Sunday, September 30, 2018

Umbrellas Offer Broad Brand Coverage- learn why!

Classic promotional items such as drink ware, writing instruments, bags and wearable items- consistently deliver. However we find that an often overlooked classic is a quality umbrella.

Functional- Colorful- Unisex- Ageless- Adaptable from work to leisure. 

First, umbrellas have that winning combination of being both extremely cost effective for delivering brand impressions and incredibly useful for the recipient. An ASI study revealed that over their lifespan, umbrellas generate over 1,300 impressions. Meanwhile, the same study showed that 83% of consumers would keep a promotional umbrella because it’s useful. Everyone needs one, so it's an ideal gift for a large, diverse group.

We often partner with PCNA because of their broad coverage for these powerful messaging machines.

Let's explore the choices:

1. Selection: From beach to golf, from folding to compact, PCNA has every umbrella style you could ever want.
2. Colors: Your brand is important - we carry the colors to match.
3. Trends: Styles change and we have all the polka dots, color pops and cool patterns that are popular right now. We even have an extensive collection of must-see Manual Inversion Umbrellas.
4. Brands: We have great pieces from well-known brands like totes®, Slazenger and Cutter & Buck.
5. Price Points: We have an umbrella for every budget.
6. Next-Day Turn: You can get your umbrellas fast with SureShip®.
Ready for a gift that's time-tested and sure to make an impression? Check out the entire PCNA Umbrella Collection. 

A quick video below showcasing your choices in action! 

Clap On- Clap Off- tech trends are changing, are you?

Who doesn't recall the commercial featuring a light that could be turned off and on with the clap of your hands?

Technology is changing rapidly, offering unique ways for you to brand and engage with your target markets. Our friends as PCNA have some tips for new Wifi smart home accessories you'll want to review. What are smart home accessories? they are those devices that turn your phone into a remote control for your lighting, appliances and speakers, are among the hottest tech products on the market right now. Their surging retail popularity makes them prime candidates for promoting brands.

Here's three reasons why marketers and promotional products professionals should be paying attention:

1. Smart Investment
Smart home devices aren't simply about convenience. The ability to control you lights, heat and air conditioning can save energy and of course, money.

2. Trending Upward
In 2016, 80 million smart home devices were bought worldwide (IHS Markit). That's a 64% increase from the previous year.

3. Growth Forecast
At the start of 2017, 32.5% of U.S. homes had voice-activated smart devices. That number is expected to double by 2021 (Statista).

Ready to join the movement?
Get your brand on board with these wifi smart home accessories:





Smart Wifi Video Doorbell (7141-48)
Provides a live feed of the doorway to your phone. Also takes photos/video and lets you communicate with visitors remotely via speaker and microphone.








Light Up Logo Wifi Smart Plug With USB Outlet (7141-46)
Lets you control lighting and appliances with an app on your phone. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

Whose ready for this type of technology? 

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Fall Promotions Planner- are you prepared?

It may not feel like fall yet, but after days of indoor time with hurricane Florence- I am ready for change! Does your business have a philanthropic side that ties into your mission, passion or is a result of a personal connection?

September is National Honey Month- and I don't mean your gal, I mean bees! Did you know that Apex Peakfest awarded a grant this year to Apiopolis Bees or that Wake County has a bee keepers association?    Honey has some benefits you might not know- for example honey helps heal burns & wounds and 9 other facts.

October has plenty of ways for you engage. It's Adopt A Shelter Dog Month- and one of our favorite ways to help reduce dogs in shelters is to support local organizations rescuing and placing dogs in furever homes. Peak Lab Rescue, our girl Holly's group, is helping to get dogs out of flood effected areas. Check out this video. There are many simple ways you can assist from cash donations on line to dropping off much needed supplies!!!

Our girl Holly says Hi!

It's also National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, STOMP Out Bullying is a non profit dedicated to raising awareness and provide solutions to stop bullying.

Earth Science Week is October 14-20- The American Geo sciences Institute hosts a week to foster a better understanding of earth science & to encourage good stewardship of the planet.   Eco products made of recycled materiel and trendy bamboo products for the home or office break room. For example a financial planner works hard to guide you to a sustainable financial future- why not show a tie into long term planning with the health of our planet and resources!

 Ready to start planning? We love ideas that get results!

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Disaster Ready?

Around the Carolina's everyone is boarding up, stocking up and preparing to be somewhere safe for days; perhaps without power.

It's a little at at this point to purchase things for handling environmental challenges- but it's a good time to show you how many cool items that can solve future challenges.

Solar Powered- Name Brands like GoalZero

Deluxe Power Chargers- name brands like MyCharge

Check out this "BOSS" product- charge 3 things at once

Offering some pretty impressive spec's-
  • Battery Capacity: 13400mAh
  • Built-in AC Power Port, 2x USB-A ports, 1x USB-C port.
  • Recharges Via: Included charging adapter.
  • Compatibility: Small Laptops, 2 in 1 Laptop/Tablets, Tablets, Smartphones & USB Devices, Laptops w/ Power Adapters less than 45W.
  • Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility.
  • Hyper-charge: ultra-fast charging of your devices; up to 65% faster than competitors.
  • Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year.
  • Max-power: maximum power transfer from powerbank to device.
  • High-density battery: the smallest and lightest powerbank.
  • Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety.
  • Rapid-recharge: powerbank recharges up to 50% faster than competitors.
  • Pass Through Charging: will charge the powerbank and connected device simultaneously.
Would you like for what's in the refrigerator to stay cold for days if the power goes out?

Patriot Brand is the way to go, plus 20% net profits back to veteran's housing! 



What type of spec' on these?

  • Rotomolded Construction  - Built to withstand the toughest conditions.
  • Built for Maximum Temperature Retention  - Up to 3” insulated walls for improved ice retention.
  • Keeps Ice up to 5 Days - Like a Portable Freezer.
  • Bear Resistant  - Designed to keep unwanted guests out.
  • Non-slip Lid - Perfect as a casting platform.
  • Convenient Measurement Guide  - Embossed 17” ruler on lid.
  • No Sweat Exterior - Outside surface stays dry.
  • Quick Drain System - Easy flow drain spout to drain water, keeps ice in place.
  • Heavy-duty Rubber Latches - durable design to secure lid. 
  • Freezer-grade Rubber Gasket - Commercial-grade Rubber Gasket makes a perfect seal.
  • Built-in Rubber Feet - Non-slip rubber feet built-in to cooler.
  • Molded Side Handles - For balanced heavy load lifting.
  • Capacity: 24 Cans | 20 Quarts of Water | 20lbs of Ice
  • Adventure with Your 20Qt Patriot Cooler:
    - Hunting / Fishing trips / Tailgating / Construction sites
    - Day out at the Beach / Lake / Sporting events
Of course we have flashlights, lanterns, blankets and dry gear bags!


All of these rugged items will help when there is challenging weather, but they are also great for travel, outdoor enthusiasts or busy folks on the go for sports & leisure activities. Best of all, some of these products are on special through the end of September! Ask us!! 


Saturday, September 1, 2018

Sweet as Candy- Zero Calorie Promotion!

Halloween is approaching — do you have your promotions ready? Rather than just going with candy this year, mix things up with practical promotional items. Here are some simple application ideas that will help customers stand out for the occasion:





Retainer Case: Customize our Retainer Case with your logo and/or a Halloween message and give it to orthodontic patients who have recently gotten their braces removed. Include a small coupon inside that’s valid for $1 for every pound of candy they bring in after Halloween. It will encourage them to keep taking care of their teeth while providing a nice incentive!

Glow in the Dark Lip Balm: Host a trunk-or-treat event at your dental office or health clinic for kids and promote it using this lip balm with a glow-in-the-dark tube and cap. Hand it to patients at their appointment checkout so they learn about the event and feel welcome to attend. Not only will they have something to remind them of the event before (and after) it takes place, but they’ll also have something practical for their lips.

Man Balm: Take advantage of the dark and fitting look of Man Balm to promote a Halloween special. Whether you’re offering reduced pricing on a certain product or service, it’s a great way to communicate the information creatively. On the label, include that it’s valid through the entire month to encourage people to return.

Plush Hot and Cold Pack: Use our black Plush Hot and Cold Pack to share your new oral surgery or physical therapy business opening! To tie in with Halloween, you can incorporate a fun Halloween saying on the pack, along with details about your open house or your logo and contact information. It’s the perfect touch considering the item is particularly useful for health care fields.

EOS Lip Balm: Host a family Halloween night in your office as a thank you to all your employees, customers, or patients. Present EOS Lip Balm to all attendees upon arrival and complete your event with games, costume contests, face painting, Halloween cookies, punch, etc. It’s a celebration that guests and their kids will not soon forget.

Are you excited to get started? Plan some innovative, festive Halloween promotions to really make an impact that counts!

  
And don't forget the bags! 


 

Fore! Brands Hole in One!

Golf is the closest to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots — but you have to play the ball where it lies." –Bobby Jones

August is National Golf Month, a time to celebrate one of the oldest sports around. It's a frustrating but lovable game for many, and we've got the perfect promotional items to help you stand out among the competition. As soon as a client says I have an upcoming tournament I groan if they say do you sell koozies and golf balls! Why? Yes, of course we do- name brand koozies and assorted styles of can wraps....but is that new or innovative? Golf balls? Do you know an avid golfer who does not use the branded ball that is not their preferred brand as their water ball? Do you really want your branded ball at the bottom of the pond?

Go for a birdie! Our Hand Sanitizer & Lip Balm Combo easily attaches to golf bags thanks to a durable carabiner, with hand sanitizer offering defense against germs and lip balm providing both moisture for dry lips and SPF 15 broad spectrum protection. Custom labels on both items will make the featured logo top of mind among recipients round after round.

How about an eagle? Our new SPF 30 Mineral Sun Stick is perfect for throwing into a golf bag or keeping in a pocket for applying as needed — without the mess. It uses zinc oxide in its formula to sit on top of the skin to safely and effectively shield against UV rays, allowing golfers to continue playing day in and day out. Nice right??

It's a hole-in-one! Our Golf Pack is the complete promotional tool for golf events, with all of its items packaged together for convenience. It includes the Iced Pear Combo (hand sanitizer and lip balm in one of our favorite scents/flavors), our SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sun Stick, and a 1 oz. bottle of Bug Protector mosquito repellent (no customization). With this handy pack, players won't have to worry about germs, dry lips, sunburn, or bug bites so they can focus their attention on the game.
Whether your upcoming golf event is to thank employees for their hard work throughout the year, to show customers your appreciation for their loyalty over the years, to bring awareness to a worthy cause, or something else, promotional items that are both personalized and practical are sure to make an impact. The great thing is that your impact will resonate both during the event and long after participants return home.

Of course, you can choose any of our other great products to customize for your event. The key is to reach people with items that are relevant to their lives and that build brand affinity over time.

Have fun out there!

Ask us to send you this flyer- 

Go Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which means event planning and promotions are in full swing.

How do you garner support for this cause? Our friends at The Lip Balm Company have some great product ideas to share!


Traditionally, the swag handed out at breast cancer walks or fundraising events consist of branded items that are meant to portray a certain message, while exposing the recipient to the name logo-ed on the supplied item. So why not try a giveaway that lasts longer than the average promotional item and won’t bust your budget? Read on to discover our top picks for Breast Cancer Awareness and how you can use them for your next promotion.

EOS Lip Balm
Not only is this product 95% organic and 100% natural, it is also one of the most recognizable lip balms on the market, ensuring that your organization will get the attention it deserves. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter, and jojoba oil, it will keep recipients’ lips soft and smooth. Sophisticated colors and flavors like Vanilla Bean, Strawberry Sorbet, and Wildberry, make this lip balm the perfect candidate for Breast Cancer Awareness galas or fundraising events as a donor thank you gift.

EOS Lotion
Formulated to refresh and soften skin, this non-greasy and fast absorbing hand lotion is made with 96% natural ingredients, which include shea butter, aloe, oats and antioxidants. Dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, EOS lotion is also free of gluten, parabens, petrolatum, and phthalates. Personalize EOS lotion with your retail shop logo and hold a “shop and support” event, where a percentage of all profits are donated to breast cancer research. With pleasing scents like berry blossom and vanilla orchid, giving each shopper this ‘free gift with purchase’ item is sure to keep your retail shop top of mind.

Lip Sips
If you love a classic drink and want a lip balm to match, we’ve got just the flair your next promotion needs. Made with blend of beeswax, organic hemp seed oil, and rosemary extract, this lip balm line offers a smooth application and SPF 15 broad spectrum protection. Beverage-inspired flavors such as Grapefruit Shandy, Cosmopolitan, and Root Beer make this line a great giveaway for any age. Sponsor your local Breast Cancer Awareness 5k walk or run and include in participant race day swag bags for a fun and memorable promotion.

In a pinch for time? We have graphics ready to drop in your name and go! 



Natural Lip Shimmers
You can’t go wrong with a natural product that provides a touch of color and will leave your lips comfortably moisturized. Made with beeswax, shea butter, mango butter and vitamin E, the lip shimmer is a glamorous accessory for any woman. Host a silent auction fundraising dinner to raise awareness for breast cancer and personalize lip shimmers with your name to leave at each place setting. Recipients will love this event favor and will remember your name with each application.
No matter the event or promotion you're planning, hosting, or sponsoring, we've got the perfect item for you!


To further assist with your events, we are also offering free set-up on any of the products featured in this blog post (simply mention the promo code BCAFREE when placing your order). We love the idea of promotions that benefit a good cause, so go out and continue to promote yourself in a way that also gives back.

 Ask us to send you a copy of these promotions!