Promo Product of the Year: Pokemon Go Hunting Flashlight!

Hopefully that headline got your attention since anything Pokemon Go related is all the rage these days. It's been a LONG time since we've posted a blog so now is as good a time as any to get rolling again.  Our goal was to feature a cool promotional product every month but since I know that likely won't happen, I might as well make this post's featured product an AWESOME one!  And it's a great one indeed...okay, okay I confess...it's not really a Pokemon Go Hunting Flashlight but you definitely could use it as one when you go one of your hunts or crawls or whatever you call them.  Since you need your phone to play, this gem of a product will help light the way so you can be safe while you CATCH 'EM ALL!  Safety first, people.  Not only are these great corporate gifts but they would make great party favors for your kid's next party.  Have them printed with "Professional Pokemon Seeker" or "Catcher" #winning.  Just have fun with it!  That's what it should be about right?  Or is really about leveling up? :)

Super Bright LED Flashlight w/ Swivel Split Keychain
FL1076

Product Features

Super bright LED flashlight with swivel split key ring. Solid metal construction and metallic color finish with five beams. Push on/off switch saves battery life so it's ready when needed. Environmental friendly lithium batteries included(replaceable). Great gift for key holder,key tag,key chain,key ring,safety,emergency. Imprinting is available as pad printing or free upgrade laser engraving, please specify when ordering.

Material
Plastic

Item Size
2 3/4" x 1/2"

Decorating Information

Imprint Area

1" x 5/16"

• Setup Fee: $40.00 per color 
•  Min. order: 100 pieces 
• Turnaround time: 10-15 business days
•   $1.39 each

*shipping cost not included

What's my name?!?!?

Backpacks

One of my pet peeves is when people get my name wrong.  My name is not Daniel or D or Denny, it's Danny.  While I understand that some times people mis-hear me or it was a little loud when we were talking but I'll also get emails that say, "Hi Fred or Hey Dennis or Hello Benny" and that's after receiving an email from me that has my signature in it!  I know that there are those viral videos going around that claims Starbucks actually purposely spells your name wrong to get in your head.  That's just plain mean.

So if you're like me and can't stand it when people goof up on your name, let us help.   Let people know your what your name is so there's no mistake about it.  Get your stuff personalized!  We can personalize almost anything...just give us a call and we'll do our best to make it happen!  Just ask for George. ;)

What's up doc? We do lab coats. PC: Medilita.com

Chef's coats

Bath towels

Duffle bags

Hey, my fellow Small Business Owners...are you ready?

One of the greatest challenges of being a Small Business Owner (SBO) is having to wear so many hats.  Not only are you the owner but you may also be the book keeper, cashier, sales person, compliance, janitor, driver and gopher all at the same time.  Here are a couple of things going into effect this year that may be helpful for you to know or prepare for if you haven't already done so.  Just looking out for my fellow SBOs. :)

For those of us on Oahu, starting on July 1, 2015, the plastic bag ban goes into effect and we can no longer provide plastic packaging to our customers unless it is a compostable plastic bag.  There are exceptions of course.  While it may be better for the environment, it's an added cost to buy biodegradable bags, paper bags or recyclable bags.  Not that in the long run this isn't a good thing, just something we have to be aware of.  For more info, go to: http://www.opala.org/solid_waste/archive/plastic_bag_ban.html.

Second, for those of us who accept credit cards, we need to upgrade our terminals to the EMV card readers that can accept the chip cards by October 15, 2015 of this year.  If we don't, we the MERCHANT would be responsible for fraudulent charges and not the issuing bank.  Again, not a big deal as the new terminals are more secure and may also allow you to accept new forms of payment such as Apple Pay as well.  We recently upgraded our terminal and have been happy with it.  Still waiting for someone to come and make a purchase with Apple Pay though. :)  I got this in an email from Checks Unlimited, which I thought summed up everything up regarding the EMV card readers quite nicely.  I know it's a little hard to read so click on the pic and it'll go to an enlarged version.  Hope this bit of information helps.  Happy selling!

Source: Checks Unlimited.com

HOLE-Y CRAP! Fixing embroidery mistakes...

It happens to the best of us...we ALL make mistakes.  Like mama always said, it's not a bad thing as long as we learn from them.. Well, I made one this morning while working on an order for a good client of ours.  People often ask, "what do you do when you mess up?"  So rather than hide in a corner in shame for the blunder, I've decided to share the boo-boo and the fix with all of you.  While embroidery is fairly permanent some times we can find a solution.

So what happened you ask?  One of our machines got hungry and ate one of the shirts!  It happens every now and then....machines can get fussy too.  See image below.

The machine left a 1/4" inch hole in the middle of the diamond

This is how the final logo should look with the color of the shirt showing through the diamond.

Rather than panic, freak out and shout profanities at an inanimate object, I thought to myself WWMD (What Would Mama Do?  And ding, ding, ding...this is what I came up with.  I added an extra layer of backing to the design to give back some stability it lost from the missing piece of material and digitized a fill of the diamond in the same color as the shirt.  While this increased the stitch count quite a bit, it was a small price to pay to correct the mistake.  Check out how it turned out....

TADA!  All is good in the world again. :)

On to the next order, hopefully the machine has had enough to eat!  BTW, if you are ever in the market to buy or sell jewelry or precious stones, gems, art etc., please do see John at the Honolulu Trading Company on Pensacola...some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. :) http://www.honolulutrading.com.

Thanks for reading! 

It's Gotta Be the SHOES!

That's my ode to Spike Lee and the awesome Nike commercials of the 90's.  But now to this week's Threads Talk topic....Embroidered shoes.  Ahhh, this is a question that we get asked quite a bit especially for weddings, "can you embroider shoes?"  Sorry to say...we can't.  Not because it's not possible but because we do not have the shoe clamp equipment that is required to mount the shoes on the machine for embroidery.  It's a pricey little thing and we just aren't able to justify the cost at this time.  But not to worry, just because we can't do it doesn't mean all is lost.  We try to help in any way we can so we've scoured the web and found a couple of places that offer some options to spiff up those wedding kicks after all.  Dig your Chuck Taylors and Vans out of the closet and get ready to pimp them out.  Please note that we've never actually ordered from these places before so we can't vouch for them.  Please do your due diligence before ordering.  Hope this helps.  If you do order, let us know how the shoes came out, we'd love to know!

Option 1: Etsy

The sellers on Etsy use flossing which means they are actually hand embroidering your name/design on the shoes.

Etsy sellers:
baileybanksgirl 

Photo Credit: Etsy

Flossworks
 

Photo Credit:: Etsy

Option 2: DesignMySoles.com

This site uses machine embroidery and also donates $1.00 of every sale to various charities according to its website.

Photo Credit:: DesignMySoles.com

Subtle Touches for a SUPER-Wedding!

Photo Credit:: Dulce

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a SUPER-wedding!  So what makes a wedding super?  Well, that's an easy one.  When two people who are in love are able to share their special day with their family and friends with great food and fun...that's a super wedding in my book.  :)  This post will be a little biased since the wedding I'm calling "super" is my very own.  I recently married the love of my life and we had the best day ever.  Being able to celebrate with our loved ones was more than we could ever ask for but the fun that we had was icing on the cake.  We incorporated our interests and favorite things (i.e. Superman and love birds) to create a theme that was all our own and represented US.  By personalizing and customizing our gifts and favors, we were able to add some subtle and not-so-subtle touches to make our wedding unique to us.  C'mon now, you knew I would tie in custom printing and embroidery somehow! :)  It is Threads Talk after all.  Check out what we did and feel free to comment.  Enjoy!

Man, those are some "fly" socks!  Photo Credit:: Dulce

It's all in the packaging.  Photo Credit:: Dulce

That's "off the cuff!" Photo Credit:: Dulce

Word play w/ transfers - Wedding Date: 12-22-2012  Photo Credit:: Dulce

Embroidered favors...classy!  Photo Credit:: Dulce

Name droppin'!?!?

In most cases, name dropping is used by those obnoxious guys who act like they know anybody and everybody or by people who are trying to get a discount.  You know those people who say, "Oh, do you know Jim?  He's my brother's best friend's cousin's son in-law."  It's usually not so great when people name drop.  But in the wonderful world of embroidery, name dropping is AWESOME!  By using pre-digitized stock designs such as the ones below, we can create a custom logo for your sports/school team easily and efficiently.  No setup fees, no fuss, just let us know your team or school name and VOILA, it's done!  Name dropping is terrific for people who don't have a custom logo and/or limited design skills or budget.  Cool huh?  Drop it like it's hot, drop it like it's hot... :)

BEFORE

AFTER

   

Product of the Month: Calculator Business Card Holder

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Welcome to 2013!  We hope all of you had a fantastic holiday season and are raring to have another terrific year.  Last year was fabulous for us and we're looking forward to having even a better 2013.  So let's start things off with something totally practical and will help to get your business off to a great start.  This handy dandy business card holder is not only a carrier for your contact info. but it also has a built in calculator to help you seal the deal or at least figure out tip for lunches or dinners. ;)

Calculator Business Card Holder
SM-3105

Product Features

Includes solar calculator with business card holder/dispenser. Silver metal twist ballpoint pen with blue ink.

Material
Plastic

Item Size
2-11/16" H x 3-7/8" W x 7/16" L

Decorating Information

Silkscreened
1/2"H x 2"W

Item Size
2-11/16" H x 3-7/8" W x 7/16" L

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

•   $2.57 each

  *shipping cost not included

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.