Ways to effective promotional advertising

Imprint-Compatible Logos
So you've designed that nifty multi-color logo and the client loves it! But what happens when they try to order promotional products?Many products and processes do allow for multicolor tight registration. The vast majority, however, do not. Embossing, hot-stamping, even pad printing and many other processes often limit you to a one-color design with no halftones and no fine lines.When you create a new logo, it is strongly advised to create a one-color, line art version. That way, you can avoid the surprises and indignation when your client realizes their logo cannot be reproduced on most promotional products they would like to order. 

Catalog Images Now in Your e-Mailbox
Have you ever tried to decipher what an item looks like from a fax of a catalog page? Would you be comfortable ordering that item? There is a better way, not to mention less expensive!With the help of a scanner and a high-speed Internet connection, we can scan the images from a catalog and send a full-color jpeg picture to your e-mailbox in minutes.  

Production Time Tips
With over 600,000 different promotional products, there are considerable variations in production time. Many items can be customized in 3 weeks or less, but others may take 3 months or more. Some items may be done in as little as two days, but rush charges and air freight can easily double or triple the cost. And sometimes, no matter how much you are willing to pay, some items simply cannot be done any faster.To avoid surprises and get the widest selection available, talk to your Promotional Counselor early in the design process. 

Cross-sectional Catalogs
Yes, we can send you a catalog! But is that really the best option? Not necessarily. Most cross-sectional catalogs, especially mass-market ones, do not feature the newest products or custom production capabilities. For targeted suggestions, your best source is your Promotional Counselor. They can show you the newest products and highlight the best options, based on your budget, timeframe and objectives. Best of all, consulting a counselor usually costs less than ordering from a mass-market catalog. 

To Screen, or Embroider...?
That is the question. Your design can be put on T-shirts, polos, rugbys, jackets, hats.but how? Both methods have their advantages, but they work better in different circumstances. Generally speaking screen-printing is less expensive and faster. The main cost factor with screen-printing is the number of colors, while with embroidery the price depends on area covered (stitch count).Screen-printing does not work well on textured surfaces, such as pique polos. Embroidery, on the other hand, often cannot reproduce fine detail and small type. Screening on dark garments requires additional consideration, while with embroidery garment color is rarely an issue.Be sure to contact your Promotional Counselor for an analysis of which method would best suit your needs.

Full Color - Digital Vs. Offset
The digital revolution has reached beyond the printed page to encompass membership cards, luggage tags, buttons, badges, lapel pins, table tents, key chains, magnets, mouse pads and many other items. The main benefits of digital printing technology are shorter turnaround times and better pricing on small production runs. Of course, there are still times when that high resolution of offset printing is preferable. Offset may also be a cheaper option for larger quantities with sufficient lead time.

Crystal, Glass, Lucite and Acrylic
Though all four materials are clear, the choice of which to use is often less so.Crystal is elegant, but heavy. The main method of customization is etching.Glass is less expensive and mainly screen-printed (hint: for an elegant look that resembles etching, request a satin frost imprint).Lucite is the most versatile of all clear materials. You can embed items inside, and the surface can be etched or screen-printed.Acrylic is the lightest of the four, and costs the least. It is mainly screen-printed.Call your Promotional Counselor today for catalogs on any or all of the above.  

Writing Instruments
One of the oldest and perhaps most often-used Promotional Products are pens, pencils and other writing instruments. Because of their widespread use, this category is constantly being expanded and upgraded. Soft rubber grips, bright colors and translucent components are some of the more recent add-ons, and the latest rage is a combination ball-point pen and PDA stylus. There are so many varieties of writing instruments that their prices range from under 25 ¢ to thousands of dollars per single unit.

Dimension offers products from all major brands, including Bic, Schaeffer, Quill and Mont Blanc, as well as a host of less-known, uniquely styled options.

Lapel Pins
There are at least 11 types of lapel pins. One of the fastest to produce and least expensive styles has mylar film on a metal backing, with a hot-stamped imprint. For extra fine detail and four-color process images, a photo-reproduction method works best.Cloisonné hard enamel is the classic style, with metal separating sections of colored hard enamel. For more exact matching of enamel colors, request the Cloisonné soft enamel. Other elegant options include a two-tone high polish, an antique finish pin, or even a recent innovation - scented lapel pins.With so many options, it is best to discuss specifics with us early in the design stage.

Decals, Stickers and Labels
Whatever you call them, they are available with many choices of material, adhesive and imprint method. For bumper stickers we recommend vinyl and a removable adhesive, usually screen-printed. Inexpensive roll labels are usually flexographically printed on paper stock not suited to outdoor use.Choices for window decals are more complex. If they are facing out from the inside, then adhesive on the face and reverse printing on the back of clear polyester are the best idea. For reusable decals, use static cling vinyl.Depending on the intended use, special adhesives and protective laminates may also be necessary. For best results, talk to your Promotional Counselor early in the design process.