Argon Promotional Products and Promotional Gifts. » 2008 » September

There are many kinds of promotional bags. In order to get a better research of the different styles, you can go through a company’s catalogue and get an idea of what you want and what you most need. Most companies nowadays are accessible online and you will be able to get access to their catalogues for free with just a few mouse clicks.
One of the most common types of promotional bag given away as a gift is the standard shopping tote. This bag is very affordable and companies can have the assurance that whoever they give the bag to will use it in public. This is most effective when given to the environment conscious consumer who likes to use paper or recycled plastic bags when shopping. A logo can be proudly displayed on the face of this bag for all to see.
Another kind is the foldable and collapsible bag. Like the shopping tote, they are reasonably priced and extremely flexible because they can be folded into small parcels and can be stored away in a suitcase or duffle when traveling and can be pulled out for use as extra capacity on the way home. Also like the shopping tote, companies can rest assured that these bags will be used in public often. This type of bag can most often be seen in airports and all public transport terminals.
Document Bags are also a great choice for promotional items because they are also very practical. Document bags can be given away during seminars and lectures with the sponsoring company’s name featured strongly on it. This type of bag will find other uses as well since they are more durable than paper folders for storage purposes.
Cosmetic bags are a great item for cosmetic companies to give away. This will help remind women who use their products to buy from the same company again and again. They will also generate a lot of interest and work as low key ads as women who use them will take them out when they re-apply their make-up in rest rooms for others to see.
There are a lot of other types of promotional bags that a company can use to create brand recall for their products. Some of them include: Laptop Computer cases, cooler bags, backpacks, gym bags or duffle bags, travel partner bags, body bags, belt bags and a lot more. All these bags can be used to the company’s advantage and the only concern is choosing which type you should give out.

People use pens at home, in school, in the office and on the go. Business people have seen the necessity of these handy items in a person’s everyday life. That is why they have come up with the very wise idea of using pens in promoting their business.

There are several types of promotional pens available in the market today, some of which are as follows:

Rollerballs and Ballpoints
Rollerball pens make use of water-based ink that will run even when wet. These pens have a special ball mechanism and require less pressure when used in writing. On the other hand, ballpoint pens make use of oil-based ink that will not run when damped or wet. They also require less pressure and can be ideally used with carbon papers.

Stick, Click, and Twist
Stick pens, which are the most common promotional pen design, simply have barrels and caps. Click pens use a clicking mechanism to retract or expose the pen’s point while twist pens make use of a twist mechanism. The latter two pen designs can also serve as stress relief toys.

Markers and Highlighters
Promotional markers and highlighters are also popular. These items generally have larger areas for you to imprint your company logo and contact information. Although markers and highlighters are also used at homes and in schools, they are most commonly seen in offices and business facilities.

Unique Unconventional Promotional Pens: Novelty, Light-up and Message
Countless promotional pens are being distributed and some of these truly stand out. Novelty pens may feature a theme or shape that will match your message or brand. Glow and light-up pens are simply traffic magnet because of their attractive and out-of-the-ordinary style. Message pens have click mechanism to reveal a scrolling message, allowing you to display more information about the products and services that your company has to offer.

Multifunction and Stylus Pens
Some pens may not only serve for writing purposes. Others are simply multifunctional as they will include mini calendar, hair brush, etc. These types of promotional pens intensify the possibility, as well as the frequency, that your pen will be used more than any other ordinary pens.

Pens are functional promotional items, and there really are so many pen styles to select from. Your customers have probably received other promotional pens before, so it is very important that you must be able to decide on the right choice of pen that will best represent your advertising message.

The aroma of hot coffee will do things that an alarm clock will fail to do…instantly wake you up! Everyone needs a cup to start the day. A mug of chocolate, tea or coffee before starting a working day is a habit that people cannot break.

Businesses who are looking for suitable promotional products should consider a promotional mug. Because of the coffee craze, a mug is constantly used. An average person is known to drink coffee three to four times a day. Many people would continue drinking throughout the day. They would constantly reach for a mug while doing their work.

People these days are always on the go…always hurrying. It is customary for a busy person to skip breakfast. They would just grab a hot drink and head out of the door. A promotional travel mug will be appreciated by your customers and employees as instead of gulping the drink, they can now bring it to the car or anywhere else they want to go.

The low cost of promotional mugs is a plus for the promoting company. The marketing budget can be extended to cover a wide target audience. A cheap and ordinary looking mug can be made unique and attractive with imprinting. A colorful logo imprinted on the mug will increase its perceived value. These inexpensive but attractive travel mugs will do as trade show giveaways. But if you want to give your employees their very own travel mugs you might want to upgrade and consider a stainless steel one. This gift would show how much you value their contribution to the success of the business.

A promotional travel mug is highly functional - customers and employees will appreciate the company’s thoughtfulness of giving them travel mugs every time they reach for their drink. Because promotional mugs are used several times daily, the company message will be viewed by the user several times daily too. This would mean that the company message will be engraved into the minds of the user.

A travel mug is handy and transportable which makes it a suitable promotional product. It can be conveniently carried by the user anywhere he goes. A promotional mug in the car will be noticed by other people. If the user sets the mug on the desk or carries it anywhere in the office, it will surely be spotted by co-workers. The company name and marketing slogan is circulated therefore company name recall is generated.

You can see the average promotional mouse mat in every office. It can actually be a great promotional opportunity if companies only knew how to use it to the best effect. Having the company logo in constant view can have very positive effects.

For example, having the company emblem in sight can give a feeling of stability and belonging to the employees. A subtle reminder for the people who work for the company can give the much needed boost and reassurance that they are working for something that is real and tangible. For customers, this can help them become familiar with the company.

But why a mouse mat in the first place? Why not pens, notepads, mugs or caps? First of all, caps aren’t that fashionable if the company logo is printed on it instead of Nike or Adidas. Perhaps it could work for employees, but no guarantees there. Pens, mugs and notepads are already used by so many companies out there that it is hard for them to stand out as a promotional items.

But at the same time, the product should be commonplace enough that it’s used everyday. Promotional mouse mats are the practical choice as not only are they somewhat different, they also have a lot of potential. Firstly, mouse mats are easily customised. The shape, color, layout and even the surface can be altered in accordance to the company’s preference. Also, a mouse mat’s design is virtually like an ad space. Besides the logo, a company can even opt to add texts, symbols or images on the surface.

Do remember that research is still needed for this if the company wants to stand out and create a product that reflects them in a positive manner. Creating a promotional product, whether mouse mats or otherwise, is a make or break situation. If the quality is poor, people would immediately associate the poor quality with the logo imprinted on the mouse mat, not the nameless manufacturer.

So the company should research on their target market. What kind of people do they want to attract with these promotional mouse mats? This way they can design their mouse mats if they want it to be cool and trendy, or classic and clean, and so on.

Hence, when looking for a promotional product, promotional mouse mats are not only a convenient choice, but a clever one as well. Mouse mats are used everyday by computer users (even those with laptops), the price is manageable, and the possibilities are nearly endless. A pen is just a pen, but more innovations are possible with the simple mouse mat.

The success of your business depends on keeping abreast of the latest business news and developing and maintaining a wide and varied customer base where your marketing targets will vary from dealing with a casual enquirer to maintaining a trusted and valued client so you need a variety of promotional gifts to reflect these different needs. You can also ensure wider exposure and greater take-up of your promotional gifts if your range gives you flexibility in selecting the right gift for each client.

It’s always a good idea to have a variety of promotional gifts of various types and values, from basic, budget items that you can order in quantity and distribute freely all the way through to select items for truly favoured customers.

It’s equally important to have access to promotional gifts that suit a varied demographic for men and women of different ages and family statuses. Don’t forget, too, that your promotional gifts can appeal not only to the client, but to their families, friends and colleagues.

So when you select your promotional gifts, consider your client base: their age, their interests, their family status and their relationship to you. It can help to consider a cross-section of your typical customers and what kind of gifts they would appreciate. It’s always helpful to have some items you can freely give out to casual enquirers and more substantial gifts for established customers.

A decade ago, who would have thought that a simple mouse mat would be so popular for advertising businesses and for promotional campaigns? Cost-wise, it is considered very effective because it is just in line with the price of a promotional pen. In terms of lifespan, mouse mats are considered long-lasting promotional items. It would take months or even a year before you have to replace your mouse mat with a new one. Aside from its popularity and wide usage among homes and offices, mouse mats are considered to be one of the most effective advertising and promotional gift items because of its size and visibility.

In choosing a promotional product, a key consideration is that the size of the imprinting be large enough to be clearly visible not only by the user but also by the people around him. For promotional mugs, the size of the imprinting can be made large enough to be read but pencils and pens have a small surface area and will need to be stared at in order to be read. This is where mouse mats gain an advantage.

Mouse mats, obviously, have a bigger surface area for you to advertise your company or business. You can write anything you want as long as it would fit the mat and would not spoil the mat design. Company name, logo, website and items for sale - anything can be written on it since it has a wide space available. With the latest technology in printing, you may include complex designs which will add to the look of your mouse mat. Prices will vary according to the design of the mouse mat that you want to order.

Another unique thing which comes with mouse mats is that they can be customised into many shapes instead of the normal rectangle. You can use personalise the mouse mats to more closely reflect your type of business. For instance, an office water supply company could customise the mouse mat in the shape of a water droplet. In the same manner, if your target audience is hospitals or physicians you can have the mouse mat in the shape of a capsule or a tablet.

With these ideas, mouse mats can give a more personal approach to your prospective customers, making them feel of value to you. A creative and strategic mind is what you need in order to optimise and maximise this opportunity of providing your customers a very unique and personal gift.

Many things had been said about the use of promotional umbrellas but bottom line is that a promotional product can take the company name to the top. Some are exceptionally successful in advertising the company in a very cost effective way and the promotional umbrella is one of these.

This success is due to its versatility. Unlike other seasonal promotional products, a promotional umbrella will be used anytime of day or night, whether it rains or it shines. A printed umbrella will shield the user from the harmful effects of both ultra violet rays and from torrential rain.

Promotional umbrellas are given to employees during company events and to customers during a product launch. They can also be given as a prize in sports competitions and contests. All these would enhance the company image and hopefully would increase ROI.

Promotional umbrellas, often given in the most unlikely places, have an increased intrinsic value and would further the company’s goal of creating brand awareness. This could be a little hard as the weather is so unpredictable. But at the slightest sign of rain, a wise businessman would have a staff ready to hand umbrellas for people to use at train stations and bus depots. These people would be doubly grateful to the company for providing them with umbrellas to save them from being drenched. This would create an excellent lasting good impression.

People at the beach, at swimming pools or rivers are ready for the sunshine but even these sun worshippers would not say no to the offer of a promotional umbrella. They are aware of the need to protect themselves from the damaging UV rays of the sun. Because of the company’s thoughtfulness, more loyal customers will be gained and company growth and success will follow.

Everything today comes with a budget especially as we find ourselves in an economic downturn. Budgets help you manage in all sorts of ways it maybe the construction of a new house, a week-long vacation to the Bahamas or your children’s college education. Even daily trips to the supermarket require a budget. The same goes for choosing the right promotional gifts to be distributed to your customers and employees.

However, one should never compromise quality when picking the right item. High quality gift items give the message to your loyal customers that you value them and consider them part of the family. Here are a few tips that can help you choose the right item with the best value.

Wholesale Purchase. This only means that you should buy in bulk. A lot of companies offer promotional gift items for a lower value if you buy more. If you have developed a lifelong partnership with a company specializing in promotional gift items, you can even get a lower price. Websites and catalogues offer you a wide range of items that you can order wholesale.

Thinner or Thicker. Companies usually mail some of their promotional gift items to loyal customers especially on holidays like Christmas. Bulky mail may add more to the overall expenses so opt for thinner items like mouse mats or foldable desk calendars instead of large ones that can be hung. It’s also a good idea to incorporate your company holiday greeting into the calendar versus having a separate greeting card enclosed. This will surely save your company a lot. A brilliant idea is to get vacuum-sealed pillows that will inflate upon opening. These can be easily sent instead of paying more for shipping large fluffy pillows.

Think Plastic. If you are thinking of giving your customers mugs, it’s best you choose the plastic spill-proof ones. They are fast becoming important items that a company cannot forego giving away. They are since replacing the ceramic ones which are fragile and heavy to carry around. Although they are a bit pricier than ceramic mugs, they are easier to transport and store. They can be sent to the customer’s home in packages and will last a lot longer time than ceramic ones. They are also handy items. Being spill-proof, they can be carried around, even in cars. They reduce risks of getting your laptop or papers wet. They can even be ordered in all colors available. The company logo can be printed in vivid texts and images on its face. Whatever the promotional gift is, always be sure that there is a suitable budget tailored to your specific needs.

Coffee is one of the top ten favorite drinks in the whole world. It also has a high ranking on the list of antioxidant sources. As coffee is consumed daily not only once but several times, coffee drinkers are assured that they receive the antioxidants needed by their body.

This is probably the reason why a promotional mugs rank high on the list of promotional products. If you were to give a gift, you would naturally choose something that the recipient would love. If you would give a promotional product to a customer, to a business associate or to an employee you would think of something that would be associated with something they like.

And since coffee is a “must drink” for people from all walks of life, a promotional mug would be the best option for a company courting the patronage of clients and the dedication of employees. A sip of coffee would start the day of any individual. This dark, aromatic brew will wake a person up. A sip of coffee from a favorite mug would put a person in a good mood. The sensory experience of sipping the hot aromatic brew, feeling the warmth of the mug and at the same time being charmed by the message or the picture on the promotional mug would offer a respite from bedlam brought about by a busy working day.

A company who has taken careful consideration of the most suitable promotional product would know that offering coffee drinkers a receptacle for their favorite drink would put them in good light. Every time these coffee drinkers take a sip, they will be reminded of the thoughtfulness of the company. Hence, a good customer-company relationship will be created.

Coffee drinkers are known to reach for their mug anytime of day. At home, the promotional mug will remind the user of the company brand. Visitors will notice the mug and take note of the imprinting thus company exposure will be generated.

In the office, promotional mugs will constantly be displayed on top of a desk or carried by the user around the office. The clients and colleagues will become aware of the attractive mug as well as the imprinted company logo and marketing slogan.

Because of the constant need for coffee, the mug may be carried and used anywhere, in the car, on the park, in the gym and just about anywhere. This is a big plus on the company’s goal of creating brand awareness. The company message will be relayed to many people with just a single mug.

You might ask what promotional conference folders can bring to your business. In reality, adding promotional conference folders to your line up of promotion items can be a very wise move. Promotional conference folders can be very handy during special events such as conferences, meetings, and company functions.

Conference folders are vital materials in the corporate world. Conference folders are used in storing papers and other important documents, making schedules, and jotting down notes. Simply put, conference folders are handy tools for getting organized. Giving your company personnel folders will provide an air of professionalism to your firm, as well as give you a good tool to promote your brand and company wherever these items may go.

Promotional conference folders are not merely limited to using in the company premises. In fact they are very much used outside the company office. Promotional conference folders are usually given away during special external events such as conferences, meeting, product launches, and trade shows. Though not all of those who receive promotional conference folders will use these items, chances are the folders will serve its purpose as far as advertising your company by the time the recipients decide not to use them anymore.

There are a lot of variations of conference folders. Some are very basic while others are insanely extravagant. However it is advisable for firms to go for something that is simple yet not cheap-looking, unless the company wants to go for something specific. Promotional conference folders provide a lot of room for contact information of the company, so companies do not have to be concerned with getting the most out of their advertising expenses allotted to these items. A basic conference folder usually has two pockets inside, as well as smaller slits that can be used to store small notes inside. Some come with legal note pad and other kinds of paper for note taking purposes.

The best conference folder however is made of leather, because this exudes elegance as well as professionalism. This type of conference folder is often given to important clients who firms need to impress.

In giving away conference folders for advertising purposes, make sure that you insert basic information about the company such as flyers and brochures.

Indeed promotional conference folders are very beneficial to the company and its recipients. Try to give one and it is certain that you’ll see positive results.