Tag Archives: Promotional Products

5 Core Concepts That Small Business Owners Should Know About Branding

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The whole concept of branding is foreign to many small businesses. They view it as something that only matters in the ivory towers of global corporations. Nothing could be further from the truth. Branding is all about making your business memorable, and it’s the small business rather than the big one that’s likely to get lost in the shuffle.

Here are five core concepts that small business owners should know about branding:

1. Repetition and consistency are paramount. Any parent knows that when you say something once it seldom sinks in. And, parents who send mixed messages confuse the child … and perhaps themselves! The same dynamics apply to branding: the market needs to see the same imagery and the same message again and again and again.

2. Sales reps can undermine your consistency. Even in large organizations, sales reps tend to develop their own way of talking about the company they represent. However, if every rep tells a different story, your customer base will ultimately have many different impressions of what your business does. This may cause customers and prospects to overlook key products and services — and perhaps look for them elsewhere.

3. Branding is more than just a logo. Every business should have a logo, but just as important are a consistent color scheme for the website and brochures, a strong tagline, and a consistent set of talking points for sales and marketing communication. Branding should dive deeper into the details still, in terms of consistent font styles, product/service descriptions, item numbers, and any other data and imagery customers see.

4. Branding is far more than window dressing. Far from it: Effective branding reflects and projects the core values and key differentiators of your business. A strong brand tells customers what you stand for and why they should buy from you. Are you the cheapest? The best quality? The most reliable? The most innovative? Your imagery and messaging must get to the heart of what you do.

5. Branding must be focused. Continuing on the previous point, you must confine your branding to a few critical concepts. No amount of branding expertise can communicate that you’re the cheapest, best quality, most reliable AND the most innovative. The more you dilute your message, the harder it is to remember and the less important it sounds. This is counterintuitive for sales people and small business owners who feel compelled to tell the whole company story every time they have the floor.

Let East Coast Graphics assist you with your branding today.

p. 631.231.9300 xt.11 | f. 631.231.5159

Efficiency = Savings = Success

http://ecoastgraphics.com/

 

ECO-FRIENDLY SHOPPING BAGS

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The Latest Must-Have for Environmentally Conscious Consumers

Although environmentalism has been around for over a century, there is no doubt that the green movement has truly taken off in the past 10 years. There is a collective push for greener automobiles, greener homes, and greener products. One recent issue in the forefront is the toll that plastic shopping bags take on the environment. Hence, the latest must-have for environmentally conscious consumers : eco-friendly shopping bags.

It’s no secret that disposable plastic shopping bags are destructive to the environment. Besides the fact that they don’t biodegrade, they use massive amounts of fossil fuel to produce and are dangerous to various animals and wildlife – especially marine animals – who ingest the bags when they are mistaken for food. Because the bags are easily blown by wind, many end up as litter, and those that don’t take up valuable space in our landfills.

Laws banning the use of plastic shopping bags have been enacted all over the world, including the United States. San Francisco was the first city to ban the use of these bags in March of 2007, and many cities are attempting to pass legislation banning them as we speak.

Eco-friendly shopping bags have been gaining popularity in droves, and for good reasons. They are inexpensive, reusable, and most are machine washable. They come in a variety of materials including organic cotton, canvas, and different types of recycled plastic. And all are unquestionably better for the environment than standard plastic shopping bags.

Businesses are catching on as well. Many corporations and organizations are finding that eco-friendly shopping bags are a perfect way to show they are on the “green-team” while promoting their company. Eco-friendly bags are quickly surpassing the popularity of pens and mugs as promotional give-aways.

There is good news for the style conscious green consumer as well: you no longer have to settle for plain, drab designs on your eco-friendly bags. There are so many different styles of green shopping bags available that by using them you are not just making a statement about your dedication to protecting the environment, you’re making a fashion statement as well.

CONTACT ECO PROMO COMPANY EAST COAST GRAPHICS TODAY
TO LEARN MORE! 631-231-9300

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

Lowering Printing Expenses Efficiently

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As 2010 is upon us, many companies are trying to slim down on their direct mail and/or printing budgets.  Companies often end long relationships with their current vendors over a few dollars.   During tough economic times, everyone is trying to save money.  However, is it really cost effective to make your decision strictly on price?

The title of this article is “Lowering Printing Expenses Efficiently”.  Efficiently is the key word!  Being efficient with your printed material and promotional items does not necessarily mean making a purchase based strictly on the lowest price.  As we are all in business to make the most money possible, sometimes the overall picture of what we are trying to accomplish is lost.  If a company wanted to get a printed piece done for the cheapest price, it could probably achieve its goal every time.  Is this really our goal?  Are we really being cost effective by taking this approach?  We absolutely are not being cost effective by taking this approach.
 
So how do we lower our print expenses efficiently? 

While some printing companies are not interested in educating clients on purchasing efficiently, other firms are.  Whether an organization is local, national or global, the process of managing commercial printing, promotional products and fulfillment in a centralized location has proven to be successful on many fronts.  Dealing with a print management firm to centralize your printing and promotional procurement process instead of using a job-by-job mentality will ultimately lower costs, increase savings, improve accounting, service, quality and your overall brand.

Partnering with a Print Management Firm to streamline your printing procurement process and leverage their expertise to help you purchase more efficiently eventually results in large savings to the customer.  Here are a few reasons why a Print Management Firm could be a great asset to your company or marketing department.

  • Leverage the print management firm’s buying power
  • Utilize the print management firm’s expertise to rationalize specifications on certain projects, creating production efficiencies
  • Implement the print management firm’s vendor network and pay only one invoice, reducing accounting expenses

If you or your company would like to learn how we can help you streamline your printing procurement process more efficiently please contact us.  We are always happy to help!

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