PromotionalAnswers.com
Promotion and Advertising Info from Professional Cosultants
PROMOTIONALANSWERS.COM
Announcing PromotionalQuestions.com
Jim Adan & Associates is proud to announce the launch of the newest part of our online network:
PromotionalQuestions.com
Companion site to PromotionalAnswers.com, Jim Adan & Associates Online promotion and advertising question submission portal.
Announcing PersonalizedGiftPens.com
Jim Adan & Associates is proud to announce the launch of the newest part of our online network:
A Jim Adan & Associates Online Storefront offering high quality personalized pens.
Folds 101: What is a french fold?
A french fold is a printing term for taking a piece of paper and folding it twice in a cross pattern to divide the paper into quadrants. The quadrants are often equal in size, but a french fold can can also have the horizontal fold off-center, leaving the top two quadrants, usually, smaller than the bottom two (sometimes seen in greeting cards and wedding invitations). Using a french fold allows a printer to create a brochure-style, four-page presentation by printing on one side of a single piece of paper.
Do promotional products have to be used as giveaways?
As a rule of thumb, no. The overwhelming majority of products can be resold or used in a self-liquidating manner. (attached to / included in / connected with a product or service you sell for a price which covers or offsets the cost of the item)
If you are looking for custom products for resale, white label products, etc., be sure to let your promotional consultant know your intentions and goals. Doing so will allow him/her to make useful suggestions. In particular, extra consideration should be given to packaging and labeling if resale is intended.
It is worth noting not all products are suitable for resale use. Famous label incentive and corporate gift items, for example, sourced from your promotional consultant may not be resale suitable as the brand may have restrictions, conditions, or requirements with respect to such use.
I want to promote a small credit union, any suggestions?
If you have read some of my previous posts you might think that at times I sound like a broken record; however, one of the first things to do is set a budget. Having a budget will help you and the advertising specialty professional you are working with get the most mileage out of your promotional planning.
There are many items to help you with this project. Pens, calendars, magnet business cards, mugs, bottled water and letter openers are just a few of the items that come to mind. Custom check book holders and custom document holders can also be very useful items for your clients' use.
Many of the major pen suppliers like BIC® and Uni-ball® offer special inks that prevent the "bad guys" from washing your clients' checks and stealing their identities. This will be the exclusive topic of a future post.
I hope some of these thoughts help you out. Remember, when it comes to promotional advertising, you are only limited by your imagination.
Can you suggest a clever party favor for my company's fall barbecue?
Certainly. Consider the following:
- Custom labeled BBQ sauce, hot sauce, steak sauce or spice rubs.
- Custom branding irons.(intended for grilling, not livestock)
- Custom labeled potato chip cans.
- Custom boxed popcorn or caramel corn.
- Custom bibs.
- Custom labeled bottled water.
- Custom picnic blankets, baskets, accessories.
- Custom toys for any kids in attendance.
- think footballs, frisbees, etc.
Which of the above are appropriate for your event depends on your budget, the number of expected guests, your guests' expectations, and various other factors; however, an option can be found to fit most budgets and circumstances. Contact an advertising specialty consultant for guidance which considers your particular situation.
What are some good promotions for Halloween?
Beginning with the obvious, Halloween themed (think ghost, zombie, pumpkin, skeleton, vampire, werewolf, etc.) versions of a vast number of common types of promotional items are available: pens, toys, balloons, bags, glass and table wares, and novelty items to name a few. Remember, if an existing item with the theme you desire cannot be located, custom design is always an option if your needs demand and time and budget permit.
Some other interesting options for Halloween promotions include custom candy (which will be addressed in greater detail in a future post); many other custom food treats such as cookies, popcorn, snacks and the like; custom Halloween costumes; custom party favors; and of course mailers, flyers, magnets, and such featuring your Halloween products, specials, coupons, or other offers.
Is now a good time to plan my Christmas promotions?
Now is a good time. Yesterday even better. Last week better still. Last month...
It is difficult to identify a point at which it is too early to plan your promotions for the Christmas holiday season. Perhaps it would be overkill to plan your 2012 Christmas promotions prior to the end of 2011, but, short of that, advance planning is your very good friend.
Why?
Every aspect of the product supply chain becomes more constrained during and approaching the holiday season: manufacturers' factory schedules fill up; distributors' time is eaten up with the inevitable complications surrounding last minute rush orders; shippers experience their highest volumes of the year; and your target audience is less and less likely to be available to see/participate in/respond to your promotion as travel and holiday plans are cemented and your more forward-looking competitors' promotions and events have already won the attention, time, and budget of your market.
Advance planning allows you to avoid or overcome the aforementioned difficulties which attend last minute holiday promotions and can help your promotional efforts achieve greater success, likely with less difficulty, lesser cost, and higher value.
If you have not already planned your holiday promotions, delay no further.
- Hop on Halloween promotions.
- Think Thanksgiving promotions.
- Commence Christmas promotions.
- No time to waste for New Years promotions.
In all seriousness, if you have not already started your 2011 holiday season promotions, please contact us, or the promotional consultant of your preference, today.
