Take advantage of branding opportunities in wet weather! The Rain in Spain SYDNEY falls mainly on the plain… If you’re in Sydney, you are probably absolutely over the month of non-stop rain we’ve had. The commute to work is slower, kids’ sport has been cancelled, and you’ve watched Netflix’s entire library. It’s been dreary, however people don’t stop their entire lives because of the weather. All the rain we’ve had makes it easier to raise the profile of various gifts and branded gear your organisation can provide for use in the wet, or even if it’s just cold and damp.
There’s no such thing as bad weather …
Despite the rain, life goes on! The game of golf scheduled still goes ahead, most outdoor winter sports play in drizzling rain, and outdoor training sessions go ahead unless it’s bucketing – three reasons why branded wet weather gear is a solid investment. A quality rain garment is treasured in every household, while umbrellas and outdoor pop-up marquees are all useful practical items that will ensure your branding and message receives multiple impressions. Give your staff, clients, and customers an opportunity to be outside with the appropriate clothing and they will feel special and rewarded whilst wearing it.
If you are looking at the apparel market, you’re in good company. In 2013, the Australasian Promotional Products Association (APPA) noted that of the $1.55B of sales to end users, apparel is by far the biggest category, accounting for a third of sales. What’s also important to note is that 89% of consumers recall the name of the advertiser on a promotional product they received in the past 24 months according to Innovative Marketing Consultants. Imagine having brand recall up two years after you’ve given a promotional product!
Promo Gift Tip: Customise and personalise as much as possible! The thought and effort into selecting a gift pays big dividends. If you can personalise a gift as much as possible, it gives the recipient a greater emotional connection.
Wet weather rain jackets – What to look for:
Tsunami Rain Shell Jacket
A lot of time and innovation is invested these days in making technical apparel to perform appropriately in all types of weather conditions and outdoor activities. For the wet weather, the higher the waterproof rating, the more precipitation the fabric can block from crossing into the barrier, thus keeping you drier for longer, as well as featuring sealed seams, waterproof zippers and articulated hoods to provide you with maximum weather protection so you can remain warm, dry and comfortable all day long.
Some jackets available have been field-tested for performance in a wide range of climates and weather conditions. For the wet weather jackets have 3 water resistance levels; basic water resistance jackets are showerproof and suitable for light rain /drizzle situations. High resistance is the next waterproof level and then extreme resistance, which will keep out heavy rain if outdoors for a long time and still allowing the garments to remain breathable and keep sweat away from your body. If an outdoor activity will get your heart pumping faster, this is what you want.
Non breathable waterproof garments include the promotional style ponchos. Although they don’t breathe they will keep wearers dry if they are out in the rain. There’s a variety of different quality ponchos available to showcase your branding and they are a great for outdoor events to allow you to show guests you’re keeping them in mind when menacing clouds arrive.
Umbrellas
Walk down any city street on a rainy day and you will notice that half of the umbrellas popping up are branded with a logo, while the other half are plain black! There’s nothing like an umbrella with your logo on it to reinforce your brand. Whether it’s for a golf game, going to the footy, or walking from the station to work, umbrellas are a tried and trusted means of getting your logo seen. Colours and logos can add some enthusiasm to an otherwise dreary day, so think about how you can use your logo against something other than a black background. It’s not just golf umbrellas that do the trick either, branded café and market umbrellas grab people’s attention at various outdoor locations, while marquees for that outdoor event will draw guests to you and are an absolute lifesaver when the heavens open.
Keep your gear safe and dry
You’ve managed to keep yourself dry underneath your umbrella wearing a waterproof jacket, but there’s nothing worse than realising your bag is completely soaked through … as are all the documents, electronics, contents contained within. Rather than needing to pack the valuables into plastic bags before you venture outside, you can use a branded waterproof bag you received as a gift recently, to save the day.
There are a great range of waterproof bags that can keep your bag contents safe and dry. Choose from different sized backpacks, duffle bags, tote bags and even protective laptop bags.
Enjoy,
Diana
Diana O’Cobhthaigh, is the owner of Turnkey Promotions, boutique agency specialising in promotional merchandise and product development. Turnkey Promotions provides a helpful and consultative experience that is tailored towards our clients’ Branding, Values and Vision. Diana and Turnkey Promotions are focused on a partnership that delivers precision in planning, quality products and timely delivery.
Your logo says a lot about your business. This post isn’t about creating your logo, as there’s plenty already published about design and colours on the web. Instead, let’s focus on where your logo appears on promotional products as the placement can make the difference between a remembered brand and one that’s forgotten quickly.
Understand your clients
Bigger is not always better, and the size of your logo on promotional products depends on the type of product you’ve chosen and the intended recipient. A corporate gift intended for executive level clients would only require a small or subtle logo so that it’s used more often and doesn’t detract from an individual’s personal style. Corporate gifts such as glassware, and office use gifts benefit from smaller, well-placed logos that catch the eye, but don’t detract from its use. Understanding your clients will make this decision much easier. Promotional products for outdoor use can obviously have a bigger logo so that they’re seen easily. Pop-up shade tents, tote bags, umbrellas and water bottles all benefit from larger logos.
Subtle and discreet
Discreet logos also add a touch of class and surprise to users when they’re found. A discreet logo on promotional products can also ensure your product is used more often, depending on the style of the user. Discreet or hidden logos work best on regularly used products as they reveal a brand when a product is in use. A logo on the inside or bottom of a coffee mug that can only be seen by the coffee drinker is one such example. Because of the extra thought you’ve put into where your logo appears, brand recall can be higher. Also consider placing logos internally, where only the user sees them – products that are regularly opened such as travel wallets and compendiums benefit from discreet branding.
Earlier this year, logos on active wear worn by Olympic teams in Rio competed for attention. A perfect example of good logo placement is the uniform worn by members of the US Gymnastics team. The Under Armour logo was expertly placed to capture viewer’s attention when medalists raised their arms in triumph. Even if your logo won’t be appearing on an Olympian (yet) choosing the best place for a logo on promotional gear can make a huge difference.
Of course, it’s a good idea to have your logo ready to go in a variety of different file formats to expedite the product design and ordering process (and we can also help you with this). We’ve shared some tips on which graphics work best . Your logo featured on promotional products is another touchpoint with staff and clients that extends from your office, website and social media accounts.
Enjoy,
Diana
Diana O’Cobhthaigh, is the owner of Turnkey Promotions, boutique agency specialising in promotional merchandise and product development. Turnkey Promotions provides a helpful and consultative experience that is tailored towards our clients’ Branding, Values and Vision. Diana and Turnkey Promotions are focused on a partnership that delivers precision in planning, quality products and timely delivery.
With Christmas just under two months away, NOW is the time to finalise your corporate gifts. The last months of the year fly by, so if you haven’t thought about Christmas gifts yet, don’t put it off any longer. Production times vary by product, so order sooner rather than later to ensure you have plenty of time to distribute them to staff, clients and customers. Ensuring your order is in soon safeguards against the silly season becoming manic.
Gifts to clients at Christmas time fulfills more than a feel-good festive function. Although that feeling of giving a gift that is equally well-received is great, there a few other reasons why giving a great branded corporate gift is more than good vibes!
Saying Thanks
The first and most obvious reason for gift giving is to say thanks to clients who are using your products and/or services and keeping your business humming along. It doesn’t take much to say “I appreciate your business” on top of what you regularly deliver.
Build strong relationships and retain business
Every business wants to nurture client relationships and have them continue to choose you as their partner. Gifts at Christmas help solidify these relationships and give greater meaning to just another transaction. If a business is completing 6 month budget reviews and are cutting costs and assessing service providers, now is the time to ensure that you make a great impression even if you’re in front of them every day. A well-thought gift is one that will make you stand out and come to mind regularly in the eyes of your client.
Stay top of mind in a slow season
Most businesses shut down for at least a week over Christmas and New Year. While your contact might disappear for a summer holiday for most of January, a meaningful gift given before that holiday will have your business top of mind in what is usually a frantic time of year. If a client or key contact is not returning to the organisation, that personalised, thoughtful gift will be a reminder of you at the person’s new company who may just need your services.
Diana’s Top Gift Tips
You’re the best at what you do, so give best-in-class gifts.
Send gifts that are visible, are used, and are a conversation starter that keeps you top of mind with the recipient.
Give gifts that serve a purpose, or solves a problem.
Chinese New Year: January 28, 2017.
Australia and China do so much trade and business with each other it’s important to keep an eye on Chinese New Year. As well as planning Christmas gifts, it is important to look at any upcoming events occurring in the early part of the year as factories often shut down for up to 4 weeks over this time with increases in demand occurring. So before China shuts down, get your large quantity custom indent orders for offshore production in by early November, so you can celebrate instead of stress!
Best wishes,
Diana
Diana O’Cobhthaigh, is the owner of Turnkey Promotions, boutique agency specialising in promotional merchandise and product development. Turnkey Promotions provides a helpful and consultative experience that is tailored towards our clients’ Branding, Values and Vision. Diana and Turnkey Promotions are focused on a partnership that delivers precision in planning, quality products and timely delivery.
Walk down any city street on a rainy day and you will notice that half of the umbrellas popping up are branded with a logo, while the other half are plain black! There’s nothing like an umbrella with your logo on it to reinforce your brand. Whether it’s for a golf game, going to the footy, or walking from the station to work, umbrellas are a tried and trusted means of getting your logo seen. Colours and logos can add some enthusiasm to an otherwise dreary day, so think about how you can use your logo against something other than a black background. It’s not just golf umbrellas that do the trick either, branded café and market umbrellas grab people’s attention at various outdoor locations, while marquees for that outdoor event will draw guests to you and are an absolute lifesaver when the heavens open.
You’ve managed to keep yourself dry underneath your umbrella wearing a waterproof jacket, but there’s nothing worse than realising your bag is completely soaked through … as are all the documents, electronics, contents contained within. Rather than needing to pack the valuables into plastic bags before you venture outside, you can use a branded waterproof bag you received as a gift recently, to save the day.
Logo size and placement matters!
With Christmas just under two months away, NOW is the time to finalise your corporate gifts. The last months of the year fly by, so if you haven’t thought about Christmas gifts yet, don’t put it off any longer. Production times vary by product, so order sooner rather than later to ensure you have plenty of time to distribute them to staff, clients and customers. Ensuring your order is in soon safeguards against the silly season becoming manic.