Blog on Promotional Items | Reviews, trends and product ideas

When preparing for an expo or large scale event it is important that the bags you issue to your visitors and staff meet your requirements. After all, tote bags vary considerably in size and depending on what you have planned for your recipients during the day those bags might need to store quite a bit of written material or marketing merchandise. So where do you start?

Gusset or No Gusset

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The biggest question is whether or not you require a tote bag with a gusset. The gusset feature allows for the tote bag to expand considerably which is handy when your recipients have to carry around larger objects that perhaps don't fit nicely into a standard bag without a gusset. However, if you're only handing out documents a gusset (which can add a few cents to the cost of each bag) might not be necessary at all.

Non-Woven or Calico

The other main decision you have to make is what material you'd like your tote bag made out of. Non-woven bags are popular at supermarkets and are available in a huge variety of colours. Many of our non-woven units are also made from recyclable material, so they're not a bad option for nature either. But plenty of people also enjoy the calico option, which are only available in a natural colour. While a little more expensive, the natural material used in calico is popular with recipients and their rustic look is perfect for events going back to basics.

Print Colours

Finally, you need to decide how many colours you would like printed on your bags and whether or not you need printing on both sides of the units. The more colours and positions, the higher the general cost per unit. If you're working on a budget a single colour print is very effective and doesn't break the bank.

So there you have it, the main decisions to work through when you're after promotional tote bags!

Do you want to get your team their own compendium with your company branding but worried about costs? Well, worry won't get you anything cheap either but surely a couple of budget friendly options will do!

Style and quality doesn't have to be sacrificed  when getting a budget priced compendiums. These options are made from non-leather materials such as Koskin and Ultrahyde which are some of the most popular type of artifical leather that gives the compendium the leather-like look and finish. 

These non-leather alternatives gives the same stylish look and feel of genuine leather without paying the "price". Take this Custom Printed  Zippered A4 Compendium as an example. It is made from Koskin with white stitching and grey EVA interior contrast panels. It features internal gussested pocket, pen and business card holders as well as a lined pad which inserts from the top. 

There are also alternatives made from nylon with leather-look accents.

Apart from the material used, these are also Australian made, of high quality and made to last. They are available as pad covers and zippered compendiums in A4 and A5 sizes.Branding options are the same as the genuine leather compendiums such as screen or pad printing and debossing.

So who can tell that your stylish compendium is budget friendly?

Long hot Australian summers are my absolute favourite. I know that I am not alone and that many Aussies feel the same way too. So what better way to maximise your brand value (or your event) with merchandise that is tailor made to suit our Summer Aussie way of life. So what are my suggestions for products that will really be a hit with your guests this hot summer of 2016? Check them out here below.

Personalised Items for BBQ's

Throw a Shrimp on the Barbie. Where on earth did that phrase come from? Australians love a BBQ, but Aussies do not use the word shrimp (we call them prawns), and realistically most Australian BBQ's are with Steak, Snags and Burgers. Here are some great promotional item ideas that are perfect for BBQ's.

• Barbeque Grilling Set (fork, spatula, tongs etc)
• Custom Branded Aprons
• Cooler Box
• Camping Chairs
• Picnic Rugs

Personalised Gear for the Beach

Getting to the Beach on hot summer days is where most Australians will want to be. I have compiled some great items which will surely enhance your guests day out on the beach. 

• Sunglasses
• Frisbees
• Sunscreen
• Printed Bags of Candy

Promo Products to Help Stay Cool

Staying cool in Summer will be on the mind of most people on most days. Having a custom branded product, that will aid your guest, or potential customer in staying cool will definitely make your brand name or logo stand out. I have compiled a great list of products which I think will be an absolute hit for people trying to stay cool this Summer:

• Hand Fans
• Water Bottles
• Chiller Bags
• Caps & Visors
• Cool Dry Shirts

Customised Items for Kids

Summer is a great time for kids as there are heaps of school holidays. If you have a custom branded product for kids that are fun and interactive, not only will they be entertained and happy, but also their parents will be very thankful to you too. A win win for everyone, especially for your brand name that will be recognised by both parent and child. So here are my top picks for promotional products for kids.

• Bubble Blowers
• Printed Tile Puzzles
• YoYo's
• Colour in Sheets
• Putty Tubs (like play-doh, but these actually bounce)
• Bouncing Balls
• Colour In Pencils

I think this list of products will suit virtually any Australian business wishing to giveaway a corporate gift, or a general promotional item gift for their team members, existing clients or potential new clients. Take advantage of our fine Aussie Summers and take the opportunity to market your brand name with merchandise.

These days it seems everywhere you look someone is staring down at a mobile, laptop, iPad or iPod. Technology is everywhere and has completely consumed our lives in one way or another. When your phone dies, how do you feel? It’s almost as though something important has been taken away and you cannot survive without it!

Being stuck with no phone battery is inconvenient and annoying. No matter if it’s at the end of the day on the train home from work or late at night after a big evening out, it still bugs you… unless you have a power bank.

Power banks are pocket sized friends that act as emergency battery chargers for the most popular range of smartphones. When your phone dies, your power bank is there to save the day. You simply plug the charger into your phone and it begins to restore it back to life- no wall sockets needed!

Power banks are our life lifesavers, our knights in shining armour. They come in at the last minute and save you from a life of no texting or Instagram. They are the best because they are smaller than your phone, meaning you are sure to be able to carry them around everywhere you go.

A great feature of power banks is that they can be customised with a family photo, company logo or text. Not only are they handy but they look super trendy alongside your smart phone! And if you’re sick of not being able to get through to your friends because their phones have died, they make for great gift ideas to ensure the communication is always flowing.

These handy guys are great ways to increase your marketing campaign by branding them with your logo. Nearly everyone has a smart phone, so increase your company awareness every time someone pulls out their charger!

Starting a business will be quite challenging and there is one way you can establish our brand by promoting as much as you can. At this point there is no room for feeling inferior to other brands. The important thing is you get your brand across and make sure you are in the minds of your target customers when the time to make a buying decision comes.

If you're under tight budget, creativity should step in. You need to make sure your advertising products and material will grab customer attention and convert it into sales. Consider the following suggestions.

1. Choose the right FONT - whether ordering a promo item or putting up huge billboard, make sure the font you choose for your artwork and logo reflects your brand's personality. Choose a font thats attractive and easy to read. For instance, Helvetica is great in either small or huge prints.

2. Simple is BEST - although its tempting to give all you've got, your promotional merchandise should be designed simply. Avoid clutter that makes customers confused with your message. Consider Nike and how they managed to build a brand with a "check" logo.

3. Do not suffer for identity crisis - always consider an unified approach, meaning you should not confuse your customers with different artwork/logo/colour scheme design. After all, there is a reason why companies like Coca cola have never veered away from their first brand design.

Create strong brand awareness by constant and consistent exposure of your brand to your target audience. They should see your brand as they sip morning coffee (logo on coffee mug); as they charge mobile phone in the car (printed car charger); as they open their drawer (branded key ring); or whenever they make phone call (logo on mobile phone case) etc.

All these can be achieved with inexpensive but useful and sensible merchandise that are part of our everyday live. If you are new player remember the old adage "first impression lasts" still holds true.

Improve Your Marketing Campaign with Brandable Items

Once you have establised your brand in the hearts and minds of market, dont be lulled into thinking that you will hold that position forever, without continuous effort.

Be a prominent name during public events by supporting local charities, sponsoring sports community or donating items at school affairs etc. More than creating brand awareness, you will establish your brand in the eyes of public. Promotional items are way more affordable than broadcast media ads and are just as effective in building and sustaining recognition of your business.

There are practically hundreds of materials used in the manufacture of promotional items

ABS plastic - ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It is a lightweight yet though material highly resistant to impact and heat. Manufacturing modifications can be made to improve its physical properties, making it an ideal material for manucafture of mobile phone cases, small kitchen appliances, toys, luggage, and other household goods.

PU Leather - made from split leather with coating of polyurethane to give it a smooth, shiny finish. It is highly pliable and stretches like spandex. Waterproof and very easly to clean and maintain, most commonly used on executive planners such as compendiums, table covers, card holders, document holders etc.

PP - stands for polypropylene, a plastic polymer that can be used as structural plastic or fiber. This material is found in almost everything we use today. Very resistant to repetitive stress, making it an ideal material for containers that are diswasher safe, water bottles, tumblers, notebooks, bags, etc.

Polyester - plastic priduct invented in early 1940s in Britain that became popular as textile material as it is versatile, quick drying, mildew resistant, and easy maintenance. Products made from polyester include lanyards, visor, caps, conference tote bags, trade show bags, apparel, backpacks etc.

Promotional products provide businesses with an affordable way to advertise their brand by directly reaching out to their target customers. It is possible largely because the materials used in manufacturing these are inexpensive for mass production.

Easter egg is symbol of Christ's resurrection. Painting the eggs red is a beloved tradition in Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches as it represents the blood of Christ that was shed on the cross. The shell represents the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking it symbolises his resurrection.

Easter egg is believed to be brought on Easter morning by the Easter bunny in many western countries like the United States. In Germany it is the Easter fox. In Switzerland, it is the Easter cuckoo. In Australia, the Easter Bilby replaces the bunny rabbit which is said to have destroyed many agricultural crops. Bilby is a small rodent with a long nose and rabbit-like ears

In sydney, Easter is celebrated with many special events like the Royal Easter Show where the nation’s best produce are showcased. There are parades, joy rides, spectacular fireworks, a wide selection of delicious food and lots of fun activities for families especially for kids. The traditional red Easter eggs are replaced by chocolate eggs or plastic eggs filled with jelly beans or other goodies that children love.

Events such as these are all big opportunities for promotional gift giving. Companies wishing to create brand awareness often sponsor several Easter egg hunts and egg knocking games across town. Promo Planet offers customisation of promotional eggs for your Easter marketing campaign.

Most people start the New Year with the intention to save more money. Many come up with a savings plan but sadly, only a few manage to follow through with it. Considering this, businesses should sit up and notice this particular market and give away promotional merchandise which will encourage savings. Among the personalised products which would be welcomed by these potential customers include the following:

• Printed Piggy Banks – for obvious reasons, these piggy banks sends across your message clearly. Plus, they are quite classical and would evoke happy memories of childhood. They are also cute especially since they come in a variety of colours.
   
• Folding Wallets – keep track of your credit card usage with these custom folding wallets which feature several compartments for your credit cards.
   
• Travel Mug – coffee drinkers will be surprised with the amount of money they can actually save from choosing to invest in their own coffee machine and make their own cup of coffee as compared to buying from a popular café chain. 
   
• Post It Notes – allows you to post reminders or notes of motivations for yourself so you can stay focused.
   
• Notebooks and Pens – you can easily write down your expenses as well as savings in these handy notebooks with pens.
   

Make sure you have them printed not only with your business’ brand name or logo but also artwork which states your message of savings clearly like “Keep Calm and Save Money”, or “Save for the Rainy Days!”. 

A lot of businesses make the mistake of ignoring the benefits of marketing via promotional merchandise. But studies have clearly shown that branded merchandise can be much more effective in promoting products and services as compared to traditional print and televisiion marketing.

It is also not surprising why customers love them. They are essentially gifts and its everybody loves receiving one. Consumers tend to check out the company from whom they receive such merchandise and are likely to be converted into customers.

In addition, businesses save more in the long run because these promo products are designed to be used for a long time displaying the brand for the said period continuously. Plus they have the added advantage of being able to fit to any budget. You can five away budget writing instruments and you are guaranteed to enjoy more marketing mileage even with only a small budget since these customised products are known to delivery a much lower cost per impression compared with other media.

It is smart to choose fun

Of course, when it comes to product choice, there are plenty of tricks to maximise brand exposure. One such technique is to make sure you choose an item which offers pleasure while functioning as a marketing tool.

Promotional items which make recipients smile for the cute or outright funny design are found to have a huge impact on consumers. They tend to be remebered more because of such positive emotions evoked which certainly bodes well for your business.

It would also be a good idea to be a bit witty with your messages. With the visual appeal and mental exercise, brand recognition and recall will certainly be improved. If your company has a catch phrase that you want customers to remember, be sure to include them in every marketing strategy.

Other important facts to keep in mind

Of course when it comes to product choice, there are plenty of tricks to maximise brand exposure. One such technique is to make sure you choose an item which offers pleasure white working as marketing tool.

Consumers also prefer personalised products which offer them comfort and convenience. Obviously, any business would want their brand associated with such positive qualities. You can simply look for items which do not only make a customer feel good but also can be used in a practical sense. Make sure your brand is displayed prominently so that the same recipient comes into contact with your brand on a daily basis. Visible brands also attract more consumer interest especially when the items are displayed continuosly