News

Food Gifts and Maple Ridge Farms19 Nov

 

Each year our clients look for ways to give a nice gift to their clients, without leaving anyone out.  Bring in a gift for you top 5 contacts and the rest of the team ends up with Zippo.  While we also carry Zippo products, that was not what I meant.  Back to the point…

One of our core suppliers in the food gift category is Maple Ridge Farms.  Established in 1979, Maple Ridge has designed a tapestry of food gifts that fall within all price ranges.  What our customers like most is when the food is all gone, there is a logo’d gift that stays with the client.

A number of clients have said… “We will just go to one of the big box retailers to pick up our gifts”. That certainly is an option but let me ask you this…  If you started seeing these food gifts on the shelves in October, how long ago do you think they were packaged.  Many of these are pre-packaged during the slower summer months.  Maple Ridge has the highest freshness levels in the industry and we will prove it.

Have you ever considered using food gifts for your corporate giving?  Contact us at 800-350-1796 x101 for a free sampling.

News

Cutter Buck Clique17 Nov

Cutter & Buck has been a long time staple in upscale corporate apparel as well as on the golf tour with stars such as Annika Sorenstam and Stuart Appleby being the prime time promoter.  While CB was founded in 1990, we have been working with Cutter & Buck for over 17 years.   Since those early days I have not seen such a diverse selection. 

New lines such as Clique and New Wave that have significant strength in European markets are welcome additions to the CB family.  While they have always been known for “higher end” apparel, Clique and New Wave open up the middle tier price point, still focusing on the highest quality standards. 

What I like most with Clique is the full compliment of retail colors in the jacket line.  The upper scale hoodies in the New Wave line are great quality at a mid price range of $24 to $32.  Cutter Bucks full corporate markets line is filled with winners. 

One trend I am finding from many of my clients is that they are giving out fewer promotional products and logo apparel during these down times.  In contrast, they are using higher end products and brands like Cutter & Buck to ride on the coat tails of these well developed brands. 

A few of the decoration methods being used are also changing.  While a big left chest custom embroidery was always the standard, now we are seeing more subtle methods.  My favorite is using a PVC rubber or Woven Label that is attached to the zipper pull or attached onto the sleeve.  When giving an item to a customer, less is always better.

The next time you need an idea that makes your company stand out, contact us at 800-350-1796.

News

Custom Lighted Liquor Displays06 Nov

Many of you may think of our company as a provider of pens, gifts, technology ideas, and apparel. However, you may be surprised to learn the scope of our product offerings.

One of the more unique products we sell is targeted toward the liquor industry. Bottle glorifiers are one of the more common items used typically for on-premise promotions.  Professional Gifting is now offering a larger version of this product. These custom lighted tables and bottle glorifiers are a terrific way to display the product lines you represent.

The picture above is only one design of multiple variations. We offer a spectrum of illuminated colors pieced with the perfect paneling to fit your desired look. Another great thing about these displays, is we will customize the size, shape, and compartments to your specifications. Just imagine, a fully customized bar which gives each beverage the justice it deserves.

We also offer a multitude of options for those of you who want to display other items. This brochure will give you examples of customized banners, pop-up displays,  mural displays, fabric panel systems, alumalite displays, tower displays, hanging signs; Even counters and shelves!

News

Custom Penny Trays03 Nov

What is one of the best ways to remind your client about your product before they check out at the register?  Why not give them a penny?  After all of the research we have done on Point of Sale (POS) displays, this is probably the most cost effective way to get your piece of sales counter real estate while your clients wallet is wide open.

Lets first talk about the shape.  Virtually any custom shape can be created.  This actual sample really has the texture and feel of a lemon. Even the shading is authentic.  While this most likely the coolest penny tray you have ever seen, what types of things could be done to make it more interactive?  How about if a slot would have been placed on top to also hold a pen?  Or mount a retractable cord to hold the pen.  Instead of a pen, what if there was a lottery ticket scratcher?  What if we included a scented formula into the mold so it would have drawn peoples nose to the display?  Would it make sense to add a sound chip so that when someone took a penny, a sales pitch would be delivered?

The only negative on this particular item is that you will need to do at least 2500 pieces and the delivery time is 90-120 days, to do it right.  OK… So what are the other options?  There are a couple of standard size trays available with a relatively low minimum order of 100 pieces.  Which piece draws your attention more?

These are just one of the creative ideas that we develop to help our clients grow their business every day.  The next time you need a creative idea that will literally make you money, give us a call at 800-350-1796 x101.  It will be the best investment of time you have ever made.

News

Liquor USB-Beer USB31 Oct

Are you a beverage supplier?  Does your product come in a liquid form?  If so, this new item is one of the best delivery tools to share valuable data with your client base. 

This is the perfect way to leave your full presentation for sales people at a meeting, an ideal format to give clients your artwork and brand information or even a number of recipes that support your product.  There are even ways to insert floaters.  You just might want to add an olive?

Other applications could include destination specific ideas.  Are you planning an incentive travel program that will be in the Caribbean?  Lets do blue liquid with your logo floating inside.  Did I mention that these also considered very eco friendly?  This green promotional idea can save tons of paper.

As far as pricing is concerned, it all depends on quantity and the amount of memory you need.  The smallest memory size available is 128mb, which fall in the $13 range.  The 2GB models are closer to $18.

We offer the largest selection of Flash Drives, USB People, USB Robots, Custom Widgets, Liquid mouse and electronic USB promotional ideas.  Here is a link that will show a small selection of our product offerings.  We also have a great source that does personalized jump drives with quantities as low as 1.  When looking for a creative promotional product in the area of jump drives, give us a call at 800-350-1796.   We have a great idea waiting for you.

News

Merchandise Programs20 Oct

Companies across the country have been using incentive travel for years.  Could there be a slow down?  Here are a few of the pitfalls of incentive travel.  Over the years the cost of travel has been going up and up.  In 2003 the average cost for 1 persons trip to a 7 day destination was $2045.  In 2008 that exact same trip is $2500. Basically 20% more for the same value.  That may not seem to drastic, until you multiply that cost times two.  Don’t forget, your winner will also be taking a spouse with them.

During these tough economic times, we see merchandise rewards programs coming out as the big winner.  If you had your choice right now to receive a brand new ATV by Polaris or any other piece of merchandise or a trip to Cancun?  Over 50% of you would switch.   Here is what our clients are telling us.

  • While recipients have enjoyed travel over the years, many are challenged in leaving home for an extended period.
  • When asked if you would rather receive $3500 in merchandise instead of travel, 55% of the audience opted for merchandise.
  • When asked if they would redeem items for themselves or for someone else, 64% said that they would pick items that the whole family would use.
Other benefits include favorable taxation.  According to tax code section 274 j, awards programs are not considered as taxable income to an employee if:
  • It is a Qualified Program: (this means that it is in writing and is part of a company policy)
  • Award Limits are $1600 maximum award for any 1 person, as long as the average awards do not exceed $400 per person.  (Qualified program, unqualified program allows max of $400 per person)
  • The awards need to be “Merchandise” and can not be Cash, Sports Tickets or other types of rewards.
  • The awards are given for 2 types of performance awards:  Safety and Service Awards (based on each 5 years of service, beginning on the 5th year)
Other challenges that come up with travel is the size of your group.  If your travel program is growing, it becomes harder to find great locations when you have over 600 people.  Especially if you have been doing the trip for 20 years.
Will merchandise take over in popularity for travel?  I believe that it will during these tough economic times. Will companies continue with travel programs?  Absolutely.  Corporations still need to have important policy meetings while on location. 
Another benefit of merchandise programs are that almost everyone can be included.  Many of our programs include Safety, Recognition, Education, Sales, Referral, Loyalty and Employee Retention.
When it comes time to develop your next merchandise program, be sure to contact Professional Gifting at 800-350-1796 x 101.
News

Green Holiday Cards17 Oct

We’ve just found another great selection of Eco Friendly Holiday Cards.    These cards are made from 100% recycled fiber, of which 30% is post consumer.  No new trees were used and the papers are 100% chlorine free.

Prices on this specific card range from $1.39 to $1.79 each.  A full selection can be found here.

Mention pricing code NLKGFD for a 10% discount.  For all of your gift needs contact Professional Gifting at 800-350-1796.

News

Hello Swiss Tech Tool - Goodbye Swiss Army Knife08 Oct

Remember when you used to have a small Swiss Army Knife on your key chain?  It was there for everything.  You could open boxes or cut paper with the scissors.  Depending on what model you owned, you could do just about anything.  So what happened to the Swiss Army Knife?  AIRPORT SECURITY!!!  Someone along the way deemed it best that they be confiscated as they pose a serious risk to airline travelers and national security.

While those restrictions still apply, there is a new kid on the block in the multi tool arena.  Swiss+Tech.

The Swiss Tech design is truly unique.  Their website offers a number of videos that show the full use of each product.  I have heard accounts of the key style piece going straight through airport inspection.  Please understand that we are not promoting that you attempt top bring these on the plane with you, but it has been done.  Regarding the price, the low end model starts at under $10 with a 50 piece minimum.

Here is a company that has created a new line of tools that revoloutionize the pocket knife industry.  Who does this product fit best with?  Anyone that has a safety program or drivers on the road.  The Body Guard tool offers a devise designed to break through auto glass and includes a seat belt cutter.

If you have further interest in this product, forward your artwork to us and we will make a virtual sample for you or contact us to see a sample.

Professional Gifting specializes in finding creative ideas to help motivate your target audience.

News

Breast Cancer Awareness Items15 Sep

Did you know that one in every eight women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life? According to the American Cancer Society, a female is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and eight-five percent of women who develop it have no known family history of the disease.

Here at Professional Gifting, we are dedicated to supporting those affected by this horrible disease. Therefore, we are holding specials on these types of items through the month of October. Below you will see a multitude of products geared toward Breast Cancer Awareness. We will wave the setup charge and digitizing fee when you purchase these items.

The good news is that the five-year breast cancer survival rate exceeds 95% when detected early (www.charityguide.org). Noticing signs of breast cancer beforei t has a chance to progress is crucial. One of the best forms of early detection is regular mamograms.

More than 40,000 American women die from this type of cancer each year. Help save lives by spreading the word about early detection. You could save someone’s mother, sister, wife, or daughter. You never know.

For more information on these types of products, please call or write us at 317-257-3466 or Sales@ProfessionalGifting.com

 

News

PG Launches new Web Site13 Sep

“As our business has grown significantly since our inception in 2004, it became apparent that we needed a more robust web tool to tell our many stories” said Ken Reinstrom, president of Professional Gifting, Inc.

We accept all major credit cards

contact information