Wisdom To Choose The Right Greek Tote
We are finally seeing the major manufacturers come around to the idea of providing unique names for each of their products. Prior to 2012 what we repeatedly saw was boring and generic names being used to describe thousands of trinkets. Sadly there are still some suppliers doing this today. We won't mention any names but we will say Logomark!
With that ugliness out of the way I was down in Orlando last week for the ASI show. For the most part there were the usual new product introductions. There was nothing as exciting as the Clean Bottle which some of you may have seen on a popular show tonight. But what we did see is some of the more budget oriented brands releasing items in their range like The Athena Laminated Tote which Bullet was showing proudly. One of the problems with polypro totes that had become the rage just two or three years ago is that they get messy easily. Once soiled they were very hard to clean and ended up in the trash. The lamination process provides a coating that keeps liquids from being absorbed and therefore blocks stains. When a mess is made it can easily be wiped off the material. Better yet the item is fully recyclable and if you are wondering what that term means take a look at the bottom of the bag. There will be a code which matches up with your local recycling facility. When you're done using the bag just dump it in the appropriate bin and you're done.
Watching ABC's hit television show tonight I couldn't help but notice the industry is really lacking that "hot" product like the water bottle that screws off on both ends. Over the last year I have watched that show many a night and noted how many of the products introduced on the program would have a great home in this industry. Unfortunately most are patented and at that point the only way they are going to cross over to the promo products business is via the licensing channel which is a difficult nut to crack. It would be nice to see product development teams at major outfits like Leed's or Norwood actually drive some new products to market versus just copying what others have already produced. Then again with margins still being squeezed and business not at the same pace as this time last year most are probably happy.
Grasshopper.com Outage Exercise in Bad PR
For businesses worldwide that rely on virtual phone services a cautionary tale has been spun over the last few days at Grasshopper. Companies and sales associates have come to rely on the portability and ease of use virtual PBX services provide as well as the reduced costs associated with minimal hardware purchases. That cost savings may come at a very steep price as Grasshopper customers are finding out today and yesterday.
For those not familiar with what these companies provide or what a virtual PBX is, picture your current corporate phone system being housed not in a utility closet in the back of your office building but by a 3rd party provider in another location. The Grasshopper.com outage has shown that in at least this case the supposed cutting edge technology employed by a firm who's sole purpose is to provide reliable phone service failed. Beginning on June 7th customers noticed slow service or dropped connection. By later in the day June 8th the problem appears to be more widespread and is now effecting apparently their entire user base. Twenty four hours into the crisis the Grasshopper support site offers no clue as to when things will be back to normal or any explanation as to why this all happened in the first place. You would think a company of this size would have tested backup operations. Those supposedly failed after the main system went down. As of 530pm ET the Grasshopper Support Site still does not provide any inclination as to when the service outage will end.
If you are a small to medium sized business that uses virtual phone services or any 3rd party service that saves on infrastructure costs let the major Grasshopper outage be a warning. Investigate what backup systems that company has in place. Do not get caught in a position in which you have no alternative and business is lost. For customers at Grasshopper today the embarassment of having calls go to dead phone lines or even worse the "temporarily disconnected" message which makes it seem like people didn't pay their bills will take months to shake off. The financial costs to effected firms is probably incalculable. Have a backup toll free number in place next time.
A couple of months ago we wrote about TSA friendly promotional bags. Look at all the negative PR that the TSA has gotten in the last few months. At no time have I read anywhere from the TSA on suggestions to expedite the process of getting through checkpoints. They've offered no tips or pointers and have done nothing to establish positive PR. It's kind of like what has gone on with Grasshopper today, no information and what information is provided is totally useless to those losing business.
When Deception Is Good – Biodegradable Cups
All over the country there has been news of plastic bags being banned from use or of taxes being placed on those types of goods. The reasons are simple really plastic bags that you carry from the store and then throw away are incredibly wasteful. They use up precious resources and then fill up landfills. They are not readily recycled and in fact I don't know of any place that does recycle them. The same goes for paper cups that the coffee shops give out when you buy a large cappuccino in the morning. You use them once and they get disposed of in the trash.
Now that isn't neccessarily a bad thing if they are already made from recycled paper products like newspapers. The thought is that you are reusing a product but in reality a lot of resources are spent to produce a cup, transport it to and from the retailer and into your hands. Why not try a reusable promotional cup that looks just like the paper counterpart? Gordon Sinclair based out of New York has brought two great products to market starting with the Not a Venti Cup which looks exactly like a large Starbucks coffee cup. From a distance you cannot tell the difference between the two but the benefit of the Venti Cup is that it is made from biodegradable materials and is fully reusable. It is top rack dishwasher safe and even if you only use it for a year it will save hundreds of paper cups and all the costs associated with producing them. At 20 ounces it holds a lot of coffee, enough to keep even a barrister happy.
The only thing about a cup that large is that it may not fit in regular corporate coffee machines. The large size will probably cause it to get jammed in the machine which is why the I'm Not a Paper Cup does very well in that niche. Similar to a small size that you would see at Dunkin Donuts it fits and is easily dispensed from almost all automated coffee machines. That makes it a great fit for a corporate campaign towards reusable goods. Biodegradable plastic will generally break down within three to five years in a landfill. That reduces the footprint left behind when the product has expired. As a new twist Gordon is offering inks that are also biodegradable which means they are made without toxic chemicals. As an added bonus both items are BPA free which greatly increases the safety especially for younger people that are prone to use giveaway tumblers.
Delivery can be expensive in promotional drinkware. About a year ago I ordered 500 pieces of a stainless tumbler and got a bill that was well north of $500. What buyers need to be aware of is dimensional weight which is how UPS and Fedex calculate shipping charges on larger boxes. They do not go by weight alone, if a package is above the standard size they use length and width as part of a formula that will greatly increase shipping costs. Always make sure you check with your promotional products vendor and ask for a quote that includes delivery. That way there can be no surprises and you are assured of seeing the bottom line up front and are not left holding the bag at the end. While you are at it ask your provider about charges for additional items shipped. In most cases you are agreeing to pay for up to 10% more goods than you ordered. By spelling it all out up front you reduce the risks to your budget and your reputation.
Irritation from Comfort Colors – Dye Allergy
Back a few months ago I ordered a bunch of t shirts for an upcoming promotion we were having in June. The shirts arrived and looked great. I took about four or five of them for personal use and proceeded to wash them in cold water. Within two minutes of turning on the machine the tub basin was filled with a mix of inks. Three months later and perhaps twenty wash cycles later I still cannot wear the shirts as they irritate my skin terribly.
What I never fully understood until doing some research is how dangerous some of the chemicals used in coloring textiles may be to humans. Acetamide which is used in some acid dyes was recently added to the California EPA list of compounds known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Another chemical used in some dyes is Nitrobenzene which is highly toxic and easily absorbed through the skin. These are all constituents of some of the harsher dyes but even the more simple dyes can be irritating especially if they are not done properly.
In the case of the comfort colors shirts I bought to this day they stink. By that I mean they smell bad. Compared to the exact same style and color shirts purchased last year there is a permanent odor and texture to the shirts that is downright uncomfortable. The minute they come out of the cabinet you can smell them and note the difference. It's a chemical smell and one that immediately irritates skin and I have never had any sensitivity to shirt dyes. What is probably most disturbing is that it is near impossible to get a listing of what brands use which dyes in their products. The long and short of the story is when purchasing a new shirt product you may want to go ahead and order a single sample first. Five months later I still cannot wear the shirts I picked up earlier in the year at all and they are soon going to the landfill for donation to those in the need. I have no idea what dyes are used in the Comfort Colors line but I do intend to ask as this is a socially and environmentally responsible company.
Alarmingly it is impossible to find much information on dyes. In order to gather even this limited information I had to search a bunch of different sites and piece the information together. I have sent emails to the major shirt manufacturers and plan to update with a new article as soon as I hear back from them all. I do also wonder if this dovetails with the ASI inventory problems article I wrote last night. Could quick production be to blame?
Time for Laundry Detergent Brands to Change Laundry Cups
One of the immediate results of the dramatic rise in oil prices during 2008 was an equal rise in shipping and transportation costs. We all saw increases at the pumps and as well we all noticed the gradually but steady increase in prices for almost all goods and services. But did you all also notice that many of your favorite products particularly the heavier ones were downsized during the same period? After running a two week test over 20 loads of laundry it is pretty clear there is one big winner in the laundry downsizing game.
Take a look at your favorite laundry brand. Three years ago the shelves were lined with large containers that got anywhere from 32 to 64 loads of laundry done depending on the container. There were a few bottles marked for high efficiency washers and a few that were labeled as two times strength and as a result were thin bottles. It wasn't until oil prices hit record highs that all manufacturers switched to the double strength bottles which strangely cost the same for the same number of loads but certainly cost a lot less to transport. One unfortunate aspect of the new bottles is that the accompanying caps were also about half the size. Trying to read the line on the measuring cup was difficult with the larger caps and is now impossible with the smaller cups. The tone on tone coloring makes it no easier. The fact that our largest detergent companies are unable to produce a cap with a contrasting measuring line is troubling as it has two effects that are both bad for consumers. First a majority almost certainly end up putting in way too much solution. In almost every case the cap only needs to be about one quarter filled. The top two lines which you are actually able to see are for double or triple loads. Second we are dumping all sorts of nutrients into either septic tanks or the sewer system which ends up getting dumped into local waters. Clearly there is no benefit to consumers but you can almost bet for sure detergent sales are up proportionally to what they were a few years ago as we all use more of the double strength solution than we need and as a result are probably going through the average 32 or 64 use bottle 25 or 40 percent faster than we were previously. After digging up and old bottle of normal size and running a two week test it was pretty clear that pouring and measuring in the new cup was prone to over indulging on the amount of detergent. This was not a scientific test but common sense and the human eye clearly demonstrate it is nearly impossible to read the measuring caps in modern detergents. At the very least manufacturers should be using contrasting lines - if they are using a dark blue cap make the measuring lines white and the letters large in white. Better yet make the caps transparent so that light gets through and make the lines and printing in bold colors.
If this bothers you take a moment to write a letter to the big producers. They should be aware that their practice of either accidentally or deliberately making it difficult to read the caps should be changed. It is better for consumers and better for the environment. Tide can be reached by email or phone at the Tide Contact Us Page. You can contact Dwight & Church via their comment page. They make a lot of the off brands you see in CVS and other stores in addition to the Arm & Hammer line. To round out the list of larger selling brands we have the page to contact All Detergent. In the past many of these manufacturers have been responsive to change. If enough people contact them there is a very good chance we will see a positive change which will help our bank accounts and in turn will help the environment.
Promotional Coolers Carry Your Message All Year
When most people think of buying promotional coolers they think of them as a summer item. Truth is they are one of the most widely used promotional items throughout the winter because they are often taken with the end user on vacations. When they are not being used on vacations during the colder seasons they often end up by the pool, next to a beach chair or while camping. These are all ideal locations for someone to discuss the logo or message on the cooler and for people to ask more about where the item was purchased.
Gemline has long been one of the industry leaders in custom coolers. This month they have released a series of new products geared towards the budget minded shopper but also looking for a quality promotional cooler. Starting at the lower end of the cooler spectrum the Catalyst Lunch Cooler has all the benefits of other mainstream corporate coolers but comes in at a lower price and with more colors available. One of the real limitations in past years has been the fact that most coolers were available in black of blue. Gemline was one of the first to market with vibrant colors and has continued that this season. In addition they are one of the first to market kid friendly promotional products that are actually CPSIA certified with PDF certificate files available for download on their site. Like the earlier model the Laguna Lunch Cooler has the same certifications and is also made from people safe non-PVC lining. What I like about all of their coolers is the construction which usually involves heat welded seams which hopes to keep the cold in and more importantly melted ice on the inside so your car or house does not end up soaked.
Gemline has gotten particularly aggressive with the mid-year launch after contracting the number of products heading in 2010. It is possible we will see more items released as the year goes along. Unlike some of the other major manufacturers such as Leeds and Bullet Line which continue to suffer from inventory problems Gemline is poised to deliver products in a timely fashion as we cruise into July and August. When you are comparing coolers and especially coolers that may be given to children the fifty cents you may save on the bargain brand may backfire when your client realizes you saved a few cents and in turn sacrificed their safety. Giving customers a potentially dangerous cooler does not relay a message of caring about their business. When looking for your next promotional cooler give Gemline a good long look.
Proper Promotion Could Help Health Care Reform
I think what has been most interesting about the entire health care debate the past month is that almost nothing has been said of the actual benefits to the people. Sure there has been a lot of talk about the supposed benefits to the nation as costs for social programs is diminished but that means very little to the average person on the street struggling to survive. For certain those against the plan have been very vehement about what they believe are dire consequences of the potential legislation. Let's take a look at some of the details using existing examples as a guide.
Prior to that I would like to mention after having used a PolyPro Non-Woven Cooler Tote for the better part of three weeks I am pleasantly surprised by the durability. To be frank this is not the high end tote you would give a million dollar a year client but it is fine for conventions or corporate events. The rage in the last year has been polypro materials because they are inexpensive to manufacture and in almost all cases easy to recycle. Organizations are still finding recycled goods to be a bit too expensive as is the case with the Recycled PET Big Grocery Tote which although it features very slick lines and the green tag that everyone wants is still priced roughly double that of traditional polypro. That makes it a difficult sell still at this point in this particular economy. The only hope is that manufacturers do not bail on making recycled products and view the slack demand this past year as any indication of future demand. As soon as the economy bounces upward these products will come back in vogue.
Back to health care and the great debate of the 21st century. In one State where they have already mandated universal care there is one slight problem in relation to the supposed decrease in costs to consumers. Prices have continued to rise and are roughly three times what it cost just a few years ago. Using the connector site provided by the State a policy for a healthy twenty five year old man would run almost $600 a month with full coverage. That would equate to roughly 50% of the income level for the average person in some other parts of the country. It is very hard to believe this plan will make much of a difference to the average person paying for their own care. For those on the upper end of the spectrum it is possible costs will even increase and it has already been well discussed that associated taxes and costs will increase. These are all unfortunate consequences of insuring tens of millions without coverage at this point and in most cases without the means to pay for it themselves. Something clearly had to be done. Costs were spiraling out of control on all ends of the equation. The question that only historians will be able to answer was whether or not this was the correct approach.
Check out some of our earlier talks like Keeping the Message Cooler this summer for interesting information about new products.
What Plastic Resin Codes Mean
I hear this question asked all the time, what do plastic resin codes mean that I see on the bottom of a plastic bottle? Every single plastic bottle you see in your day to day life will have a resin code stamped on the bottom which will tell you whether or not a product can be recycled or not. A growing number of plastic promotional products will also have a resin code stamped on them if the manufacturer is paying attention to consumer demand. Keep in mind plastic is not like aluminum or glass that can be repeatedly recycled back into the same product. Plastic is down-cycled rather than recycled. A plastic water bottle probably will not be reused for that same purpose again but may instead be used to make a recycled tote bag.
The degree to which a plastic can be recycled is determined by both the properties of the plastic itself and by the market for the recycled plastic. Some plastics just do not hold up to repeated reuse and have a limited value. Others can be recycled but there is not much of a market for them so they are less popular. Rather than leaving this determination up to somebody at a landfill or recycling center the industry developed the resin codes that you will see in the triangle stamped on your product.
Starting with the most prominent, the "1" PETE stands for Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET/PETE for short. It is one of the most widely used polymers in the world today and one that you will see in a majority of your plastic water bottles. The bottle of SmartWater I am drinking from Glaceau is a perfect example as is just about any other water bottle from Poland Spring, Aquafina and all the other brands. Although PET cannot be reused to make future water bottles it is used and sought after in the making of fleece apparel, luggage, carpet, tote bags and other fibers. In short if it has a "1" on the bottom make sure you recycle it as it will be reused.
The "2" is HDPE or High Density Polyethylene is the second most commonly used plastic in water bottles. It is significantly stiffer than PET and is therefore used in tougher containers such as laundry detergents, milk bottles such as Lactaid and other bottles requiring strength such as oil containers. HDPE is highly recycled and can be turned back into plastic lumber that you will use on your deck, pens, benches, doghouses, floor tile and even your mailbox post. A trip through any home store will show dozens of mailboxes most of which are made from recycled HDPE. If your plastic product has a 2 stamped on the bottom make sure you put it in the recycling bin as it will be reused.
Resin code 3 stands for PVC or Polyvinyl Chloride. The white pipes under your sink are made from PVC and it has the extraordinary property of resisting both fire and water. You will see it used to make raincoats, shower curtains, water pipes and other rugged products. It is very rarely used now in water bottles. You will see it used in coolers although due to the nature of the material you will not often see it used for potable water or food products. PVC is easily recycled into products such as garden hoses, gutters, decking and other lumber products. Although you will rarely see it outside of interior piping it should be recycled if you do find it. Most people do not realize the discarded and short/extra pieces of pipe from a home renovation are easily recycled. Cut them in small pieces with a hand saw and bring them to your local recycling center.
Resin Code 4 or LDPE is something you come in contact with almost every day but have no idea it actually exists. LDPE is transparent and flexible and is most often used in bread packaging, frozen food bags, your container of mustard or ketchup, dry cleaning bags and in some cases carpeting. LDPE is recycled frequently into landscaping ties that replace traditional oil soaked wood ties, plastic shipping envelopes, garbage bags and other similar items. Most people do not realize plastic bread bags can be recycled. Check with your local facility or better yet stuff the bread bags along with the frozen food bags inside "4" items like mustard bottles.
Type 5 or PP is most often being used now in dishwasher safe products. It has an extreme resistance to heat and also resists chemicals. Because of the resistance to heat it is also often seen in the medical field where heat is needed to sterilize equipment. PolyPropylene has become incredibly popular in the promotional products industry and is often referred to simply as PolyPro. You will see it used in totes and padfolios most often. Around your home you will see it used for indoor outdoor carpeting since it cannot absorb water. Your local miniature golf course will likely have a green putting rug made of this material. PolyPropylene is often the end product of PET products being recycled and likewise can be recycled into less rugged items such as brushes, ice scrapers, tooth brushes and even flashlights. Every recycling center will take "5" products.
"6" or PS for Polystyrene is used in television casings, computer monitors, toys, the interior plastic molded parts of your car and of course regular foam insulation and packaging commonly referred to as styrofoam (not to be confused with the branded product from Dow Chemical). The foam packaging you see in anything you receive in the mail will be made of Polystyrene and is recyclable. Plastic utensils, yogurt containers and most of your medicine bottles are made from PS and all should be recycled. Plastic peanuts are made from polystyrene and are usually directly recycled. Don't throw the out bring them to your local recycling center or visit the Polystyrene Packaging Council for more information.
Resin Code 7 is reserved for all other plastic products and is not often seen especially in our daily lives.
The plastic water bottle you drank from and recycled a year ago may now be the keyboard you are typing on or the tote bag you use to carry your laptop in each day. The oil container you recycled a few years ago may be your hairbrush and the plastic milk jug you recycled may now be part of your landscaping. Essentially all plastics can be recycled and despite the economic downturn hurting the market for recycled products the innovations continue. The more we recycle, and the more we purchase recycled products the better they will become. A few years ago the promotional products made from recycled materials were plainly hideous. Now many are as attractive as the first generation products. Over time the prices should continue to drop as demand increases and technological improvements are made to the recycling process. The results of years of recycling are now being witnessed as products come to the market. In fact the items discussed in Retail Brands Crossing Over to Corporate Channels and Green Promos in Time for Earth Day are made from previously recycled plastics. Other items discussed in Safety Goes Mainstream in Ad Specialties are 100% recyclable. All of the items discussed in previous entries have resin codes attached.