Do you have an iPad? Do you want one?  Apple sold over 14 million iPads in 2010 and it is estimated that 45 million will be sold in 2011.  The iPad was selected by Time Magazine as one of the top 50 inventions of 2010.  This craze is truly sweeping the nation, for consumers and businesses alike. In fact, within 90 days of its release, it managed to penetrate 50% of Fortune 500 companies.

What does this mean for the promotional products industry?  As more and more consumers and businesses jump on the iPad bandwagon, there is a greater opportunity for companies to align their brand with this trend.  By putting your logo on an iPad accessory, you are making a statement about your brand - that it is tech-savvy, trendy, and will adapt with the times.

Several iPad-adaptable items have been introduced in the promotional industry this year, and the offering continues to grow.  Protective sleeves, travel cases, charging docks and Bluetooth keyboards are just a few of the items you can use for your marketing efforts.

iPad accessories are being used to outfit sales forces who have iPads for instant connectivity, as rewards to top performing employees, as sales contests and gifts with purchase.  You can put your own creative spin on using an iPad accessory in your next campaign.

View our selection of top promotional iPad accessories.  Call one of our creative specialists to help you come up with creative uses to align your brand with the hottest technology trend.

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Promotional Products
Tags: promotional ipad , logo ipad , custom ipad case , logo ipad case , promotional ipad case

Personalization is a key tactic in the direct mail segment to strengthen customer loyalty and provide a high return on your marketing investment.  This same philosophy can be applied to promotional products.  Purchasing promotional products is about long term brand building and building relationships with customers.  When you give a promotional product, the longer the recipient keeps it, the better the ROI for your company.   When someone receives an item with their own name on it, they are twice as likely to keep it, giving your brand increased exposure.

How do you create 'personalized branding' in your promotional purchases?  It's easy once you know the core products and imprint methods.  You just add your logo to one side or location on a product, and add your recipients name or initials to another location.  Simply submit a spreadsheet with your personalization information to your promotional product provider and you have a corporate or employee gift with double the impact.

The key methods for personalization are laser engraving and embroidery.  Because of the quick setup process for these techniques, it makes it cost effective to add personalization to products.
There are many product options for personalization, but a few products have proven to be most effective time and time again. 

• Pens are the number one personalized product in the promotional industry.  A pen is something you can use on a daily basis, and because it is such an individual product, personalization is the perfect option. 

• Chairs are also a great canvas for personalization.  An embroidered camp chair allows you to include your logo with the recipient's name below. 

• Higher end business and travel bags make great gifts.  Many of them can be embroidered and some are even offered with a metal plate that can be laser engraved.

• Desktop items such as clocks and photo frames are classic and personal, both great characteristics for personalized branding.

Personalization is an excellent option for holiday gifts, employee service awards and customer appreciation.  Call us at 866-881-2378 for advice on personalization options.

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Promotional Products
Tags: promotional products , personalization , personalized corporate gifts

The term customer appreciation may seem cliché these days, as it is thrown around so much that it often loses its importance.  Nevertheless, customer appreciation should be one of the backbone philosophies of every business, as customers truly are your most valuable asset.

Showing gratitude to customers should always begin with service.  Creating an environment where customer service is key must start at the top and be instilled in every employee in the company, regardless of whether or not they interact with clients.

To truly show appreciation for your customers though, your plan must go beyond superior customer service.  Building a strategy around thanking customers is critical in developing a successful marketing plan.  Based on your budget, your ideas could range from a simple thank you note to a formal appreciation event.  Read on for some creative ways to take your customer thank you program to the next level.

Thank You Notes - When was the last time you received a handwritten thank you note?  Imagine receiving one from a company you do business with.  Taking the time to handwrite a note really shows that you care.  And, while you are sending something out, throw in logoed post it notes, or a letter opener to give a little exposure to your brand and a token of appreciation to your client.

Value Added Mailings -Snail mail has definitely taken a back seat to electronic mail in the last 10 years.  But with most Americans receiving over 100 emails a day, to truly differentiate yourself, a tangible and useful mailing will set you apart.  Consider what is most important to your customers.  Try sending a newsletter providing useful tips, a catalog with specialized deals, or a whitepaper mailed to your best customers on a set schedule.  Include a mailable appreciation gift, such as a journal, calendar magnet or business card holder.  This will show your customers that you not only appreciate their business, but are a valuable partner to them as well.

A New Take on Customer Lunches - Companies have been entertaining clients by taking them to lunch or dinner for many years.  Get more bang for your buck by bringing lunch in to your customer.  You can invite a department or an entire organization to the lunch.  Order in from a local restaurant, and bring a takeaway gift for all attendees.  A lunch cooler, umbrella or coffee mug would be a great universal gift for any customer, and a great way to say thanks.

Appreciation Event - If you want to pull out all the stops, throw an appreciation event for top customers.  The event can range from an open house at your office to a sporting event to a formal event at a local country club.  Make sure your invites and favors reflect the theme of your event.  For an office open house, make it a happy hour with cocktails and appetizers and give a home-related gift such as a wine opener or cheese set that reflects the theme 'from our home to yours'.  For a sporting event give customers a seat cushion, camp chair or blanket, depending on the event.  And for your formal gathering, hand out photo frames or an executive pen set to all attendees.

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Promotional Products
Tags: customer appreciation , customer appreciation gifts , customer thank you , customer gifts

                 New Trends in Promotional Holiday Gifts

Saying thank you to customers and employees is a significant part of every business's marketing plan.  A smart business person knows that whether your sales are on target or not, appreciating those who are critical to your success must not go away.  The holidays are a common time for appreciation and new trends for corporate holiday gifts are continually surfacing. Giving gifts of thanks doesn't have to break your budget.  A thoughtful, useful gift, regardless of the cost, will go a long way with your employees and customers.  Below are some ideas on how to maximize your budget and your brand at holiday gift time.

•    Say Cheers with a wine accessory - Wine is a classic gift that can hit a number of price points.  Pairing a bottle of wine with a logoed item will ensure that your brand is remembered long after the wine is enjoyed.  Wine openers and wine carriers are a great pairing, but the newest trend in wine gifts is laser engraved stemless wine glasses.  Give them on their own or pair them with your favorite bottle.  There are many options in wine accessories starting under $1. Send these to customers or use them as a takeaway from a holiday appreciation event.

•    Make your gift card pop with packaging - If gift cards are the route you are looking to take, make sure to get creative with logoed packaging.  For an inexpensive option, try inserting it into a luggage tag or business card holder.  If you are looking to make a bigger statement, try tucking it into a passport wallet or padfolio. Pairing a gift card with a promotional item helps increase the value and thoughtfulness of the gift.

•    Jump on the tech craze - Technology and electronic items make great appreciation gifts.  Digital photo frames and computer speakers are hot, but they can be a bit pricey.  If you want something a little less expensive with the same impact, consider a Smartphone, iPad, or iPod accessory.  Skins, covers and cases come in multiple colors, make a big impression and are easy on the wallet.

•    Encourage comfort with a blanket - Any time you can bring your logo into someone's home, your brand recall rate skyrockets.  Blankets are a perfect universal gift to get you into the home.  With classic embroidery and colors and styles at many price points, there is sure to be one that will highlight your brand perfectly.

•    Bring back memories with a photo frame - A photo frame has many uses as a gift.  Insert an invitation to your holiday party, create a fun thank you insert, or include a photo from a recent event.  You can get creative with ideas for using a photo frame as a gift for customers or employees.  Be sure to find a frame that fits the style of your company and accentuates your brand.

Whatever you decide to do for your holiday gifts, make sure to include a logoed item to keep your business name top of mind with your most valuable assets, your customers and employees.  For a great selection of corporate holiday ideas, visit Best Promotions holiday section.  http://www.bestpromotions.com/products/browsecategory/306/

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Promotional Products
Tags: corporate gifts , gifts , holiday gifts

Posted by: Jamie Mlinarcik
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Topic: Promotional Products
Tags: drinkware , mugs , tumblers , sports bottle , safety , function , style