Stop me if you have heard this before. “I went to buy something (anything), and it was ‘out of stock’, ‘back-ordered,’ or ‘more expensive.'” Yeah…us too. The fact is, we are living through a trying time in our economy where supply chain issues and labor challenges are affecting nearly every sector. And the marketing and branding sector is no different. We have been talking about this since early this year.
While you can still get some amazing branded items for your organization, it’s more important than ever that you plan ahead. That is why at Hasseman Marketing, we are making a fairly bold recommendation. It’s July as I write this…but it’s not too early.
You should start thinking about your 4th quarter gifts now.
Don’t get me wrong. This is not some crazy upsell. I am not suggesting you should buy more than normal. No one is trying to trick you. But in case you haven’t noticed, the past 18 months have been a bit different. If you are planning to do year-end gifts this year, you need to get the ball rolling.
Here are two quick tips on buying 4th quarter gifts in 2021.
Order Way Early
If we have said it once, we have said it 20 times…plan way early this year. If you normally plan to order items 4 weeks in advance, plan 12. Seriously. Can you get things faster than that? Yes…sometimes. But more often than not, we are seeing clients have to scramble to get items in time…or not get them at all. That adds a ton of stress to you and your organization. If you know an event is coming, do yourself a favor and order early. Update: We have created this shop based on items with deep inventory. Check it out.
Select More Than One Option
As you are going through your ideas for branded merchandise, we recommend you have a plan A, B, and C! Yes we will work to check stock in advance, but things are changing quickly. One day an item may have “plenty” of stock, but then a big order comes in and it disappears. While you are doing the research, just pick a few backup options that are in the same price range. This will keep you from having to start over if you run into challenges.
There are plenty of things we cannot control in today’s economy. So many things seem to be in flux. That’s why it’s so important to control what we can. And while it might seem crazy to think about ordering year-end gifts now, we can assure you it’s not. If you want to discuss your year-end options, please contact your Hasseman Marketing Account Executive. If you don’t have one, click here to set up a time to chat with one!
It has been a long 18 months of zoom calls, online interviews, and isolation. But now the time has come where in-person events are on the rise again! Most of us are very excited for these events to be back and we have a couple of helpful hints on preparing for these larger in-person events, once again.
1. Wash Your Hands
We might be mostly past the virus (hopefully), but it always good to make washing your hands a routine no matter what! We hope this is one of the habits we can hang onto moving into the future!
2. Check Your Display Inventory
It’s been a full year and a half since most of us have looked at our organization’s display, or even thought about needing them! Well, we are here to tell you, this is the time!
If your backdrops, table covers, and marketing materials have been in storage over that time, a lot of things can happen. You might have a new logo. The company might have updated its messaging. We’ve heard stories of mice getting into boxes and chewing holes backdrops. That is not what we call #marketingjoy! And you don’t want to learn that the day before the event. So, now is the perfect time to check inventory for event display items, or whatever other items you may need.
If you open them up and realized it’s time for a refresh…we got you. We have listed several different displays and options that will help you promote your brand at the next in-person event.
Why? The GeoMetric Display gives you the flexibility to create specific campaigns for your desired audience. Use each panel to tell your story through the combination of pictures, graphics, or text. It’s easy to change the panels allowing you to purchase additional panels for new products, services, or info.
Why? Unlimited design options from simple & clean on one side to intricate graphics on the other side. Also, you can create a great backdrop for photo opportunities.
Why? One less detail to worry about. You don’t have to stress about whether you have a 6-foot table or an 8-foot setup…you have both covered! It also looks classy, is durable, and easy to take care of.
Why? Capture brand awareness or communicate info from on-site events to use back in your office lobby. Easy to break down and set up. Foundation piece for any marketing campaign.
Why? We have been trained over the last year to go “stand on the mark”. Use this as a focal point inside an (open) display or help direct foot traffic your way. This is also a great place to market to those looking down at their phone!
Why? Not a necessity, but a professional and better-organized option than fanned out over a tabletop. Set up as help yourself or use as a tool in your presentation to reinforce the message. Like the retractor, displays can also be used in office lobbies.
So much has changed over the past year. We get that. But now that in-person events are making a comeback, you still want your brand to look sharp and professional. These display options will help ensure your organization is ready to rock when you get to see your customers face to face!
If you like any of these ideas, and/or have other ideas, please contact us at 740-622-7429 or at hassemanmarketing.com and we will be happy to help! And, to never miss another one of these (hopefully) helpful articles, sign up here!
It’s a tradition like no other. For over 15 years, Hasseman Marketing has hosted an “End User” trade show and has invited our customers. It’s evolved and grown over the years and we are quite proud of it. This year’s event will be Thursday, October 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at Coshocton County’s Lake Park! And since we missed hosting the event last year, we are ready to get back after it!
But why should you come? We want this event to be fun AND add a ton of value. Here are 6 reasons to attend The Hasseman Marketing Trade Show.
Incredible Product Access
We invite some of our top (and favorite) supplier reps to showcase their lines at the show. I like to say “There is no way I could fit all of this in my trunk.” You get to see and touch and feel the product and see what it’s really like. We all know that many products look the same online or in a catalog. But when you get them up close you can really see a difference. This is the perfect place to make sure your brand materials are on point.
Idea Generation
As you walk around and see the latest and greatest in Promo, you will come up with some great ideas for upcoming projects. The reality is, the show is at a great time of year for year-end gifts for your team or customers. But some of our best customers come every year and start to plan their marketing for the next year and beyond.
Great SWAG
Nobody leaves empty-handed! We put on a fun event where (with the help of our suppliers) we invest in putting some really cool SWAG in your hands. In addition, we build the event around a theme so you can see how we use a bunch of different items around a theme!
Additional Services
You may think you know all that we do at Hasseman Marketing, but we find that most people discover some new ways to promote their organization! Having all of the ideas in one place can be very illuminating! For example, did you know we do website development or in-house print services? We do. And you can find more about them at the event.
Tasty Food
You have to eat right? We have food and drinks as well. Each year we get compliments about the tasty treats and we know this year will be no different. The event this year is on Thursday, October 14th from 11 am to 3 pm at the Lake Park Pavilion (in Coshocton). Our goal is to create an event that provides value and fun…and you never want to miss.
Things Have Changed
I am not sure if you heard about it, but a lot has changed since we were able to do this event last! And while we are excited to get back together to get back to normal, there are some real business reasons you should attend. Your organization might have changed logos, brand messaging, go-to-market strategies, where people work, and so much more. Or, like some of our clients, you might just need to update your materials because it’s been 18 months since you’ve needed them!
The County Fair comes around each year, and people come out from all around in order to attend and get that “fair” experience. The animals, the food, the games, the rides, the agriculture, the projects, and even the crowds…it’s all a part of the experience.
For many people, the fair is their favorite time of year, and so your brand has the chance to make them feel special. One way you can stand out is by handing out fun, memorable promotional products they can use. Not only does it make people feel appreciated, but it also is a great marketing opportunity for a potential customer in the future.
It’s a win-win situation!
But County Fairs can really draw a crowd! You don’t want to break your marketing budget. So here are a few affordable, useful promotional products that would be perfect to market your brand at the County Fair!
Who doesn’t need a Fly Swatter? This is an inexpensive, taper-shaped 16-inch fly swatter with an easy, clear place to put your logo. In addition, while you are spending time at the County Fair, you will be reminded that, sometimes, pesky insects can be a bother. So your customers and prospects will line up to get theirs. Perfect giveaway choice! Check it out here.
This is not your average drinking cup, it includes the lid and straw, which also have color-changing capabilities. If you put in cold liquid, the cups change color! Super fun for kids of all ages! This 12 oz Mood Changing cup set has lots of different color options to choose from and are dishwasher safe to ensure the best product for you and your customer! Check it out here.
The Yardstick is light, handy, and a great way to get your name out there! A Yardstick can be the perfect gift at the County Fair. Why? They are functional with a large imprint area, and can be seen all of the fairgrounds! This is an item that will draw people to your booth…and they will keep it long after the fair is over. Check it out here.
If you have ever opened a bag of chips and not finished them, you might feel like a quitter! Just kidding! But when you make that healthy choice, you still want to keep the chips fresh for next time. The round bag clip is perfect to help you do just that. Oh…and with a magnet on the back, you will always know where to find it! Check it out here.
Koozie’s are such a fun giveaway for many reasons and so easy to take with you wherever you go! They collapse into as small as you need them, to fit in your pocket, purse, etc. And, there are so many color options to choose from! This is a great, low-cost item to promote your brand at the County Fair. Check it out here.
The original mood cup has been a winner for years. Why? Because it works. It’s fun and functional. This 17 oz color-changing cup comes in a large variety of colors to choose from, for the perfect marketing tool. We recommend getting them in an assorted color range so that each cup is a small surprise for your prospect or customer! Check it out here.
Any of these products would be a good choice to continue to promote your brand and market yourself effectively. And County Fair time would be the perfect time to do so, with so many new and old faces visiting your area, seeking a great experience, why not be a part of that? Enjoying the County Fair, supporting the community, and creating new business relationships…sounds like a perfect marketing situation to me!
For more affordable County Fair marketing ideas, let’s talk. We can help you create the perfect marketing plan for any event on your calendar. Oh…and never miss an update, sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
The weather is officially making the transition from spring to summer in many parts of the country. The temperature is warming up and so is the desire to get together. People are hungry to have real contact again, and we predict that will lead to some amazing opportunities for outdoor events. This creates some cool opportunities for you and your brand. With more organized events, you can use some great summer swag to recognize employees, appreciate customers and even create awareness with your prospects.
Here are a few pieces of summer swag that are sure to delight the masses.
Sunscreen
Over the course of the past year, hand sanitizer has been a “go-to” promotional product that says “I care.” And it still should be. (We still want to stay clean and safe, right?). But during this season, Sunscreen is the perfect product that sends that same message. This is a super functional piece of branded merchandise that shows you care. If you are having a summer employee event, a golf outing, or are excited to sponsor an outdoor festival, these can be perfect. You can find a few options here.
Beach Towel
When you think of summer, what is better than a beach towel? The answer…not much. We talk about the “worst thing that can happen to a branded beach towel here. They have a huge imprint area, are incredibly functional and the average lifespan of a beach towel is 7 years! How about that for bang for your branded buck? This towel is sand-proof and quick-dry. It’s different and is sure to turn heads. Learn more here.
Vacuum Drinkware
When most people think of summer, we think of sitting on our deck (or by the pool, lake, beach, etc) with a warm breeze in our face and a cool drink in our hand. Right? The right drinkware piece has become essential for enjoying summertime to the fullest. The right vacuum drinkware can keep the hot drinks hot and the cold drinks cold. So if you can provide your employees, customers, and prospects their favorite new drinkware piece, you are going to have a special place in their heart (and on their deck). Here are two drinkware pieces that are sure to delight. And since you can imprint with full color, you can have all kinds of fun with branding too!
Wearables
There are so many items that can fall under branded “wearables,” so let me narrow it down here. I am thinking of t-shirts, sunglasses and branded caps! These are quintessential summer ware! But we are t-shirt snobs. We can tell you all you ever wanted to know about them here. You can’t just hand out some cheap, scratchy shirts if you want your folks to wear them. If you want a summer shirt, think performance, wicking, and soft!
And the same is true for a summer hat! You want to give something to your tribe that they will want to wear. Oh…and don’t be afraid to get creative with your decoration. You don’t just have to splash your logo on the front. You can…no problem. But what about creating a meaningful saying or slogan on the front with your logo on the back? Consider creating a movement with your merch! Yes…we have wearables on our store here too.
Cheers! Here’s to a fun and productive summer with your team and your tribe. If you want to talk about other fun summer ideas, click here to set up a chat! We would love to help. Make sure you never miss an update! Sign up for our VIP newsletter here.
When I first entered the world of promotional products (or branded merchandise) I was so hungry to create business and opportunities that I would do nearly anything to make a sale. Oh, nothing illegal of course, but I was not choosy. I was not particular about the clients I took on or the vendors I worked with. I just needed to put food on the table, so “a sale was a sale.” In that season of my career, that was what I needed to do.
But as time went on, I learned and evolved.
I learned that one of my jobs was to curate products. That’s pretty straightforward. There are millions of options and our clients simply don’t have the time or the knowledge to sift through them all. If I could narrow the search to just a few appropriate selections, I would be serving my clients. I could help them create a cool branded campaign that fit in the budget and (hopefully) moved the needle for their desired results.
Then I realized I was also curating something else…my vendors.
After a great deal of time in the business, I realized that not all suppliers are created equal. This is not as simple as some suppliers are “good” while some are “bad.” That is a wild over-simplification. The reality is, we are all better at some things than others. Some of our suppliers have an amazing selection of low-priced branded merchandise. A few of our suppliers have totally creative art teams that can dazzle us with mock-ups. And a few vendors can turn our branded products really fast, but they are not the cheapest. Each of the suppliers has its strengths and weaknesses.
That leads me to an important lesson.
When it comes to branded merchandise, you can have it:
Cheap
Correct
Fast
You get to pick two out of three.
While this lesson almost certainly applies to many industries, I can say for certain that it does to branded merchandise. As a distributor in this industry, it’s our job to do our best to guide you to the product AND supplier that can most effectively meet your need. As much as we want the industry to be amazon, it’s not. So if you want a branded campaign to be done in a week, there are options. They just probably won’t be the least expensive (or they won’t be done right).
As a side note, as I write this the challenge is doubly difficult. It seems nearly every industry is being affected by challenges in the supply chain (can’t get the product) or the labor force (can’t get people to work). It’s a reality we are all facing.
So my advice to you…plan ahead.
While that has always been the case, it’s really true right now. Stock is here today…and gone tomorrow. So please give yourself lots of time to make sure the item you want for your next campaign can make it on time. And if it’s not, it gives time to find a replacement.
