Benefits of Custom Shirts for Business Promotion

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Your business or organization may highly benefit from custom-made T-shirts that creatively brand your vision or mission. The idea of using T-shirts for marketing campaigns spiked in popularity over 10 years ago when large companies such as Pepsi started realizing the potential that these shirts had on their marketing campaigns. They were also used as prizes and giveaways, helping big businesses draw in more engagement from their audience.

When looking for creative, innovative promotional products to positively brand your company, you may want to think outside the box of traditional T-shirts – at first that is. Once you realize their potential, you’ll understand that nearly all businesses and organizations can benefit from custom designed shirts.

Here’s why.

They offer maximum exposure.

Some of the most common items that are used for promotional items include pens, notepads, highlights, mugs and so on. While these are great items, they don’t have nearly the reach that T-shirts do. Cotton tees are worn out in public, so everyone from shoppers to diners to people walking their dogs will see the custom message on the shirt. This gives your business maximum exposure without having to spend anything more than the cost of the shirt.

They are cost effective.

Speaking of cost, custom-made T-shirts are very affordable. Since most people order them in bulk, the price for each shirt is very low, and manufacturers are able to stick to an affordable price structure. Additionally, screen printing is a cost-effective way to get a logo or company name and slogan onto the shirt. Most companies will include screen printing in the initial cost, and there is plenty of flexibility for the wording and logo design because of the material of the shirt and the large surface area.

They are not time bound.

Pens dry up. Highlighters dry out. Paper is used up. Coffee mugs break. Soft cotton T-shirts can be worn forever. Since T-shirts are not time bound, you can expect that your custom shirts will last for years, and your business will still be marketed in the real world 5 years from now. Screen printed shirts offer the biggest bang for your buck.

They are practical.

Let’s face it. Everyone could use a T-shirt. Whether they are worn for leisure, to bed or just to lounge around the home, people rarely turn down free clothes. If you’re going to use your advertising budget on promotional products, you want to make sure that it’s put to good use. While other products are negotiable, T-shirts offer true value and practicality for everyday people.

How to Save Money on Promotional Items

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Running a business is not cheap. All the small expenses can add up quickly, and in turn, provide you with less money to spend on the more important things, such as effective marketing campaigns.

Promotional items remain an effective way to promote your business, but they can also be costly. Since you need to balance both your online and offline marketing efforts, our team at Great Atlantic Outfitters has a few pointers for saving money while making the most of your promotional products.

Plan in Advance

Many businesses do not plan ahead, and they end up ordering promotional items at the last minute. Rush charges and express shipping costs can nearly double the cost of your order. Also, by rushing to place your order, you may end up ordering too much or too little. By planning in advance, you have the time to order the correct quantities, take advantage of lower shipping costs and keep an eye out for sale and clearance items.

Buy in Bulk

Buying promotional products in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying in smaller quantities. Look at the cost that you are paying per item and see how much these prices will drop with a larger order. If you have items left over, you can repurpose them for other marketing campaigns in the future, saving additional money. Also, many companies offer free or reduced shipping with a minimum order.

Look at the Big Picture

Aside from putting out the money, you also want your investment to go to good use. That’s why it’s important to choose promotional items that are practical and useful. Pens, notepads, highlighters and other office supplies are handy for people, so they are much more likely to be used than other products, which may have a lower price tag.

It’s also important to choose products of moderate quality. Even if it means spending a bit more money, you want your product to positively represent your company. So, if you purchase inexpensive pens or highlighters that break or run out of ink, they’ll end up in the garbage, and you just threw out a lot of money. Don’t just look at the numbers; consider the whole picture.

Lanyards: The Perfect Promotional Product?

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The success of promotional products relies heavily on the industry they are being used for and how they are being distributed. It’s always best to choose promotional products that align with your business, such as plastic piggy banks for a banking event or a keychain and flashlight for a safety event. Still, finding the perfect promotional items can be a mystery. You may try different types of products, as well as various ways to market them, and still not see the ROI you hoped for.

What Lanyards are Used For

When customers ask us what our recommendations are for cost-effective and worthy promotional items, one of our top picks is lanyards. Lanyards are often used to carry around identification and are effective communication tools. They can also be used to tote around keys, allergy information, sunglasses, USB drives and badges. With so many uses in mind, lanyards offer practicality for just about anyone, especially students and athletes.

Why Lanyards are Effective

What makes lanyards such effective marketing tools is that they are bright, functional and practical. You can choose from dozens of vivid colors like yellow, green or pink. In fact, lanyards are designed to be visual. They help people find their keys when buried at the bottom of the gym bag, and they create communication on college campuses where people need to carry around identification. Lanyards can be worn around the neck, or attached to shirts, jeans, duffle bags or briefcases.

How Lanyards Can be Used for Branding

From a marketing standpoint, lanyards complement all types of designs. They are long, so your business has plenty of room to have their name or slogan printed around the lanyard. Logos can also be accommodated, so you can have your entire business message printed for one low cost. Imagine that you hand out lanyards at the local gym to promote your massage business. Just think about how many gym-goers would find use for the lanyard to carry around their keys or gym membership. For you, this is instant branding in a setting where people would have a use for your services.

Lanyards must look good when put together, so be sure to consider the complete design and how the color, logo, wording and text will flow. For affordable, high-quality lanyards, contact Great Atlantic Outfitters!

Do’s and Don’ts for Screen Printers

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Screen printing isn’t exactly rocket science, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain elements that can make this practice a success or a bust. Screen printing companies have the best equipment and techniques for ensuring that the practice is done correctly and to the highest quality standards. Still, it’s a good idea to be familiar with some of the basic do’s and don’ts of screen printing if you want to learn more about the business.

DO’S

Do take the time to learn about the various techniques for screen printing. Everything from how much pressure to apply, to what screens to use, to how to move the squeegee will have a dramatic impact on the end result.

Do overstock on cleaning supplies, ink and tools. If you get a large order, it’s easy to run out on supplies, and you don’t want this to affect productivity.

Do keep lists handy. This makes it much easier to keep track of orders, supplies and quantities, even when you have multiple orders to take on.

Do practice safe waste methods. To protect the environment and limit pollution, you’ll need to know the basics of what is considered hazardous waste and how to dispose of these products safely.

Do keep learning. There are emerging technologies and print methods, and you can learn about them through various trade shows, printing seminars and business classes.

DON’TS

Don’t try to save money on equipment. If you’re opening your own business, for example, it’s better to invest in quality equipment rather than a fancy business location. The quality of the equipment will have a direct result on your end product.

Don’t try to do too much at once. Even though screen printing is the fastest way to print on fabrics, it still takes practice and diligence to work at this speed.

Don’t just throw waste materials in the garbage. Things like aerosol cans, solvents and degreasers may be considered hazardous waste and will require certain disposal methods.

Don’t get discouraged. Screen printing continues to evolve, despite emerging digital printing technologies. The fact is that screen printing is affordable, effective and practical, and it surpasses digital printing in many aspects.

Do I Really Have to Pay Someone to Design My Logo?

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A logo is the single most effective way to represent your business. With something so integral, it’s amazing that many people with no background in design refuse to pay for a logo. Granted, this can be quite expensive, and businesses that are just emerging may not have the funds to pay a graphic designer. Still, this is an investment worth making, and if you didn’t do it right the first time around, you can always pay to have a logo re-design.

Skills and Experience

Graphic designers have unique skills and experience that people without this training overlook. For instance, designers know how to mix and match colors, use the layout of a space and produce designs that will be cost-effective to print. They also have a knack for creativity and do an excellent job of bringing ordinary ideas to life.

Tools and Programs

Basic art programs aren’t going to cut it if you want a truly unique and professional-grade logo. Graphic designers use expert tools on a regular basis, with examples being Adobe Illustrator and a high-end Mac. These two tools would cost the average person at least $700, and that doesn’t include all of the other programs that would be needed to complete the design. Graphic designers have access to these programs and won’t charge you any extra for them.

Time and Energy

Designing a logo takes a lot of work. As you are trying to set up or refresh your business, your efforts are needed in other areas, not designing a logo. That said, you should also be careful in choosing a graphic designer, because you want to make sure that your project is a priority. How long will it take them to produce your logo? How long do revisions take?

Long-Term Impact

What do you want your logo to accomplish? Do you want it to represent the quality and integrity of your business in both the short and long term? Do you want to be proud of your logo and willing to print it on everything, from business cards to t-shirts to the back of a truck? Your logo is crucial in building a reputation for your business, so think about how this investment on the front end could impact your company in the future.

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9 Tips for Choosing an Apparel Printing Company

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Are you interested in having t-shirts printed for your company or organization? Modern printing techniques allow for just about anything to printed onto t-shirts and other items, such as backpacks, sweatshirts and baseball caps. Here are nine tips for choosing the best apparel printing company for your needs.

1. Quantity – How many shirts do you need printed? Can the company handle a small or large order? Some companies have minimum orders, for instance. If you are ordering a large quantity, ask about discounts or wholesale prices that allow you to save more per item.

2. Design – Does the apparel printing company offer their own designs, or can you create your own? Some companies will even create a customized logo just for your organization for an extra fee.

3. Submitting the Design – If you are going to create your own design, how do you submit it? On a CD, or will an email be suitable?

4. Cost of Project – Discuss your budget with the company. While you want to stick within a certain budget, you also want quality products that will serve as a testament to your business. Find a balance of affordability and quality.

5. Deadline – When do you need the order by? Can the printing company meet these needs? You need to be fair, too, and give the company enough time to process the order. Research local companies where you may be able to pick up the order instead of having it delivered.

6. Product Selection – Not only should the printing techniques be high quality, but so should the product selection. Browse the company’s catalog and look at the superiority of the products sold.

7. Staff – Who will be working on your order? Does the staff have experience in screen printing and embroidery? If you don’t have the experience to print your own shirts, you certainly want a company that does!

8. Customer Service – When asking questions, how does the company treat you? Are they patient and informative, or do they rush through the responses? Choose a company that wants your business.

9. Reviews – What types of reviews does the company have? You can learn this information by reading testimonials and Google reviews. Don’t just shun a company that has a few negative reviews, either. Read about if/how the problem was resolved.

How to Choose a Graphic Designer

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Choosing a graphic designer to create your logo can be an overwhelming decision. Designers come in all different types – freelancers, design agencies, newly graduated designers – it can be hard to know which is the best option for your business. Here are a few tips for choosing the best graphic designer for your needs. Remember, there’s no one-fits-all solution!

Know Your Design Requirements

Too often, people go into hiring a graphic designer without knowing what they want. While designers are certainly helpful in creating a logo, you should have an idea of what your short- and long-term goals are, what type of budget you have and how you plan to market your business.

Research All of Your Options

With sites like LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to review a number of designers in a short amount of time. Not only should you review various graphic designers, but also take the time to see what your competitors are doing. Are their graphics colorful? Simple? Finding what you like can help you choose a designer that aligns with these goals. Also, it’s a good idea to choose a designer that is experienced in a broad area so that they can help you with website design, PowerPoint and so on instead of just designing a logo.

Portfolios and Qualifications

Portfolios include samples of the designer’s work, and you can find them either online or in print form, depending on the artist. A portfolio will tell you a lot about the quality of work the designer delivers and their vision when it comes to creating art. Additionally, inquire about the qualifications and experience of the designer. What projects have they worked on? Do they have a degree? What design program do they use?

Time and Cost

It takes time to create a professional logo, so make sure you leave the graphic designer ample time to brainstorm, create the logo and make revisions, if necessary. At the same time, you want to meet your own deadlines, so make sure the designer can meet them. Cost is another factor, and it’s one that many businesses use to decide upon a designer. Cost should never be your only determining factor, but it definitely needs to be considered. Balance your marketing budget and how the designer tracks cost, such as by the hour or on a project basis.

Why Choose Screen Printing

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Screen printing is by far the most effective method for recreating images in bright colors. The colors will continue to look good for years to come, and the design can be printed in bulk, which is perfect for large print runs. This is good news for marketers that want to produce high-quality promotional items that won’t drain their advertising budget. Other printing methods use ink that fades very quickly, but with screen printing, the item can be washed over and over again, and no fading will be noticeable.

Screen printing is a relatively simple process, although it’s a good idea to choose a professional screen printing company that has experience with the process. There are still things that can happen, and an experienced company will have the highest quality materials and know how to correctly work the mesh, stencils and squeegee.

Items that Can be Screen Printed

So, what types of items can be screen printed? Just about anything, really! This is another great reason for choosing screen printing because the sky’s the limit. Here are some of the most popular items that work well for screen printing:

Fabrics
Clothing
T-shirts
Aprons
Backpacks
Duffle bags
Lunch bags
Mouse pads
Vinyl binders
Flags
Marketing signs
Ceramics
Glass
Wood

What are the Advantages?

Screen printing has many advantages over digital printing, which is why it continues to be so popular despite an increasing reliance on digital technology. No matter how advanced the company may be, most will still opt for screen printing because of the following:

Cost-effective
Ideal for bulk orders
Versatile on all types of materials and fabrics
Fast and efficient – great for last minute orders
Images are high quality
Colors are bold and bright
Images last for a long time, even after washing
Works well with both text and images

Are there any Disadvantages?

So, are there any drawbacks to be aware of with screen printing?

The only limitations are that the image should be simple in design and feature definite lines or shapes that print well. Working with an experienced screen printing shop will be helpful, as the company can assist you in selecting the best image for your needs, or they can create a unique image solely for your brand.

3 Common Screen Printing Problems

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Screen printing is fast, easy and efficient, but there is still an art to it that must be mastered. If you’re not familiar with screen printing, there are things that can happen that will compromise the design. If you’re looking to order bulk t-shirts, bags or blankets for instance, it’s best to go with a professional screen printing company that puts quality first.

Here are 3 common screen printing mistakes to keep an eye out for.

1. Art Design Problems

It’s important to use a high-quality piece of artwork, as any little blemishes in the artwork will be transferred over to the printed item. Low resolution images will only get you into trouble. It’s recommended that the art be 300 ppi at print size and it should match with the correct screen mesh.

The design should also be printed correctly, which takes some precision by lining up the screen carefully. Since not all shirts or items are sewn consistently, it’s not always dependable to use the collar or crease as your starting point.

2. Screen Problems

There are many things that can happen to the screens, but some of the most common include loose brackets and loosened emulsion.

If the bracket is not tight enough, the screen will appear loose. All screws and brackets should be tightened for the best outcome. Additionally, the emulsion can loosen and come off if the screen was underexposed. In this case, it’s important to place the screen in the sun after it has been washed out so that the emulsion can be re-set.

3. Ink Problems

Sometimes, it’s possible for the ink to be cured improperly. The temperature should be set at the right point, which is dependant on the type of ink that is being used. Another problem is that too much ink is being applied, which happens when there is too much pressure. On the other hand, the ink may too light, which means a coarser mesh or additional squeegee may be needed.

Also, ink spots or smudges can occur on the material. It’s important to keep the hands and work area clean, and if smudges do occur, a spot cleaning gun can do the trick.

Valentine’s Day Promo Items for Your Business

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Guess what’s right around the corner – you guessed it – Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day may not be the biggest holiday of the year, and it’s one that some people call a “Hallmark Holiday,” but it’s at least something to look forward to in the middle of a dark, gray winter. The big holidays are over and there’s not much to look forward to until at least the spring, so Valentine’s Day is something to mark on our calendars. More importantly, it’s a reason for marketers to be creative with their customers.

Here are some super cool Valentine’s Day promotional items that every business could benefit from.

Heart-Shaped Stress Relievers

Everyone could use a stress reliever, especially in the winter when you can’t get out of the office as much and there are no days off for quite some time. Choose a heart shaped stress reliever with your company name neatly printed on one side.

Flexible Logo Vase

Valentine’s Day is a day for receiving flowers, so what could be better than an inexpensive flexible vase that has your brand’s name printed on the front? Plus, these vases look extraordinary when there are fresh flowers placed in them.

Heart Bookmarks

Bookmarks are always a great idea since they are cost-effective and easy to bring to trade shows and other events. They can be printed with any design of your choice, such as hearts, cupids or roses. And, bookmarks are a nice addition for those who will be curling up with a romantic book on their Valentine’s Day.

Foil Wrapped Chocolates

What could be better on Valentine’s Day than a handful of foil wrapped chocolate hearts? With personalized labels, you can bring attention to your brand while also printing a logo of your choice.

Conversation Heart Snack Packs

If chocolate isn’t for you, then try small packs of conversation hearts that will certainly get the conversation going. These packs can be printed with your company name front and center, and they are easy to hand out without the fear of melting.

Heart Pens

There are dozens of heart pens to choose from – some have hearts on the top, others have hearts printed on the pen design. Some are bendy and flexible, while others have professional rolling ink. For an added effect, order heart-shaped notepads as well.