inexpensive giveaways

Aug

2014

9 Promotional Products that Didn’t Exist 20 Years Ago

Pinnacle Promotions recently celebrated our 20th birthday! Pinnacle owners Mitch and Dave Weintraub have been in this business long enough to see new products come and go. We decided to take a look back at promotional products that weren’t around 20 years ago when these two brothers started up the business.

1. Powerbanks

20 years ago no small, cellular phones even existed. No cellular phones, no need for the Powerbank as we know it today.

2. BPA Free Water Bottles

Bisphenol A has been used to make plastics since 1957. However in 1998 the government began to investigate potential safety concerns. A 2010 FDA report labeled BPA as potential hazardous to our health. This led to the creation of the BPA-free water bottle.

3. Neptune Screen Cleaning Cloth

Again, no small, cellular phones with touch screens no need for the Neptune Cloth screen cleaner.

4. Stylus Pen

No touch screen, no stylus!

5. Stemless Wine Glass

Reidel introduced the worlds fist stemless wine glass in 2004. “The tumbler, used for centuries as an all-around drinking vessel, is now turned into a sophisticated wine accessory.” https://www.pinnaclepromotions.com/promotional-product/9-oz-stemless-wine-taster-11804

6. Moustache Pen

While there were moustaches 20 years ago, there weren’t “hipsters.” Hence, the Moustache Pen.

7. Retro Boombox Cooler

20 years ago we were using actual boom boxes! Not, coolers dressed up to look like boom boxes that use Bluetooth technology to play music!

8. Clear Stadium Tote

While the clear bag may have existed 20 years ago, the clear bag for use at NFL games and other sporting events only existed since the beginning of the 2013 season in response to uncertainties following 9/11.

9. Full-color grocery tote with QR code

Full-color images have been around for a while. However, the inclusion of the QR code inside the color image is new. One client used the bag as a giveaway for conference attendees. When users activate the QR code, they were provided with the conference schedule and coupons for meals and local attractions that were exclusive to the QR code users.

Take a look around you right now! What things do you see that weren’t around 20 years ago? Tell us in the comments below.

Pinnacle Promotions

WARNING: This post might make you feel old! A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Jul

2014

How 5 Brands Glammed Up With Promo Products

By Elizabeth Fenlon, Merchandising Specialist

When you think promotional products, what comes to mind? Probably stress balls, pens, note cubes? Some janky item you’d pick up at a tradeshow? You most likely don’t think of promotional items as useful products that will enhance your next event. Promotional products are not just bland, boring products that trade style and personality for inexpensive and purely functional.
The use of promotional products, especially in unique and subtle ways, can do wonders in helping to build brand awareness in your client base. Event planners and marketers, take note.

1. At an in store event, CUSP by Neiman Marcus offered refreshments to guests in simple frosted cups with their logo imprinted on them.

2. At another in store event, Neiman Marcus gave guests a sweet treat! They are sure to take these home with them and think of Neiman’s fondly as they enjoy their tasty morsel.

3. Celebrity stylist and fashion blogger, Rachel Zoe, adds a subtle hint of branding to her event by supplying logoed metallic sharpies for attendees to use.

4. She also shows us logoed office supplies don’t have to be boring with these metallic journals!

5. Sometimes, it’s not the product, but the messaging that ties everything together. Nylon Magazine lets their personality show with these simple, metallic pencils available for purchase on their website.

6. CFDA thinks outside the ‘block’ with their promotion for their studio visit with Band of Outsiders.

Not sure how to find the right ‘glam’ product to enhance your next promotion or event? No matter the parameters, we have something for you! Tell us about your event and let us do the thinking for you, matching the perfect product to fit your brand and event. Trust us, we’re experts.

Pinnacle Promotions

How 5 Brands Glammed Up With Promo Products! A new blog post from @PinnaclePromos

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Jul

2014

Secret Geek Gear for Sale!

We are in the gear business. So, when we saw this article about secret geek gear for sale, we couldn’t resist.

Company stores have been around for years. Disclosure: Pinnacle Plus is the online store partner for Pinnacle Promotions.

Company stores are ideal for companies that have to manage uniforms, marketing materials, or general swag for the people outside of the organization. Recently, PC Magazine decided to shop their way through a number of technology company stores. Check out their findings and see which are our favorites:

TMobile Boxers

Dell Guitar USB

Wikipedia Scarf

Would you wear your corporate logo on your boxers? Give your wife Chrome earrings for your anniversary? Let us know what you think of the geeky company stores and their swag!

Pinnacle Promotions

Secret Geek Gear for Sale! A new blog post by @PinnaclePromos

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Jun

2014

Are you looking for us? We’ve moved!

We are excited to announce that we are finally all settled into our new offices!

This is the fourth location for Pinnacle Promotions in our 20-year history. The process to find a new location began in May, 2013. Our organization had outgrown the offices we had called home for more than 10 years. The move involved location scouting, plan development, packing plans, and eventually the actual move, and to do all of this as efficiently and seamlessly as possible.

Owners Mitch and Dave Weintraub worked with local realtors to scout a location that would meet our current needs, but also allow for continued growth and was in a central location for employees. With the new office it was our goal to build out a state-of-the-art showroom and expand our current operations. Pinnacle circulated surveys to the entire company to find out what features were most important to the team. Then working with architect, did their best to accommodate functionality and comfort requests. (In the end, the employees are pretty happy with the results!)

Packing! Is there any worse job when you are moving? Luckily, Flood Brothers Commercial Relocation Services made packing a breeze. Their system of pink, numbered crates helped to ensure that everything made it to the right location. Easy to use, and easy to move!

The only snag in our otherwise brilliant moving plan? Atlanta’s epic Snowmageddonpocalypse. After three weather-related reschedules, we were finally able to make the big move!

We enjoy hosting our vendors and clients in our new facility. If you are in the Atlanta area, please stop by for a visit at:

4855 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Ste. 435
Norcross, GA 30092

For more great pictures, check out our Pinnacle Facebook page!

Jun

2014

Where Will We Wear Next?

Wearables! This is all anyone in both the tech and retail arenas are talking about. Mashable says, “Wearable technology is perhaps the most prolific trend in the tech industry today.”

Click to see full image from Mashable

This infographic from Mashable highlights the life of the wearable. It all started with MIT Professor Edward Thorp attempting to invent a wearable computer that would allow him to cheat at Roulette. He wasn’t too far off the mark with a 44% success rate. From there, we’ve moved through the calculator wristwatch, the wireless webcam, and all the way up to Google Glass.

Google wanted to create a hands-free smartphone. Their idea grew into what we know today as Google Glass. Glass is an optical-mounted, voice-controlled, augmented reality wearable computer. In the beginning, it looked like the headgear you might have worn overnight attached to your braces in 8th grade. Currently, Google Glass comes in any number of fashionable eyewear pieces. And as with any trend, Google Glass wearers have already earned their own trendy nickname and have news stories dedicated to Glass use in public areas and private businesses. Here is a link to Google’s own etiquette list of Dos and Don’ts.

In the promotional products industry, as retail goes so do we. We can expect to see the wearables tech trend encroach on the promotional products industry. How long before we see custom promotional Google Glass-ready sunglasses? How about promotional watches equipped with Bluetooth for music and phone access? When will we see personalized t-shirts be RFID-equipped for event staff or VIP access?

What do you think will be the next big thing in promotional wearables? What will be next to make Mashable’s list? Tell us what you think!

Pinnacle Promotions

We’ll be wearing WHAT!?!? A New blog post by @PinnaclePromos

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May

2014

FORE: Shoot Low, Win Big!

Does your golf outing planning schedule look like this? Win big with good planning and the perfect products.

For years companies have used the Golf Tournament as a way to socialize and reward their customers. One company we know spends as much as $45,000 on their annual spring event. A Golf Tournament has also been a stalwart fund-raiser for the non-profit segment.

Non-profits have certain challenges, especially when it comes to fund raising events that are reward-return based. They need the perfect promotional products to not only thank donors for past giving, but to also encourage them to donate again and spread their message. Sometimes it takes more than one stress ball or mug to do just that.

Here are some ideas to help non-profits find the perfect promotional products for their next Golf Tournament.

Traditional:

Balls Tube with Tees

Golf Towel

Golf Colorblock Polo

Creative:

Keep it Cook Golf Kit

Cutting Board

Divot Tool/Bottle Opener

Waayyyyy outside the “tee” box:

Flip Flops w/ Bottle Opener

Morph Cinch Pack

Brew 2 Go Kit

Executive Putter Set

The right golf promotional products will provide big returns on your outing investment!

Pinnacle Promotions

FORE! Big wins from golf outings for non-profits! New blog post by @PinnaclePromos

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16

May

2014

Shhhh! 3 Secrets to Growing Your Business
Promotional Products Generate New Business
Global Advertising Specialty Impressions Study, V. 4
By Larry Basinait

Each day, businesses and employees are hustling to bring in new opportunities to help their businesses grow. Business guru and master of growing the small business Gary Vaynerchuck says the number one way to grow your business is to recognize that we are in a “thank you economy.” Companies can do that by making marketing efforts more personal. One way to do this is to give promotional products to your employees, customers and potential customers.

Here are 3 secrets to using promotional products to help grow your business:

1. Match the audience: Whether your audience is your employees, clients or tradeshow attendees the best way to Make the right impression™ with promotional giveaways is to match the product to the audience. A branded credit card-style hand sanitizer would make a memorable tradeshow giveaway at a healthcare event. Custom printed t-shirts are ideal for the outdoor music festival volunteers.

2. Quality equals exposure: The average promotional item is kept 6.6 months. Quality outerwear such as a high-quality jacket continues to provide residual value over time. The same can be said for drinkware. The Wall Street Journal stated that a branded mug can be seen as often as five times per day by its owner. It is important to choose the right drinkware with the right imprint method to make sure the idea of quality is connected with the brand.

3. Be creative: Companies can really show off their thoughtfulness and creativity with the right promotional product. The avionic team that travels overseas will see extra value in the customized international electrical adapters.The recliner company gives customized throw blankets with to their distributors and vendors.

It’s important to remember to make your marketing more personal and more specific. Knowing your audience, quality and creativity are game changers in making your brand name and services stick with potential new customers, and are key to make promotional products work for you to help attract a new audience and grow your business.

Pinnacle Promotions

These 3 things will bring you new business! New blog post by @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 1 comment

09

May

2014

The Unique Wedding Experience
Listen up, event planners and hospitality facilities! You already know that there is no longer such a thing as a “traditional wedding.” There are entire reality television programs built around brides (or bridezillas) competing for the most unique, most memorable wedding. You see it every day. Your brides want the unique wedding experience and we are here to help you give it to them!

Two of the biggest contributors to achieving the unique wedding experience: Pinterest and promotional products.

Pinterest: Pinterest burst onto the scene in 2010 hailing itself as a “virtual discovery” tool. At the core, Pinterest is a bookmarking site. In reality, it is a crafters, foodies, and shoppers paradise. Since its inception, Pinterest has become the #1 social networking site based solely on “time spent” statistics. In 2013, Pinterest was valued at $3.8 billion and there is no slow-down in its near future.

For brides and wedding planners, Pinterest is a welcome haven for ideas and support. You can shop for dresses, get alternative venue ideas, and even plan your menu.

Top Wedding Boards on Pinterest from Vogue Magazine.

The Pinnacle Wedding board is one of our most popular boards.

Pinterest Wedding Boards even have their own Buzzfeed list.

Promotional Products: Promotional products can also help make a wedding even more memorable! Here are a few promotional product ideas to help your clients host a totally unique wedding experience:

Wedding-branded flip-flops to help everyone in the bridal party relax.

Personalized Napkins can be used for everything from brunch to cocktails to the main meal.

Perfect for the sit-down meal AND a nice wedding favor, the Stemless Wine Glass .

A memorable addition to a beautiful outdoor wedding and a favor guests will want to use over and over: Fiesta Mason Jar Tumbler.

Event planners, hotels and venues can be ahead of the curve and offer these great ideas to their customers. Set your company apart, overhaul a wedding and help the brides and grooms that you work with create a one-of-a-kind, magical wedding day.

For more wedding ideas, please check out our Pinterest board or our website. Comment below if you know have other good ideas about how to use promotional products for a unique wedding experience.

Pinnacle Promotions

Don’t plan your wedding without reading this! New blog post by @PinnaclePromos

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Posted by Lee in Seasonal Marketing Ideas, 0 comments

25

Apr

2014

Oops! The RIGHT Way to Make the WRONG Impression
On the episode of Friends titled “The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance,” Ross has begun to teach his first-ever college course. He is intent on making the right impression, and starts his very first class by introducing himself with an English accent. The hilarity ensues when Monica and Rachel stop by class one day for lunch and discover the bogus accent. He insists the entire fiasco began all because he wanted to make the right impression.

In the promotional products industry, without careful guidance it can be all too easy to make the wrong impression. Our sales team shared examples of the right way to Make the right impression.™

Right: Hand sanitizer for the hospital or doctor’s office
Wrong: Food containing nuts for the hospital or doctor’s office

Right: Branded towels for the local gym
Wrong: Orca whale stress balls for the local gym

Right: A gift pack including sunglasses, hats and sunscreen for the luxury resort in South Florida.
Wrong: Heavy, customized fleece jackets for the luxury resort in South Florida.

Right: Ribbon reflector light for a cancer fundraiser
Wrong: Zippo lighter for a cancer fundraiser.

Right: Filtered water bottle for an alcohol treatment facility.
Wrong: Shot glass for an alcohol treatment facility.

Right: Customized cowbells for the local chicken fast-food restaurant.
Wrong: Customized chicken feet for the local chicken fast-food restaurant.

At Pinnacle Promotions, we know the right way to Make the right impression.™

Posted by Lee in How to Reach a Target Audience, 0 comments

02

Apr

2014

Trends for 2014: More, more, more
We have had numerous vendors stop by our offices in Atlanta. We’ve seen a few things stand out as trends for 2014.

Overall, the trend we have seen in every category is the ability for a product to be more than one thing! The keys for products to be more than one thing can be boiled down to three main themes: Security, Versatility and Stress-down.

Security: From bags to tech gear, the thing we hear over and over is “security.” The NFL Bag policy has not gone unnoticed by manufacturers. They are creating more and more clear bags. The requests for customized clear bags have come in every shape and size, and at various price points.

Security is not limited to bags. The iWallet is a perfect example of a branded product designed with “identity theft prevention” in mind. Not only are the cards protected from deactivation from the phone, but also the grip prevents card slippage or loss.

Versatility: The key to versatility is for a product to be more than one thing. The Gwee button iPhone screen cleaner is a phone stand and a cleaner. This mouse pad is also a screen cleaner. The In-Pillow travel pillow converts from a small pillow, (with a pocket!) to a basic tablet holder to a stand-alone screen mount!

Stress-down: The stress ball has been a hallmark of the promotional products industry as long as we can remember. However, the sheer volume of options in “anti-stress” promotional products has increased. You can now put your logo on everything from the traditional stress ball to Office Spa kits complete with lavender “stress relief” hand lotion.

Pinnacle Promotions takes the stress out of ordering your promotional products with our Rocketship 24-hour Rush Service. There are thousands of products that can be ordered with rush service and no rush charge. If there is anything that will take the stress out of your life, it is getting the right product at the right time the right way to help you Make the right impression.™

Pinnacle Promotions

New blog post by @PinnaclePromos – Trends for 2014: More, more, more

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Posted by Lee in Top Trending Topics, 1 comment

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