logo apparel

Feb

2015

3 Surprising Things You Don’t Know About…Promotional Apparel

When shopping for promotional apparel, don’t make the mistake of missing out on 3 key factors that matter and should be part of your decision-making process.

We interviewed our Sr. Merchandising Manager Megan McConnell and she shared her top 3 things that people need to know about purchasing promotional apparel.

Protection Factors

The trend of protection factors in fabrics also applies to promotional apparel. OSHA recommends your workforce be protected from UV Rays and monitor themselves for skin cancer regularly.

Many customizable items have fabric that is rated for UVA-blocking ingredients. Also, you can find micro-bacterial fabrics throughout promotional categories such as apparel and even home goods.

Port Authority Ladies Tech Pique Polo

Port Authority Tech Pique Polo

Quality Standards

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has strict requirements for apparel labeled or sold as “Youth” apparel. The fabric must be labeled for origin of location, contents and safety issues like flammability. A hooded promotional sweatshirt labeled for “Youth” does not have drawstrings around the hood, per USCPSC guidelines.

Gildan Youth Heavy Blend Hood

Get a sample!

Pinnacle recommends you request an actual sample when purchasing promotional apparel or uniforms. This helps with both product use and sizing. With a sample in hand, you can see better how the embroidered image will look and you can get a feel for sizing in length and width. Looking for tall or extended sizes? Talk to your Account Manager for more information! Call us today at 800-351-4226.

When thinking about promotional apparel for your organization or your customers, think about these 3 surprising things that help guarantee the customized apparel you choose will help you to Make the right impression.™

Pinnacle Promotions

3 Surprising things about Promotional Apparel! – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

Click To Tweet

Jan

2015

3 Surprising Things You Don’t Know About…Embroidery

Embroidery, as a process, goes back thousands of years. The earliest recorded embroidered garment dates back to 700 CE. Today, the embroidery process is completely digitized, though some of the foundations of embroidery are still key to the process as a whole.

Old Tools

-Hoop
The use of the embroider hoop dates back to the beginning of the process. They were originally made of wood, bone or ivory. Today, they are made of wood or plastic. Even machines with multiple stations still require one hoop per station. Hoops are necessary to keep the fabric taut while working.

Photo by Teunie

-Fabric
Thread or yarn is used in the embroidery process. Modern commercial embroidery thread is most often made of cotton or rayon, and available in unlimited color combinations.

New Tools

-Computer design
“In 1980, Wilcom introduced the first computer graphics embroidery design system to run on a minicomputer. “
The ability to design a multi-colored image has come a long way, but it still the hardest art to set-up because it requires the highest minimum font sizes. Detail is limited because in embroidery you are using thread instead of ink, and are confined by the size of the thread.

-Computer machinery
Current embroidery machinery can run more than 55 heads at once with more than 25 colors at one time. Tajima and Barudan are two top embroidery machine manufacturers.

Photo from Tajima

Method

-Process
The age-old process of pulling the fabric tight, setting it into a hoop and stitching into it, remains the same. However, the types of fabric and the speed of which determines the length of the process. The average logo contains approx. 8,000 stitches or less.

-Material
Embroidery is a sturdier, more substantial imprint process than screen-printing. You can embroider on most fabrics, from cotton to blends to full polyester or rayon. The favorite location for apparel, and the spot that receives the most impressions, is the front, left chest.

Embroidery remains the second most popular imprint method for promotional apparel. The ability to customize embroider on a bucket hat or a polo shirt, a soft-side cooler or picnic blanket, allows the customer to be flexible in the promotional product choice, even when limited by design. Click for more information on other imprint methods. Contact us for more information about your logo and how we can embroider it on just about anything!

Pinnacle Promotions

Bet you didn’t know THIS about embroidery! – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

Click To Tweet

Dec

2014

The 20 Year Old T-Shirt

What an amazing year we have had at Pinnacle! We had so many great moments. One of our highlights was the fact that Pinnacle Promotions celebrated our 20th birthday this year! We threw a party, we had personalized balloons, we had custom sunglasses, we gave the Pinnacle entire team promotional t-shirts. We held a contest and gave away an iPad in a branded tablet cover as a Grand Prize, and logo’d Bluetooth speakers as a First Place Prize. All of this to say, will any of these promotional products be around 20 years from now?

Turns out the answer might just be YES!

We love this article about a t-shirt that resurfaced after 20 years and the search to restore it to its original owner. The focus of the original story was donated clothes winding up for sale in third-world countries. We have written similar posts. As one commenter states below, “(I) can tell you that there’s no lost value on “bad” clothing donations.”

A journalist noticed one shirt in particular that had personal details on the front and a name on the tag in the back. The man who saw the shirt decided to track down its original owner. With a little social media and a lot of luck…here’s what happened:

“We Found This 20-Year-Old T-Shirt In Kenya. The Internet Found The Original Owner”

Courtesy of Gregory Werner/NPR

Courtesy Jennifer Rasansky

The value of a promotional product never goes out of style. The average promotional item is kept for 6.6 months, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute’s Impression Study (link). And in this case, some are kept for more than 20 years! Look around; do you own a promotional product that you have had longer than 6 months, a year, 5 years, even 20 years? If so, snap a picture and post it to our Facebook wall at facebook.com/pinnaclepromotions.

Pinnacle Promotions

What’s the shelf life on a #promotionalproduct? 20+ years! The 20 Yr Old T-shirt!

Click To Tweet

Dec

2014

What’s your perfect gift? Enter Pinnacle Promotions The Perfect Gift Holiday Contest #PPPerfectGift

A new car with a big red bow? A baby? A service member returned home from duty? A t-shirt representing your favorite band? We want to know what is your idea of the perfect gift!

Last year, we wrote about the best gift you ever received. The post, and the accompanying contest, was a smashing success. So much so, that we wanted to do it again. This time, we want to know your idea of the perfect gift! Take a picture of your perfect gift. Upload your pic to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PPPerfect gift to be entered for a chance to win our awesome prize pack.

I entered for a chance to win @PinnaclePromos The #PPPerfectGift Holiday Contest. You can too!

Click To Tweet

Dec

2014

Case Study: Building a Strong Brand

Challenge

FLEETCOR is a leading independent global provider of specialized payment products and services. It serves 500,000 commercial with millions of cardholders across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa and Asia.

FLEETCOR was given the last minute authorization to order products for their upcoming Sales Incentive Trip, only four weeks away and in the Dominican Republic. They were looking for high quality products that met their branding guidelines but were on a tight deadline.

Solution

Since time was of the essence, Pinnacle created an IdeaKit in less than two hours, recommending products that historically have been successful and would deliver internationally in a timely manner. FLEETCOR selected six items for their event: The Starphire Glass Award, 5”x 7” Embossed Tropical Frames, Superior Weight Colored Beach Towels, Suncare Kits with added lip balm, the Alta Triton Water Bottle and the Riviera Striped Tote.

Since this order was shipping internationally, Pinnacle worked directly with a major global logistics provider and the client’s hotel to ensure delivery would go smoothly. We learned, however, after the items had landed in the Dominican Republic, that the logistics company was unable to make the delivery. Despite the significant setback, we worked with concierge at the hotel and hired a taxi to pick up the packages from the airport and drive three hours to make the delivery. The items arrived at the recipients’ hotel rooms that evening.

Result

FLEETCOR was extremely pleased with the outcome of their order, despite one item not clearing customs. FLEETCOR declared this to be the nicest collection of products that they had ever given away at a sales incentive trip. And, the Pinnacle and FLEETCOR teams were able to work together to select the perfect promotional items to help the client Make the right impression™.

Pinnacle Promotions

Oct

2014

Atlanta Idea Expo ‘14

“This was great! Got some ideas for future promotional items that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.”

This is just one of the quotes from people who attended Pinnacle Promotions Atlanta Idea Expo ’14. The event happened on September 17th, and was the first of its kind for Pinnacle. We invited area clients, and some clients from farther away, to spend the day at our new offices.

We invited 12 vendors to bring their best presentations, samples and ideas to share with our customers. Guests moved through the offices with a passport, showing destinations and directions for experiencing what each vendor had to offer. At the end of the day, we invited our guests to sign the back of their passport and drop it in a drawing for an iPad. Just for attending, guests were entered to win any number of prizes throughout the day including compu-backpacks, men’s and women’s all-weather apparel and even a golf bag.

Throughout the day, guests were welcome to stop at any one of the five educational sessions. Session topics included Holiday Gifts, Apparel, Case Studies, Company Stores and Social Media. The Apparel and Social Media sessions proved to be the most popular among the attendees. Ideas were flowing fast and fierce!

Guests left Pinnacle with goody bags full of samples and new information about smart products that they can use to promote their brand. They were able to complete sample request cards to get specific samples sent to them at their office for a closer look. They were able to leave with the experience of having spent the day with their co-workers or Pinnacle account teams. And, they were able to leave Pinnacle Promotions with sneak peeks into what promotional items are new and unique for 2015 as well as great ideas for ways to use popular branded items to gear up their team, reward employees or expand their audience.

Click to see more pictures from our event.
If you attended the event at our offices, please stop by our Google+ local page and leave a review about your experience!
And, stay tuned for news and information about our next great event!

Pinnacle Promotions

The expo was a HUGE success! {PICS} – A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

Click To Tweet

Aug

2014

9 Promotional Products that Didn’t Exist 20 Years Ago

Pinnacle Promotions recently celebrated our 20th birthday! Pinnacle owners Mitch and Dave Weintraub have been in this business long enough to see new products come and go. We decided to take a look back at promotional products that weren’t around 20 years ago when these two brothers started up the business.

1. Powerbanks

20 years ago no small, cellular phones even existed. No cellular phones, no need for the Powerbank as we know it today.

2. BPA Free Water Bottles

Bisphenol A has been used to make plastics since 1957. However in 1998 the government began to investigate potential safety concerns. A 2010 FDA report labeled BPA as potential hazardous to our health. This led to the creation of the BPA-free water bottle.

3. Neptune Screen Cleaning Cloth

Again, no small, cellular phones with touch screens no need for the Neptune Cloth screen cleaner.

4. Stylus Pen

No touch screen, no stylus!

5. Stemless Wine Glass

Reidel introduced the worlds fist stemless wine glass in 2004. “The tumbler, used for centuries as an all-around drinking vessel, is now turned into a sophisticated wine accessory.” https://www.pinnaclepromotions.com/promotional-product/9-oz-stemless-wine-taster-11804

6. Moustache Pen

While there were moustaches 20 years ago, there weren’t “hipsters.” Hence, the Moustache Pen.

7. Retro Boombox Cooler

20 years ago we were using actual boom boxes! Not, coolers dressed up to look like boom boxes that use Bluetooth technology to play music!

8. Clear Stadium Tote

While the clear bag may have existed 20 years ago, the clear bag for use at NFL games and other sporting events only existed since the beginning of the 2013 season in response to uncertainties following 9/11.

9. Full-color grocery tote with QR code

Full-color images have been around for a while. However, the inclusion of the QR code inside the color image is new. One client used the bag as a giveaway for conference attendees. When users activate the QR code, they were provided with the conference schedule and coupons for meals and local attractions that were exclusive to the QR code users.

Take a look around you right now! What things do you see that weren’t around 20 years ago? Tell us in the comments below.

Pinnacle Promotions

WARNING: This post might make you feel old! A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

Click To Tweet

May

2014

Shhhh! 3 Secrets to Growing Your Business

Promotional Products Generate New Business
Global Advertising Specialty Impressions Study, V. 4
By Larry Basinait

Each day, businesses and employees are hustling to bring in new opportunities to help their businesses grow. Business guru and master of growing the small business Gary Vaynerchuck says the number one way to grow your business is to recognize that we are in a “thank you economy.” Companies can do that by making marketing efforts more personal. One way to do this is to give promotional products to your employees, customers and potential customers.

Here are 3 secrets to using promotional products to help grow your business:

1. Match the audience: Whether your audience is your employees, clients or tradeshow attendees the best way to Make the right impression™ with promotional giveaways is to match the product to the audience. A branded credit card-style hand sanitizer would make a memorable tradeshow giveaway at a healthcare event. Custom printed t-shirts are ideal for the outdoor music festival volunteers.

2. Quality equals exposure: The average promotional item is kept 6.6 months. Quality outerwear such as a high-quality jacket continues to provide residual value over time. The same can be said for drinkware. The Wall Street Journal stated that a branded mug can be seen as often as five times per day by its owner. It is important to choose the right drinkware with the right imprint method to make sure the idea of quality is connected with the brand.

3. Be creative: Companies can really show off their thoughtfulness and creativity with the right promotional product. The avionic team that travels overseas will see extra value in the customized international electrical adapters.The recliner company gives customized throw blankets with to their distributors and vendors.

It’s important to remember to make your marketing more personal and more specific. Knowing your audience, quality and creativity are game changers in making your brand name and services stick with potential new customers, and are key to make promotional products work for you to help attract a new audience and grow your business.

Pinnacle Promotions

These 3 things will bring you new business! New blog post by @PinnaclePromos

Click To Tweet

Apr

2014

Technology: RFID Changing Promotional Products

21st century technology is making a big impact on the promotional products industry. The need for RFID security is changing the internal workings of promotional products. RFID, Radio-frequency Identification, is the wireless use of radio frequency to access information and transfer data. If you have stayed in a hotel recently and used your card to “tap” into your room rather than sliding your card, you are using RFID technology.

RFID has launched a whole new type of crime in the form of hacking. Wired Magazine has covered the increase and ease of theft numerous times since this technology emerged into the market. “They can steal your smartcard, lift your passport, jack your car, even clone the chip in your arm. And you won’t feel a thing.” Now, RFID technology, and the ability to block the RFID signal, is making its way into customizable products as varied as wearables, gear and promotional bags.

Promotional product manufacturers and suppliers have worked together to provide marketing professionals with quality and RFID-safe products. Here are a few examples:

You can customize the Travelpro Travelsmart Passport Wallet with your corporate logo. Developed with the airline travelers and professionals in mind, special RFID Technology encases belongings to protect them from ID theft. This deluxe Passport Wallet contains a flip up boarding pass holder, quick access passport pocket, three credit card slots, and a privacy mesh ID holder.

Not only does the Zebra Convertible Computer Messenger Bag come with padded, scratch-resistant 10″ and 15″ tablet pockets for protecting your technology, but it also has a zippered pocket with RFID-blocking technology preventing unauthorized access to personal information.

Soon enough, RFID technology will be in wearables and gear. The ability to host a QR code on a branded tote bag has been around for a while. We’ll soon be able to insert an RFID patch into a customized reusable bag for a conference taking your swag bag to a whole new level by making it an entry ticket, attendance recorder, and participation tracker.

The possibilities are endless for the marriage of technology and promotional products!

Pinnacle Promotions

New blog post by @PinnaclePromos: RFID changing the world of #promotionalproducts.

Click To Tweet

Mar

2014

Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Good Bag!

By Elizabeth Fenlon
Merchandising Specialist

The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas is the trade show of trade shows. Literally. It is the biggest trade show in the promotional products industry, spanning two full floors at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. With close to 3,250 booths and 11,500 industry attendees, you can imagine that this might be a tad overwhelming if you were a tradeshow newbie, like myself.

As a Merchandising Specialist for Pinnacle Promotions, it is my job to stay on top of industry trends and be ahead of the curve as new products launch into the market. Attending the PPAI Expo is a must. So, I packed my comfortable shoes and headed to Las Vegas for 4 days of nothing but talking about promo products.

Our team met at the airport at 6AM the day of the trip. I’d been packed for days, terrified of being late or of being the one to hold us up with my lack of business travel experience. Luckily, I’d recently gotten a Zoom DayTripper 15″ Computer Backpack and it turned out to be my most prized possession on the trip. Seriously, this bag has it all.

My backpack has a dedicated computer pocket, which made getting my chunky, old, Toshiba laptop through security a breeze. It also has a separate pocket to store an iPad. Want more pockets? This bag has them. There are two zippered pockets that are perfect for sunglasses, and two side pockets that also have zippers. Best of all, the back panel of the bag is designed to slip over the handles of my rollerbag.

Upon arriving we were able to check in, get a feel of the layout, view the exhibitor list and map and come up with a game plan to tackle all those booths over the next few days. If you’ve never been to a trade show, especially one of this magnitude, there are a few essentials you HAVE to have on you at all times:

• Comfortable Shoes – 8-10 hour days of walking and standing

• Refillable Water Bottle– Las Vegas is a dry climate. It is important to stay hydrated. They’ll price gouge you for bottled water at the show. So, being able to refill from the water fountain is a must.

• Pen/Notebook – Because you will NEVER remember everything.

• Camera Phone – There is no way you will get 2 floors and 3,250 booths of samples on the plane. Take pictures.

• Business Cards/ Business Card Holder – Again, you will never remember everyone’s name.

• Snacks – ok, maybe this is just me? Avoid getting cranky when it’s 5 o’clock and you realize you still haven’t eaten lunch.

Everything on my tradeshow essential list had a perfect spot in my bag, allowing me to be hands free and focus on the real reason I was there, to scout out the newest and most effective products to help your brand Make the right impression™.

logo apparel

The 20 Year Old T-Shirt

What’s your perfect gift? Enter Pinnacle Promotions The Perfect Gift Holiday Contest #PPPerfectGift

Case Study: Building a Strong Brand

Challenge

Solution

Result

Atlanta Idea Expo ‘14

9 Promotional Products that Didn’t Exist 20 Years Ago

Shhhh! 3 Secrets to Growing Your Business

Technology: RFID Changing Promotional Products

Don’t Underestimate the Value of a Good Bag!

Recent Posts

Browse by Category

Archives

Get blog updates via email