Tag Archives: Promotional Gifts

Long Island Commercial Printing Company

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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

Print Management – Why It May Be Beneficial For My Company

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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/

Creative, Effective, High Impact Marketing – East Coast Graphics, NY

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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

PRINT MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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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

COMMERCIAL PRINTING SERVICES

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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.

Our main value to you as commercial printers is our know-how, and we will leverage it to complete your project beautifully, affordably, & quickly
 

 

To find out more about our products and services,

CONTACT OUR COMMERCIAL PRINTERS AT EAST COAST GRAPHICS TODAY

631.231.9300

Making eMail work better – Integration with other media

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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.

Flash Drive Makes Plug for Performance Group

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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.”

Got Slogans?

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Dos and Don’ts Got Slogans?

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

The right slogan can propel any item from so-so to sensational.

 

Do:
• Include the client’s company name in the slogan.
• Use literary devices such as alliteration, assonance and poetic rhythm.
• Consider the scope of the client’s operation so that the slogan doesn’t pigeonhole the company in their customer’s eyes.
• Employ humor with care.

Don’t:
• Use words that are hard to pronounce or spell or come across as slick or snobbish unless that’s part of the joke.
• Make unfounded assertions.
• Use sexual innuendo, unless the client clearly asks for it.
• Spin off previously used slogans.

 
Quiz: Do You Remember?

 

Which of these companies goes with each slogan?

1. “Leave the driving to us.”
a. Hertz
b. Greyhound
c. Amtrak

2. “The choice of a new generation.”
a. Coke
b. Dr. Pepper
c. Pepsi

3. “Above and beyond.”
a. FedEx
b. Prudential Financial
c. FTD

4. “What the big boys eat.”
a. Wheaties
b. Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli
c. Wonder Bread

5. “Something special in the air.”
a. Chanel No. 5
b. American Airlines
c. Airwick

6. “The right choice.”
a. Sprint
b. Bell
c. AT&T

7. “We’ll leave the light on for you.”
a. Super 8
b. Sheraton
c. Motel 6

8. “Makin’ it great.”
a. Pizza Hut
b. Domino’s
c. Little Caesar’s

 

 

Hot Tips!

“Have as much info on the client’s marketing position and collateral as possible. From there, you’ll be able to see what they have done in the past.” – Jay Hoey

“I constantly make a note when an idea pops in my head. Sometimes in the darndest places, on a plane, in the car doing 75 mph down the interstate, while watching TV and a zillion other places.”
– Gene Dowdle

“Free write for 20 minutes every slogan you can think of. If at all possible, write 100 slogans. They don’t have to be great, but the key is to keep the pen moving; then the good stuff starts to emerge. This is important to do by hand. You lose something when you type on the computer.”
– Michele Pariza Wacek

“Make sure it’s a positive atmosphere in that no one can say anything bad about an idea.”
– Chris Lambrecht

Keep your hands busy. Pass out to your team Silly Putty, crayons and paper, blocks and other playthings, and artistic media from kindergarten. Channeling your inner child taps creativity.

“Be time-limited. If you give people less time to come up with as many ideas as they can instead of unlimited time, the number of ideas and the creativity tends to be better.” – Chris Lambrecht

“Think metaphorically and analogically about how two seemingly unrelated concepts are similar.” – Lisa Barnard

Try something different, such as going out to lunch at a new restaurant, taking a walk, driving an alternate route home or changing your usual workday schedule. Deviating from your normal routine stimulates ideas.

Pretend you’re a new customer of your client. Visit their store, try their service, sample their product and then review the experience. What did you expect? What did you like?

 
Our Best Slogan Ever

Below are the top slogans submitted by Advantages readers:

For an ice cream shop frequented by celebrating sports teams: “Victory is sweeter at Fenton’s.”
– Marty Jacobs

“Harold’s Chicken: One bite and we gotcha!” – Donald Fola

To promote a golf course residential real estate development: “Play once, stay for a lifetime.”
– Jovan Van Drielle

On a package of sunscreen: “Have a tanfastic time in Aruba!”
– Laurie Amigo

For the U.S. Open: “Where champions become legends.”
– David Fiderer

 

Tradeshow Giveaways : Tips To Make Your Business Remembered

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Your business is probably one of the most important things to you, right? Some people feel like it is similar to a child – wanting to do anything possible to nurture it and help it grow.  You invest so much time and money into owning a business, of course you want others to remember and value it too! Using tradeshow giveaways is a very useful tool if you do it right. You must be creative when thinking of what you want to give out. Here are some tradeshow giveaway ideas that are resourceful and distinctive.

Make sure that your company’s name and logo can be clearly seen on all gifts. Bring lots of business cards, brochures, magnets, pens, etc. and be sure to display them so they can easily be seen and are easy for people to grab. Then, in addition to the standard giveaways, bring more creative ones that represent your business. For example, if your company targets golfers, order golf balls or golf tees with your company’s logo printed on them and pass them out. Or hand out something that almost everyone uses – perhaps have your logo printed on a travel coffee mug. You can have your company’s name and logo printed on almost anything, ranging from erasers to umbrellas. Find a product that suits your business and target customer.

Another great tradeshow giveaway is food. People are always attracted to food, especially free food. Also, it is not something that most people think to bring to a tradeshow, so doing this will make you stand out even more. Try wrapping your food in packaging that displays your company’s name and contact information.

Gift certificates and coupons are also great things to give away at a trade show. If people know that they have a discount when buying your product, they will be more likely to buy from you rather than from a competitor. This gives you a chance to prove to the potential customer how useful your company’s products and services are, and once you have proven this, they will be apt to return.

A raffle is another great idea for a tradeshow giveaway. Similar to a gift certificate, a raffle has the allure of winning something useful. Whatever you decide to raffle off, make sure that it compliments your business and appeals to everyone. Have people write down their contact information or drop a business card into a bowl or gift bag. While a raffle helps you draw attention to your table, it also allows you to gain the contact information of everyone interested. Keep this information so you can get in touch with them after the show.

Tradeshow giveaways are essential to helping people to remember your business. In addition to your giveaways, you must ensure that people remember you too. Look presentable, be friendly and approachable. Smile and say hello to everyone you make eye contact with. Be prepared to start a conversation about your business and summarize the most commonly asked questions people might have. This way, you sound prepared and aren’t as nervous selling your products / services. Whatever you chose to do, make sure that it’s obvious you think your business is great because others will walk away thinking that it’s great too! 

Promotional Gifts: How to Choose the Perfect Gift for Your Potential Client!!

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It’s easy for a business to get lost in the crowd- With millions of businesses out there all competing for clientele, you have to find a way to make your company stand out from the rest. Whether prospective clients are visiting your location or stopping by your booth at a trade show, they actually don’t want to hear your song and dance about how you’re the best in the business. So how do you keep them interested and make them remember you? Easy. Give out Promotional Gifts!

While deciding to give out Promotional Gifts is easy, picking what item to give can be overwhelming! There are hundreds of products to choose from, so here are a few things you should keep in mind before you order ten thousand pens with your name on them…

1. The first question you’ll want to ask yourself is ‘who is my potential client’ and ‘what product are they most interested in.’ The more you target the specific needs of your potential buyer, the better your Promotional Gift will be received. Be aware of the age group and economical bracket of your target client. Promotional pens have always been the most popular, and in many cases work. However, younger people tend to be more receptive to a flashy pen with a cool logo on the side than a very wealthy CEO who only writes with expensive, classy pens.

2. The next thing to consider is if the potential buyer is interested in your company as a shareholder. If so, a lifestyle gift is generally more appropriate. As in golf balls or tees, small appliances or computer accessories.

3. If you know what specific item or service your potential buyer might be interested in, that can be a big help. Use that knowledge to try and find a Promotional Gift item that directly relates to the product they are coming to you for. In other words, give them something you know they will use and appreciate, and of course have your company logo and slogan conveniently placed on it too!

4. Another thing you want to keep in mind is how much money your potential client will be spending with you. If they plan to spend several thousand dollars on your services, giving them a plastic keychain with your name on it seems unfitting. With big spending clients, you want to give a Promotional Gift that fits how much they have invested in you, such as a cappuccino maker for their office, a nice golf bag for them to enjoy on days off, maybe a gift of wine, or a laptop backpack…

The best way to make your Promotional Gifts work for you is to know when and how to distribute them. While larger gifts are appropriate for potentially larger clients and current clients, smaller gifts are very fitting at trade shows, or as free gifts with online purchases, for referring a friend, or for signing up on a mailing list. Items such as golf towels, mugs, hats, and t-shirts can generally be purchased at a relatively low cost but will be well received by a buyer. There are hundreds of items to choose from, so no matter what your business, you can find something right for you. A Promotional Gift will keep your company on your clients’ mind. They will naturally think of you every time they use the product, so the next time they need your services, you’ll be the first one they think of!

East Coast Graphics (http://www.eastcoastgraphics.com/)
East Coast Graphics is a leader in the design, production and distribution of business printing and promotional items. Just browse through the items listed with us and you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find!