Get Your Logo in Front of Customers with a Backpack

When you hear the word backpack, innovation and attention-getting may not be the first traits that come to your mind.  But, it is time to give the backpack a little more credit.  In the promotional world, a backpack is an effective item to put your logo on for high visibility.  Backpacks have always been an essential back-to-school product, but their use goes far beyond the classroom.  From the corporate traveler to the extreme hiker to the gym frequenter, the multi-functionality of a backpack makes it the perfect item for almost any promotion.

Consider putting your logo on a backpack and use it for your next giveaway.  It is a great alternative to the tote, t-shirt, or other promotional item.  Backpacks are durable, can be found at multiple price points, are great for both men and women, and have a variety of functions.  There is sure to be a backpack that will accentuate your message and resonate with your target audience.

A Backpack for Any Audience

When making your backpack buying decisions, think of your audience first.  Make sure to choose a style that your recipient will relate to.  Some styles include:

•Traditional Backpacks. Simple designs with color pop and budget-friendly details make the traditional backpack a favorite for mass corporate giveaways. Think of it as an alternative to the tradeshow tote, or fold it flat and use it for your next direct mail promotion.

•Sport Packs.  When you are looking for a product to appeal to an active audience, the sport pack is the way to go.  Padded shoulder straps, multiple pockets for water bottles and gear, and suspension systems are often seen in sport packs, as these are for those who are really on the move. Retail brands are also important when looking for a sport pack. Quality and durability is key with this audience, and associating your brand with a recognizable retail brand will continue to build your brand image and credibility.

•Cinches.  Lightweight and ultra-portable, the cinch is a great option for fitness programs, sports markets, or as a creative way to package a new product or hand out information.  The cinch is typically a lower cost item with a high ROI.

•Slings. If you are looking to grab a more fashion-forward market, the sling is the bag for you.  They have a more trendy shape than the traditional backpack with one strap, and are typically smaller in size, so they can be used every day.  

•Compu-Backpacks. From the young professional to the seasoned executive, a compu-backpack is an everyday staple that goes to and from the office and is seen by multiple eyes a day.  It is the perfect choice for recruiting, orientation, or as a gift with purchase for any tech-related product or service.


Recent Trends

As with all retail products, fashion and social trends are important in helping to evolve the design and function of backpacks.  Show your customers or employees that you are forward thinking by searching for backpacks with trendy features.  Below are the top three backpack trends this year.

•Electronics Compatibility and Protection - As the use of iPods, iPads and SmartPhones increases, the number of backpacks that have compatible features also increases.  Headphone ports, padded compartments specifically designed to protect these items, and integrated quick-access pockets are just a few of the new features you will see that will excite any techy audience.

•TSA-Compliant - Going through security at the airport has just gotten easier.  TSA-compliant backpacks allow you to go through security without taking your laptop out of your bag.  Simply unzip your bag and lay it flat on the conveyor belt.  It is a must for any frequent traveler.

•Eco-Friendly - Backpacks haven't taken a back seat to the eco movement either.  Green materials such as recycled PET, jute and non-woven polypropylene help ensure there are backpacks to appeal to the earth-conscious consumer as well.

If you are still not convinced that the backpack is the right product for your next promotion, re-read this article or get a sample from your promotional products company to touch and feel.  Best Promotions has a great variety of backpacks at any price point.  View their selection and order a sample today.

http://www.bestpromotions.com/products/browsecategory/317/

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Bags
Tags: backpacks , bags , back to school , promotional

Effectively promoting your business can be a challenge in times of tight budgets.  Consequently, finding ways to gain maximum brand exposure at a minimum cost is a constant challenge.  The solution? Promotional products have always been a cost effective way of promoting your brand.  Using them as in advertising strategy is powerful, and can have a long-standing impact on your business.   

A great category to focus on when looking for a hot deal is totes.  Totes are one of the largest, most purchased categories in the ad specialties industry.  In recent years, with consumers focusing on being more environmentally-friendly, tote usage has skyrocketed.  Totes are everywhere, used over and over again, and it is the one product you can never have enough of.

Promotional product suppliers are constantly updating their tote inventory and selection, which allows you to search for closeout products that provide the same quality and brand exposure at a reduced price.  With the broad range of products now available, even at closeout prices, finding one that will match your message is easy.

Follow these 5 tips to find bargain-priced promotional totes and promote your brand for less.

1.    Last year's hot style may be this year's hot deal.  Just as in retail, styles and trends in totes are constantly changing.  Suppliers often put a certain style or color on special to make room for a slightly modified style.  These are the opportunities you want to look for.   Since totes really never go out of style, you are not sacrificing anything by putting your logo on the hot tote from last year.

2.    Put a value to the time versus money equation.  Spending a lot of time searching for a good deal might not be worth it in the end.  Know when to stop searching, and when you find a good bargain, go for it.

3.    Longer lead time may equal lower cost.  When searching for a lower price point, make sure you leave enough time before your event.  You will often get a better price if you are able to wait a little longer for your products.

4.    Ask for a virtual proof. Make sure you know exactly what you will be receiving.  A virtual proof is an electronic version, typically free, of what your logo is going to look like on the product.  This will help ensure you will be pleased with your purchase. 

5.    Find a trusted partner. As in any business, make sure you build a relationship with a trusted vendor.  By doing this, you may receive advance notice of sales and clearance items before they are released to the everyone.

Finding a bargain tote, and effectively displaying your logo on it, is a promotional strategy that is priceless.

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Bags
Tags: promotional products , budget marketing , cheap promotions

The pool, the park, day camps, outdoor concerts…summertime has us running all over town! Your employees and customers will need a way to carry along their essential accessories during the mad dash that is summer. A promotional tote bag is just what they need - and it's a fantastic way to advertise your business.
Check out our six favorite summer totes:

1. Bali Tote: The seashell design and bright colors make the Bali Tote the perfect beach bag.
2. Coil Cinch Tote: Adjustable drawstrings allow you to carry it as a backpack, making it ideal for hiking.
3. Classic Cotton Zippered Boat Tote: For a fresh, summery look, the boat tote is a sophisticated accessory. You'll look ready for a day out on a yacht!
4. Best Market Tote Bag: Just the right size for a beach towel, sunscreen, a cold drink and a pair of sunglasses - with room to spare!
5. Jumbo Shopping Tote: This tote bag is very generously sized, which means you can carry around everything you'll need to balance work and family.
6. Strong Arm Tote: This tote has earned its name - it's tough enough to stand up to even the most jam-packed summer vacation.
   

Don't let summer pass you by without ordering a batch of tote bags to guarantee your logo will be seen all over town. 

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Topic: Bags
Tags: promotional tote bags , promo totes , logo tote bags , custom totes , personalized tote bags

With tote bags being one of our top sellers, from time to time we like to give our customers pointers on how to pick just the right one. This month we've put together a list of our top 5 bags for appreciation gifts:

Recycled Convention Tote: The Recycled Convention Tote is a stylish, higher-end bag with a cool surprise: it's made from 51% post-consumer recycled material.

Jumbo Shopping Tote: Not only is the Jumbo Shopping Tote big enough to carry all your workday essentials, it's also ideal for a Saturday afternoon of shopping at the outdoor farmer's market.

Non-Woven Promotional Shopper Tote: Chances are your employees would love to live a "greener" lifestyle, but just aren't sure how to get started. Make it easy for them to go green with this reusable grocery bag.

Promotional Tote Bag: This sophisticated black and red tote bag earns big style marks - we've even seen it double as a casual purse!

Non-Woven Boat Tote: The Non-Woven Boat Tote is a lot of bag for just a little money. It's an impressive gift that won't break your budget.

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Topic: Bags
Tags: promotional tote bags , promo totes , logo tote bags , custom totes , personalized tote bags

From time to time, it's good to get back to the basics. That is, to think about the fundamental ways that promotional products contribute to your overall marketing plan.

We've broken down the role of promotional products into five basic functions. We've also included our five favorite reusable tote bags because if there's one promotional product that can do just about any job, it's a tote bag.

1. Promotional products are an advertising medium. Like a television commercial or ad in the newspaper, a promotional product makes the general public aware of your business. With everyone going green, reusable grocery bags such as the Non-Woven Grocery Tote are one of today's hottest ways to promote a business.

2. A promotional product also supplements your other forms of marketing. It keeps your advertising fresh by including a variety of media. The Non-Woven Promotional Tote is affordable and multi-purpose. It's a great giveaway for any occasion.

3. You can use a promotional product to enhance your image. Studies have shown that promotional products boost a business's credibility in the minds of consumers. An attractive, high-quality product like the Custom Reusable Tote Bag will reinforce an image of success.

4. Promotional products can contribute to a customer's intent to buy. A thoughtful gift to a prospective client may be enough to turn a prospect into a sale. The Non-Woven Trade Show Tote features extra details that give it a high perceived value.

5. Last, a promotional product serves as a reminder. Every time a customer sees your promotional product, they'll think of your business. The Best Big Shopper Tote Bag is a great choice because it's a promotional product your customers can use every day.

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Topic: Bags
Tags: promotional tote bags , logo tote bags , reusable tote bags , personalized totes , non woven tote bags