Branded Caps

Promotional caps are big businesses believe it or not, especially around this time of year. Unfortunately I look like a degenerate when I wear a baseball cap, but if you can pull them off, you can do a lot worse then a promotional cap by Daiber.

This promotional cap must be doing something right, as it won the ‘Communicative Product’ title, in this year’s Promotional Gift Award 2010. The special cold-black technology effectively reflects the heat instead of absorbing it. The cap is made from 98% cotton and 2% spandex to fit perfectly on the head, with embroidered vents to provide necessary air supply (sounds like a car).

Quality distributers such as Gift Selection and Capstore can supply all kinds of promotional caps though, including my favourite, the old Brush Twill! Have your promotional caps embroidered or have them printed. Gift Selection have even supplied completely bespoke caps before, with absolutely every part of the product being made to order.

Did you know that the first caps were worn in 1860 by the Brooklyn Excelsiors – an early American Baseball team, but it wasn’t until 1900 that the modern “Brooklyn” style cap was worn.

I’m a Lady!

The sun’s been reminding us recently that it still exists, with the more optimistic of Brits donning their shorts and T shirts while showing off their pale flesh.

Right now is the best time of year for your organisation to start thinking about branded T shirts. There are however more to branded T shirts then first meets the eye. If your marketing campaign is geared toward the fairer sex, then having some fittest T shirts will mean they are much more likely to be used. Remember the most expensive promotional items, are the ones that are never used.

One brand of promotional T Shirts that concentrates on their ladies range in particular, is all American favourite Hanes. There ‘TasTy’ range, is proving popular, as their “relaxed fit is feminine and comfortable at the same time, created in our innovative new fabric. You no longer have to choose between a too tight t-shirt and a unisex t-shirt.”

These quality T shirts can be bought from reliable distributers such as Gift Selection, where they can offer five different styles: crew neck, boat neck, v-neck, tank top and long sleeve, while each of the five styles is available in eleven stylish colours: White, Black, Red, Navy, Sunflower Yellow, Orange, Sky Blue, Royal Blue, Khaki, Brown and Light Pink.

Are You Loving It?

When it comes to giving away promotional items, they don’t come much bigger then Ronald McDonald, with his array of crazy character side-kicks. Not even Gift Selection can compete, with the volume of promotional products the fast-food giant churns out throughout the world.

The Happy Meal, although not inventing the idea of giving away a promotional product with a children’s mean, is certainly the most popular. Happy Meal toys have become increasingly elaborate, from initially being little more than a cheap plastic trinket, they have gradually been replaced with increasingly sophisticated toys, many of which are a tie-in to some existing toy line or film. Between the 1980s and 2006, this was usually a Disney movie. However, on January 1, 2007, Disney did not renew the contract, wishing to use their characters to promote healthier foods instead.

Aside from it’s relations with Disney, McDonald’s iconic ‘I’m loving it’ slogan, is set to change here in the UK. Within six months, McDonald’s chief marketing officer Mary Dillon, is hoping we will all be chirping “You deserve a break today” instead.

World Cup Marketing

World Cup themed promotions are going to be everywhere shortly, with the world and his wife getting in on the act. The latest large scale world cup marketing campaign in the UK, is Pizza Hut’s ‘Pass it around’.

The digital and direct mail activity, created by agency Elvis, wants you to take a look at their dedicated micro-site. On the site, which uses Facebook Connect, users can play an online football game with the chance of winning prizes. These prizes include a Samsung 40″ LCD TV, Blu-ray discs, PlayStation 3 consoles, and football games, as well as a fridge full of Pepsi and pizza.

Pizza Hut is also to launch a range of new products, such as Footie Feast Pizza and Loaded Potato Skins, with the activity encouraging consumers to sample the new toppings and products available. I think any brand can positively associate themselves with the World Cup in a variety of ways. A series of prime time TV ads probably won’t be appropriate for small and medium size businesses, however promotional products can be.

Quality distributers such as Gift Selection and Promostore, can offer quality promotional products to suit any size of organisation. If you’re a marketing agency for example, who is stuck for ideas to pitch, ask one of their friendly teams for a special World Cup mini brochure for some eye catching ideas.

Branded T Shirts, branded footballs, everything you may expect is available. I think you’ll be surprised about what is available - why not go for some quality personalised chocolate footballs in a branded pint glass!

Good Business Practice

Giving out promotional products to the pharmaceutical industry, can be a bit of a grey area, as the last thing you want is to be seen to be bribing decision makers.

What’s more, cultural differences can lead to different interpretations of what could constitute ‘corruption’. What one country might consider unethical, another may view as standard commercial conduct. In Japanese’ culture, giving gifts of increasing value as a business relationship develops is the norm, and would be considered extremely rude in this context to return or refuse a gift because it was seen as a bribe (on the other hand they could just be bribing you).

There is various pretty complex legislation dealing with bribery and corruption – too many to mention here. If you seriously want to learn about the ins and outs of the law, then you’ll want to read up on the following legislation; The Corruption Act 1889, he Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 and The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Clik Clacks!

Branded Clik Clack tins, are our best promotional confectionery item - once you get your head round the name - you’ll love this little promotional item. Have your mint tins printed, or even engraved. What’s more there are even four different sizes too!

Promotional Clik Clacks are great promotional mint tins, that won’t cost you a fortune. The beauty of these branded mint tins, is the choice available. You can have practically any colour option you wish, with variety of top quality fillings.

Quality confectionery items like these are ideal if you’re attending a corporate show, and want to give something out that will keep in prospective client’s minds. Alternatively, if your ever out and about visiting clients, leave a couple of these behind after you’re meeting to leave a sweet impression.

The best place for promotional confectionery of all shapes and sizes is Sweets2order, don’t worry there promotional confectionery isn’t swept up from a factory floor in China – it is all from the best European manufacturers.