Your Tool Belt

When a car breaks down, you rarely use only one tool to fix it. The same is also true when a business needs help — very rarely can only one tool get the job done.

However, many businesses fall into the trap of focusing on only one tool. It isn’t uncommon to see companies invest a lot of time and money ordering promotional items, while forgetting to think about how they can tie their promotional items into other marketing efforts. Promotional products can be powerful tools and when combined with other strategies they pack an even more powerful punch.

A great example of this is a PALS, ACLS, and CPR certification company centered out of Temecula, California. Because the certifications have to be frequently renewed, Dr. Rendon Revive Education wanted to make sure they were building a loyal clientele who would keep coming back year after year. When faced with the problem of how to encourage repeat business on a small budget they decided to combine promotional items with a strong call back campaign.

When clients complete a course, they are given a promotional item like a pen or CPR mask. Revive Education has found that it is a great way to help clients remember their company when it comes time to recertify. They are careful not to be stingy with their promotional items either. Most of their clientele works with other people who also need to be certified, so Revive Education gains a lot of additional exposure when their items are passed around at their clients' workplace.

However, they don’t rely on their promotional items to do all the work. They also collect their clients’ contact information and keep track of when their certification is due to expire. Close to the expiration date, they give their clients a personal call to ask how they can help them recertify.

The double approach has definitely produced results. Clients love getting free stuff and the personal phone call helps build the relationship even further. Now most of their clientele is either repeat business or referrals. And they have found that a pen and a phone call are much cheaper than what it costs them to generate clients through general advertising.


CPR Pocket Resuscitator
From $11.25
Bio-Degradable Folding Pen
From $0.48
This pen is perfect for those in the medical field. It's small and can be hung conveniently around your neck.

Nothing Beats the Button

The other day at the grocery store I couldn’t help smiling at the clerk’s uniform vest. It was absolutely covered in pins and buttons. In about 30 seconds I knew more about her than I did about my neighbor. Evidently she was a Christian who liked cats and needed her cup of coffee every morning. She had been employee of the month at least two times and the grocery store where she worked believed that “customers always come first.”

So take a tip from the grocery store clerk — if you are looking for a fast way for customers get to know you better, you can’t beat the button.

Promotional buttons and pins are incredibly versatile. You see them everywhere, including stores, athletic games, political rallies, and business conferences. And they can send a variety of messages. They can be funny, professional, political, persuasive, and sometimes even irreverent.

What I love about the button is that it not only sends a message to others, but it is a good reminder to the person wearing it. The store clerk who wears a button that says “customers always come first” not only lets customers know that they are important to the business, but every time the clerk puts the button on it reminds her that customers are important.

Buttons are also a good way to celebrate milestones and achievements. Want to let clients know that you have been around for a while? Then create a button celebrating your 10th anniversary. Buttons can also let people know about a recent award the company won or a humanitarian project you are involved in.

So don’t be afraid to let people know who you are and what you stand for. Go out and get yourself a button!

Round Magnetic Pin
From $1.93


Domed Magnetic Lapel Pin
From $2.47

The Most Motivating Promotional Products

Do some promotional products do a better job at motivating people than others? According to a recent study by PPAI Research the answer is yes.

As part of the study, a panel of 1,005 consumers were asked, “Which of the following promotional products when given to you, are most likely to motivate you to take a particular action or lead you to have a more favorable impression of the advertiser/company?”

Items that scored high were:

1. Food basket
2. MP3 player
3. Clock/watch
4. Digital picture frame
5. Luggage
6. Shirt
7. Wallet
8. Tote bag

The study also looked at which items would be kept the longest. Respondents said that they were most likely to keep the following products around for at least a year:

1. MP3 player
2. Luggage
3. Digital picture frame
4. Coffee mug
5. Calendar
6. Tote bag
7. Pen

As a business it can be challenge to reach your target audience when so many others are clamoring for their attention. While the above information can be helpful when deciding where to focus your marketing resources, it is important to get to know the preferences of your own clients. Don't be afraid to conduct your own informal survey with clients you are more comfortable with to find out what kind of promotional items would resonate with them.

Why Promotional Items Trump Coupons and Sales

I love kids’ meals! When I was a kid I would have done anything for a kids’ meal. For some reason the promise of that little toy was worth more than the food that it was sold with.

Now that I am older the promise of getting a little something extra still excites me. That could be why a study by Southern Methodist University found that customers who received promotional products reordered 18% sooner than customers who received coupons.

While sales and coupons can be effective, they are intangible. You’re just getting money off rather than getting something more for your money. At the end of the day, most people can’t tell you where the money they saved went. And if they are ordering for their company, they may never personally see the benefit of that coupon at all.

So instead of offering a coupon to promote sales, think about offering a promotional item. Very few people will remember which company had a coupon for office paper six months ago, but they will remember who was giving away paper shredders. Plus, the paper shredder will serve as a reminder that it might be a good idea to go check to see how much office paper is left.

Quick and Safe Electric Paper Shredder
From $27.46

The Perfect Way to Say Sorry

A couple of weeks ago my husband and I got food poisoning from a popular fast food restaurant. When I let the company know, I was expecting to hear nothing but denials. I was surprised to receive a string of sincerely apologetic emails from multiple people in the organization. They even sent me a gift certificate to make up for the experience.

Although I had not been a huge fan of the chain before, I was more than a little impressed with how they handled things. It may take awhile before their food sounds good to me again, but I definitely gained a new respect for their organization.

While hopefully your business isn’t making people sick, you have probably made your own share of mistakes. When you do mess up, it is good to remember that a heartfelt apology can do a lot to save a business relationship.

A study by Professor Roy Lewicki from Ohio State University found that people who were wronged in a business transaction were more likely to reconcile with the business if they received a sincere apology that accepted blame for the mistake.

The key is to not make excuses and to take ownership for the problem. If possible, explain any changes you have made to make sure it doesn’t happen again. If appropriate, using a little bit of humor can help.

But the icing on the cake is a follow-up gift. Gifts can do wonders at saving a business relationship because they show that you really are interested in making things right. In fact, I know of companies that keep a few apology gifts in stock so that they are ready for when they need them.

Need some good ideas for your next apology?

Send somebody a “heartfelt” apology with this heart-shaped key ring (from $1.01).


Feel like using a little humor? Let your client know that you hope your relationship isn’t “toast” with this cute little timer (from $2.27)



Or use this meat thermometer (from $6.26) to say you are sorry that your last job wasn’t “well done” and that you promise that mistakes like this will be “rare” in the future.


But sometimes big mistakes with big clients take big apologies. If the client is important, don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops. Items like mp3 players and digital photo frames are a great way to show clients how important they are to you.

Ultra Thin Multifunction Mp3, Mp4, Mp5 Player
From $49.95

7" Digital Photo Frame and MP3 Music Player
From $41.95

Have something unique in mind? 365 Promos also offers custom promotional product development. Just contact us by phone or email, and we will make your creative vision a reality.

It’s all in the Wrapping

With Father’s Day coming up it’s time to start shopping for the man who has everything. So what are people most likely to buy for their dads this year? Studies have shown that gift cards are proving to be a top gift choice for a whole range of holidays and occasions. A study by Deloitte says that 85 percent of people bought a gift card because they wanted to give the recipient a choice. And 57 percent of people bought one because they didn’t have any idea of what else to buy.

With gift cards being such a hot gift choice, the question is how to make your gift cards stand out. Evidently it is all in the wrapping.

The same survey showed that 50 percent of purchasers were more likely to buy a gift card that comes in attractive wrapping. Another study by Chase Paymentech showed that 61 percent of purchasers were strongly motivated by free, specialized gift packaging.

Target has been able to leverage their gift card wrapping brilliantly. Some of my favorites are the gift card that is also a nightlight and a gift card that lets you record, mix, and play back your own tune.
But customizing your gift cards isn’t something that only the big boys can afford to do. With promotional products it is easy to give your gift cards a little extra zing. And it is no wonder people like the personalized packaging. When buyers are giving money as a gift, they want it to look like they at least put some thought into it.

Here are some great ways to spice up your gift cards. The key is to find something that matches your business.

For stores that specialize in tools and other hardware, including a branded tool is a great way to attract attention.
Redskap Tape Measure and LED Light Kit
From $0.98


Gamit Mini Screwdriver Kit
From $1.01


A wine store or restaurant could give away this Two-Bottle Wine Carrier (from $3.46)


A sports store or any sports-based business could include this Digital Pedometer (from $1.64)



General retail? Try a shopping tote (from $0.98) that they can use to shop with when they visit your store to redeem the gift card.

Solving Tardiness With Incentive Programs

Sick of seeing your employees show up late to work? Sometimes a little tardiness is harmless, but often it can have a direct impact on a company’s bottom line. A person not showing up on time might result in unanswered calls or late deliveries. A whole assembly line might not be able to operate if an employee is late.

Late employees cost U.S. businesses more than $3 billion a year. An employee who is ten minutes late each day will have taken the equivalent of a week’s vacation over a year. Employees who arrive late to meetings cost a company even more money because other’s time is impacted.

Tardiness definitely affects fellow employees. Many times a chronically late employee can make other employees feel resentful. Often other employees may have to pick up the slack. For example, a late waiter or salesclerk can make it so others have to stay past their shift. If they have already worked eight hours, this can mean that you’re also paying for overtime.

So what is a company to do? The best approach is a combination of coaching, penalties, and rewards. First, make sure your company has a culture that encourages punctuality and that your employees are clear about expectations. Then set up some predefined penalties for lateness (make sure they comply with your state’s labor laws). Things like warnings, suspension, and docking pay work well.

But don’t forget that sometimes a carrot works better than a stick. Many companies have found
that an incentive program can work wonders. Here are some great promotional products for your building your own incentive program:

Clocks can be a clever way to thank employees for being on time.

Executive Folding Alarm Clock with Photo Frame in Cherry Hardwood and Brushed Metal
From $15.36

Weather Station Wall Clock
From $5.56

Branded premiums can be a great way to show how important being on time is to your company.

Apple iPod Shuffle 2 GB
From $45.00

Flip MinoHD Video Camera, 60 Minute Capacity
From $127


5.0 Megapixel Digital Sleek Cam
From $32.95

Clean Up Their Desk - Earn Their Love

Looking at my desk it doesn’t take long to figure out who I have to thank for helping me control my office clutter — wonderful businesses who have gifted me everything from the little mug that holds my paper clips to my pen caddy. Their logos sit proudly on my desk for everybody to see. And years later I can still remember who gave me what and how I got them. My personal favorites are the items that were given as thank you’s.

Things like pen caddies, desktop organizers, and other desk accessories make for great promotional items because the are used regularly and are often used for years. They also put your name right where people can see it when they are making the decision about what company to use for their next big project.

And the timing could not be more perfect. In today’s economy, many office workers have had to get used to doing without the little niceties. Nobody wants to ask their boss for money to buy a new sticky note caddy for their office, but many don’t have the money in their own personal budget to cover expenses like that either. People have had to learned to do without and ignore the inconveniences.

So companies that give away something like a sticky note caddy not only makes their clients’ life a little easier, but they also send the message that they’re worth spoiling a little. And who doesn’t love a company that spoils them?

Office Supplies Desktop Carousel
From $7.83


Pen Caddy Clock
From $8.25


Sticky Note Caddy
From $5.45


Telephone Cord Detangler
From $2.75

Office Supplies Desktop Organizer
From $4.15

Time To Start Thinking About Your July 4th Promotions

We all enjoy the Fourth of July. Not only does the holiday allow us to honor those who have given us so much, but it is a great chance to enjoy food, fireworks, family, and friends. Joining in on the patriotic celebration can also be a big boost for your business.

Consumers like to do business with companies that share their values. So when companies show their patriotism they naturally appeal to customers with a strong sense of national pride. Companies that don’t show their patriotism risk excluding a large section of their market.

When designing July 4th promotions it is important to convey a proper sense of respect for your country. Try to keep everything in good taste and be careful about mixing humor with patriotic messages. Be especially sensitive to those who have made great sacrifices for their country. They deserved to be recognized and honored.

Here are some great ideas for celebrating the fourth.

American Car Flag with Reinforced Clip
From $1.30


3FTx5FT American Flag with Metal Grommets
From $3.11


American Flag Golf Umbrella with Wood Handle
From $4.76


Complete Flag Pole Kit with Mounting Bracket
From $6.86
Bio-Degradable Folding Pen
From $0.48

Cooling Off With A Hot Promotion

Fairs, sporting events, and expos pop up like weeds during the summer months. This year make your promotional items unforgettable by setting up a “cool off” station at a local county fair or other event. Booths like these attract people like flies during the summer months and they are very simple to set up. Most importantly you will want a couple of pop up tents for shade. Make sure you have some signs printed so that your company name and information are readily visible. You can also have some fliers or business cards ready to hand out.

Now it is time to stock your station! Here are some ideas:

1. Provide ice water in large water coolers and then hand out branded sport bottles for people to fill up. If you are unable to provide sport bottles for everybody, you could have some paper cups printed with your logo. Then mark several of the cups as winners. If somebody draws a winning cup, they receive a free water bottle or other promotional item. Or if you want to build up your contacts, offer the bottles as an incentive to sign up for your mailing list.
2. If the event is an executive event, put together a “cooling off” bag. You can stock the bag with things like mini fans, sport bottles, visors, hats, and umbrellas. You could even use a cooler or tote bag to put everything into.
3. Rent some water misters. These are great at cooling people off quickly.
4. Hand out snow cones! These ice cold treats bring out the kid in just about anybody and they cost hardly anything to make.
5. Freeze some wet, branded hand towels beforehand. These feel great when placed on your forehead!
   

Mini Handheld Personal Pocket Fan

From $1.22


Half-Liter Water Bottle
From $1.75


Collapsible Cooler
From $1.50

Umbrellas: A Perfect Way to Show Off Your Message

Fresh off Memorial Day weekend, we are all looking forward to the summer months and a little fun in the sun. And although we love being out in the sun, who doesn’t want a good umbrella when the weather starts to get hot?

For some of the following reasons, umbrellas are a top pick when it comes to promotional items.

Size: The top of an umbrella offers plenty of space for your message. Unlike with smaller items (such as pens or coffee mugs), you don’t have to consolidate your message to fit in a tiny area. On an umbrella there is plenty of room for your logo and contact information. Keeping things large also makes sure that your logo can be seen from a distance.

Options: Besides the top of the umbrella, you can also print your logo on the handle or casing. So even when the umbrella isn’t open, people can still see your message.

Exposure: Umbrellas are often seen in very public places like beaches and sporting events, giving your brand lots of visibility. It is a great way to make sure your brand is seen by more people than just the recipient.

Creativity: There are hundreds of creative ways to tie umbrellas into promotions. Car companies can tie them into weekend or beach kit giveaways. If you are in the health or beauty industry, branded umbrellas are great for a skin care promotion. If you are in the service industry, let your clients know that you have them “covered” by handing out umbrellas.

Windproof 60” Jumbo Golf Umbrella with Hardwood Handle
From $5.81


Beach Umbrella with Tilt and Shoulder Strap
From $8.88

Keeping Mud Off Your Face This Father's Day

Although promotions are an excellent way to boost sales and build your brand, sometimes they can go embarrassingly wrong.

Last year, English retailer WH Smith decided to set up a display of “Top 50 Books for Dad” for Father’s Day. The display included popular titles like Dan Brown’s Angel and Demons and Sebastian Faulks's Bond novel Devil May Care. However, shoppers were shocked to find The Crimes of Josef Fritzl, a book about an abusive father who kept his daughter captive for 24 years, also on the display. Not exactly a shining example of fatherhood. The store took plenty of flak for what some thought was a sick joke.

Although you’re unlikely to make any mistakes that will land you in the newspaper, it goes to show that taking a little time to think about your promotions can go a long way. So whether you are creating displays for your store or giving away promotional items, here are some tips that can help prevent any major faux pax.

1. Have plenty of other people take a look at your idea, including people outside of your organization. They could catch something embarrassing that you may have missed.
2. The devil is in the details. Take time to look at all the elements of your promotion, including how the item will be packaged and given to customers. Wrapping an mp3 player in a cheap box will make the mp3 player look cheap too.
3. Make sure the promotional item is appropriate for the event, holiday or audience. For example, an alcohol and drug treatment center giving away branded bottle openers might not go over well.
   

So instead of handing out copies of The Crimes of Josef Fritzl this Father’s Day, try a nice key chain or pocket screwdriver set instead.

Polished Bezel Analog Clock Keychain in Matte Silver Finish
From $4.16

Pocket Screwdriver Set
From $0.87

Want To Be Remembered?

Just how effective are promotional items? Incredibly effective according to a recent study by PPAI Research. The study surveyed 1,005 consumers who recalled receiving a promotional product in the past 24 months to find out how they responded to promotional products.

The study reported that promotional products delivered much higher recall rates when compared to print, online advertising, and television. Out of respondents who had received a promotional product in the past two years, the study found that:

• 83 percent could recall the brand/company advertised
• 75 percent remembered the product/service
• 80 percent clearly identified the type of promotional product
• 74 percent could recall the company/brand and the product/service/message advertised
• 69 percent could remember all three aspects

What were some of the items with the greatest advertiser or message recall?

1. Pens
2. Calendars
3. Coffee Mugs
4. Magnets
5. MP3 Players
6. T-shirts/golf shirts
7. Tote bags/bags
8. Gift baskets of food

Why We Love Office Toys

The mammoth-sized toy collection on Michael Scott’s desk in NBC’s The Office is only funny because it is so true. We all know a few people at work who take desktop knick knacks to the extreme. The expandable rainbow ball, the train whistle, the chatter teeth, the Slinky, the World’s Best Boss Mug...

But the truth is that we all like at least a little something at our desk that expresses who we are. Sometimes it is just a few photos and something like a stress ball to fiddle with while talking on the phone. Or it can be something a bit more elaborate like a miniature Zen garden to help us relax.

As Michael Scott has so "skillfully" demonstrated, office toys can be a great way to break the ice or loosen things up a bit. But regardless of whether or not we are office toy aficionados, it is nice to have something in our office that makes us smile.

Here are a few great promotional items that will help make somebody’s day a little brighter.


Zen Garden with White Sand and Incense Holder
From $3.76


Large Magnetic Clear Acrylic Frame with Round Edges
From $6.25


Desktop Darts
From $1.50



3 in 1 Car Racing Game
From $7.52

Commercials During The NBA Playoffs Not In Your Budget?

As thousands gear up for the NBA playoffs, basketball fans all over the country are planning on spending some serious time sitting in front of their TVs. Can’t afford ad time? No worries. TV commercials are not the only way to pitch your brand during the playoffs.

Tie your brand to the playoffs by offering special playoff promotional items. Being a hardcore sports fan is not easy and they are going to need some help staying comfy while watching the games. Many promotional items are the perfect fit for the dedicated sports nut.

Here are a few items that any sports fan would love:

Keep warm on the couch with a soft fleece blanket. You can also burrow your head in it if your team is doing badly.

Soft Fleece Blanket with Velcro Stitched Strap
From $3.11


Help reduce trips to the fridge with a travel cooler. The Folding Travel Stool with Insulated Cooler is an especially good pick. The stool can also double as a tray holder for all your goodies.

Folding Travel Stool with Insulated Cooler
From $12.06



Sports and BBQ go hand in hand. This 18-Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set has everything you need to serve up the perfect hamburger.

18-Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Tool Set
From $12.73



Now let’s be realistic, not everybody in the house is necessarily going to be thrilled about the playoffs. A Electronic Poker Game might be a good idea to keep those less than enthusiastic spouses entertained.

Electronic Poker Game
From $4.72

Location, Location, Location

Creating great promotional items is like real estate, it is all about location, location, location. No matter how cool your promo items are, they won’t be working as hard for you as they should if they are stuck in the bottom of a drawer somewhere. You want to find something that will be right there front and center when your customers need you.

Let me explain. Imagine you are the owner of a car dealership. A huge chunk of your profits come from the parts and services department. Not only do you want to encourage people to buy cars, but you want them to service their cars at your dealership. So you decide to give out branded emergency car kits with your logo and phone number printed on the front. Customers will not only be thankful for the jumper cables when their battery dies, but they will also know who to call to get that battery changed.

Good promotional items not only encourage sales, they build lasting relationships.


22-Piece Deluxe Highway Emergency Tool Kit
From $9.24



Emergency Car Care Kit in Convenient Fold Out Case
From $8.36

Kudos to Babies"R"Us for putting a new spin on a popular promotion!

Reusable shopping bags have become a must-have item for most stores. They can be seen everywhere from Ralphs to Lowes. They are a great way to cut back on waste and promote your brand. It is almost a marketing faux pas not to offer them.

Recently, Babies”R”Us went a step beyond just selling the bags or giving them away on Earth Day. They tied their reusable shopping bags to a “Fill-a-Bag” promotion. Customers who presented a coupon not only got a free shopping bag, but they also received an extra 25% off of everything they could fit in the bag.



The promotion made quite a buzz and was featured on dozens of blogs. It shows that quite a stir can be made with a simple promo item and a little creativity.

These bags are some of our top picks for shopping totes.


Eco-Friendly Gusseted Bag
From $1.05


Eco-Friendly Stylish Bag
From $1.05


Eco-Friendly Bag
From $2.45