(Coshocton, OH)—Coshocton-based marketing firm and promotional products distributor Hasseman Marketing & Communications is growing again. Hasseman Marketing is excited to welcome Dustin Haywood back to their team. Haywood worked at Hasseman Marketing for 10 years previously and rejoins the team as Director of Marketing.
“I could not be more excited to have Dustin back on the team,” says Hasseman Marketing CEO, Kirby Hasseman. “Not only is he a great team player but he is incredibly talented. That will be great for us and our clients!”
In his new role, Dustin Haywood will not only help to market the services that Hasseman Marketing has to offer, but he will also provide marketing services to clients as well. This includes new digital marketing services for Hasseman Marketing clients. In addition, Haywood will also help to increase the video production services Hasseman Marketing offers.
“I am happy to be back home,” says Haywood. “The last several years I have had the chance to increase my knowledge base and skills and I can’t wait to use those to help our clients.”
At Hasseman Marketing, we are all about creating content that provides you value, inspiration, entertainment, and (hopefully) some joy! It’s about “Giving First” and we are big believers! But we have heard that sometimes, it’s hard to keep up. We get that. And while it’s totally okay if you are not able to see every piece of content we create, we don’t want it to be because of a lack of effort on our part. So I wanted to take just a moment to highlight a few pieces of content we are consistently cranking out.
Each Monday we create a motivational video for PromoCorner. The idea is to give you a quick boost of motivation to start your week off on the right foot. And because it’s quick-hitting…we hope you can find the time! If you have never taken the time to listen, you can find them all right here. Feel free to binge-watch them all and get fired up!
In Stock and Ready to Rock
As we write this, inventory is a challenge in nearly every industry. We have been talking about it a lot because we want to spare you some stress and headaches. But we didn’t want to just complain…that’s not our deal. So we created the “In Stock and Ready to Rock” shop. Each week we will feature one item that has deep stock and is ready to be branded with your organization’s logo! Click here to check out the latest!
The Kirby Hasseman Blog
Each week I work to create a personal development article that might help you move your business in the right direction. I often file these under “messages I need to hear,” as they resonate with salespeople, entrepreneurs, and leaders that want to level up. Here is my most recent (as I write this) about 3 Things To Do Every Day if you want to be more productive and happier. If you enjoy that one…there’s plenty more where that came from!
Delivering Marketing Joy
This is what I call the “OG” of our online content. With over 350 episodes, that means we have been doing Delivering Marketing Joy for nearly 7 years. Every Wednesday we interview leaders, marketers, entrepreneurs, and authors from (quite literally) all over the world. This is one of the pieces that updates to our blog page each week, but you can head here to binge hundreds of episodes on PromoCorner.
Thirsty Thursday
One of our newest pieces of content has quickly become one of our most popular! Each week we try a mystery drink in a different piece of branded merchandise. Sometimes the drinks are good…but not often! The reactions and the cool branded merchandise make it all worth while. This is posted on our Facebook page and is just one reason why you should follow us if you are not already. Watch the latest episode here!
Oh…and if you are interested in any of these pieces of drinkware for your organization, you can head to our shop here!
Fashion Friday
Each week we have some fun featuring a simple apparel piece for our Fashion Friday! This is another Facebook/Instagram exclusive, so head here and give us a follow.
Ohio’s Heart
Finally, I want to highlight Ohio’s Heart. Some of you may remember that we created OhiosHeart.com to highlight positive things going on in our region. While I have been a bit distracted from this site, I still believe it has a great opportunity to spread the good word! So we have been posting more to it recently (like this drone footage of a local expansion)…and I want to continue that trend. So if your organization has some good news, please feel free to share with us! Please add us to the list of press releases you are sending out to lift up the good news!
Whoo! That’s a lot of content…but we do it for you! If you want to have most of this content delivered directly to your inbox, join our VIP list here. Each week we send ONE email to the members of our list so you have it in one place!
If you want to help to grow your brand, inspire your tribe, or create a celebration with your organization, you will want to include branded drinkware. It makes sense! A great coffee mug or tumbler can be used nearly every day. It’s a very intimate branded piece (I mean, you put it in your mouth!)…and you don’t have to worry about sizes. A great piece of branded drinkware fits everyone!
But how much does a branded coffee mug cost?
It’s a good question…but a tough one. As we mentioned in this blog post about how much a custom t-shirt costs, it’s a little like asking “how much does a car cost?” It’s a tough question to answer because it depends on a lot of factors. So today we will tackle many of those factors so you can be more knowledgeable when picking the branded coffee mug you put your brand on!
What Kind of Material?
The kind of branded coffee mug you want can play a huge role in the cost. It’s an important question for you to understand because it will ultimately play a big role in whether or not your recipients actually want to use the mug. As I say all of the time, “Most everyone has a favorite mug. But they will often set that aside if you give them one they like better.”
Ceramic
When people think of a traditional coffee mug, the first thing that comes to mind is often the white ceramic coffee mug. And while that is certainly still an option, there are plenty of styles and options around a ceramic piece. Why use ceramic? For many people, it comes down to flavor. Why? Because ceramic is a solid and neutral material, it neither absorbs nor imparts flavors, leaving the coffee to taste just as it should.
Plastic
To me, the reason to choose a plastic coffee mug or tumbler is simple…price. Price is an important consideration in any branding campaign. But it should not be the only consideration. If you are going to use a plastic coffee tumbler, make sure the piece is BPA-free (here’s why). The safety of your customers, employees, and team members need to be at the top of your priority list…so please consider that when choosing your option! As a positive, there are some great BPA-free options and some are actually Made In The USA.
Stainless or Metal
Stainless or metal coffee mugs have become more and more popular over the past 10 years. I love my stainless travel mugs…especially when I am on the road. In addition, stainless has a very high perceived value with your clients. This adds power to the “gift” when you provide it to your recipients. Any time your client thinks you spent $20 on an item you spent $15 on…you are on the right side of that equation! In addition, a stainless coffee mug or tumbler often offers some cool and creative decoration techniques (more on that later).
Finally, in recent years, the technology around stainless has evolved to keep your hot drinks hot and your cold drinks cold for hours (think Yeti). This leads nicely to…
Single Versus Double Wall
For years, having a double-walled drinkware piece simply meant the mug would not “sweat.” But over the past 10 years, the technology of the Double-wall Vacuum Sealed Coffee Mugs has totally evolved. How does it work?
The key to this high-performance that keeps drinks cold (or hot) longer than traditional double-wall drinkware is a vacuum seal. This process essentially removes all air and other matter from between the interior and exterior walls of the tumbler. Creating a vacuum chamber in the middle of the tumbler stops all heat transfer by either conduction, convection, or radiation.
As you might expect, the double-walled vacuum sealed coffee mug is more expensive. But if you are looking for someone to connect with your brand for an extended period of time…it well might be worth it!
How Is It Being Decorated?
As you may or may not know, there are lots of ways to decorate a coffee mug. And depending on what way you go, it can have a huge impact on the cost of your project. I will go over a few of them here.
Silk Screening
I like to consider this the most standard decoration technique for coffee mugs. Silkscreen is a sophisticated stenciling technique for surface printing, in which a design is cut out of paper or another thin, strong material and then printed by rubbing, rolling, or spraying paint or ink through the cut-out areas. Most of your one or two color imprinting options can be well managed with this technique. This can be a very cost-effective way to imprint your coffee mugs, assuming you have enough quantity.
Pad Print
Pad printing can be a good technique for imprinting mugs when you only need a small quantity. It’s essentially the act of creating a die and “stamping” that imprint onto an item. It’s usually a process used to imprint items that are difficult to decorate using other techniques and is often done one at a time.
Sublimation
Using sublimation, you can create beautiful, full-color designs on a coffee mug. What is sublimation? Sublimation printing uses heat to essentially bring ink and fabric together as one. The process allows the ink to go from a solid to a gas without turning to liquid, a bit like dry ice. The conversion is initiated by heat and controlled by pressure. The upside is that, when done right, the images are beautiful and they are not going to come off. There is a downside though…most often, this can be a time-consuming and costly process.
Laser Etching
Laser etching can be a really cool-looking and elegant way to imprint a coffee mug or tumbler. Laser engraving is a process that vaporizes materials into fumes to engrave permanent, deep marks. The laser beam acts as a chisel, incising marks by removing layers from the surface of the material. What is created is a light imprint or a tone-on-tone look that can look sharp without being completely “in your face” from a branding perspective.
Other Factors To Consider
Okay…so we have talked about the kind of coffee mug or tumbler and the way it might be decorated. But there are a few more things you want to consider (or questions you might want to ask) before you order your organization’s coffee mugs. Here are a few!
How Many Do You Need?
In nearly every area of life we understand that when we order more, we can often get a better price. That is true with coffee mugs as well. On the other hand, if you only need them for a small team, you might consider your decoration options above so you can get the number you actually need. For example, some people can pad print or sublimate just a few coffee mugs, while you usually need to silkscreen more.
Personalization
We have long known that personalization is a powerful tool. It’s simple. If you put my name on something (maybe in addition to your logo), then I am much more likely to keep it! That puts my name with your brand on a branded piece that I use all of the time. As I said…powerful. But recently the technology to personalize has improved. More and more branded items are allowing you to personalize your customer’s name on them. Combine that with a time (during the pandemic) when it was more important than ever that we do NOT get our coffee mugs mixed up…and the number of orders that include personalization has increased a ton. It’s a powerful tool to use when creating a branding campaign (especially for current customers), but it does usually add cost.
Where Are They Shipping From?
One factor that is often forgotten is shipping. When it comes to branded drinkware, the location the items are shipping from is very important. Coffee mugs are expensive to ship, so I highly recommend that you ask where the FOB point is. If you are in Ohio, and you need an order quickly, shipping 288 coffee mugs from California can become cost-prohibitive.
But How Much Do They Cost?
Yes. I realize that after all of that I have still not given you an answer. I think you may now know why! It’s even harder as I write this because current issues with the supply chain are wreaking havoc on pricing! But because I want to give you an idea, I will define the parameters and give you an idea of what you should be paying…regardless of who you buy custom coffee mugs from. Below I will define the parameters for each of the options below. It will not be a hard and fast quote (you can reach out and request that here), but it can at least give you an idea of where to start.
Traditional Coffee Mug with One Color Imprint
This is basic and cost-effective. You can do something like this for anywhere between $2.15 and $4.00 (depending on quantity). And as I mentioned above, there are plenty of other ceramic styles and options to choose from.
Basic White Coffee Mug with Full-Color Imprint
This is the basic mug option that allows you to provide full-color graphics. With an item like this, you will be looking at anywhere from $4.25 to $7.50.
Plastic Travel Coffee Mug with One Color Imprint
Above I mentioned some of the concerns with plastic coffee mugs, but there are plenty of great BPA-free options. When considering this option you might be looking at anywhere from $3.50 to $7.50.
Stainless Double-Walled Travel Mug with Full-Color Imprint
This is the most expensive option, but it’s also the one with the highest perceived value. The range is wide depending on the brand specificity. For this option, you can spend anywhere from $10.00 to $30.00. This is the reason I have said that you should never buy a Yeti-branded coffee mug. There are some amazing options for this style. If you need help selecting one, feel free to reach out and we can help.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider. My hope is this arms you with information on how to get the right coffee mug for the right budget for your brand. Good luck!
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!
