Wednesday, January 20, 2010

The Power of a Pen

I recently received a case study from a supplier that I wanted to share. I think this speaks volumes to the power promotional products have.

The following simple stories illustrate the usefulness of promotional products that goes way beyond the statistics. People DO remember what they have been given.

This case study is written by a co-worker of the subject, Alvin Badiner.

Anyone in the upper Midwest either knows or has heard of Al Badiner. Al has been a "peddler" of promotional products for 50 of his 80 plus years. In his early 80's he still maintains being in the top 10 of his company's sales force. Why? Because he believes in what he sells. He promotes the industry by promoting himself.

Anyone who meets Al is immediately given a pen with his famous To a friend of Al Badiner imprint. The longer you know Al, the more and varied items you'll receive with this imprint.

  • Years ago while trying to obtain a car loan I was at a bank and being asked a series of questions. When it came to employment, they asked where I worked. When I said Spartan Group, the loan officer stopped, thought for a moment , and then lifted up his To a friend of Al Badiner pen and said, "Do you know Al?" After that, my loan process somehow became smoother and much more relaxed.
  • Al's family was at a hotel and one son received a room less than adequate. After trying to change rooms and the hotel being "full" the clerk was jotting down some notes and asked his name. Once the Badiner name was established, the clerk looked up and said "Oh, are you related to him?" while proudly showing his recent gift, a To a friend of Al Badiner pen. Suddenly a room became available, with a view no less.
  • At a local store after the holiday I was trying to return an item I was given as a gift. The clerk asked if I had the receipt, as they would only accept the return with an original receipt or gift receipt. I apologized that I had "no receipt" and I understood policy. She looked up studied me for a minute and said "Didn't you give me this pen?" Sure enough, it turned out I had been in the store months before, and when she couldn't locate a pen - I pulled a To a friend of Al Badiner pen from my purse and let her keep it. She proceeded to take the return. Without a receipt. You can imagine how grateful I was.
  • Just recently at a beloved customer's funeral, I was talking with a woman who said she was a granddaughter of the deceased. I introduced myself and then Alvin. She was beside herself "Oh , you're Al Badiner! I have your pen in my purse. I've used one all my life. My friends want to meet you - they all have your pens as well. I feel like I have known you forever!"
  • A few years ago, one of our customers-a large national insurance company put on a a vendor appreciation luncheon. Al had attended this for many years. They had collected To a friend of Al Badiner items. As a gift for the 50 or so people being honored as top vendors were a couple of different To a friend of Al Badiner items at each place setting to share and to promote the vendor they knew and loved.

You never know when and how a promotional product will have an impact and be remembered. Think of all the people who believe they are a "friend of Al Badiner," And indeed it turns out to be true.

The industry studies show that over 76% of recipients of a promotional product recall the advertiser's name on the product they received. In addition, over 75% said they actually kept the promotional product - because it was useful!

This study was provided by Sweda USA.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Coffee, Coffee, and More Coffee

One of my 2010 resolutions was to cut back on my coffee consumption. But so far I haven't made a dent in it. I tried to substitute tea for the morning cup of joe, but there is just something about starting the morning with a hot cup of coffee. I love the smell and that's something that I just don't get from tea, hot chocolate or anything else.

My love of coffee started back in the late 80's. Every weekend a group of friends and I would hit a Denny's somewhere in Southern California after a dance. Several cups and laughs later I'd head home hoping the caffeine buzz would last until I pulled into my driveway. There was also this very cool hangout downtown San Diego called Java. This is where my love of Mochas started. A select group of friends and I would sit around having very intellectual conversations. I remember feeling a bit like a beatnik while I was there. When I moved to Virginia I really missed my local coffee shop. Alas came the 90's and Starbucks started to pop up everywhere. I think this is when my caffeine addiction really started. Not only would I have a cup at home before work, I would grab a cup on my way to work, then in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up. And of course I had to stop again on the way home to make sure my caffeine buzz would last through making dinner, helping with homework, scouts, practices, etc. I am happy to say I'm not that addicted to Starbucks anymore. I still love their coffee, but as an occasional treat when I'm out running errands or have a lot of driving to do. I have found I'd much rather meet my girl friends in the morning or network with a group of business owners at locally owned coffee houses such as Spill the Beans in Alexandria or Deja Brew in Gainesville.

I know my obsession has been a bit over the top at times, but I also I'm not alone. The coffee craze continues to go strong. Here are some products that will help you get your buzz on.

Lets start with Joe himself.

The Joes

Are your promotional items working hard? Or hardly working? Sometimes you have to bring in a gritty, tough guy to get the job done. Enter ‘The Joes’. This specialty line of coffee is designed for the Financial, Legal, Healthcare and Corporate worlds.

A fun way to promote your company with a unique twist. The custom names and unique back panels make it a perfect employee perk or client gift. Just the right message in a flavorful packet of coffee.

Features: 2 oz. bag of ground gourmet Arabica coffee packaged in a silver foil bag with custom front label. Custom back label is available.

To see each Joe click on his link below.

Where do we put Joe?

No, this is not a paper cup! It's a 10 oz. biodegradable tumbler. It looks like paper but it's really plastic. Save a tree and stop using paper travel cups that you throw away. Show that you care about the environment. small enough to fit in corporate coffee machines. Screw on slide open/close spill proof lid.

The same style is also available in Double walled Porcelain with a silicone lid
• Looks just like a paper cup, but you can use it over and over again
• Environmentally friendly and reusable as well as a great looking desktop item
• Dishwasher safe
• Microwavable (mug only)

Lids come in black, red, blue or green

More info on porcelain tumbler

I need another hand

Have you ever been walking around an airport with your carry-on bag in one hand and balancing your coffee cup, and everything else in your other hand? Here is a new very cool product called the Tugo. The Tugo is a molded, pliable drink holder. It keeps your beverage suspended between the upright handles of your rolling bag. It's unique design helps keep your drink level. It's the perfect travel accessory. It is easily attached and when removed collapses to fit in your carry-on luggage. Fits all size take away coffee cups, small to medium soft drink cups as well as your personal drinkware.

The Tugo is available in retail locations throughout the U.S. To find a retail location near you visit The Tugo website. To order The Tugo with your logo contact Tall Girl Promotions.


Hot New Products for 2010

I've been catching up on my trade magazines and flipping trough the new 2010 catalogs that are being delivered daily. It's so interesting to see the new products that come out each year. I sometimes get a bit giddy over them. And sometimes I just roll my eyes and think "Really?".

Over the next several weeks I'll post some of the products that really grabbed my attention.

I have to start with this one!



It's called the Butt Station.

My first thought is who would want someone sitting on a toilet on their desk? But then I realized how compelled I was to share this with everyone in the office. How it generated so much conversation. Isn't that one of the reasons we use promotional products, to generate a buzz?

And it's absolutely a useful product. It not only functions as a tape dispenser but also as a memo pad & pen holder. And the best part is the magnetic BUTT holds paperclips inside the bowl. Everything you need is right there at your fingertips. Hmmm?

I should note that tape, paperclips, pens, and memo pad are not included.

Now the obvious industries I see using this product are plumbers, bathroom remodeling companies, bath fixture manufactures, etc. What I wonder is, outside this type of company, who would use the Butt Station to promote their company? And what would their tag line be?

Click the links for more information about the Butt Station and other products from the Minya Collection.

I would love to read your thoughts. Please leave a comment. I'll be sure to let you all know if I get any orders for the Butt Station in 2010.

Happy New Year!