, anniversaries or even as free swag for members that join a fan club or any club for that matter.  Clubs can offer a bag as a perk for being one of the first 1,000 members to join.  Costco does this all the time outside of their warehouse when they try to recruit new members.  We got a cool shopping cart freezer bag that we use all the time when we signed up years ago.  This month's product of the month the perfect piece of swag to entice potential members to join the club!  When we came across this item, we got really excited because other than the fact that we learned how to spell "patootie," it's fun, functional and a terrific buy.  Check it out!

AP5080 Cutie Patootie Slingpack

A sporty backpack with zippered main compartment and mesh water bottle pocket keeps everything in its place, all within easy reach

Zippered main compartment Mesh water bottle pocket Extra-wide adjustable shoulder strap

Materials: 600 Denier Polyester

Product Size: 13"w x 17"h x 3-1/2"d

Product Colors: Apple Green, Charcoal, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Royal

Price Includes: 1-color imprint, 1 location

Standard Imprint Method(s): Screen Print: Front, 4-1/2"w x 3"h, 4 color(s) max  Screen Print Setup Fee: $50.00  Min. order: 50 pieces Sale $5.82 each until 12/31/2012 *shipping cost not included

Promotional Product of the Month - Lodger Pen

Classy-looking yet lightweight, this month's promotional product is one that your client's will surely keep.  Sure, we know that a lot of places give away pens as they are one of the most common promotional item handed out but which ones are the ones that people actually keep?  The ones that write well and look good.  Style + Substance = Happy Clients.  The cheap ones get tossed before people even have a look at the business name and number that gave it to them.  The Lodger pen is a keeper and your clients will remember exactly who and where they got it from.

9160 Lodger Pen

Available Colors:
Black, Blue, Burgundy, Silver barrel with Gold accents.

Ink Refill:
Black

Imprint Area:
1 3/4 X 1/2 

• Standard production time is 5 business days from art approval.

• New orders are subject to a $25 setup charge.
• Repeat orders' setup charge is waived.

• Min. order 300 pieces
  Sale $0.39 each until 12/31/2012

  *shipping cost not included

Promotional Product of the Month - Basic Garment Bag

Even though the name has basic in it, there's nothing basic about keeping your best garments protected when you travel.  While most people associate garment bags with suits and dresses, we think that these would be PERFECT for hula halaus, especially here in the islands.  Protect your attire while representing your halau both on and off the stage.

15527 Basic Garment Bag

Lightweight garment bag Zippered closure and hand carry

Materials: Non-woven polypropylene

Product Size: 23-5/8"w x 43-1/8"h

Product Colors: Black

Price Includes: 1-color imprint, 1 location

Standard Imprint Method(s): Screen Print: Left Chest, 7"w x 4"h, 1 color(s) max

Production Time (in business days): Standard Imprint:  5 days  Setup Fee: $50.00 per color Min. order 50 pieces $4.53 each   *shipping cost not included

Promotional Product of the Month - Caddy Cover Umbrella

Golf is probably the most expensive sport out there.  You have to buy your clubs, balls, gloves, golf bag, tees, shoes and then you have to pay to actually play!  FORE....tunately for you, this month's PPOM is this handy, dandy caddy cover umbrella.  Give your best clients something to protect their expensive clubs with and they'll forever remember who gave it to them!

15014 Caddy Cover Umbrella

This "must have" golf accessory is specially designed to protect both golf clubs and golf bags. Simply open and place the Caddy Cover in the golf bag whole out on the course and never have to worry about wet equipment again.

Multiple locking sections in the shaft allows opening of the Caddy Cover to three different lengths for personal preference.

Built-in spring on the shaft allows easy access to clubs while the Caddy Cover remains in the bag. Simply bend the Caddy Cover from the top, and remove club. Umbrella returns to original upright position once released.

• Recessed ribs protect clubs and umbrella frame.
• Convenient and packable with a 41" folding length.
• Rubberized handle for easy gripping.
• Pinch proof runner to protect fingers.
• Durable steel shaft and fiberglass ribs make the umbrella indestructible.

Dimensions:
Folded length: 41"
Arc: 32"

Max imprint area: 4" x 4"

Normal Production Time:
10 Working Days

Setup Fee: $62.50 per color

Min. order 36 pieces
$11.25 each  

*shipping cost not included

Quick Tip: BRING IT!

Don't worry, this quick tip has absolutely nothing to do with exercise, Tony Horton or P90X.  I just thought it'd be a great attention getter and if you're here reading this, then mission accomplished.  :)  The BRING IT I'm referring to is....bringing in your own items to be personalized or embroidered.  We realize that although we have a variety of suppliers that we can order from, we may not have exactly what you want nor are we able to stock everything under the sun.  Say you want to give a luxurious 100% Egyptian Cotton towel set for a housewarming gift, please feel free to purchase it from your favorite store and bring it on in.  This way you'll be able to buy exactly the color, feel and quality of your gift.  Another perfect time to bring it, is when you need only a small run of items done (less than 12 pieces).  Just because you only need a small number of shirts for your start up business doesn't mean you can't have your company logo or name embellished on them...just bring it.  We're totally flexible and welcome you supplying your own items.  So the quick tip is if you need something unique or only a small run embroidered, BRING IT!

Product of the Month: Wedding Bliss Gifts

For this month's Product of the Month, we decided to do something a little different.  Rather than featuring a promotional product, we're showing off some great gifts for those tying the knot.  Summer is in full effect and that's when the wedding season really kicks off.  Finding a cool and unique gift for the couple or people in the wedding party can be tough. Of course money is always nice, but it's also nice to be able to toss in a gift that will bring a smile or chuckle to their faces.  We think these AWESOME caps may do the trick. :)  Pick these up today at The Wedding Cafe!  While you're there, check out all the other COOL wedding related things they have there.  After all, they are truly Hawaii's Premier Wedding Resource Center.

The Man before the Man...papa will be proud to sport this!

The beginning of the END...j/k.

Hey grooms, it's better to learn this early.

Have this customized for the bride...she'll LOVE it!

Quick Tip: Track your Cold Calling

Most businesses at one time or another will have to make cold calls to drum up new prospective clients.  For some, it can be the single, most terrifying thing to do as it can be very intimidating to call people and pitch your product or service for fear of getting rejected or just encountering downright rude people.  But not to worry, we've all been there and know exactly what you're going through.  While some will never get "use to it" nor do they want to, there is one thing you can do to minimize uncomfortable situations when cold calling....keep track of your calls.  Make sure you keep track of who you have called and when and take excellent notes on what was discussed.  The last thing you want to do is repeatedly call the same business or person when they've adamantly shown no interest.  Doing this can quickly turn a cold call into a heated call.  Make sure your sales team is on the same page as to who's calling who and if a follow up is needed.  I can't tell you how many times we receive calls on a daily basis from vendors that want us to open an account with them.  The kicker is we already have an account with a lot of these companies which they would know if they kept better records of their cold calling efforts.  Cold calling is hard enough as it is....make it easier on yourself and take good notes just like we were taught in school.  Thoughts?

Quick Tip: Logo Colors

When designing your company or organization's logo, one of the more challenging decisions that will come up is, "what color combinations will work well together?"  Our quick tip today is to look to your favorite sports teams or colleges for inspiration.  The marketing powers that be at those organizations have already done the work for you.  If you're a Florida Gators fan, why not go with the BLUE and ORANGE?  Maybe you graduated from the University of Hawaii, then BLACK and GREEN it is!  As for our logo, I'm a HUGE Lakers fan but couldn't convince myself to go with a PURPLE and GOLD logo so I settled for BLACK and GOLD.  Hey, those are my high school's colors so I'm representing in some way. :)  So the next time you need to decide on a nice color combo, you'll know exactly where to look.  At the very least, you'll have a lovely background story as to how your logo came to fruition.  Already have a cool story about how you chose your organization's colors?  Feel free to share. 

Promotional Product of the Month: Zippered Portfolio with Calculator

What separates a person who knows exactly what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to be from a person who's constantly doing 360s in the middle of the room?  A Portfolio of course!  Get organized or help your group get organized with this month's PPOM.  Have a trade show or conference coming up?  Why not arm your attendees with all their tools in one nifty zippered portfolio so nothing ever goes missing!  Notepad...CHECK, calculator...CHECK, pen loops...CHECK, extra pockets...CHECK and your company name for everyone to see...CHECK!

6408 Zippered Portfolio with Calculator

- Includes 30 Page 8 ½" x 11" Writing Pad
- Elastic Pen Loop, Card Holders, Mesh ID Holder And Calculator
- 3 Interior Pockets: One With A Zipper And One Is Expandable
- Outside Zipper For Security
- COLORS AVAILABLE: Black.
- IMPRINT COLORS: Standard Silk-Screen Colors
- APPROXIMATE SIZE: 10" W x 13 ¼" H

Normal Production Time:
10 Working Days

Product Size:
10" W x 13 ¼" H

Product Weight:
10 per carton @ 15 lbs.

Setup Fee: $35.00 per color

Min. order 20 pieces
$14.13 each 

*shipping cost not included

 

Quick Tip: Logo Design - Ask for Vector...

No, Vector is not a person, it's a type of file.  One of the most exciting things about starting your own business, aside from being able to make your own hours and having celebrities knocking on your door (just kidding) is seeing your company logo on things like shirts, signage, letterhead, stickers, pens, calendars, cars, etc.  Somehow, seeing your logo on real tangible items makes the dream more real.  If you've already started your business or are thinking about starting one up, you'll eventually need to have a logo created so that you can create a recognized brand and stand out amongst your competitors.  Whether you decide to design it yourself or hire a graphic designer, make sure to design or ask for your logo in a vector format (eps, ai).  Vector files are most commonly created in Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw.  A vector file creates the image in shapes and curves so that the image can be resized without distorting the image.  This will allow you to use your logo for something as small as a pen to a full car wrap.  Files created in photoshop are raster files (bmp, jpg, png) and are created with pixels.  This is terrific for pictures as every pixel can be a different color but when you try to resize it for different applications, the image will become pixelated or blurry.  I'm big on metaphors so think of a vector file as a swiss army knife that is so versatile that you can use it for almost any application whereas a raster file is that plastic knife from McDonald's that is only good for spreading jam and butter on your morning breakfast.  Lastly, a vector file must be created in a vector-based program such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw.  Just like me calling my home charming doesn't make it bigger, simply saving a jpeg as an eps or renaming the file does NOT make it a vector file.  Ask for vector, you'll thank me for it later.  ;)

Source: www.eznetu.com

Quick Tip: Size DOES Matter!

Small text and details are the most difficult thing to deal with when it comes to embroidery.  We can embroider almost anything however there are some limitations.  I know that often times you want to say as much as possible but sometimes less is more.  Some people will want to put a whole paragraph worth of words in a small left chest design and that just isn't possible.  It takes two needle penetrations to make one stitch so size does indeed matter.  The easiest way to tell if the amount of text you want can be embroidered in the space you want, is to try writing it with a crayon.  If you can accomplish it with a crayon, chances are it can be embroidered. 

Quick Tip: Tone-on-tone Embroidery

To be seen, or not to be seen, that is the question.  A lot of times, customers will say, "my logo is blue so I want to purchase blue shirts."  That's not a problem if you want to do tone on tone embroidery which is matching the the thread color closely to the fabric color.  However, if this is not your intention, choose a contrasting color for your garments.  This little tip will help you tremendously in maintaining the desired color of your logo.  :)

Product of the Month: Customized Microwavable Popcorn

Did your staff have a phenomenal quarter?  Or did they all stay overtime to complete a project?  Why not reward them with a movie night w/ popcorn and all!  Pop in an all time favorite like Office Space and pass out these customized microwavable popcorn bags to your whole staff!  Nom, nom, nom!

Customized Microwavable Popcorn 9474

Filled with gourmet butter flavored popcorn. • U.S.A. grown, processed and packaged fresh.
• Bag features graphics designed by you!
• Product color: White or Kraft (brown). If bag color is not stated on order, a white bag will be used. Please note: the gray susceptor plate, which transmits the heat to pop the popcorn, may affect the overall appearance of your artwork.
• Standard imprint color: Black, blue 072, brown 464, green 347, orange 021, pantone blue, pantone green, pantone purple, pantone violet, pantone yellow, red 032, red 185, reflex blue, rubine red, warm red or yellow 109.
• Imprint area: 5"w x 9−1/4"h overall; when designing your bag we recommend using our template which can be downloaded by clicking the link below or obtained by contacting the factory.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped and bulk packed 100 bags/case.
• Product weight: 27 lbs/100
• Over/under runs: maximum/minimum of 10 percent.
• Shelf life: One (1) year; must be stored in dry, cool conditions.
• FOB: Indiana; No C.O.D. shipments; UPS service only. 

Setup Fee: $35.00 per color

Min. order 300 pieces
$1.40 each 

*shipping cost not included

Product of the Month: Bag Recycler

Many cities such as Seattle have banned bags that are being defined as "single-use" bags that we are accustomed to getting from the grocery store.  I don't know about you but I don't see these bags as "single-use" at all.  People reuse them as trash can liners, to pick up dog poo, to bag clothes to be donated and a zillion other ways.  Going green is great and I have nothing against the ever popular reusable woven bags but for those of us living in cities that still allow these "single-use" bags, we can continue to contribute to protecting the environment by using these bags multiple times.  Lucky for you, there's this nifty Bag Recycler that you can embellish with your company logo and distribute to your best clients.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

45829 Bag Recycler

Compact bag stores all your plastic grocery bags.

Made from 100% cotton Top handle slides over most door knobs for use Shopping bag saver / organizer Remove bags from bottom slit for re-use

Materials: Natural Canvas

Product Size: 6"w x 17-1/2"h

Product Colors: Natural

Price Includes: 1-color, 1 location imprint

Standard Imprint Method(s): Screen Print: Front, 4"w x 6"h, 3 color(s) max

Production Time: 5 Business Days

Setup: $50.00 per color

Min. order 72 pieces
$4.82 each 

*shipping cost not included

Product of the Month: 3-month View Desk Pad

Welcome to 2012!  It's a new year so what would make a better gift than a calendar?  A desk top calendar that your best Clients will have on their desk for the whole year!  Of course, I could've made this December's Product of the Month but it was so busy during the holidays that I didn't post a blog last month!  Shhhh...don't tell the boss.  So start off the year right and order these today!

8820 3-Month View Desk Pad

This lightweight, affordable, 4-sheet desk pad is a convenient size with a ruler at the bottom of each sheet for quick reference. Top markets include financial, retail, manufacturing
2013 Calendar 3-Months at a view 4 sheet plus backer
Product Size: 17"w x 10"h
Price Includes: 1-standard imprint color, 1-location
Standard Imprint Method(s): Offset: Bottom of Calendar, 16"w x 1"h, 4 color(s) max
Production Time: 10 Business Days

Min. order 150 pieces
$2.66 each 

*shipping cost not included