Apparel

Oct

2009

Congratulations to the Winner of Our Promotional Products IQ Test!

The odds were in her favor to win, as she happened to be the only entrant, but all joking aside, this contestant did happen to score 100% on yesterday’s Promotional Products IQ Test! Congratulations, Cameron; you will receive your goodie bag shortly.

As for the answers:

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS IQ TEST:
1. Which former president of the United States is often associated with the start of the promotional products industry?
Answer: That would be George Washington, the first ever president of our country.

2. What item affiliated with (1) is credited with being the first promotional product?
Answer: The promotional products industry in the United States is said to date back to 1789, when George Washington incorporated commemorative promotional buttons into his political campaign.

3. Name three imprint methods that can be used to customize promotional products.
Answer: Any number of answers would be considered correct for this one, but to name a few promotional products imprint methods: screenprint, laser engraving, deboss, emboss, and embroidered.

4. What does the acronym “EQP” stand for?

Answer: End quantity pricing. When purchasing promotional products, some items are offered at special pricing plans. EQP is one such offering, where customers can buy a given product at the price given for quantities of the largest denomination, even when they may in fact be purchasing the lowest available quantity. ie for t-shirt A, the price for 50-99 items may be $4.00 each, but for quantities of 1000+, the price may be $2.50 each. If t-shirt A is being sold on EQP, a customer is able to pay $2.50 even when they may only be buying 75 shirts. Many products sold by Pinnacle Promotions are offered at EQP pricing so be on the lookout for these great deals!

5. What is the approximate estimated annual value of the promotional products industry?
a. $15 million
b. $150 million
c. $25 billion
d. $18 billion
Answer: According to the 2008 PPAI Estimate of Promotional Products Consultants Sales, the answer is closest to d. $18 billion.

6. What was the top-selling category of promotional products in 2008?
a. Writing instruments
b. Wearables
c. Tote bags
d. Padfolios
Answer: That would be b. Wearables. In 2008, this category comprised a whopping 30.68% of total promotional product sales!

For those of you who ran out of time before you had the chance to enter, I hope you learned something about promotional products by reading this answer guide, and next time we hold a contest make sure to submit your entry before time runs out! :)

Sep

2009

Warning: Shameless Promotional Ideas to Follow

Since September is nationally designated as “shameless promotion month” and last week was my first week here at Pinnacle Promotions, I figured doing my first blog post about promotional items and strategies would be more than fitting. After all, who doesn’t love talking about themselves?

Before joining the Pinnacle team, I did a little research about the promotional products industry and learned a few fun facts. For example, the education industry spends the most money on promotional products, while restaurants and bars round out the top ten. But then I started thinking more about promotional material, and realized it truly is everywhere you look.

Using celebrities to promote corporate interests is nothing new and I’m sure you can think of a million celebrity endorsements just off the top of your head. Tiger Woods and Nike. Michael Jordan and Gatorade. Even Oprah’s Book Club promotes certain authors over others. Get your book on her list, and you are as good as gold!

But for companies who can’t afford the sky-high prices of celebrity spokespeople, just turn to the people you have access too. After all, your employees are the face of your company and their hard work is your best asset. Promotional products are a great way to thank them for everything they do while also increasing your marketing efforts.

To create a look like Tiger’s, choose from our wide range of customizable caps, polo shirts or even golf accessories to help employees record their golf scores. And, with our great selection of promotional sports bottles, you can emphasize the importance of hydration and promote internal teamwork without spending a fortune to hire Michael Jordan. Even though shameless promotion month is almost over, it’s never too late to get your name out there and strengthen your brand!

All this talk of Jordan makes me think of Chicago, my hometown. And, since it is the end of the month and therefore my last chance to talk a little about myself, I leave you with a video of my favorite moment in Chicago Bulls history:

Sep

2009

Pinnacle Poem: An Ode to Promotional Products

Since its creation in 1994,
Pinnacle Promotions has been a promotional company that offers more.
Providing customized solutions for any marketing or branding need,
With all exclusive services designed around one overriding goal – speed.
From processing orders with our service of 24-Hour Rocketship Express,
To saving you time with custom IdeaKits that are sure to impress.
Let our dedicated Account Teams help you find unique products of quality,
And know that your order will arrive on time, and as approved, with our Platinum Guarantee!

From apparel, to drinkware, to stress balls galore,
Check out everything we have to offer in our online store!
We have journals, pens, backpacks, candles, candy jars and toys,
We have magnets, spa kits, golf balls, lanyards, and shirts for girls and boys!
We have accessories for travel and fitness, for your computer, your cell phone, and your car,
We have gifts that tell time, display photos, play games, and even stock your bar!
Whether for man or woman, young or old, business or pleasure, or all,
We have thousands of products for everyone in our virtual product mall!

Too many products to choose one on your own?
Just e-mail us, live chat or pick up the phone.
With account managers who know the industry like the back of their hand,
Their insight and knowledge can help find the perfect item for your brand.
What about custom artwork and logo designs?
Our graphics team can produce amazing samples that go beyond basic lines.
Let us help you along each step of your promotional products decision,
And help us enhance your overall marketing vision!

Sep

2009

Make Flu Shots Less Painful with Promotional Bandages

Yesterday was a day that many Pinnacle employees had been dreading for several weeks (including Deidre, pictured here). The occasion can be summed up in a mere seven letters: FLU SHOT. We all knew it was in our best interest to suffer the brief pain associated with the shot; nevertheless, grumbling and complaining pervaded the office during the few hours prior to our scheduled visit from a certified healthcare professional. Several people opted for the painless flu mist, but the majority of staff members walked out of the make-shift flu shot station with that telling symbol of bravery adhering to our arms: a bandage.

As much as I hate shots, I have to admit that I always enjoyed going to the pediatrician and being able to choose my own bandage. Minnie Mouse was a favorite, but the Care Bears were a close second. Bandages, despite their short lifespans, are valuable promotional tools to advertise any brand, even a personal brand, as demonstrated by rap superstar Nelly in 2001 and basketball player Dwyane Wade in February of this year. Why not customize a bandage or bandage dispenser to communicate a unique message? Create a cohesive campaign based on the sentiment that your company can fix any “boo boo.” The originality you can employ when utilizing promotional bandages is unlimited- from font colors and styles, to patterned bandage containers, to catchy taglines, a bandage is an ideal blank canvas to feature your custom content.

While writing this blog post, I began to wonder about the history of designer bandages. As a product of the digital age, my first instinct was to turn to Google for answers. Here a few of the results I stumbled across, and I’ll let you pass your own judgments about whether these examples are fashion forward or just plain weird. What do you think about designer bandages? Leave a comment below with your opinion.

Dana
Team Lead – Social Media

Sep

2009

An Ode to 90s: Logo Apparel Inspired by the Original Beverly Hills, 90210

They say that history repeats itself – the economy rises and falls, bell bottoms go back in and out of style, and yes, even Beverly Hills, 90210 returned to prime-time television. The new version, retitled simply 90210, follows the original premise of a mid-western brother/sister duo suddenly re-rooted to the upscale, fast-paced community of Beverly Hills, California, where they encounter extraordinary trials and tribulations that viewers are manipulated to believe are somewhat ordinary occurrences for teenagers attending West Beverly High. The new 90210, subsequently, chronicles the youths’ encounters with numerous divisive issues, and with only one season under its belt has already broached the topics of alcoholism, drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy, not to mention the issues that arise from the fact that the show’s central family includes an adopted African-American son.

It’s not surprising to find that the classic teen drama series has been recreated for this generation, as its structure fits right in to the current teen television trend featuring rich high school kids living in rich, prominent cities facing rich, lifestyle dramas that most of us can hardly relate to, à la Gossip Girl, The OC, and probably countless others. But 90210, and its predecessors, owe thanks to the original Beverly Hills, 90210 – the first teen show to enter prime-time and touch controversial issues against the backdrop of the rich and fabulous. The breakthrough show stayed on TV screens for an entire decade, with a groundbreaking and influential spirit to which its replicates cannot compare.

Not only has the television show itself seen a recent reincarnation, the trends of its era are also coming back in style, with flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and over-sized blazers making the runways the past few seasons look as if they were the halls of West Beverly. That famous zip code that sparked a revolution in teen television, also created an arena to influence the world of fashion, or at least the teenage girls who tuned in weekly. Interested in incorporating some Beverly Hills, 90210 style into your wardrobe? Then take a look at the following 90s-inspired logo apparel, some of which has made a stylized comeback today:

-a baggy, colored t-shirt to tuck into your acid wash jeans like altruistic Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestly) – a style currently made popular by American Apparel’s unisex tees.

-a men’s – style denim work-shirt like dramatic sister Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) would pair with her high-waisted Levi’s – which is also featured in current Gap ads and cleverly named, “Boyfriend Chambray Shirt.”

– a leather bomber jacket for wealthy and spoiled Steve Sanders (Ian Zeiring) – whose version by Kate Moss for TopShop is constantly sold out.

-and classic Ray Ban Wayfarer-style sunglasses for bad boy Dylan McKay (Luke Perry) – which can today be seen worn by the likes of everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Matthew McConaughey.

Sep

2009

Serving Up Promotional Products – and Tennis Champs – in Norcross

Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters won her second United States Open title this weekend, defeating challenger Caroline Wozniack of Denmark in the woman’s singles finals on the 24,000 seat Arthur Ashe stadium, not having even played there since her first victory in 2005. But one of the other most notable achievements of the tournament this year was the success of 17-year-old Melanie Oudin, who trained at the Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, Georgia – which happens to be less than 5 miles away from the Pinnacle Promotions office! Only her second time to play in the US Open, Oudin defeated top seated players Elena Dementieva, Maria Sharapova, and Nadia Petrova, to become the youngest American tennis player to compete in the quarter-finals since Serena Williams in 1999. Though she lost in the quarter-finals to Caroline Wozniacki, her overall performance in the tournament and her fighting determination that enabled her to advance each round after being down after the first set in three straight matches has made her an overnight tennis sensation with the talent and will to become a champion.

In honor of Miss Oudin of Norcross, today’s blog is going to feature – you guessed it – promotional tennis items. At Pinnacle Promotions we have more products relating to tennis than you could imagine! From custom imprinted tennis balls and jersey tennis polo shirts, to tennis can koozies and tennis ball stress relievers, tennis players and fans can choose from an assortment of tennis items for any marketing campaign.

Jaime
Creative Writing Intern

Sep

2009

Promote Your Brand with Brand Name Promotional Products

Within the social structure of the United States, and any other developed nation really, there is a preoccupation with symbols of status – consumer products being one of them – used to denote one’s position within society. Though the nature of any correlation between these notions is highly subjective, it is hard to deny that those consumer products with brand names or designer labels are regarded as ones denoting wealth and prestige, and generally lie within the realms of the upper class. While many of these so-called designer items do rightfully align themselves with the rich and wealthy, owing to the quality of their goods, the true determination of their value is merely a social construct, initially developed from marketing schemes and sustained by consumer perceptions. More than just name recognition and the benefits of that familiarity, along with a brand name comes an identity of quality and excellence.

Your company can benefit from these marketing efforts of already recognizable labels by using their promotional products, and ultimately pairing your name with their reputation. At Pinnacle Promotions, we carry brand name promotional items such as promotional pens by Bic®, tools and watches by Swiss Army®, and office accessories by Alicia Klein®, just to name a few. Promotional products with brand names will be sure to impress clients and employees, and recipients will be even more likely to keep these products that they recognize to be of a certain value. You can see our entire collection of brand name promotional items by clicking here.

Aug

2009

Promotional Products on the Soapbox Track!

This Saturday I had the great pleasure of attending my first ever soapbox race!

Atlanta was lucky enough to be one of two cities selected to host this year’s annual Red Bull Soapbox Race. Red Bull closed off 10th street in Midtown Atlanta and created a curvy track that tested the skills of each driver and the agility of each handcrafted soapbox car.

Fifty teams entered the human-powered race to compete for the coveted title of first place and a weekend NASCAR experience in Charlotte, NC. Each team was judged on their speed, creativity and showmanship. With each team being encouraged to perform a skit, dance or some form of entertainment prior to their race down the track, there was no shortage of leprechauns, lederhosen, togas and other various “characters” walking the streets of Midtown.

The race was loads of fun and I was incredibly appreciative of the fact that admission to such a fun and popular event was free. And being such a nut about cool advertising techniques, I couldn’t help but notice the promotional products and amazing branding that Red Bull does for this once-a-year event.

As we walked from the train station towards the race, we followed the banners (not to mention crowds of people!) to the designated entrance. An imprinted hand fan was the first item we received as we walked the path to the Pit to see the soapbox cars before the race. Then we received an icy-cold free Red Bull. FREE. Yay! That almost never happens anymore. With the free drink and an invitation to their outdoor lounge area, I actually felt like a VIP for a minute! After we found the perfect place to watch the race, the Red Bull crew (wearing Red Bull tanks) distributed imprinted bells to those lining the track. While that was the extent of the giveaways I actually witnessed (although I did see several Red Bull custom shaped coolers in passing), I would bet that near the finish line and judges’ station (we were at the starting line) many other items were offered as well.

Take a tip from Red Bull when planning your events. Getting your name out into the public is a great way to generate knowledge and demand for your products or services. Need to create buzz about your event? Promotional banners are a great way to market an upcoming event. Post them in areas surrounding the location of the event. They’ll help promote beforehand and add to the excitement the day of. Hosting an outdoor event? Offer guests imprinted hand fans to help them cool off. There’s nothing worse than a cranky crowd of thousands of sweaty people! And make sure to set up drink stations where people can take a quick break from the festivities and grab a water, or in this case, possibly a Red Bull.

While you may not have a tangible free sample of your product to offer or the financial backing to organize such a large-scale event, you can still use some of the demonstrated tips and tricks used by Red Bull to promote and generate excitement about your company. Remember to have fun with your marketing. Entertaining guests and attendants and giving them a promotional product to take home is a great way to increase your corporate branding.

Kim
Marketing Coordinator

Aug

2009

Promotional Products for the Hippie Inside Us All

So I’m a couple of days late, but this week (August 15-18) marked the 40th anniversary of what is now regarded as one of the most monumental events in music history, and an icon of the 1960’s hippie counterculture, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. Billed as “3 Days of Peace & Music” – which ran over into a fourth day – the Woodstock festival lured over 400,000 concertgoers despite heat, rain and mud, to a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York (43 miles south of the actual town of Woodstock, New York) for a queue of 32 live acts from the likes of the Grateful Dead; Janis Joplin; Creedence Clearwater Revival; The Who; Jefferson Airplane; Joe Cocker; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few.

It was originally spawned as a fundraising effort by four young men (the oldest of whom was 27 in the summer of ’69) to raise money to build a recording studio in Woodstock, NY where artists like Bob Dylan and Richard Manuel already resided. Their idea began as a 2-day rock concert for 50,000 people or so in Wallkill, NY, with tickets ranging in price from $7 to $18. It would evolve into the free, 4-day, half a million people event in Bethel it became thanks to the citizens of Wallkill passing a last minute law banning the concert, early arrivals camping out before security gates were placed, and an ultimate decision to make the concert free instead of attempting to pool resources to improve fencing and security. Despite the challenges and changes, the crowds, the rain, the hour-long lines for the toilet, and the result of a $1 million debt and 70 filed lawsuits, Woodstock still produced an overall sense of success as, with the potential for riot and disaster, there was only social harmony and great music.

In honor of Woodstock’s anniversary, I have compiled a list of promotional products to help bring out the hippie that inevitably lies somewhere within us all, the part of our minds and souls where there is only room for peace, love and music.

An acid wash t-shirt – because actual acid was made illegal by the Controlled Substances Act in 1970.

A bandana – because you need something to cover up your greasy, dread-like locks.

Aviator-style sunglasses – because your eyes will need shade from the bright, summer sun.

And of course, a lighter – because legend claims that the practice of waving lighters at concerts began during Woodstock when candles were held aloft as the sun went down and Melanie took the stage.

Jaime
Creative Writing Intern

Aug

2009

“Saved by the Bell”: The Pinnacle Years (Continued)

And now for Part Two of Friday’s blog tribute to “Saved by the Bell”… What better way to discuss promotional products than by relating them to a television series that impacted so many lives throughout its time on the air?

Kelly: Kelly Kapowski’s peppy personality, natural beauty, and adoration for her large family quickly made her America’s Sweetheart. When her father lost his job, she insisted on giving back the money he had given her to buy her dream prom dress to help with family expenses. For employees or clients who, like Kelly, possess the admirable qualities of selflessness and generosity, why not encourage them to pamper themselves for once, instead of only looking out for the well-being of others? Products featured in our “Pamper Yourself (Spa)” category can provide valued customers and staff with the necessary tools to relax and treat themselves to some “me” time.

Lisa: Lisa Turtle was always sassy, strong-willed, and most of all, stylish! For fashionistas like Lisa, our selection of Fashion Totes or Women’s Apparel will help them set the trends, as well as promoting your brand as hip and cutting-edge. In multiple episodes, Lisa’s friends often walked into her bedroom unannounced to find her doing aerobics along with a videotape. The popularity of Aerobics is undeniable, and items related to the fitness craze are great options to promote healthy exercise habits. Some of the newest (and in my opinion, coolest!) workout accessories to hit the market are balance boards. These pieces of equipment challenge the user’s coordination, core strength, and flexibility. And now, you can customize them with your brand logo and marketing message! Both men and women can utilize this innovative fitness tool, as it can definitely spice up an otherwise repetitive workout regimen.

Jessie: Jessie Spano’s determination, intellect, and competitive nature were admirable qualities that made her successful in any endeavor she undertook at Bayside. Whether she was advocating for women’s rights by criticizing Slater’s chauvinistic ways or attending protests related to preserving the environment, Jessie certainly spoke up for what she believed in. If you are looking for promotional gifts to please recipients dedicated to protecting the environment, consider items from our EarthSmart™ category. These selections are made from recycled materials, recyclable, and/or help conserve energy. In addition, Pinnacle donates a portion of the proceeds from sales of these items to 1% for the Planet so that the money can be put to good use by non-profit environmental groups. If the audience you intend to target with your promotional products is associated with philanthropic organizations, take a look at our Non-Profit/Associations category to find the perfect gifts or giveaways.

I hope you enjoyed these blast-from-the-past blog posts inspired by one of TV’s most memorable sitcoms as much as I enjoyed writing them! Next time you purchase promotional products, draw from the world around you (including the fictional world housed in your television screen!) for ideas, and take the characteristics of your intended recipient(s) into account when selecting ideal custom imprinted gifts.

Dana
Marketing Coordinator

Apparel

Congratulations to the Winner of Our Promotional Products IQ Test!

Warning: Shameless Promotional Ideas to Follow

Pinnacle Poem: An Ode to Promotional Products

Make Flu Shots Less Painful with Promotional Bandages

An Ode to 90s: Logo Apparel Inspired by the Original Beverly Hills, 90210

Serving Up Promotional Products – and Tennis Champs – in Norcross

Promote Your Brand with Brand Name Promotional Products

Promotional Products on the Soapbox Track!

Promotional Products for the Hippie Inside Us All

“Saved by the Bell”: The Pinnacle Years (Continued)

Recent Posts

Browse by Category

Archives

Get blog updates via email