Today's Up to Date Report on Imprinted Items

"Experience the Power of Imprinted Items in Richmond"

2008-08-20T09:16:30Z

On Wednesday, Sept. 3, you can experience the power of imprinted items to promote your business or organization. Our local imprinted item trade group, the Mid-Atlantic Promotional Products Association (MAPPA) will host a show at the Holiday Inn, Kroger Center, 1021 Kroger Center Blvd. (off Midlothian) from 10:30 to 2:00. Approximately 60 suppliers will exhibit to show their latest and greatest items to help you reach your goals. A free lunch is included. Call today to register and get your free "Daisy Dollars" for free samples. Matt D

Cheap Chinese Clocks Suck.Com

2008-06-23T08:54:25Z

Cheap Chinese Clocks Suck.Com is a web site I am pondering putting up. According all recent reports, we are becoming increasingly vulnerable to the Chinese for production. I want the market to know, "You don't have to buy imports!" to find inexpensive ways to market your business. A client asked me about items to pass out at recruiting opportunities for their manufacturing company. We are supplying buckle up key tags from TN that say, "Buckle on a New Career at ____" and foam puzzles that say, "Career a Puzzle? Put the pieces together at ______". Each of the six pieces that make into a cube have reasons why a person should look at this company. That item is made in CA. Message: You can help promote our economy and support fellow Americans. All it needs is a little creativity. Call today at 804-515-0300 or email, matt@logomd.com to discuss your opportunities. M

Update-June 11

2008-06-11T11:19:35Z

Last week for three days the imprinted industry got together for training and a trade show. I get as much out of the training as I do walking the 5 miles it takes to see the show. My training goal was to review the latest and greatest on marketing and networking. My show goal was to see what is available now that is made in America and what is recycled, two things that are of special interest with my federal government buyers lately.
Success was achieved on both goals--more to come on each.
A couple of quick observations:
1. Marketing is moving into a new era--just talking about features and benefits is not going to be adequate anymore. Everyone "bought into it" and now everyone sounds the same, "Our service is #1", "Our people are great!", etc. I spent a day with two good sources and will be sharing their insights as I implement them. Two things I need are a marketing kit and referral system.
2. You are going to hear a lot more from me about "MADE IN AMERICA". From a discussion I heard, prices from China are not going to be a cheap in the future (mainly due to rising labor costs) as they have been in the past as well as the safety issues we have all heard about. Look to this site for low cost imprinted items that are made here in the USA. It may require some creativity but why not give a client an item that gave an American a job? No double some items will always be made in China, calculators and flash drives come to mind. You can buy American and I will be "spotlighting" them for you.
3. Specials were on everyone's mind and you can expect me to look into them on each item request you make. Check here often or register to subscribe in order to stay up to date.
Have a great day. Matt D. (804) 515-0300

The Synergy of Two Good Ideas

2008-04-25T09:35:04Z

Logo Dynamics exhibited at OSDBU, the Federal Government's premier business opportunity for small business, yesterday. It was a very interesting experience and hopefully will be worth the long day's effort and money spent. By far the "hit" of the show for us was the calendar done as a safety promotion featuring the safety posters of children of the employees.  The calendar developed out of a need to promote workplace safety and cut down on injuries in a manufacturing environment. Each month had safety slogans added to the date block as well as a child's poster reproduced in full color. As a reward for their efforts each child got a tee shirt with his or her poster reproduced on the front. As with the client, this idea was well recieved at OSDBU. What better combination than kids and time. When we "get it right" it is at the intersection of two good ideas. In this case, I think you can add a third, meeting a need in the workplace.
This idea could certainly be adapted to other issues like a poster contest on "What the American Flag means to Me?", "Great Moments in ______ History", or the environment. With the help of my good friend, Robert "Max" Maxwell who was at the show with me, we can work together to start the calendar with any month, add special sheets to promote a business, or as with the original--emergency and often used phone numbers.
E-mail me at matt@logomd.com or call me on 804-515-0300 to discuss your needs. We look forward to seeing all the new friends we made in Upper Marlboro and hope the event was good for you as well. MD

We Value Clients Over Customers

2008-02-24T21:44:25Z

It was 1992, I had just been laid off from what appeared going in as the best job I had ever had. I had great people to work with and the company was paying me an excellent salary. There was opportunity to use my creativity as well as I found the satisfaction of helping others succeed. Then came the news, "We have to eliminate your position in a cost cutting move". I was devastated. Along came the opportunity to do what I have been doing since then, joining the imprinted item industry and I committed myself then to give the same customer service excellence I talked and taught others was important. It's kept me in business since 1992 and I need you help to continue to be in business. If you have a good experience dealing with LOGO Dynamics, let me know. If not, I want to see what I can do to make it up to you and avoid that issue in the future. Let me know below. Thanks. Matt Davidson, Principal, LOGO Dynamics.

Volume Pricing Extended at Bic

2008-01-22T10:29:23Z

Our special pricing was extended into 2008 with Bic. We get 10,000 piece pricing on as few as 300 units. See www.bicgraphic.com for information on a huge variety of pens. I like the Clic Stic as a good value priced pen but you may find others that work well for your business like the Tri Stic (three sides of imprint at not extra charge). The roller pens Bic offers is an especially good value as well. See Bic also for business card magnets and adhesive pads. Call today at 515-0300 for the latest values to help promote your business or organization. M

The Power of Appreciation

2008-01-22T10:22:59Z

I was in a quandry as to what to do for my clients for a holiday gift. I deeply appreciate the help people give me to meet my goals but never have had the cash flow to feel like I can spend lavishly on holiday gifts. I looked at food baskets for $25-30 a piece but just couldn't see bringing myself to making that kind of expenditure. We were at Michael's and saw some creatively decorated holiday boxes and got the idea to make our own gifts. With about $50 worth of candy from Costco and a going out of business sale at Garden Ridge, we got 25 gifts for under $100. I did spend another $75 on Richmond calendars and added that item to several of my stops. I can tell you the personal touch was well received and I think I did well cost wise. I would heartily suggest it for your business and expect to do it again later in the year as well as thinking about a mid-year round as well. Bottom line: You don't have to spend a lot to say, "Thank you".

In the Glen Allen/Innsbrook area? There is new help to promote your business

2008-01-11T21:29:25Z

Starting Jan. 24, the Glen Allen Exchange Club will be meeting on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:30 at JJ McFarley's in the CrossRidge Shopping Center on Staples Mill Road. We are a networking group and will also be offering helpful information on marketing, human resources, finances, as well as community issues. We have been helping sponsor an Armed Forces Day celebration and will continue to do so. (This year it is on May 17). Call me to discuss. We have identified over 1200 businesses in the 23060 and 23059 zip codes and will be contacting them about this opportunity. MD

2008-It's Here

2008-01-11T21:15:26Z

Hope the year is off to a good start for you. One of my New Year's resolutions is to make better use of this avenue of communication. Everyday I am bombarded with helpful information to pass on. Unfortunately, the good "stuff" is often buried under a pile of useless materials. I will endeavor to sift through it and an pass it on. "Tune in" on a regular basis and I'll do the best I can to help you find ways to promote yourself and establish your identity. All the best in this new year. Matt D.

Planning for Holiday Gifts?

2007-10-31T08:18:52Z

Several people have asked me about holiday gifts. Yesterday we placed an order for umbrellas for a local manufacturing facility and they are certainly a good holiday gift in light of the recent heavy rains. See www.aaaumbrella.com for one good source with a good variety to pick from. I suggest the golf umbrellas and like the automatic ones. It is a big help when you are getting out of your vehicle with an armload of stuff to pop it open first before the rain hits. Double ribbed umbrellas are nice as well with the winter wind we see in Central Virginia. Also good is desk top items and my old standby, at www.elramcorp.com have a good variety and will do as few as 12 items with an imprint. I was amazed that someone asked me to suggest items in the $200 range. Seen them in catalogues often but never expected to be asked. Good thing I don't throw any catalogue out. See www.andrewphilips.com for very nice leather goods. There is a clearace section with some very nice values.
Will keep adding ideas as I see them. Halloween is here, time to get moving on this. M

"Welcome to Logo-Richmond"

2007-06-11T08:31:11Z

I don't do may trade shows and the ones I do are usually very short and inexpensive. The VA Dept. of Business Assistance held a good one Friday and did a good job attracting new business owners. I heard some interesting business concepts. I wish all of them well and will help with marketing as much as I can. "Welcome" to those of you who are now subscribers who were at the show.
A couple of quick comments:
Most have a business plan but I encouraged them to have equal investment in a marketing plan and the few i talked to didn't. Plan where you are going and who are you going to talk to in the first 90 days of your business and you will be well on the way to success. Need help getting started? Imagine you died. Who would be there to say "Good bye". That's who you need to see. They may not all be able to help you, but may know people who can.
Do "personal marketing" with a leave behind and if you leave something more than a business card, they will be more likely to remember to pass your name along. The "things to do" list and grocery list I had on display are good expamples. See www.tradenetpublishing.com for them and other ideas. Click on "catalog".
The goal in every business should be to take the mundane, routine, and every day and make it memorable. Disney did it for amusement parks and you can do it for your venture. I am convinced the key is attitude. Think daily how you can make like interesting, fun, and a thrill for others and your efforts will not be in vain. More later on this issue.
Have a great day. M

"How Do I Design A Lapel (Cap, Jacket,etc.)-Pin"

2007-04-10T09:44:00Z

An old "standby" that is a low cost way to promote your business, club, cause, etc. is a lapel or cap pin. Usually not costing over $2.00, it is a inexpensive way to get you message across. Often the question heard is, "How do I design one?".  Basically, you are working in miniature much like a postage stamp. There are three ways I have approached this kind of project. Generally, all you promote is the basic logo and adapt it to the small space required. Since people, especially men do not like a large pin we rarely go over 1” long and ½” to ¾” high. Colors can usually be matched exactly. Another way to go is to take a picture and add text to it. Last week, I was asked by the National Guard Association to help with a pin for their upcoming national convention. The request included, “Find something that has to do with the 400^th anniversary of Jamestown.” Thanks to the search capability of the Internet I found two pictures of Jamestown era soldiers. One was a drawing from a 1608 manual of arms of a musketeer and the other was a period drawing of the Jamestown militia with the palisade in the distance. We are working with the latter because it has more color to work with and will add suitable text noting that the Guard has been protecting the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1607.
  A third way to create a pin is to take an object related to your message and make a pin out of it. A religious publication with a long history of service to our state uses a quill pen as their symbol and we will be making a pin of that symbol. A business or professional group could do something similar.
Don't overlook pins as an effective way to get you message out. Need help? Give us a call. MD

Creating Interest

2007-04-09T22:20:00Z

To increase our visibility I am linking to a blog managment site. Information below is to get the attention of that site.
http://technorati.com/claim/6x342n5vfv" rel="me">Technorati Profile

"Calling All Headwear-Cap Buyers!"

2007-03-20T12:09:00Z

In all my years experience, I have never seen any item people are more "fussy" about than a cap. Here is a new way to buy them. Go to www.ProfNoggin.com and take a look. Still no substitute for actually trying them on but a much better way than just picking one out of a catalogue. I have many samples in stock and warehouse one day away. Call today to discuss your needs. M

Need A Cap?

2007-03-15T12:36:00Z

My usual cap order is in the 24-48 range and happy to work with any quantity. However, I am working on an order for a 4-H camp where they need 300 for this summer’s campers. In the past, we needed 1,000 caps to go overseas but the times are changing. This order will be done in the Orient and be in hand 3-4 weeks after we finalize art. Caps start at $5.50 and you can see samples and even design one at www.carolinacap.com Even extra features like a sandwich bill adds only a few cents on the unit price. Embroidery is up to 12,000 stitches and the number of positions (front, side, back, strap, etc.) doesn’t matter. Call today to discuss your project. MD

Anniversary? Convention?, Trade Show? Upcoming in 2008

2008-01-22T10:25:05Z

Anniversary or Speical Event Coming Up? —Is Your Business, Association, Church, or Organization Reaching a Significant Milestone in 2008? Got an upcoming workshop, convention, etc? This works for them as well.

People ask frequently, “What do you see people doing to mark an anniversary?” The answer: “All sorts of things” Just as with a business, every group has a culture and even with similar purposes like a church, an item that works in one location and time may not work well in another. Here are some helpful suppliers that have an online catalogue for you to review. Ask us about significant questions.

www.elramcorp.com Good for small quantities. See the desktop items, clocks, and rosewood pens. There is a specials page as well. Logo Dynamics gets preferred pricing.

www.avaline.com Lapel pins are a good inexpensive item. See listing for “Jewelry”

www.bulletline.com In a hurry? This e-catalogue is two tiered, three day and ten-day production.

www.norwood.com Norwood is a group of companies that pooled their resources and each has a “niche” of items. Especially see RCC for mugs and drinkware. Jaffa has awards and recognition items. Their brass medallion coasters are very nice.

www.tagmaster.net Wide range of categories. They keep up to date on electronics.

www.bicgraphic.com Never an apology for quality. Even the Clic Stic at about .39/ea will write for over a mile. Bic owns Sheaffer and has aggressive prices on magnets.

www.leedsworld.com Leeds has a wide range of business accessories and electronics. Padfolios are popular as an anniversary gift. Also see www.gemline.com as another one in this category.
Call today to discuss your opportunity and let us work with you on a recognition plan.

"Looking for A Special Type of Apparel"

2007-03-14T22:00:48Z

We are always on the look out for ways to serve our clients better. Just launched is our new link to the apparel database at our local warehouse. To find a particular color, style on tee shirts, golf shirts, etc. go to www.imprintit.biz/logodynamics Very helpful is the details about weight of a square yard of material. You will see it in ounces next to the style information. A 5.0-5.6 ounce material will serve better than lighter weight fabric. Some are 6 oz. which can be too hot in summer use in Virginia.
Another site is at www.companycasuals.com
Both are industry leaders and give us excellent prices based on a volume that we did of about $80,000 in business last year. To all our loyal clients, thanks for your support in the past and we look forward to doing business with you again. To any new clients, call today to discuss your needs. MD

"A Short Guide on Art for Imprinted Items"

2007-02-13T14:50:41Z

      When you place your hard earned money in the hands of an advertising specialty distributor like me, you have a right to expect good advice on how to make your logo or message professionally displayed. Needless to say I have had my share of people over the years who would not listen to me and insisted on doing their own thing. The outcome was horrible but I did my part to keep it from being so.
      On the "mechanics" of an imprinted item project there are several issues that need to be resolved. We especailly need good art files. Rarely will files used on a web site work because the resolution (dots per inch) is very low to speed up the page loading on a computer. Vector art, usually done in Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw is normally required to gie the smooth corner professional appearance needed. 300 dots per inch is the usual standard. Sometimes people have been given an Illustrator (AI) file or CorelDraw (CDR) file and told it will work. If there is another file imbedded in the presenting file, like a JPG, that has low resolution, it won't be helpful at all. The art needs to be redraw at the higher resolution by a graphic designer.
     I make no claim to be a graphic designer and give a hearty salute to anyone who sits at a computer all day working on art. I can do some of the simple things and know people I can turn that can take over. There are online services for this as well.
      In any case, make sure when you invest in imprinted items the art is handled properly. An extra $20-30 is well worth it in today's marketplace to make sure your name is professionally presented.  Let us know your art questions and, if we don't know the answer, we'll find out. Just say, "No" to lousy art. MD

"How to Have the Best Family Reunion Ever"

2007-02-07T22:58:00Z

Many families meet every summer for a reunion. We love to see these events and work with our clients to make the occasion memorable. While for many people the only thing needed is a tee shirt or golf shirt, some have decided there needs to be some other way to remember the event. Here are some possibilities:

· On client had me put his family tree on a magnetic memo board and used the faint image a actual tree on the writing surface. They had the early members at the trunk of the tree, later ones on the main branches and more recent ones at the ends of the branches. See www.tradenetpublishing.com Product #1000 will work for this idea.

· Another client last year had me do something similar with the layout of his family on a coffee mug. Was a lot of names and very small type but we went back about 5 generations. We start with a ceramic white mug at .99/ea (144) which you can see at www.gototheworks.com See #C100. Set-up and freight extra.

· Paper products and Plastic Cups can add a nice touch. Some do stadium cups and others do foam can coolers. We can do as few as 50 cups. See www.trantergraphics.com Tranter is a great company and helps me with small quantities.

· Sometimes families want to do something for the children. Flyers and yo-yos can work well here.

Share with us your ideas and let's see waht we can put together for you. Call today. It’s never too early to start planning. Have a great reunion. Enjoy Aunt Tilly, she may not be around too much longer.

"The Hidden Cost of Doing Business"

2007-01-30T16:02:00Z

A potential client called yesterday and said, "I want some of those jackets like you did for South Anna school for my business" and we put a plan in motion to help her get what she wants (Not a bad strategy for success, huh?). She proceeded to tell a horror story about someone else in our industry and the poor customer service she has gotten, i.e., wrong color item from what she ordered and lack of co-operation on a request. It revealed a lot to me when she said, "They work out of their garage". Now, don't get me wrong--small business ventures have to start somewhere and I am not downing starting on a "shoe string" budget. I certainly did. I do however, think there is a hidden cost of doing business with someone who may very well be here today and gone tomorrow. For example I can't see how someone in the imprinted item business can do business today without access to an industry database. There is no way you can stock 3,000 different catalogs. I just renewed my subscription to ESP, the industry's online database. It's $260 a month but well worth it. My advise: Pick carefully with whom you do business, there may be a hidden cost in the long run. We look forward to serving you. M