365 Promos

Your Tool Belt

2010-07-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

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:

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:

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

2010-06-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-05T15:31:00.001-07:00

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

2010-06-05T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

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:

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.
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.
Rent some water misters. These are great at cooling people off quickly.
Hand out snow cones! These ice cold treats bring out the kid in just about anybody and they cost hardly anything to make.
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

2010-05-31T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-31T13:43:00.001-07:00

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.

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.
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.
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?

2010-05-25T14:28:00.000-07:00

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?

Pens
Calendars
Coffee Mugs
Magnets
MP3 Players
T-shirts/golf shirts
Tote bags/bags
Gift baskets of food

Why We Love Office Toys

2010-05-25T13:33:00.001-07:00

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?

2010-05-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-05-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

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

The Little Things

2010-05-01T16:46:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I flew out for a conference in downtown Chicago and managed to get a hangnail on my little finger the very next day. Searching through my luggage, I realized I had forgotten to pack a nail clipper.

During one boring conference presentation after another I willed myself not to pull at that hangnail. I knew it would only make it worse. It drove me mad. I looked for a nail clipper in some of the nearby gift shops, but no luck. I finally tried to pull it off and ended up with a painful sore on my finger.

Years later, I still remember that stupid hangnail. Sometimes it is like that. When we are uncomfortable or inconvenienced, we tend to block out everything else.

When selecting promo items, it is good to remember that often it is the simple, thoughtful things like nail clippers or a well-placed bottle of water that can leave a big impression. Remembering a travel blanket for the plane ride, lip balm for the jet boat trip, or an emergency car kit can make or break a vacation.

Here are some ideas to make your customers’ trips more comfortable.

Mini Handheld Personal Pocket Fan
From $2.20

Powerful Ergonomic & Large Handheld Massager
From $2.76

Rolling Backpack with Telescopic Handle and Easy Glide Wheels
From $12.56

Personal Compact 8-Piece Manicure Set with Faux Leather Case
From $1.36

Gearing Up For An Army of Volunteers: Making Your Contribution To The Oil Spill Clean Up

2010-05-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Only days after celebrating Earth Day, the country is watching a major environmental crisis unfold on the news. The BP oil spill in the Gulf Region is now reported to be almost as large as the Exxon Valdez spill, the largest oil spill in U.S. history.

Many environmental agencies are seriously concerned about the oil reaching the coastlines and are starting to assemble volunteers to help with the cleanup in case it does.

So I can’t help but wonder if just days after decorating our stores in green and handing out free reusable shopping totes, are we going to step up and pay more than just lip service to the environment?

Not only are volunteers needed, but those volunteers are going to need supplies and gear. What an amazing opportunity to not only “say” that your company cares about the environment, but to “show” that your company cares about the environment.

Donating something as simple as reusable water bottles not only provides water for volunteers, but it can also give them something to take home to remember their service. I still have a United Way t-shirt that I got from a local clean-up day that even now brings back all those warm fuzzy service feelings whenever I wear it.

Besides water bottles and t-shirts, volunteers are going to need things like hats, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, food, cooler bags, trash bags, flashlights, umbrellas, communications equipment, and first aid supplies.

Here are some ideas:

6-Piece Hiking Set with Water Bottle, Pocketknife, Flashlight, Carabiner, Whistle, and Bag
From $11.26

Compact First Aid Kit
From $8.75

Polycarbonate Bottle
From $2.13

Rewarding Good Behavior: Promoting Wellness with Giveaways

2010-04-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is a time of renewal for more than just nature. Every spring millions commit to revive their exercise plan, get ready for bikini season or train for a summer race. Employers, government health agencies, and wellness related brands all have a reason to encourage and reward this healthier behavior.

When you’re creating a promotional campaign that involves giveaways, “affordable” and “creative” need not be mutually exclusive. Here are a few ideas.

Pedometers

Most people starting a fitness program from scratch begin with walking. A discrete promotional pedometer can track the steps they take and help them make better choices to rack up more steps.

Digital Pedometer

Full color imprint area on face
Compact design
No sharp corners to catch on clothing

From $1.64

Water Bottles

Everyone gives away water bottles, and for good reason. They are inexpensive, extremely useful and offer a high level of brand exposure. But, if you’re going to give away a water bottle, it never hurts to make it an exceptionally useful model - like one that can stash your driver's license and car keys.

Water Bottle with ID and Key Storage

BPA Free
Imprintable on front and cap
Hidden storage compartment

From $2.55

Bags

Some kind of bag is useful in nearly every sport – whether one needs an entire gym bag or just something ultra light to hold their keys and jacket for a quick lunch break stroll.

Draw String Backpack

6 inch imprint area
Available in Blue, Pink, Green, Red, Black, Natural
Ultra lightweight and folds down into purse

From $0.80

Branded Premiums

If you’re sponsoring a “get fit” program, don’t forget the rewards for those that go above and beyond. For the most improved fitness or wellness levels, consider branded premiums that go hand-in-hand with the active lifestyle.

Apple iPod Shuffle 2 GB

Holds hundreds of songs
Headphone with built in remote & volume control
Ultra compact for sports

Just $45.50

Safety

When walking alone or at night, it’s essential to remember basic safety. A super light keychain that’s also a personal alarm (whistle) and an LED light – genius!

Whistle with LED Light

Ultra compact and lightweight
Dual function - whistle and LED light
Keychain included

From $0.48

The U.S. Government Saves - with Promotional Giveaways

2010-04-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

If there is one belief Americans can unite around, it is that the government is always spending too much money on something. Last week, the Orange County Register reported that the federal government has spent almost $23 million on promotional items to promote the 2010 Census. That's about $0.07 per person by 2009 population estimates.

If the story stopped there, we could watch the fallout on every major news outlet over the next few weeks. But the government, at least in this case, has a good justification for the spending. According to Stephen L. Buckner, a Census Bureau executive, this spending is actually saving taxpayer money - potentially hundreds of millions of dollars.

When combined with the money spent on other advertising efforts, the Census Bureau is spending around $0.42 per person to ensure census forms are returned. If forms are not returned, the next phase relies on census workers visiting door-to-door to collect census data, which will cost taxpayers $60.00 per person. So, for every percent of the population the government can persuade to return the forms through ads and promotions, they can save taxpayers $85 million.

Let's do some quick math. If $23 million in promotional pens, shirts and mugs reminds just 5% of the populace to return their census forms, the taxpayers will save $425 million. If only a 401(k) offered that kind of return.

The idea of promotional items as a money savers is counter intuitive to many. Most of us think of giveaways as a way to build brand recognition or create a buzz in our market. It could be argued, however, that promotions and premiums actually pack more of a punch when used internally.

A few examples:

Companies like UPS have found great success using branded premiums as awards for reaching safety milestones, such as five years without a time-loss accident. They may spend hundreds of thousands in iPods, Bose stereos, and Wii consoles but save millions on increased insurance premiums, Worker's Compensation premiums, increased healthcare costs and OSHA investigations.
Some large corporations have fostered growth by offering non-cash rewards to any employee that thinks up an effective money-saving or money-making plan that the company adopts. Hundreds of previously silent employees suddenly begin offering up ideas for the chance to get a new digital camera. The company saves big on consulting fees while improving employee morale.
IDN, a nutritional supplement company, considered launching a nationwide weight-loss contest for their product users. Instead, they first started the contest internally - offering cash incentives for the winners and promotional incentives like water bottles, pedometers, hats and t-shirts for all the contestants. Participation was high, which not only boosted the health and happiness of employees, but helped the company fine-tune the program before launching it nationwide. Employee knowledge of the product-line and team-building also improved as a result of participation.

If you're new to the promotional products industry, don't get stuck thinking of promotions as only for customers. Sometimes it pays to first look within.

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Runners do it (in part) for the Goodies

2010-04-20T09:55:00.000-07:00

In almost every town across the country, the foot race season is swinging into high gear with a race hosted by nearly every charity and municipality.

Recently I participated with a friend in my city's annual marathon and 5k. It was by far the biggest and most expensive race I'd run in to date. The day before the race, we picked up our numbers and shirts and were directed to the "goody bag" station where we were given a large branded sack full of...air and a few ads. My friend and I just looked at each other, confused.

Previous races had always included goody bags with a few promotional items and I'd been looking forward to what this bigger, more expensive race might offer. Thinking I might be just a bit more interested in promotional giveaways than the average person, I brought the topic up to other participants and running friends over the next few days.

The feedback went something like this:

"What, not even a cruddy water bottle?"
"That happened to me too so now I stick to smaller races because they give better stuff."
"You didn't even get a coupon in the ads? Just ads? That's awful!"
"How can they still call it a goody bag if they don't give us goodies?"

Clearly, people don't train themselves into runners for the free promo items. There are easier ways to get water bottles, cow bells, pedometers, and energy bars. However, they do take the goodies into consideration when selecting a race.

Why such a focus on promotional items?

It's actually pretty simple. Social rules prevent most of us from walking into the office or gym and bragging about how we just finished first in our division in the local 5k. Most of us couldn't get away with wearing the t shirt or the medal to work either - even on casual Friday.

We can, however, carry our commemorative Boston Marathon water bottle with us to the water cooler for a refill. Naturally, this will spark conversations like "Wow, Chuck! You ran in the Boston? You clearly deserve a promotion!"

OK, maybe not. But you can't stop a runner from dreaming.

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Volunteerism Makes the World Go 'Round

2010-04-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Most of us (especially if we don't benefit from a charity) don't realize how much volunteers really touch our lives. I know I had no idea until recently how many volunteers and how many man-hours it required to make our small town's little league come together each spring.

In our town of just 5,000 people there are about a dozen teams, each with two or three coaches plus team mothers that keep everything organized and all the children comfortable. At a league level there are six umpires, two field maintenance dads, two secretaries, a treasurer, a finance controller, a president, a concessions manager and countless other parents that pitch in to make sure the children get to participate in this great American pastime. Without volunteerism something as simple as little league baseball would be completely impossible.

We're only one game into the season and I'm already planning my personal "thank you" gifts for the people that coach my son's team.

If you're organizing an event that relies on volunteers, remember to reward your helpers with a lasting memento of their contribution. Not only is it good manners, it goes a long way toward getting their help again next year.

Thank You Gift Ideas:

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Make Your Promo a Problem Solver

2010-04-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Men are not known for their gleeful embrace of holiday shopping. These events, although they tend to fall on the same day each year, have a way of sneaking up on guys. When you're considering your next promotional giveaway for a male audience, keep this in mind. Often you'll find you can create a program that solves one of life's big problems for guys: shopping.

A late spring campaign to sell lawn mowers, for example, could creatively solve a shopping dilemma by offering a feminine garden tool kit as a giveaway with purchase. Mother's Day? Solved!

The Larry Miller auto dealership in Salt Lake City Utah has a novel promotional campaign during the competitive holiday season. The dealership includes a generous package of coupons for free restaurant meals, tickets to NBA games, and movie tickets with every new car purchase in December. The idea is that these coupons, worth about $2,000 in total, can gifted to everyone on the car buyer's Christmas list - solving their holiday shopping problems.

The Larry Miller dealership chose these offers because they are owned by the same parent company as the basketball team, movie theaters and restaurant in question - but that's not necessary to employee a similar technique.

Examine your demographic and decide who else they might shopping for in the near future. Then offer appropriate "re-giftable" promotions like iPod accessories, tool kits, laptop bags and video cameras.

Putting Light on Haiti's Disaster Relief

2010-03-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Joining forces with our local Haitian community and the city of Huntington Station, 365 Promos was proud to be able to contribute to the Haitian Earthquake Relief Program this month.

Items in desperate need included flashlights and we were happy to donate 1,500 Squeeze Powered Flashlights. These lights are particularly well suited items since they require no batteries. The two super-bright LEDs are powered by nothing more than hand motion.

For emergency kits, disaster relief, and preparedness campaigns, we also recommend these products:

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