Today, there seems to be more business commuters than ever as we collectively travel far and wide to achieve business objectives. With so much time spent in transit, road warriors particularly appreciate branded travel merchandise that makes their expeditions easier, more efficient and more enjoyable. Here are some great ideas for equipping corporate commuters with creature comforts that will keep your brand and image top-of-mind.
Branded Go-Gear
Here are five of the most popular, practical and helpful branded travel merchandise ideas proven to help marketers meet promotional goals:
- Travel Mug: Having a hot drink or a cold beverage while on-the-go is a given, so travel mugs are in constant demand. These fit nicely into many types of cupholders found in today’s vehicles and keep your brand visible for long periods of time. These mugs are also more environmentally-friendly than paper and Styrofoam cup alternatives, so they are a great fit for companies that advocate green business practices.
- Gadgets and Chargers: Today’s tech-savvy commuter often carries a number of productivity devices with them, so they would definitely appreciate gadgetry of this nature as well as charging solutions to keep them all juiced up. Some branded travel merchandise devices ideas include car chargers for cell phones and smartphones, hands-free Bluetooth car kits, and navigation accessories.
- First-Aid and Emergency Auto Kit: Every driver should have a first-aid kit in the vehicle as well as a set of emergency supplies in case of an accident or bad weather. There are a wide range of kits to choose from, including basic first-aid supplies and auto safety kits to survival kits and highway emergency tool kits. It’s a great way to show the recipient your care and concern for their safety and well-being while they are out and about.
- Cooler: When the commute is long or the entire work day involves driving, a cooler is an ideal branded travel merchandise item to store snacks and lunch items at the perfect temperature. Today’s coolers come in a wide array of shapes, sizes and materials, including convenient and lightweight tote or duffel-size bags to fit in the seat beside you, the backseat, or the trunk.
- Trunk Organizer: Many road warriors have a lot to carry on their travels, whether it be equipment, paperwork or other essentials. A trunk organizer can help keep everything in its place so it doesn’t roll around and get damaged, and can also be easily found. These organizers can be branded with logos, company names and messages and come in various sizes to fit different trunk configurations. There are even collapsible organizers that may be stored when not in use.
In Review
Help your customers or employees remain safe, alert, and comfortable when driving on business commutes while also propagating your corporate or brand identity. These are great baseline branded travel merchandise picks:
- Travel mugs and coolers keep the driver refreshed and satiated.
- Hands-free devices for the phone and navigation systems help keep eyes on traffic and otherwise adhere to all the rules of the road.
- A wide range of first-aid, emergency auto, and disaster kits are available, keeping drivers safe and prepared for emergencies.
- Trunk organizers help business travelers remain organized and prevent items from getting damaged.
The fall season is here and, with it, comes crisp mornings and chillier evenings—maybe even a rain drop or two. Yet, there are days where amid the cooler temperatures the sun is shining brightly. This distinctive climate calls for special fashions, and branded clothing ideas for fall abound.
Top Branded Clothing for Fall
When putting together promotional items for the fall season, consider some of these top branded clothing ideas sure to appeal to your prospects, customers or employees:
- Fleece-Lined and Micro-Fleece Jackets: These jackets offer warmth while still being lightweight, making them ideal for fluctuating temperatures and windy conditions. These jackets can be screen printed or embroidered with your corporate logo or other brand imagery.
- Cotton Mock Turtlenecks: The fall season is all about layering, and a mock turtleneck looks nice alone or paired with a shirt or sweater, so that there is added warmth and comfort.
- Long Sleeve Wicking Tee: Fitness enthusiasts will really appreciate branded merchandise of this nature because of its ability to keep moisture away from the body. This shirt goes the distance by providing added comfort and warmth – especially on those chilly morning runs.
- Soft Shell Vest: This branded clothing item is both water and wind-resistant, making it an ideal addition to any fall wardrobe. It’s warm without overheating, and it offers a convenient zippered side pocket to keep keys and other valuables.
- Full-Zip Hoodie: A long-favored look for men, women, and children, these hoodies work well with casual clothes or as part of a sporty look. They are a great way to keep the chill and wind at bay. These fashion favorites are available in a wide range of colors to suit all types of branded options and come in cozy micro-fiber and cotton blends, adding greater warmth and comfort.
- Fleece Scarf: These cold-weather accessories look great on men and women, keeping necks warm and adding a fashionable flair. There are a wide range of colors, lengths and ways to incorporate a brand to customize for every occasion and image, including patches and embroidery.
- Custom Suede Boots: Men and women can enjoy this comfortable and warm footwear, which look great paired with jeans or other casual attire. The interior provides more warmth with faux sheepskin while the outside offers many places to embroider a brand and logo.
- Wool Driver’s Hat: This cap makes a fashion statement plus helps with additional warmth as the weather changes. With colors like navy, black, camel and charcoal, this practical fashion accessory adds style and coordinates with everything from business attire to casual weekend wear.
- Leather Shopping Bag: These extra large totes work well as an eco-friendly shopping bag, but they also make for a stylish handbag. Made of high-quality leather, these large totes have long straps and interior and exterior pockets that provide ample storage space.
- Shawl Collared Robe: What man or woman wouldn’t want a cozy robe to slip into after a long day? Featuring luxurious cotton velour, these robes can be embroidered with a company, product or other brand name and offer the same comfort and luxury as robes found at the spa or a hotel.
- Slippers: Comfy, cozy slippers are perfect for those cooler evenings and mornings. Having them embroidered with a brand name and logo is one way to keep the company at the top of a customer’s mind even if they are wearing it on their feet. From terry and velour to extra fuzzy, slippers are a perfect fall indulgence.
In Summary
When it comes to fall fashions, there are a lot of possibilities for adding a brand name and logo to practical and comfortable seasonal outerwear. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Select items that work well with layered fall looks, such as turtlenecks, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies and vests.
- Fleece jackets, vests and scarves work well for wide-ranging temperatures and inclement weather like rain and wind.
- Fitness enthusiasts need practical, breathable, and comfortable athletic wear to keep them comfortable on cold fall mornings. Clothing made for wicking helps to fulfill all those needs.
- Who says fall fashion is all about going out? Everyone loves to have a plush, great-looking robe and cozy slippers to come home to!
Having a concerted strategy and well-honed process for selecting branded merchandise is important for any 
organization that wants to maximize results from their promotional efforts. Rather than guessing what logo products and related marketing mechanisms might prove effective, discern in advance what has been successful for other companies in the same, or comparable, industries. With this effort you’re sure to uncover some best practices worth emulating…and be sure to document and continue improving upon best practices of your own. [click to continue reading…]
Corporate gifts can be a highly effective means of strengthening the employer/employee relationship. Indeed, such business gift programs can prove integral in increasing employee satisfaction, thereby enhancing staff productivity, retention, loyalty and goodwill toward the organization in kind. [click to continue reading…]
With innovation the name of today’s game, electronic logo gear and high-tech branded merchandise are among the more popular promotional items. While common logo-laden items like pens, buttons, shirt, tote bags and the like can be effective in many instances, high-tech branded products are often received, and continually utilized, with a higher level of excitement and appreciation.
Popular Hi-Tech Promotional Products (Batteries Not Included)
High-tech branded merchandise can readily take your company’s promotional efforts to a whole new level. No matter your budget, there are suitable gadgets and gizmos at all price points to elevate and enhance your strategic initiatives. Consider these ideas:
- Computer cache: Whether it is a laptop, tablet, or desktop, virtually everyone uses computers – and most can benefit from helpful tech gadgets that can make business and life easier. Some particularly smart branded solutions include electronic devices like USB flash drives, memory sticks, and mice…with mouse pads even better!
- iPod accessories: One of today’s most widely used devices is the iPod, so offering a docking station for device recharging – especially those with clock, radio, and speaker functionality – is a sure-fire way to ensure your promotional product will be used often, keeping your brand top-of-mind. Other great iPod tech-related accessories include ear phones, leather cases, and sports arm bands.
- Digital picture frames: Now among the most popular gadgets, digital photo frames are a great way to help customers store, organize, and share their favorite photos, videos, and even music. Given these frames often display or otherwise output sentimental content, this piece of branded tech merchandise will be close to the recipient’s heart and warmly regarded…over and over again.
- Chargers: With so much dependence on electrical gadgets, chargers are one of the most in-demand high-tech promotional items. Whether for computers, cell phones, iPods or other MP3 players, iPads, and a bevy of hand-helds, here is a wide range of “brandable” chargers to choose from, including those for the car, home/office, base, and even green tech options like the solar-powered variety.
- Practical promotional products: Many customers may enjoy high-tech logo merchandise that helps them with their daily routine at home or at the office. Great ideas include alarm clocks for getting up, pedometers for getting healthy, calculators for balancing the books, voice recorders for remembering some great points to use later, and timers for staying on schedule.
- Small gadgets: Although a company feels like it only has a low-tech budget, there are some surprising finds for very little money. Consider some smaller branded gadgets packed with enough electronic pizzazz to keep clients happy, such as laser pointers, wireless presenters, travel and desk clocks and virtual candles.
A Tech Summary
Here are some things to remember about high-tech branded merchandise:
- It is not as expensive as you think. There are many corporate branded gadgets and techie products to fit all budgets.
- Splurge and also provide batteries if the item requires it. Clients appreciate that they can get started right away with their new tech toy.
- Match electronic gift ideas to recipients in a way that illustrates the level of knowledge and concern you have for their needs, preferences and/or personal taste.
- Use technology logo items for all types of industries and applications, both internally and externally. You’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t like electronic gifts.
Corporate social responsibility is all the rage – even when it comes to branded merchandise. After all, environmentally conscious “green” promotional products are a great way to convey specific brand messages and enhance logo visibility while simultaneously showcasing the company’s care and concern for planet Earth.
Recycled, Reclaimed, Renewed Items
Green promotional products come in many forms, and can include those manufactured from materials that have been recycled or reclaimed, created without the use of natural resources, or harvested from sustainable areas. Green logo items also include those that foster the user’s ability to conserve natural resources and reduce their own environmental footprint.
Here are some great ideas on how to incorporate a social consciousness into promotional marketing efforts while staying on budget: [click to continue reading…]
The summer season offers a perfect opportunity to provide customers and prospects practical and timely items that will duly promote your business and keep your brand top-of-mind while they are out and about. Here are some perennially popular summer promotional products that your customers will enjoy as they try to beat the heat.
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Leading Logo Golf Gear – Hole in One Branded Golf Giveaways
Golf is a quintessential way to establish and solidify business relationships, and this strategy-laden sport offers compelling marketing opportunities in kind. Don’t just hit the green to socialize with prospects and customers with the mere hope of making headway, integrate branded golf giveaways into the mix to better ensure the guileful golf outing is a hole in one.
Genius Golf Giveaways
- Apparel: Because golf has its own set of required apparel, clothing and accessories prominently displaying your company’s logo is a given. From golf shirts, to hats and visors, to shoes, gloves and ponchos, fashion is a fitting way to make your logo visible on the links.
- Balls and bags: One can never have enough balls when playing golf. Even if a client loses a ball, this may be an opportunity where another potential client discovers it…and your company! Golf bags are also a great billboard that widely visible on the course for hours on end, as well as perched in front of the nineteenth hole – a.k.a. the club house!
- Clubs and head covers: Golf clubs are a significant investment, so why not treat those top clients or prospects to a key club like a driver or putter, a full set of clubs, or even just head covers brandishing your business identity? They will know with certainty how important their business is to you, and how appreciative you are in return.
- Gear and gadgets: From divots, towels, and tees to umbrellas, putting kits and golf tools, there is a spectacular selection of practical and affordable branded golf gear that golfers of all levels are need and desire.
When to Use Branded Golf Giveaways
Gifting logoed golf gear doesn’t have to just be part of a corporate golf tournament. Consider these other opportune moments to spread the golf-related cheer:
- Holiday season: December holidays are a perfect time to give branded golf gear to clients as a thank you for their business throughout the year.
- Client birthdays: If you have specific clients who love golf, send them a special customized gift that shows you have taken the time to get to know their interests…and their special day.
- Auctions and fundraisers: Entering promotional golf merchandise in charitable auctions and fundraisers gets your brand message out there while showing you care about social issues at large.
- Social media marketing: Providing incentives in the form of logoed golf gear as part of a social networking contest or survey entices your followers to participate. In exchange for giving high-demand golf items, you get some great intelligence and feedback.
Takeaways on Golf Giveaways
You’ll drive business right down the line when utilizing branded golf giveaways:
- There is a wide range of golf merchandise available for branding opportunities to suit any kind of budget, campaign, or giveaway situation.
- Use the golf giveaways to send brand messages about social responsibility, personalized service, and interest in customer feedback.
- Leverage multiple channels for your company-branded golf gear giveaway.
Branded merchandise doesn’t have to eat up your entire marketing budget, and one can look beyond pens and magnets for low-cost options. Check out these top ten low-cost promotional products that can effectively help you achieve strategic goals:
[click to continue reading…]
No matter how tough the economy, it is important to continue strategic marketing efforts that keep your brand name visible and top-of-mind with existing and prospective customers. One of the best ways to do this is with logoed promotional products, which do not have to be expensive to be an effective “billboard” for your company. [click to continue reading…]
