Marketing Ideas

Get cozy with our custom sweatshirts

Get cozy with our custom sweatshirts

When the weather turns cold, people reach for their jackets and long sleeve shirts. This creates the unique opportunity for you and your brand to use a promotional product that hits two birds with one hot stone: giving people something warm to wear while promoting the business.

Enter custom sweatshirts. A thick, soft sweatshirt with your logo on the front makes a great gift or promotional item for existing and potential customers. It's also a great way to reward employees while boosting the company spirit and culture. Here are a few things you need to know about these great promotional items.

Why custom sweatshirts?

First and foremost, sweatshirts are warm! Compared to heavier jackets, sweatshirts keep a body warm in cooler temps without the extra bulk of true winter gear. At the same time, they are more effective than lighter jackets and long sleeve shirts. Put simply, they are the type of clothing people wear when they want the right combination of comfort, warmth and convenience.

Custom Sweatshirt

More than that, custom sweatshirts are great products for branding. Whether giving them away or selling them, sweatshirts are easy to brand with your company’s logo.  Since you can fold them up and tie a bow on them, sweatshirts are also easy to package for promotional giveaways and events.

Finally, sweatshirts can be cost-effective when bought in bulk. For larger promotional campaigns, you can save money and create better advertising at the same time. Sweatshirts have a distinct advantage over traditional ads: you simply can't wear a commercial or digital ad.

The trick is knowing how to make the most of a sweatshirt as a promotional product.

Get the design right

An effective promotional product is all about effective branding. You do not want to go overboard to the point where the sweatshirt looks like a NASCAR paint job (unless, of course, you work for NASCAR). On the other hand, you can't neglect branding altogether. Striking the right balance starts with the logo.

Beyond the basic logo, think about other elements that feel unique about your brand. Sometimes, the simple things are the most effective. Choose sweatshirt colors that match your logo and add a tagline or company motto to the back.

Be careful to keep things clear and simple. You can always separate the main logo from additional graphics and text by placing extra content on the back or sleeves. More space between printed elements will give each image and word its own place to breathe. Smart design goes a long way to making a great promotional sweatshirt.

Sweatshirts for everyone

If you spend all this time planning and designing the perfect sweatshirt, make sure you have enough to sell or give away.

Don't forget about the proper sizing of the sweatshirt. Include the entire spectrum: extra small to 4XL sweatshirts should all be in your inventory to cover your needs.

Discover the effect of a good custom sweatshirt

Custom Hoodie

Custom apparel is a great way to make your brand stand out. It is also a great reward for employees you want to celebrate for special achievements and milestones, loyalty and good work in general.

If you want to brand products that are extremely useful, sweatshirts fit the bill. Compared to other promotional apparel, sweatshirts are great gifts any time of the year. Keep a few on location in the company gift shop or online store to treat guests and visitors as well.

All it takes is a little planning and creativity to come up with the best custom sweatshirt. We can help you out with that. We know all of the ins and outs of promotional products. We can help you choose the right sweatshirt brands, graphic designs, sizes to have the impact you want from your promotional products and gifts.

 

Posted by Lee in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Save the planet with custom reusable straws

Save the planet with custom reusable straws

It’s not just a straw, it’s a movement.

You may not have heard of California Assembly Bill 1884 by name but chances are you’ve heard of the plastic straw ban that’s taking the country by storm. According to the bill, when you dine at a full-service restaurant in California, you are getting your beverage without a straw – unless you ask for one, or it is a to-go drink.

While California may be leading the charge on the ban, plenty of restaurants in other states have followed suit. And while restaurants in violation will be fined $25, it’s perfectly legal to hand out reusable straws. Better yet, you can even brand them with your logo.

Reusable straws are designed to last for many years, are easy to clean with a straw brush, are generally dishwasher safe, and they are made from high-quality, plastic-free recyclable materials. Also, they can be used with hot and cold beverages, which is perfect if you prefer to sip your hot coffee or tea in the morning and want an iced beverage for the afternoon.

So, if not plastic, then what are they made from?

Environmentally-friendly straws are generally made from metal or silicone, and often come with their own carrying case or pouch – this stainless steel straw also includes a cleaning brush! Since straws themselves don’t have very large imprint areas for your logo, the branding is done on the pouch or the case. This reusable silicone straw comes rolled up in a convenient travel case.

If the idea of having to clean a straw after every use is not appealing, you can give out paper straws. Restaurants and bars nationwide have started to implement this change with great results  – paper straws are biodegradable (and marine degradable), and this doesn’t require a change in behavior, just a change in materials. This five-pack of paper straws comes in its own brandable pouch – a simple and effective eco-friendly giveaway.

Similar to disposable plastic bags, straws are only used for a few minutes but remain in the environment forever. They end up on our beaches and in the oceans. So while straws may not be the one contributing problem, many companies including Starbucks, Hyatt and Hilton have pledged to do their part in cutting back.

Over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used in the U.S. every day, enough to wrap around the Earth 2.5 times. Now is the time to switch from the one-time-use plastic straw to the reusable straw. Fortunately, the switch is easy.

Promotional reusable straws: Saving the planet + a brand opportunity = a win-win.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Stay warm with our custom coffee mugs

Stay warm with our custom coffee mugs

Everyone loves free swag, and nothing beats free swag that's also useful. Custom coffee mugs and tumblers are some of the most popular promotional products that not only attract attention to your business but are also valued by those who receive them. How many times have you gotten a promotional product that you glanced at and left in a drawer somewhere only to be forgotten? Don’t let that happen to your company’s branded merchandise. Consider what type of items you would want to receive as a potential customer—valuable, creative and unique products tend to grab people’s attention the most.

As a marketing professional, it’s your job to determine the best way to spread your brand awareness and expand your market, and giving away branded swag consistently proves to be one of the most successful ways to capture people’s attention. Similarly, providing your employees with promotional products is a great way to have them represent the company and spread the message. Custom travel mugs make for the perfect employee welcome gift, and double as a useful promotional item during events and trade shows.

Selecting the right promotional product

When determining what type of product you’re going to offer to potential clients and new employees, there are many factors to consider. What is your budget? Where will you be handing out these items? How many products should you order for the year?

The key to selecting the ideal promotional product is determining your brand message and finding a product that represents that message. Present it in a creative manner and ensure that it will benefit the recipient and you've got a recipe for success.

custom coffee mugs | Pinnacle Promotions

Why mugs are the perfect free gift

Custom mugs and travel mugs are the perfect balance between low cost and high reward. Mugs are an item that people continually use time and time again, and each day while they’re enjoying their morning cup of coffee, they’ll be reminded of your brand.

Room for cream...and creativity

With a variety of custom mugs to choose from, Pinnacle Promotions allows marketing professionals to design their selected mug style in countless ways. The Aztec Mug can be customized with your brand logo and features different outer/inner color combos to match your company’s color scheme. For an item that stands out a bit more, browse our unique mugs page with options including mugs with an attachable spoon, campfire-style mugs and even an iridescent ceramic mug.

Aztec promotional mug | Pinnacle Promotions

Practical gift people will actually use

Whether your potential customers are coffee or tea lovers, everyone enjoys receiving a new, stylish mug, especially during the winter when the thought of a hot chocolate in the evening is lingering in the back of everyone’s mind. Custom coffee mugs are a great employee gift that they can keep in the office, while custom travel mugs make for an excellent corporate giveaway item. Travel mugs are not as fragile as coffee mugs, and can be easily distributed at any event.

Affordable yet valuable

When ordering promotional products, the prices can add up quickly–particularly if you’re planning to attend a lot of events in the coming year. Selecting an item that is affordable but doesn’t appear cheap is important. Though custom mugs may look pricey, when purchased in bulk they’re actually quite inexpensive. As you determine your budget for the year, factor in promotional products and consider custom mugs or custom travel mugs as an option to cut costs while still providing people with an interesting and beneficial item to remember your brand.

Choose the perfect custom coffee mug

Select a gift you know people will love. With a nearly endless number of options, our company is happy to personalize your custom mugs to ensure that your brand captures people’s attention and makes you unique in your industry. Our customizable items allow you to add logos, text and even adjust colors to match your company’s color scheme. If you’re looking for more ideas on promotional items, you can browse our site by industry products and select items that people within your field would appreciate. If you have any additional questions, our experts are always happy to help. Contact us by phone at (877) 300-2007 or through our contact us form.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
Company Giveaway Favorites: Custom Calendars

Company Giveaway Favorites: Custom Calendars

There is nothing like a good promotional giveaway to generate buzz around your business. To make the most of it, you have to choose the right company promotional items to give away. Sure, everyone likes to receive free stuff. Not every gift, however, will have the same impact on potential customers. That is why we are fond of giving away custom calendars.

The simple calendar has a lot of uses for many people. Beyond keeping track of the day and month, it is a great way to make notes, pencil in appointments and keep everyday life organized. For your business, it is also the perfect way to insert some branded content into your customers’ and employees’ lives without being intrusive or too obvious. A central calendar is a great place to put company and team-building events as well.

Here is what we find so special about custom calendars:

Everyone can use one

Yes, computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices we use each day have a calendar. Most even do a better job by giving us quick reminders of upcoming events. Despite all of this great technology, many people still prefer the old-fashioned calendar.

custom calendar | Pinnacle PromotionsSometimes, the act of handwriting something into a calendar or notebook helps us to remember it better. Master calendars also make it easier to stay organized throughout the week to avoid missing deadlines.

Some people just like to see the individual pictures and messages that come with each month. Custom calendars tend to be more creative and engaging than their desktop versions.

A custom calendar as a promotional gift can be a powerful thing. You can offer something unique and useful to potential customers without spending a lot of time and money. It also gives you the most control over the final look of the gift itself.

Do you want to include your logo? That's easy. Want to share your company's special milestones and everyday experiences? With the combination of text and pictures above each month, you can do just that. The creative possibilities with custom calendars are limitless. This can, however, make it difficult to know what kind of calendar to make for the final giveaway. Here are a few tips to make sure you have the best calendar to hand out.

Pick the right calendar

All calendars have the same thing in common: They share the days and months of a given year. Despite this similarity, there are plenty of subtle differences between calendar types to consider. The most basic types are wall, desktop and notepad calendars. Each one offers a few advantages over the others.

custom calendar | Pinnacle PromotionsWall calendars are the most common in office settings. When you want a convenient and visible place to see the date, you choose the wall. The right calendar can also add to the space's decor without taking up too much room.

Desktop calendars, on the other hand, are the type that people interact with the most. Office workers who have busy schedules tend to prefer the desktop variety to write in events and appointments. Like the wall calendar, a desktop calendar can also add a sense of personalization into the mix.

Notepads, while less common, are the most versatile when keeping track of daily activities and events. You can rip pages away, tape them to a desk or wall, send them around to other people and more. They also tend to be smaller than other calendars, so you can save some money on packaging and printing costs by going this route.

Get the branding right

custom calendar | Pinnacle PromotionsMore than anything else, spend some time on what you want to put in the custom calendar. First and foremost, there should be some branding in the calendar. At the very least, include your logo on the cover or in the corner of each page.

Beyond branding, get creative with the calendar. Ideally, choose images and textual content that are either unique or related to the brand. Create a theme or tone to drive the creativity: make it humorous or tied to a specific event/holiday. The more the calendar stands out to the customer, the better.

Print the final result

Once you have everything planned out, the only thing you need is the calendar itself. Ideally, you will have plenty of calendars to give away to anyone you want. That is where we come in. We can print off as many calendars as you need in the style and design you want. If you find yourself wanting a great gift for a company giveaway, contact us. We’ll give you all the help you need to have a killer giveaway people will love.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
2019 Apparel Trends

2019 Apparel Trends

2019 is here and we have a lot to look forward to! Some of the trends from 2018 are sticking around for the new year and are expanding their influence into the apparel industry. The comfy/cozy trend – what the Danish call hygge (pronounced "hyoo-guh") – is one that isn’t going anywhere. Hygge is defined as a comfortable feeling that engenders contentment or well-being. It promotes one to enjoy cozy time; whether that's snuggling up in a soft sweatshirt, taking a candlelit bath, or enjoying sofa-side chat with a loved one, glass of wine in hand. Or maybe all three at once.

The hygge trend has inspired the apparel industry with luxe, rich and soft fabrics, muted, earth-tone color schemes, and unique silhouettes. Apparel brands in the promotional industry are no longer sitting back until these new retail trends come to life, but instead are right alongside the latest innovative styles.

Trend #1: Luxe, Rich and Soft Fabrics

Big apparel name brands such as Hanes and Gildan are incorporating new t-shirts made from 100% ring spun and combed cotton. These processes create garments that are softer and more luxurious than regular cotton. Combed cotton is softer than regular cotton "because it doesn't have any impurities or short protruding threads," according to sciencing.com , "and it is stronger than regular cotton because the combing process removes short fibers, which are prone to breakage.” Customers will benefit from ordering a ring spun or combed cotton t-shirt because the smooth, low textured fabric is more comfortable, will last longer, and is easier to print on. We will more than likely see brands start to incorporate these types of fabrics into their full lines as consumers move in the direction of comfort and style.

ComfortWash by Hanes Men's 5.5 oz., 100% Ringspun Cotton Garment-Dyed T-Shirt

Gildan Hammer Short Sleeve T-Shirt

J.America is another brand that is taking full advantage of the luxurious and soft fabric trend by marrying on-trend styles with athleisure comfort. They offer layered performance tops and hoodies which allow a person to go from a more casual office to lunch to the gym. Brand names like J.America are guiding distributors to suggest more edgy styles to consumers, particularly if it’s intended for a venue other than work.

Fleece options, such as the Teddy Fleece Crewneck Pullover, are transforming in the same way. The promotional industry is experiencing huge momentum with softer mid-weight fabrics with unique styles like the Pepper Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover. Consumers are wanting better fabrics that are more comfortable and have a versatile appeal that can be worn in multiple settings.

Trend #2: Muted Earth-Tone Colors

Apparel brands have decided to hit the mute button when it comes to color palettes. Chocolate browns, reddish clays, sandy tans and forest greens are taking off in the apparel industry. Earthy neutrals are perfect for a monochromatic look and often emulate natural colors that derive from moss, dirt, trees and rock.

Bella+Canvas Unisex T-Shirt

The apparel brand Bella and Canvas is on the forefront of embracing this new trend. The ever-famous 3001 Unisex Short-Sleeve Jersey Tee is now offered in Solid Forest Triblend, Tan, Mauve Marble, and Storm to just name a few new colors.

Alternative Eco-Fleece™ Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

Alternative Apparel is another well-known apparel brand in both retail and wholesale. The brand focuses on eco-friendly apparel with sustainable materials & processes, low-impact dyes & water conserving washes. Therefore, the colors they offer typically reflect its natural materials -- with colors such as Eco Rose Quartz, Eco True Currant, and Eco True Dusty Pine. The brand thrives on creating each fabric from the yarn up, innovating from fiber to finish.

Even if your company’s logo does not fit the muted color scheme, it is a great way to think outside the box and show customers that you are keeping with the times. For example, your company could do an internal eco-friendly campaign and provide shirts for the office to raise awareness as well as increase participation!

Trend #3: Unique Silhouettes / Styles

Apparel vendors are starting to realize that not everyone has the same same shape and size so they are revamping some of the “everyday” styles to incorporate new silhouettes. The apparel brand Anvil has been making wholesale clothing and apparel for over 130 years, and is branching out from the standard smaller fit women’s styles and offering looser fit t-shirts.

The Women’s Freedom Drop Shoulder Tee has a loose fit silhouette with side seam and tapered bottom. The loose fitting trend goes back to the athleisure comfort style which is taking the apparel industry full force. The larger silhouettes allow for more movement and air circulation, which means that, in many situations, they’re a lot more comfortable than their closely fitted styles. Aesthetically, they’re wonderfully unfussy and transmit an air of confidence. Since more fabric is used in a garment, it feels more substantial which makes it more appealing.

Anvil Women's Freedom Drop Shoulder Tee

American Apparel Flex Fleece Turtleneck

Fashion trends repeat over time as new “styles” are typically inspired from past eras. The promotional industry experienced the retro-revival trend this year with a number of products based on recycled, classic looks from the 70’s and 80’s that were reinvented with function for the modern world. The brand American Apparel offers basic, classic fits while also creating vintage-inspired styles. Some vintage, unique styles that this brand offers are the Flex Fleece Cropped Sweatshirt and Flex Fleece Turtleneck.

These styles pay homage to the 80’s but have been reinvented with the colors schemes and fit. The unique silhouettes that are premiering in the promotional world will provide customers a wider range of options for employees to wear to the office. According to Wellness Corporate Solutions, “casual clothing doesn’t necessary decrease productivity and t-shirts and hoodies have now become commonplace in many offices.” So remember, when you are placing an apparel order for the office or your team, think outside of the box and offer something new and innovative!

In conclusion...

These three apparel trends — luxe, rich and soft fabrics, muted, earth-tone color schemes, and unique silhouettes — will not only be highlighted in the retail world but also in the promotional world as lag  times between retail and promotional apparel have nearly evaporated. Promotional apparel suppliers and distributors have their fingers on the pulse of the most relevant fabrics, cuts and colors. By following these trends, your company will have a competitive edge by staying one step ahead.

Posted by Admin, 1 comment
Creating the ultimate client care package

Creating the ultimate client care package

You like landing new clients... who doesn't? The more new clients you acquire, the more your business grows. That is why so many businesses spend a lot of time reaching and converting new customers to grow their consumer base. Marketing budgets explode trying to acquire new target audiences and potential clients each year.

Getting new clients is important, sure. But what about the ones you already have? Where is the love for the loyal customer? If you don't have an answer to this question, it's time to start thinking about giving a little more attention to the clients who support your business.

Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

Having good client relationships is paramount to running a successful business, but it's easy to overlook if the focus is all on new clients.Converting a client is just the first step, however. If you want to keep them around, you need to show them that you care.

That is why we love client care packages. A little bit of time and effort, mixed with a few well-thought-out promotional products, can go a long way towards making your clients feel special. When done right, sending a package will give you the edge with your clients that other businesses fail to nurture: a strong relationship.

What's so special about a care package?

We know, the first things that come to mind when hearing about a care package may be hospitals, illnesses and "get well soon" cards. Even though we love to help people get healthy and happy again, your clients don't need to be sick to enjoy a care package. This idea takes the "care" part to the next level.

Good for any occasion or time of the year, client care packages are part promotion, part gift and part reward for customers. Best of all, you don't need an excuse to send a care package. New clients and loyal customers alike can enjoy a small package from your business.

Compared to other client retention techniques, care packages have some additional benefits you can enjoy. First and foremost, they are physical gifts. Even though some businesses reward customers with deals and coupons, some people just like getting tangible things they can touch and feel. It's also easy to bundle together several products together to create a unique care package.

Make it special | Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

Another advantage with care packages is the sheer number of possibilities you will have when putting one together. Promotions and deals are more limited in this respect. Yes, you can choose which products to include in the promotion, but it’s harder to personalize which deals each particular client receives. If you want to connect with your existing clients, you need to make the products in the package special. In doing so, they will be more likely to enjoy the gesture and continue to come to your business in the future.

Custom product care packages make personalization easy and affordable. As long as you know some things about your clients–their tastes, needs, wants–making the package unique is straightforward.

Beyond personalization, care packages can be drastically different from each other. You can be thematic, bring in different holidays or special occasions, include other friends and family members, etc. With so many possibilities, it's hard to go wrong.

Gift basket | Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

That isn't to say that a great care package is easy to make. If you want to do it right, we believe in planning ahead. A client care package requires some thought and attention to the details to maximize the success.

Spend some time planning the package

Client care packages are, simply, a bundle of gifts for the client. The process to put one together is the same as buying a gift: it’s important to take some time to think about what is unique to them to get the best results.

This is easier to do with individual clients–actual people you know. In this case, a simple conversation or brief email exchange can provide details about their interests, likes, dislikes, etc. You may discover ideas for products to include as you discuss things.

Make it useful | Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

B2B client relations can be trickier. When your client is a whole business, you need to think in broader terms. Look at products that may be more useful or relatable to the company as a whole. Consider their industry, products and services and brand to get a good idea of their overall "personality."

Balance the branding

Client care packages can get a little tricky when it comes to the branding. Since most standard gifts don't come with your business's logo plastered all over them, it can be difficult to know how much or too little branding to include. It's important to realize that using custom promotional products in a care package is more than acceptable. In many cases, using them is a great way to increase and strengthen bonds with particular clients.

The trick is straddling the fine line between a branded experience and being too pushy. Don't hesitate to have your logo or company name displayed on each item, but often, more subtle is better. This is a great way to tie everything together with the same image and color palette. You can even include a few extra branded items or promotional materials like brochures, business cards, etc.

Make the care package

If you know that a client care package is something you want to try out, the next step is to put one together. Check out different custom promotional items to see what might work for you. Sometimes, certain products just jump right off the page as if they were meant for your particular package. If the care package doesn't practically make itself, however, don't worry. Here are several package ideas you can try out yourself to find the best bundle for the job.

Choose products that stand out

Clients can easily ignore the significance of a good care package if it is too generic. A care package that seems like all the rest won’t create the relationship-strengthening effects you want in the first place. To avoid this issue, take the time to add things that are unique to the client.

For example, products that represent the experiences you have with a client are perfect. If possible, include something meaningful. A simple message included in the package offers a personal touch. You might find with older clients, for example, that you can remind them of the good times with a few carefully chosen words or images. Stick with the most meaningful or useful things for the package.

basket of gift bags | Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

For any client, novelty products add some spice to the care package. Non-business items, gag gifts and food all have a way of sticking out compared to the average coffee mug. Keep in mind that less is more with this kind of product. Adding too many items that aren’t related to the client or your business will make the care package seem random and decrease the impact you may want from your package. Instead, select one or two novelty products to feature.

Don’t want to get too crazy with the products? Even common products can stand out with some personalization. Check out everyday items like coffee mugs, notebooks, binders or branded custom pens that are easy to bundle together without spending a lot of money. Many times, seemingly boring office items just need a little bit of personalization or branding to make it into a care package.

Go with a theme

For new clients who lack a long history with your business, it may be difficult to personalize the care package. If this is the case, stick with general items that most people may enjoy or find useful.

Themed care packages are a great way to do just this. You can choose more common, universal custom products and still tie everything together. The important part is having a good theme in the first place. Thankfully, a theme can be almost anything.

Want to celebrate a specific holiday? Make it the theme. Does your client have a unique business? Make it the theme.

wrapped packages | Creating the Ultimate Client Care Package | Pinnacle Promotions

Decide on the theme before looking for what to include in the package. When you have a good central idea that can tie everything together, it will be much easier to find the products that fit the bill for the package.

Common products to check out include custom branded shirts and hats that can fit with nearly any theme. Not only are these easy to brand, they can be tied together with other products to create a cohesive package. Quite often, basic items are the glue that holds everything together. Once you have found a few special products to include, these extra items fill up the rest of the package to make it complete.

Embrace the season

If you struggle with finding a good theme or can’t find a good way to tie the whole package together, one safe bet is to go seasonal. You can coordinate a care package based on the time of the year.

Think about the season itself. Unique summer items like outdoor toys and margarita glasses will naturally differ from winter mugs and sweaters. If the season is appropriate for your client or business, it can rule out promotional products you can ignore if they don’t fit.

Special occasions and events throughout the year are also helpful package coordinators. While holidays are the most obvious for tying the package together, you can use any special event you want. Is your business celebrating an anniversary or big event? Pick items that convey the celebration.

Finally, a color palette is another great way to keep everything in the care package coordination. Consider the most common colors of a particular season or holiday. You can mix the colors up as long as they don’t clash. For example, stick with warmer colors like orange and red if you are creating a care package for the fall. White, red and green fit well with winter holiday packages. When in doubt, use the colors of your business (often found in the logo) to coordinate everything with minimal effort.

Welcome first-time clients

Crafting effective care packages for first-time clients can be hard since you may lack an extensive relationship, personal information or other details. One safe way to get around this challenge is with a welcome package.

You can use promotional products to communicate any details new clients need to know about your business. A good package can also specify the value and benefits the client has to look forward to in the future.

Once again, more common products are easier to include in a welcome kit. Look at apparel and office products that show off the brand and may come in handy in the client's life.

Sending this type of package will let your client know your business cares right from the very start. It's also a great way to give them important information on your business's brand, history, service, and other specific details. A good welcome kit is useful, educational and possibly entertaining all at the same time.

Get the details right

It's important to remember that creating a care package is a skill you can develop. Expect a little bit of trial and error to get it right. Some motivation and persistence will go a long way to making a care package that positively affects your clients.

If you take the time to consider product options and plan out the theme, you’ll be on your way to a successful client care package. Or just get some help from the pros. All it takes is some planning and expertise to find the right items to create the perfect kit.

Posted by Admin in Marketing Ideas, 0 comments
The benefits of BPA-free water bottles

The benefits of BPA-free water bottles

When exploring our selection of custom water bottles, you may have noticed that we have several styles labeled as BPA-free. You’ve probably heard this phrase before—BPA-free—but have you ever stopped to give it much thought? Choosing products that don’t contain this potentially harmful chemical is good for the health and well-being of the people and the planet. Let’s take a deep dive into why you should make all of your corporate giveaways BPA-free.

What is BPA?

BPA (bisphenol A) is an industrial chemical that is employed in the manufacture of some plastics and epoxy resins. It is generally used to coat the inside of plastics, including in your food storage containers, measuring cups, drinkware, and water bottles, in order to help the plastic last longer and not wear away over time. Unfortunately, the downfall of this coating is that the BPA can seep into whatever the container is holding, including food and water. Though the FDA and the U.S. Department of Health say they don’t yet know how risky BPA is when consumed regularly, some studies do indicate that it could be harmful to our bodies.

Why choose BPA-free?

Whether you’re looking for great ways to boost your employee wellness program or are setting up at a trade show and want to hand out health-focused giveaways, there are a few reasons why custom BPA-free water bottles should earn your attention over lesser quality ones.

  • They’re better for your body—The primary reason to keep your giveaways BPA-free is because the stuff is not good for us, plain and simple. Though the full spectrum of health risks aren’t yet entirely known, BPA has been shown to play a role in hormone-dependent tumors, including breast and prostate cancer, as well as infertility. Studies have also linked the chemical to heart disease, diabetes, asthma, fetal brain development, and body weight. BPA is considered an “endocrine disrupter” and may disrupt hormone levels.
  • They’re better for your brain—Interestingly, consuming large amounts of BPA may be especially bad for your most vital organ. Researchers found that BPA may suppress certain genes and predispose people to certain neurodevelopmental disorders. Some studies also link BPA to memory loss and a lowered capacity to learn, while others suggest that it may have an effect on the brain and behavior of young children.
  • They’re not afraid of heat—One of the primary issues with BPA-laden containers is that the chemical can seep into their contents, especially when they are microwaved. According to the Harvard Medical School, migration of BPA and phthalates may be greater when microwaving fatty foods, including meats and cheeses. While it probably isn’t a good idea to microwave BPA-free plastic—the effects of microwaving plastic in general is not yet widely known—it is an absolute no-no to microwave BPA products.
  • They’re better for the environment—BPA affects the environment in the same way that it affects the human body: by disrupting hormones. Studies show that BPA can mimic animal hormones and cause defects and reproduction issues in some aquatic animals. Of course, when BPA is disposed and enters the landfill, the chemicals then seep into the local environment and pollute the soil and waterways.
  • They’re higher quality—Usually, when you’re buying products labeled as BPA-free, you’re probably dealing with manufacturers and designers who care about quality and aren’t simply trying to produce the largest amount of goods for the lowest possible price. When you opt for BPA-free water bottles, for example, you’ll find that they tend to last longer and do a better job of regulating temperature.

Spotting BPA-free products

Anytime you need freebies and giveaways for trade shows, employee onboarding kits, and corporate giveaways, make sure that you only hand out items that don’t contain this pesky chemical. So how can you tell if a product is BPA-free? Your best bet is to shop with a company like us that offers top-quality, branded BPA-free drinkware. To be sure you’re not accidentally consuming BPA, make sure that all your plastic items are labeled with a 1, 2, or 5 surrounding the recycling symbol on the bottom.

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Holiday Party Goodies: four promotional gifts employees will love

Holiday Party Goodies: four promotional gifts employees will love

The Holidays are the perfect time to let those close to you know that you care – including your employees. A simple holiday goody is a great way to let them know you appreciate their work. Better still, giving well-made promotional gifts is an excellent way to accent holiday parties and give party-goers something unique and useful for the holiday season.

We like to make sure the holiday season is done right. If you want to treat your hardworking employees to something special for this time of year, we have a few great custom promotional products in mind.

The quick and simple care package

The good news is you don’t need to spend a lot of money to pamper your employees for the holidays. If you are in a pinch or need to keep costs down, think about promotional gifts you’d normally reserve for expos or client care packages. Simple, inexpensive gifts are easy to bundle to give employees a small care package of their own.

The trick is to mix things up with the package. Water bottles, T-shirts, hats, notepads, pens and other small things grouped together can make the perfect care package with the right pairings. If you have many employees, make one or two bundles themed around the holidays or your business. For smaller businesses or holiday parties, personalize the gift package with items you know each employee will enjoy. A little bit of time and thought will produce a care package that lets your employees know you are thinking of them.

Gifts for warmth

Get into the spirit of the season more with promotional gifts that keep the cold at bay. The fall and winter months are the perfect time to give employees something they can use to warm up and get cozy at work or home.

Branded custom blankets and sweatshirts, for example, offer plenty of warmth and make great individualized gifts. In addition to the company logo, you can add some personalized details without spending too much extra.

Spice it up with little things that deliver a lot of warmth. Leather-wrapped candles are great for adding some mood lighting and accent design into a space. The leather sleeve also is a great place for custom branding or additional content to make the employee's gift unique and personal to them. Drinkware is an especially popular choice during the colder months when people reach for their favorite blends of tea, coffee, cider or hot chocolate to warm up.

Gifts you can eat

Do you want to appeal to your employees’ taste buds? Food is always a great way to celebrate the holidays and to offer something people can enjoy right in the moment. For holiday parties, edible gifts also add to the festivities when people are in a sharing mood.

Like care packages, approach food as a bundled or assorted gift. A little bit of variety goes a long way, especially if you don't know the personal tastes of your employees. Assortment boxes full of snacks or desserts, for example, give employees a little taste of many things that may tickle their taste buds. Keep allergies and dietary choices in mind if you decide to go the edible route.

Go high tech

To really jazz up your employees’ holiday experience, add a little electricity into the mix. Employees often find high tech promotional gifts to be more useful and appreciated more than a traditional gift. It's not as expensive as you think - you don't have to get everyone a new smartphone or tablet to give some great tech gifts.

Tech accessories are perfect as gifts for the holidays. Since all fancy devices need power, consider something like a custom wireless charger or power bank binder that's small enough to be used on the go. Bluetooth headphones and USB devices are also perfect to show off your logo and expand the functionality of a laptop or computer.

Want to keep costs low on tech gifts? Computer cases and travel bags are less expensive than smart devices but offer a lot of value to your employees. A good laptop case, for example, adds some personalized style and protection to the device during travel or everyday use.

Making gifts count

It doesn't take a lot to spread the caring mood of the holiday season to your employees. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, custom promotional gifts are great for office parties and events during this season. Put a little thought and effort into finding the perfect gifts so everyone will enjoy the experience.

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Employee Wellness: Tips to Keep the Flu at Bay

Employee Wellness: Tips to Keep the Flu at Bay

Flu season is upon us. It’s time to restock the medical supply cabinet with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, to prepare for an uptick in sick day redemptions, and to get your flu shot. 

Implementing a flu-preventive strategy is the best way to keep your employees informed about the flu and to create a healthy work environment. 

How the flu can affect business. 

The flu can impact a company’s bottom line when preventative actions aren’t put into place or followed through. A company incurs a cost when an employee takes a sick day, of course, but also when he or she comes into work under the weather. 

Team members who are feeling ill are less productive and can make others sick when coming to work. When this happens, payroll and human resources see a spike in sick day requests. The Disability Management Employer Coalition estimates that lost workdays increase up to 30% when employees come to work sick, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates $7 billion in paid sick days and lost productivity.  

With these statistics in mind, it’s important to have a flu-preventative strategy in place to combat this cyclical virus. Each year a new strain emerges, which can have a detrimental domino effect on your staff. When one worker shows symptoms, others soon follow. Take action now before the flu greatly affects your business. Keep the flu at bay this year in your office with these tips:

Tips to keep the flu at bay:

  1. Offer a flu shot incentive

    Offering an incentive is a great way to make flu shots happen. Sure, not getting sick should be incentive enough. However, everyone needs a push now and then. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine, so offer something like a point-based system for when employees hit a certain goal, they can redeem their points for a prize of some kind. 

    For example, award 100 points for all those who’ve signed up and received their flu shot. When an employee reaches their target goal, they can cash in their points for a reward. If you have part-time or contract employees, incentivize them by offering to cover the full or a portion of the flu shot cost.

  2. Hand out wellness giveaways

    Gifts can do wonders for getting a group of people on board for an activity. Passing out employee wellness giveaways is an excellent way to promote employee health. Employee wellness giveaway ideas you might consider include yoga mats, stress reliever balls, fitness activity trackers, mini first-aid kits, and tote-sized hand sanitizers. 

  3. Routinely sanitize and disinfect

    Ramp up the routine of sanitizing and disinfecting the areas around the office – don’t forget the air you breathe in! You can reduce the amount of virus-laden germs employees come into contact with by wiping down everything, including desks, light switches, the breakroom refrigerator handle, and countertops.

    Make supplies, like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, air sanitizing spray, and hand soap, easily accessible so employees can grab them as needed. It might be a good idea to stock up on some tissues too, just in case.

  4. Encourage flu education

    Whether it’s through friendly e-blast reminders or tips, or informative webinars about flu prevention techniques, encouraging flu education is a must around the office. Send tips to your staff a couple of times a week to remind them of best practices during the flu season, statistics on flu shots, and where to find cleaning products for sanitizing their workspace.

  5. Bring flu shots to the office

    Providing employees in-office flu shots is an excellent way to boost morale and protect the company and its employees. The convenience of walking down the hall from your desk to have a shot administered, rather than taking time off to drive to the doctor’s office, is a huge benefit to your employees. 

    Employers see great perks of having a vaccination clinic in-office. Less time is taken off by staff to get vaccinated, there’s a decrease in illness absences, and vaccinations are typically covered by the company’s health insurance plan. 

  6. Allow work from home flexibility

    If you want to keep the virus from spreading, be flexible when it comes to employees working from home. Since the flu isn’t restricted to just the office, allow those with sick children and other family members to remote in if possible. 

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that those with the flu are the most contagious during the first three days of showing symptoms and should remain home for at least 24 hours after their fever is broken without help from OTC medicine. A fever may not be present in an employee, and those individuals should stay home 4-5 days after onset of symptoms. 

Don’t forget to include your clients and customers!

Make sure to include your clients and customers in your flu-preventive strategy. You can do this through a marketing campaign! This campaign should be educational and show that you care about them. Below are some ideas for your flu preventive marketing campaign targeting your clients and customers:

  • Health and wellness kit. Send your clients and customers a fun, fully-loaded kit that contains everything they need to get through the challenging cold and flu season. A thoughtful kit of products can help them (and their customers/clients) stay healthy. 
  • Infographic e-blast. Educate your clients by sending them an infographic with flu prevention tips. Be sure you include statistics about washing hands, keeping office desks clean, and what to do if they begin to feel ill. 
  • Social sharing. Share your flu education content, including art assets, infographics, and blogs, on your social media channels. You’ll reach more customers and clients with your posts and increase engagement in the process. 

Consider introducing an employee wellness program.

Companies that implement an employee wellness program are investing in their human capital. A successful program is one that is informative but also encourages employee participation in a fun and engaging way. 

Many programs emphasize the importance of inclusive employee health, from physical to mental and even financial health. A program generally includes biometric screenings, educational seminars and workshops, assistance programs, and a goal-setting platform where participants can track their progression. 

Programs are often incentivized to motivate employees, whether it’s through the gifting of promotional water bottles or duffel bags, free gym memberships, or setting up a group exercise competition. Employers have benefits as well. With healthier employees hard at work, you’ll see an increase in productivity. 

Team members enjoy working at companies that have workplace wellness programs as part of their company culture. Staff retention is a huge benefit in addition to a reduction in absenteeism and health risks. Employee wellness programs work so well that they have been shown to boast an average return on investment of about 6:1, according to a study by the Harvard Business Review

Craft a flu-preventive strategy now!

Keep these tips in mind when you’re creating a flu-preventative strategy in the workplace. Flu education is the most important resource. Make sure that your staff knows where they can find these resources, when and where they can sign up for a vaccination appointment, and what items (like a health insurance card) they need to bring with them on the day of. You got this! 

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You can’t go wrong with custom koozies (6 reasons why)

You can’t go wrong with custom koozies (6 reasons why)

As a marketing professional, it’s imperative that you find effective promotional items that capture your brand’s spirit and do their job. The American Marketing Association (AMA) reports that promotional products can increase brand effectiveness by as much as 44 percent, but some products are more useful than others.

In the hierarchy of promotional giveaways, custom Koozie® can coolers rank high because they tick all the effectiveness boxes—they’re desirable, useful, and easy to hand out to big crowds. Not only are custom can koozies popular for giving out at trade shows, job fairs and special events, they’re also great for rewarding high-performance employees and thanking your customers. Here’s why.

  1. They’re major crowd-pleasers—If your business has a fresh, youthful feel—or if it just so happens to make beverages in cans or bottles—then you can bet your target audience will love custom koozies. One of the great things about branded drinkware is that it can be used by anyone. It’s not limited to a certain age group, region, or need. Anyone who spends time in the outdoors during the warmer months knows how valuable a trusty can koozie can be!
  2. They get used again and again—Another important metric for measuring a promotional item’s value is how often it will get used. Notably, we rarely choose disposable branded swag because it simply wouldn’t leave enough impressions. The promotional items that get the most use—things like can koozies, phone chargers and pens—are the ones that will make the most and longest-lasting impressions. Koozies get used again and again for years, solidifying your company’s name and purpose into the minds of users.
  3. They’re affordable enough for big gives—Marketing pros often seek out promotional goods that are simultaneously small, affordable and big-impact, and custom koozies are all of those things. While they consistently reach the top of the best-sellers list, koozies don’t require you to shell out a huge portion of your branding budget. We offer promotional koozies that start at just $0.41 for large quantity orders, so you can stock up by the case and always have an affordable company giveaway on hand.
  4. They can still be premium—Despite the fact that koozies are generally an affordable giveaway choice, they can still be used as premium gifts for important clients, new hires and partners. For a higher-end option, choose Koozie® brand koozies or Kolder Kaddy koozies. If you really want to make your koozies stand out in a crowd, be sure to choose promotional can coolers by YETI® or Thermos®.
  5. They suit many company narratives—Another reason why we love branded koozies is because they help you tell your company’s special story. If you sell a product or service that has to do with tailgating, the beach, college life, food and drinks or vacationing, then you know can koozies will quickly get snatched up when you’re out in the field promoting. And because koozies can be customized in many unique colors and themes, you can be sure they will fit your branding goals no matter what they are.
  6. They can ship fast for any event—At Pinnacle Promotions, we’re dedicated to helping companies get high-quality promotional items fast. We are happy to offer 24-hour rush service on some promotional koozies so that you can get the perfect promo giveaways for any event, even last-minute ones. Be sure to look for products listed as RocketShip™ if you need rush promotional items for an upcoming event.

Knock it out of the park with custom koozies

Ready to order your promotional beer koozies? All we need is your vector artwork and we will get to work designing your promotional goods right away. While we primarily make koozies for trade shows and business purposes, we are happy to work with you to develop koozies for special events as well. For all of your inquiries, reach out to us and we’ll guide you through the entire process.

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