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