Promotional Product International

For a couple of years ago the mohawks were very popular, people were spraying all kind of colours in their hair, or they just bleached their hair for the soccer games.

A new product is the hair bandage. This is the newest hairstyle for the supporters and fans of the World Cup of soccer. The hair on the bandage is remarkable and it is available in a lot of crazy shapes.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Last week we visited the PPAI show in Las Vegas, Surely the most important promotional product industry event in the USA, to be compared with the Düsseldorf PSI in Europe.

PPAI did not yet release information about the number of visitors or exhibitors yet, but according to information from the exibitors the attendee was down with at least 20% compared to last year, we could clearly see this at the show, there was for sure activity but it wasn't hectic as it used to be other years. Same for the number of exibitors, estimated to be at least 10% less than last year, maybe more.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Have a look at this nice marketing campaign driven by Dermagraphics.co.nz:
Some stickers were placed in different bathrooms and changing rooms mirrors with the message: "TRY BEFORE YOU BUY - Dermagraphics.co.nz"
Tattoos are permanent so before you get one you want to be sure you are going to like it!

Nice idea guys!

Chinese new year 2010 celebrations will take place from the 14th to the 28th of February.
We will be entering the Year of the Tiger, year 4708 according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

These are the most important celebrations of the year.
Within this period, China presents the world's biggest human migration: millions of people travelling to their home place to celebrate the new year with their families.

For those who buy or import form China, be very carefull with the delivery dates you accorded with your clients as China will be completely paralyzed.

Many factories will be totally closed from 11th to 21st of February Anyway, we wish our Chinese friends a Happy new year and may them celebrate this event fittingly!

This is THE novelty of promotional textile market:

It's called ThreadLites™, a new USA patented brand of flashing tee-shirts that can be personnalised.

The technology used to create the Threadlites is very thin, flexible and long lasting.
This product is absolutely revolutionary for promotional textile industry as it allows not only to display a Logo or brand, but also enlighten it during more than 32 hours nonstop. !


This tee-shirt is ideal for any musical event (as it react to sound), festival, concerts, outdoor events...

For morew information on Threadlites, visit: www.threadlites.com

You may know that the PPIBlog is THE specialist of the ephemeral tattoo!

You will find here everything you need to know on temporary tattoos.

Here is the list of all the articles written on the Ephermeral tattoo since thee very beginning of the PPIBLOG:

Temporary tattoos for your next promotion
Temporary tattoos
Temporary tattoos are hot
The Photochromic tattoo: a promotional product
Termographic tattoo
Waterless temporary tattoos
Summer is coming and temporary tattoo is appearing
Benefits and disadvantages of waterless tattoos
Horrible tattoos
From nothing to success
Advertising, I got you under my skin
Glow in the dark tattoos
How temporary tattoos are produced?
Temporary Tattoos- lasting allergies

To buy High quality temporary tattoos: www.temporary-tattoos.eu

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Two weeks ago PSI Paris announced that they cancelled their Februari tradefair in Paris.

Today were inform you that The Promotional Marketing Exhibition 2010 (PME), which was scheduled for April 2010 in London, has been cancelled by its organisers, the reason is the poor economic climate in the UK. It has not yet been decided whether the PME will be staged in 2011.

The temporary tattoo is a cheap promotional giveaway and very trendy, many big brands distribute temporary tattoos to apply in the skin, and mostly for children.

But few are those who really estimate the risk they are taking.
We must not forget that a temporary tattoos is applied directly on the children's skin and are made to stay from 5 to 7 days, leaving time to the components tu spread up in the tissues. Therefore, a temporary tattoo must not be considered as a simple sticker but as a product which has to respond to the requirements of the cosmetic industry's standards.

During the 20th world congress of dermatology that took place from the 1st to the 5th of July 2002 in Paris, Dr Martine Vigan, dermatologist at the CHU besançon, has sounded the alarm on this risk. In the composition of some temporary tattoos, we can find Paraphenylenediamine, which provoques late allergies. The result: the tattooed zone swells, turns red and itches. Even more serious, this allergy can lead to a long term hypersensitizing.

Some of the inks that are used to print some bad quality temporary tattoo, especially in Asia, contains CRM substances (carcinogenic).

How to be certain the temporary tattoos your company will distribute are 100% safe for children? That they won't contain toxic componenents which could provoque allergies, eczema or worst...Cancer?

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Organic Cotton.

On many traditional cotton farms, the soil is most often sterile because of the depletion of nutrients and pesticides. As a result, farmers must rely on additives, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, plus vast quantities of water to keep their crops growing. In contrast, organic farming restores and builds up the soil, increasing its organic content which, in turn, increases its water-sustaining ability. The rich, moist earth results in stronger plants, which improves the soil even more. Far less water runs off organic fields, and what does run off is not polluted with pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Organic cotton must be processed separately from conventional cotton and machines must be cleaned to avoid contamination. For 100% organic products, only environmentally friendly chemicals that meet organic fiber processing standards are used. Cotton is a natural fiber and therefore is also biodegradable.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Received a mail today from mark Bysouth introducing a new promotional product : the... SWIGGIES. Don't know what you would expect behind such a name. My curiosity made me click the link to his website and I found a totally hands-free bottle, contoured to strap onto your wrist and comfortable to wear over clothing.

Nice promotional product for runners indeed. I can imagine this product as a give away along the tour de France also.
The Swiggie was invented by Julie Austin from US, she has been fighting a lot against copycats popping up in China but seems to protect her invention well now. Copycats always pop up when you invent a new product, and even quicker when alike Julie , you exhibit your product in the Hong kong Fair. More info on copycat, protection of your inventions can be found here :

• www.ip-watch.org
• www.infringerblacklist.com

You can order Swiggies with your printed logo.
Visit the Swiggies website here : www.swiggiesuk.com

This December J-MEN, a Hong Kong fashion magazine, is giving away a free pair of Socks by LLOYD; Germany as a gift with purchase. This is a great simple everyday gift for their readers.

Perceived value is always key for a promotion. The magazine front cover values the socks at a massive US$ 23/pair going on the retail price at this brands stores. It certainly appears to be a high value gift.

The magazine is sold at a discounted price from US$2.60 to US$1.30 – you might also consider that basically this magazine is free with a pair of socks. A great deal…

Packed in a simple gold envelope, the socks come only in one colour-black, and one size. There is a simple embroidered logo on each sock.

The packaging of the socks also holds a voucher for US$40 discount on all purchases in Lloyd stores for purchases over about US$ 260.

More information about socks with logos : www.logosocks.net

Via : ODM Group

The upcoming sensation for the World Cup soccer 2010!!

Worldwide, millions of supporters will be wearing the most crazy outfits during the World Cup soccer next year in South Africa. Many people and hence companies are currently looking for new, different products in which they can truly ‘dress to impress’.

A symbol of the South African (soccer) culture is the Makaraba, a funny-looking miners helmet that is traditionally hand-carved and painted by artists and supporters. This hand-made Makaraba is not suitable for large-scale production, however. In recent months, A-Lex B.V. has developed and registered automated versions, respecting the integrity of this South African cultural phenomenon.

With this release, we are launching three user-friendly alternatives;
(1) the ‘African package’, an open design helmet with (loose) inserts that should be used to shape the base helmet, stickers and an African horn,
(2) a closed design helmet with two set-up pieces, and
(3) an inflatable helmet. Through an introduction letter, supporters will be encouraged to let their creativity run and further ‘pimp’ their helmet. Our versions of the Makaraba can be produced in almost every style, personal interest and desire. The possibilities are endless!

To ensure that this symbol of South African culture remains linked to its origin, every Makaraba sold will allow us to realise a donation to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Those who purchase our Makaraba will not only be supporting their country and soccer team in an original way, but will also contribute to this noble cause!

We are in dialogue with many companies, trade platforms and countries who have shown (exclusive) interest in our version of the Makaraba. We are highly selective since we would only like to partner with professionals who can enhance this initiative’s success whilst respecting its origin and purpose.

For more information, we kindly refer to Debbie Roijers and/or Jorg van der Zanden.

Kind greetings!
A-Lex B.V.
Calandstraat 78, 3125 BB Schiedam
Holland
Phone : +31 (0)10 29 83 123
www.a-lex.eu or www.makarabas.com

Wow this news comes from BPMA in England the photo looks like some kind of a MISS UK promotional product election, but that's not exactly what Gordon organised. :-)

Here is the very serious press release that explains more about the photo :

The bpma Academy Graduation – November 2009

The bpma held its second Academy Graduation Ceremony at the House of Commons on the 9th November, with 35 guests attending the special occasion. John Greenway MP has supported the bpma and particularly the bpma Academy, and proudly presented 20 students with their certificates alongside Adrian Ferrand bpma’s Director of Education and Gordon Glenister, Director General of the trade body.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Posted by Gagan Deep from www.fortepromo.com

Promotional Products are a great Way to promote your business among your target audience. Customized Products imprinted with your logo always keep your brand name in the mind of your customers every time they use them. The Success of your campaign depends on the promotional products you are going to give to your Customers. So I am going to discuss some Questions which you should ask yourself for getting best Promotional products for your campaign.

Whether my customer needs this Product? This is the most important Question to ask , Whether your customers are really looking for the product you are going to give them or they would always stay under drawers and cupboards of your customers. Whether the product you are going to give them is used daily or just occasionally.

Whether you would be happy to get this product as Free Gift? This is similar to previous Question but this would help you to filter cheap products or products which don’t look good. Select the products which you would like to receive.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Posted by Andy Mutt from www.promodirect.com

Distributing promotional giveaways for success in return

Ever considered counting the amount of promotional products that you’ve received at various trade shows? Too many to remember, right? But you’re going to recollect the brand or logo imprinted on it when a particular product is merely mentioned, without even looking at it. Agreed?

A promotional giveaway product is basically an object of merchandise suiting the company’s brand identity and/or values, with its logo or a slogan or any other message imprinted on it, which is used in their marketing and communication programs. Such promotional giveaways are usually distributed for free at various business events, especially tradeshows.

What are the advantages of giving away products at tradeshows?

Promotional products USA can build your company’s goodwill, please and motivate potential customers, communicate the desired message and most importantly generate ample leads to increase your sales. This could be your one shot towards success and fame in the American market.

For example, existing and renowned brands can giveaway small medals to their royal customers, stating: “Here’s thanking you, for believing in us.” This will increase the company’s goodwill even further and create a buzz amongst others too. And if your company is planning to establish an entirely new base of goodwill, make sure you pick an unforgettable and useful souvenir for your prospects.

Promotional giveaways can also motivate potential customers to visit your stall at the trade show and submit their details; in return of the incentives they receive. This would not only help them know more about your product or service, but also convert them into sales. Such products could strengthen your company’s base strategy of acquiring leads.

Once in the United States, promotional products were restricted only to be distributed randomly without any marketing backdrop. Make sure you focus on your strategies well. Here a few tips before you conduct your trade show:

• Choose the best suitable stall to enhance your promotional efforts
• Study and implement your market goals carefully
• Your giveaways must create maximum appeal amongst your target audience
• Those products must harmonize with your brand personality and image
• Train and educate the trade show-employees well

If your company is planning to use promotional products solely to generate leads, giving out an impressive custom item can prove to be beneficial. For example, you can order a stylish bag which would include a notepad, pen, USB drive and a catalogue of your offerings. The USB drive can also have PDFs and other information of your company. This will not only create immediate interest amongst leads but motivate them to spread the word too!

There are various ways to acquire leads and promote your business but the evolution and efficacy of promotional products is recommendable.

Isn’t it worth distributing promotional products for your company’s success in return?

Contact us if you need anything.
We’d love to hear from your end.
www.promodirect.com

Posted by Delphine Keng from ODM Group

Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil.

Used for: Caps, Umbrellas, T-Shirts, Mugs and many others that has flat or relatively flat surfaces

The stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A roller or squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink past the threads of the woven mesh in the open areas.


Feature of printing:Screen Print

1. Used widely – can print on plastic, clothes, metals and many other materials
2. Good printing thickness, up to 20 micron one time
3. Real printing effect
4. Good light resistance – can be used for outdoor product
5. Comprehensive ink option
6. Big printing area – up to 3* 4 meters
7. Can be reused/reclaimed after printing

Printing logo to increase brand awareness has always been one of the best method to promote your company or products. Usually, screen printing is used on promotional products when the logo has less than 4 colours.

Our weekly Marketing post comes from Singapore this week and is about... FAST FOOD.



Talented chefs from the Royal Plaza on Scotts hotel in Singapore have created this awesome life-sized Formula 1 race car out of different types of bread.




It took a total of 14 litres of water, 15 kg of yeast, 2 kg of salt, 10800 ml of food varnish and 549 hours of hard work to complete the car.

Via : www.toxel.com

Posted by Gagandeep Singh from www.fortepromo.com

Eco-Friendly Promotional Products: - Promote Your Business in Environment Friendly Way

Promotional Products are one of the greatest ways to promote your Brand and convey your message among your audience. But With the increasing awareness about environment most of the customers prefer to use Eco-friendly products.

By Using Eco friendly promotional products not only you would be able to promote your brand but also you would establish it as an Environment friendly Brand among your customers. There are lots of Environment friendly products which you can use as your promotional products by imprinting your company logo on them.

In This Article I would be discussing the most popular Eco-friendly promotions which not only protect the Environment but would also keep your brand name in the mind of your customers.


1. Bamboo Flash Drives: - Everybody needs to Transfer data from one place to another and now they can do this in smarter way with the help of Eco-friendly custom Flash Drives.
Bamboo Flash Drives imprinted with your Logo are one the coolest way to promote your brand in better way.





2. Organic Tote Bags: - Organic Tote Bags are available in various Sizes, shapes and colors providing you a lot of options to select from.

Organic Tote Bags are made with 100% cotton fabric and perfect for carrying items to work, markets and meetings.



3. Biodegradable pens: - Promotional pens imprinted with your logo are one of the most common way to promote a product But you can make it special by giving Eco-friendly Biodegradable pens.

These Pens are same like other promotional pens and come with your logo on it but these pens are made from biodegradable material Plastic providing no harm to environment.



4. Organic Caps and T-Shirts: - Organic Caps and T-shirts imprinted with your logos would take your promotional campaign to the next level.

Attractive organic caps and t-shirts are available on lots of colors and sizes and advertise your brand to countless people who see them at an affordable price.


5. Solar Powered Devices: - Solar powered Electronic Products are a great way to promote your business in Eco-friendly way. There are lot or Solar devices available in market like Solar Calculators, Solar Flashlights and solar Chargers which never need any batteries and get themselves charged by sunlight.
These solar powered devices are easy to use and would keep your brand name in your customers mind every time they use it.

Gagandeep Singh is working as internet marketing Executive for Fortepromo, which create a wide range of Eco-friendly Promotional Products for all kind of businesses and help them to promote their brand in a cost effective way.

How to choose an "inappropriate" logo.


Mmm... what the hell the designer was thinking about when he draw this logo?

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

A unique “Promotional Feather Quill Pen”, made of a nice goose feather and a ballpoint pen.

This new product is a fantastic alternative to the classical promotional pen, if you really want to distance from competition.

The elegance of its feather, the fineness of its printing, the precision of its point…
As many assets that will serve your logo and brand image.
The nobility of the Shakespeare-pen make it the king of the promotional writing instruments…

This promotional feather quill pen is a great tool to communicate with its large printing area: 65mm x 22mm….

No classical promotional pen has such a large surface to communicate, and no pen can attract attention as much as this original feather pen!
biodegradable feather quill pen

• Up From 250 units
• 10 different colors available
• Real Goose feather!!
• Ecological, safe, animal-respectful

For more information : www.shakespeare-pen.com

Via : stylos-publicitaires

posted by Delphine Keng ODM Group

The ODM group exhibited at the Electronics Show and the Mega Show in Hong Kong this October. Taking advantage of their invention incubator in their Singapore office they showcased some new promo product inventions around the drinks industry and also launched www.BeerPromos.com

Their 4-in-1 Beer Holder is able to hold up to 4 cups of beer. It is foldable so fits in the pocket, light and reusable– Carrying 8 cups of beer at one go doesn’t seem that difficult anymore! Great logo positionning for beer companies.

Coolzee 4-in-1 is another patented product, the body of Coolzee is made of Neoprene foam that can keep can/bottle drinks cool whereas the base is made of a hard and durable plastic for openning cans and bottles.

In addition, to prepare for the upcoming world cup 2010, ODM also launched their very own South Africa Board game, “The Race to Victory”. With the first production coming off the lines (arriving in South Africa in time for Christmas), they are expecting strong demand next year along with a range of world cup promotional items.

Check out their blog for more product releases and industry news.

Here is a nice idea from the USA, Little something offers you to opportunity to send a gift with personal message within 5 minutes to that client that just placed an order with your company.

It's not a printed promotional product but for sure it's a small gift that shows the client you're happy with his order. See the short video in which Mark Helsel explains it all to us.

SOURCE: ODM GROUP

This week, the ODM Group brought clients to Hangzhou province in China for a pen factory audit. Located in the center of Hangzhou – Ningbo is a vibrant city famous for its active manufacturing industries and renowned port. Due its attractive location, for having raw materials readily accessible (plastics, acrylics and metals), it soon became the ideal location for many Stationery factories (a key supplier to the promotional products industry).

Over the years, there have been much competition between many Pen factories, in terms of design, quality and turn over rate. The Ningbo Pen factory that we visited was equipped with relative standard machinery for the region but has a great capacity for production with good raw material components and meticulous online QC..

First step: cutting steel bars for making different parts of a pen.


The ODM Group manufacture a few million pens each year for airlines, hotels and other key clients so we would like to share some of our expertise in manufacture processes...

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here

Posted by John Young (www.mojopromotions.co.uk)

So you’ve found the product you think is perfect for your promotional campaign.

You’ve read the description, seen the photos and your ready to order. At this point it may be worth asking to see a sample of the product prior to placing the order.

If the product is inexpensive they can usually be posted to you free of charge. This simple precaution will ensure there are no nasty surprises when you recieve your full order. A great example to show the importance of this precaution, is when ordering plastic pens. They may look great on your screen but when you put the pen to paper they feel awful.

Now you’ve seen the product in the flesh and have placed the order…. The next step in the process will be to approve a proof layout. All respectable printing companies will provide this. The proof is very important as from your approval onwards there is no turning back. Take your time to check any spelling, punctuation and positioning. If you require specific pantone references check these are correct to. You could also ask a collegue to cast their eye over it.

If you follow the above suggestions then you might save yourself from receiving a 1000 little mistakes on your door step. There is little worse then handing out 1000’s of give-aways at an exhibition only to discover the telephone number on the product is wrong!!

MoJo Promotions
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t: +44 (0)116 261 6829
www.mojopromotions.co.uk

The Advertising Specialty Institute®, the largest media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry in the USA, today announced the results of an exclusive social networking study gauging the impact, usage and potential of social networking among ASI distributor, supplier and decorator members.

Results show that about half of respondents expressing an opinion (53% of distributors and 48% of suppliers) feel they will be increasing the time they spend with social networkinginthe next two years. Nearly 90% of respondents also feel social networking already is or will become a good way to promote their business, but there is no overall consensus about which site is most relevant today.

The study indicates that LinkedIn, an online site for professionals, is used by about 54% of distributor members and 46% of supplier members who responded to the survey, and that the majority with accounts (93% of the distributors and 85% of the suppliers) use it for business purposes. About 25% of distributors noted that it is the most relevant social network for the future.

To read the continuation of this fascinating article, click here