EAST COAST GRAPHICS

Do you ever feel like your company is a small fish in the big pond at trade shows? Don’t worry if you don’t have tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend for a trade show exhibit. Spending large amounts of money doesn’t guarantee you will stand out at a trade show. You can distinguish your company at a tradeshow and make a profit while spending less money. With a little ingenuity on your behalf and some of the following ideas, your trade show will be a success.

Tips:  Preparing For a Trade Show

Leave enough time as possible to prepare your signage: All too often do people wait until the last minute to get their trade show signage together.  Try to plan at least a month ahead of time to allocate an appropriate budget and proper specifications. When laying out your trade show booth, draw a mockup of the floor plan. It is important to consider table, chair, and drape placement when deciding sign placement. Another consideration should be foot traffic. Where are most of the trade show visitors going to be entering, exiting and standing in your booth? Although it’s important that our signs have a big impact, we don’t want to overcrowd an area and make an uncomfortable environment.

Do research on both the show and who will be in attendance: Although many of us want to express our creativity and uniqueness, make sure you research beforehand. A little subtlety goes a long way in creating a large impact and drawing the most amount of foot traffic to a booth. Here are some tips on how to research the show and the attendees when planning your trade show signage:

• Promotional signs should be large and straight to the point.
• List of services signs should be bright and clean looking.
• Backdrops should stand out and grab the audience’s attention.
• Many companies opt for interactive signage – Play a game and win, Spin and win, Take a picture in front

Although interactive signage is unique and effective when used properly, be cognizant of your audience.  If you have a prospect with whom you’ve been in contact for months that shows up at the show, don’t have them wait on a face painting line in order to talk to you!

Preparing for a trade show can be less stressful when you plan properly.  Effective planning includes allotting enough time (usually at least a month), researching the trade show, researching the audience, and using captivating visual signage.  Spending an exorbitant amount of money is not necessary to have successful trade show signage.

If you or your company needs large format signage for an up coming event and need a little help please feel free to contact East Coast Graphics, Inc. we are always happy to help.

East Coast Graphics, Inc.
Thomas Glenn
631.231.9300 xt.11
info@EcoastGraphics.com
631.231.9300 xt. 11

Running a successful business on Long Island, New York becomes more difficult every year.  However, some companies have become more efficient by streamlining their marketing dollars.   

New forms of media are constantly becoming available.  Trying to keep up with newer and better technology is nearly impossible.  Where can business owners and/or marketing professionals go to obtain the most professional and efficient advertising?  One company to consider is East Coast Graphics, Inc. (www.ECoastGraphics.com), a full service Marketing and Print Procurement firm located in Hauppauge, New York. 

We took the time to interview Thomas Glenn, Vice President of New Business Development for East Coast Graphics, Inc.  We asked him a few questions on how his organization is helping their clients efficiently streamline their marketing efforts.

Q:  How long has East Coast Graphics, Inc. been in business?
A:  We have been in business since 1972.  Obviously a lot has changed since then, but we still believe in our old values of offering great customer service and delivering a quality product on time at a competitive price.  Staying ahead of the technology curve has allowed us to transform into who we are today.

Q:  What do you feel a company’s biggest concerns are regarding their marketing dollars? 
A:  I think that companies and business owners are very nervous about spending money right now on print and others forms of media in this current economic situation.   When they choose to spend on marketing, they are really not sure on which media channel to focus.  

Q:  If there was one piece of advice that you could share with companies and business owners regarding printing, what would it be?
A:  The best advice that I can give to anyone would be don’t let price be your ultimate decision maker for every job.  While each company wants to make a profit, partnering with a print management firm can streamline your printing procurement process.  In addition, a print management firm can leverage it’s expertise to help it’s clients purchase more efficiently, which eventually results in large savings to the customer.  Efficiency = Savings = Success

Q:  What do you feel your organization brings to customers that others don’t?
A:  I want to first point out that there are many reputable and reliable firms in our industry that would be a great asset to any company.  What I feel East Coast Graphics brings to the table is expertise in the print procurement supply chain.  Being in business for almost 40 years, we believe that we know what we are doing.  We strive to educate our customers on how they can purchase more efficiently and how they can streamline their overall procurement process.  The long lasting relationships we have established with many of our clients is a result of continually meeting and exceeding our clients demands and expectations with the highest level of professionalism.

If you or your company would like to discuss your print procurement process or efficient print buying techniques, please call East Coast Graphics, Inc. for a free consultation.

East Coast Graphics, Inc.
Thomas D. Glenn
Vice President of New Business Development
631.231.9300 xt.11
tom@ecoastgraphics.com
www.EcoastGraphics.com

It is a known fact that not every printing company is right for every project.  This is also the case with companies that have their own in-house marketing departments.  So you or your company wants to put together a new direct mail piece to generate new business and you are in charge.  “Great, Right?” I bet most of you would agree that this does not sound like much fun at all.  Your boss has already bought his Porsche 911 Turbo in cherry red from the ROI on this piece, and you are his go to guy.  Fantastic!

Let’s get this party started! OK, we first need to come up with some great creative ideas and product images to catch the audience’s attention “Easy!”  At least we thought it was easy… Forget the creative process for now, let’s move onto copy.  Well, it is our product or service that we are speaking about so it must be child’s play to write something relative.  “Uhhhh” where do I start and where do I begin is more like it.  Forget the design and copy for now lets move onto the specs of the printed piece.  Hmmm, yes, that’s it the brochure will be printed in 4 color process + 2 PMS colors + PMS metallic + Spot UV and an overall aqueou “who?” coating.

How do you find enough time in the day to even start trying to tie all of these elements together to generate a successful direct mail campaign we ask?  The answer for most people: You Can’t!

Question:  Should I use a “direct” shop or use a Print Management firm?

Answer:  An in-house direct rep is committed to sell solely what their employer manufactures.  They are not interested in educating you on what they can not offer you.   On the other hand, the print management firm is independent, and not directly employed by the graphic arts companies that they rep. Management firms work as free agents and have the flexibility to rep several companies for you. Moreover, the print management firm has an incentive to deliver the services of a wide range of companies. Therefore, if you are a print buyer swamped with a variety of projects and overwhelmed with demands to produce, then the right print management firm would be a valuable addition to your production team!

Question:  Why should I choose to use a Print Management Firm rather than going to multiple vendors direct?

Answer:  Again “For the most of us, if you are short the resources needed to devote to the process, then enlisting the services of a Print Management Firm would be a good call to save you or your company money, prevent waste, and insure timely delivery of projects” says Thomas Glenn, VP Business Development of New York based East Coast Graphics (http://ECoastGraphics.com). 

“It is not unusual for a complex print project to run through four or more manufacturers for completion. The key to success in a fragmented manufacturing process is to plan so that each transition between specialized manufacturers is done with precision. A print management firm would coordinate all manufacturing services needed for the project. The print management firm that delivers this service offers a huge value for your company. They’ll prevent costly waste and delay” says Glenn.

If you have more questions or if you would like to receive more information about East Coast Graphics’ (http://ECoastGraphics.com) services please contact:

Thomas Glenn
VP Business Development
East Coast Graphics, Inc.
tom@ecoastgraphics.com
631.231.9300 Ext. 11
http://ECoastGraphics.com
Blog: http://ecoastgraphics.com/eco-friendly-promotional-products/

With over 40 years of combined marketing and design experience we have positioned East Coast Graphics to help businesses like yours strengthen your brand, improve sales and increase bottom lines. Whether it’s planning your marketing strategy, developing a direct mail campaign, or simply updating existing materials, East Coast Graphics can help you meet and exceed your marketing goals.

Our areas of marketing expertise include:

• Marketing services—strategic planning, research analysis, brand positioning
• Complete graphic design capabilities
• Brochures, catalogs, sales collateral
• Direct mail
• Product sheets
• Advertising campaigns
• Photography  (studio or on location)
• Model Procurement

To find out more about how East Coast Graphics can help you with your marketing efforts please contact us.

Thomas Glenn

VP Business Development

East Coast Graphics, Inc.

tom@ecoastgraphics.com

631.231.9300 xt.11

http://ECoastGraphics.com

We do more than design and produce award-winning work! We make sure you maintain control of the storage and distribution of your printed products.

East Coast Graphics manages inventory, ensuring that our customers have adequate supplies, sparing them time and administrative costs. Our print management services gives you the extra edge you need for improved work flow, greater satisfaction, lower costs, and freedom to focus on your business.

We organize, store, and monitor all your printed materials. Your materials are labeled and kept in a secure atmosphere, ready for easy retrieval. When you need a product, one phone call or e-mail is all that it takes.

Contact us for a FREE QUOTE TODAY!

With our print management, we provide:

• Fast Turn Around Time and Shipping
• Eco-Friendly Printing
• High Quality Results
• Sheet-Fed Printing up to 8 Colors
• Web Capabilities up to 10 Colors
• 8 Color Label Printing with UV Finishes
• Friendly and Helpful Staff with Years Of Experience

We understand the dynamics of managing a successful print program and provide the quality, consistency and rapid turn-around times necessary to ensure that your objectives are met. Whether your needs include catalogs, brochures, annual reports, product packaging, business forms or labels, East Coast Graphics is the company that can make you look good on paper.

Additional Features:

Varnish, Aqueous and UV Coatings, Embossing, Die-Cutting, Foil, Stamping and Numbering

Business Forms Printing:

Laser Forms (Cut Sheets and Continuous), Snapsets, Checks, Pressure Seal, Mailers up to 8 Colors

Bindery Services:

Collating, Stitching, Folding, Cutting, Binding, Padding and Laminating

Green Printing:

East Coast Graphics is working to protect our environment through sustainable business practices that are protecting our world for present and future generations. By working with FSC-certified vendors, using recycled papers and vegetable based inks, and implementing environmentally responsible practices in our printing operations, we are bettering our world today for a healthier tomorrow.

CONTACT OUR NEW YORK PRINTERS TODAY

East Coast Graphics serves the commercial printing needs of organizations of every size, from small family-run businesses to large corporations. From one-color letterheads to eight-color consumer catalogs with die-cutting, perfect binding and UV laminating, East Coast Graphics’ committed professionals deliver on every job. Contact us for a FREE QUOTE TODAY!

What We Provide:

Fast Turn Around Time and Shipping
Eco-Friendly Printing
High Quality Results
Sheet-Fed Printing up to Eight Colors
Web Capabilities up to Ten Colors
8 Color Label Printing with UV Finishes
Friendly and Helpful Staff with Years of Experience

We understand the dynamics of managing a successful print program and provide the quality, consistency and rapid turn-around times necessary to ensure that your objectives are met. Whether your needs include catalogs, brochures, annual reports, product packaging, business forms, or labels, East Coast Graphics is the company that will make you look good on paper.

Our Commercial Printing Services:

Consumer Catalogs

Brochures

Newsletters

Presentation Folders

Marketing and Sales Collateral

Labels

Annual Reports

Stationery

Business Forms Printing

Mounted and Laminated Posters

Digital Printing on Demand

Variable Data Application

Additional Features:

Varnish, Aqueous and UV Coatings, Embossing, Die-Cutting, Foil, Stamping and Numbering

Business Forms Printing:

Laser Forms (Cut Sheets and Continuous), Snapsets, Checks, Pressure Seal, Mailers up to 8 Colors

Bindery Services:

Collating, Stitching, Folding, Cutting, Binding, Padding and Laminating

Green Printing:

East Coast Graphics is working to protect our environment through sustainable business practices that are protecting our world for present and future generations. By working with FSC-certified vendors, using recycled papers and vegetable based inks, and implementing environmentally responsible practices in our printing operations, we are bettering our world today for a healthier tomorrow.

To find out more about our products and services,

CONTACT OUR COMMERCIAL PRINTERS AT EAST COAST GRAPHICS TODAY

631.231.9300

Unfortunately those within the internet community are only considering solutions from within – Unable to see the forest, for the trees. Sometimes, the solution is right in front of us, if we look ‘outside the box’…

Today no media can work well in isolation. Not print, TV, Radio or the net. As case studies have shown, email can be dramatically enhanced by other media, especially direct mail to a targeted, local audience. What’s more, this simple cross-media strategy is self-funding, giving a real return on investment.

CONTACT EAST COAST GRAPHICS TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DIRECT MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

P.S. Looking at the average 10% open rates for eCommerce storefronts, it’s easy to see why old fashioned direct mail provided such a huge boost in sales for online shop Bare Necessities Necessities featured earlier HERE.

It’s kind of hard to categorize Blue Man Group. The offbeat show revolves around three mute, bald, painted-blue performers who combine comedy and technology with percussion-heavy music played on instruments made from PVC piping and other unusual materials.

Given the group’s imaginative image, it’s no surprise that their promoters would want to be different, too. That’s where one agency was able to help.

“The marketing department at Blue Man Group was looking for a cool new way to promote their corporate-events division,” says Michael Frank, VP of creative and strategic marketing at this agency. “They usually utilized DVDs for their sales videos but wanted a break from the norm.”

Frank’s team suggested putting the information on a USB flash drive, which would be more compact and more useful to recipients. The agency sourced a sleekly styled flash drive imprinted with the group’s logo. The product was then loaded with eight files, including videos, MP3s and PDFs.

“The USB drives were distributed from the press department to various members of the media,” Frank says. “They are also being used for large press events and also whenever file and information sharing is necessary.”

The presentation has not only impressed recipients but caught the eye of other staff members at Blue Man Group Productions. “Everyone really likes the drives,” Frank says, “and there is a buzz amongst other departments.”