If The Bag Fits | Helpful Articles

When deciding over which promotional items go to with, the question always pops up. Why this particular item? What benefit can I get from it? How is it different from other promo products out there?

Promo bags offer substantial benefits over other promotional items in the market. Most noticeable among these is its usability. Studies show that a giveaway's ability to reinforce your brand is deeply rooted in its functionality. Most recipients of promo products keep them longer because they find the item useful.

Cost is another factor a promo bag has on its side. The wide selection available at EverythingBags gives you enough flexibility to select from inexpensive tote to luxury leather.

Variety is another plus for promo bags. With literally hundreds of styles, sizes and colors to choose from, the possibilities for a successful promotional marketing program are endless.

The imprint space is another area for consideration. Promo bags can carry more than just your brand name. There's also a place for your logo, your tagline and even a short announcement about your company.

Mobility is a great benefit you can get with promo bags. These handy and portable promo items can easily go anywhere your client goes.

With all that it can do for your company, its difficult to assess the true value of this promotional item.

5 Great Reasons to Give Promo Bags

Like any promotional item, there are numerous reasons for you to give out promo bags. It is not limited to one particular occasion or objective. Here are 5 reasons why including promotional bags as part of your marketing mix will be a success:

• They're perfect for trade shows and conferences. The number of swag an attendee accumulates during these big events make promo bags the perfect giveaway. Having a place where you can put all the promo items you collected is well appreciated. Plus, its sheer size won't make it easy to miss in a sea of other advertising specialties.

• Promotional bags are a great banner for your brand. Simply said, it's an effective brand awareness tool. With the large imprint area of promo bags you can say as little or as much as you want. It has enough space for your company name, your logo, your tagline and even a short announcement about your business.

• Promo bags reinforce your brand. Good quality promo bags stand a better chance of being used by the recipient on a higher frequency. Imagine this: if your client uses it on a daily basis, it's like you have your own walking ad. Whether you're a start-up company or an established entity, you can use promo bags to consistently reinforce your brand.

• A thank you tote is a nice, classy touch. Whether it's for a business partner or for your loyal customers, you can use promo bags as a token of appreciation. It's a great start to a lasting business relationship.

• Promo bags can ensure better employee relations. When it comes to employee relations, promo bags can play a big role. Let employees know you truly care about them, boost the company morale or make it a part of your rewards program – whatever purpose it serves for your company, these promo items will always be valued by your employees.

Getting Your Logo Imprinted on a Promo Bag

Promotional bags come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. The imprinting methods available to your choice of promotional bag is highly dependent on its material. Most manufacturers will clue you in on the right imprinting methods for their products. It is highly advisable that you follow these recommendations.

In general, there are two ways to get your brand name and logo onto soft-surface materials like bags: embroidery and screen printing.

Embroidery is a process of stitching an image or letters to a piece of cloth. While it is the more expensive of the two, it also lasts much longer. Satin thread is the traditional thread used for embroidery. However, most embroiderers offer upgrade options like metallic, glow-in-the-dark or matte.

Screen printing, on the other hand, involves the use of a fine mesh or screen tightly fitted around a frame. The design to be imprinted is stenciled and placed onto the screen. The screen is then placed on the item and ink is spread over it. A squeegee (rubber blade) pushes the ink through. The ink is dried and the same process is repeated with a different screen in cases of multiple color imprints.

Take note that the look of one is totally different from the other. Embroidered items result in a classic formal look with an air of sophistication. Screen printed items have more rugged, casual stylings. Cost-wise, screen printing is cheaper than embroidery. So, if you intend on hand-picked distribution, embroidery is the way to go. If you are working on a tight budget and aim for a wider reach, screen printing should be your imprinting method of choice.

The Bag Glossary

Not sure what type to get? Here's a guide that could help you in your search for the perfect promotional bag:

Backpack - A bag meant to be worn over the back. It has double handles that go over the shoulders.

Brief case – A bag for carrying business items such as sales literature and samples. Offers extra space for things like business cards, disks, and cell phones. While it has carrying handles, these often feature detachable shoulder straps.

Computer bag – A flat, rectangular bag meant to carry a portable personal computer (aka laptop, notebook). It has a padded internal compartment to protect the computer and additional pockets for accessories. It also features a reinforced frame that protects the laptop while in transit.

Coolers – Bag used to carry food or drinks. The main compartment is lined with thermal insulators to keep the temperature of the items inside.

Cosmetic case – Zippered bags designed to hold cosmetics. Most are transparent for easy access to what's inside.

Drawstring bag – A drawstring bag features a cinch design that allows it to be converted into a one-shoulder bag or a backpack with a set of cord straps.

Duffle Bag – (Also duffel bag) A long, cylindrical bag with short handles. Sometimes called a sports bag, it usually has a reinforced base to support sports equipment, gym attire and a number of other things. Often comes with a detachable shoulder strap.

Garment bag - Used to keep suits and other garments wrinkle-free, it can be folded in half for easy carrying. These often have additional zippered compartments and gusseted pockets to store additional items.

Golf bag – A bag designed for carrying golf equipment such as clubs and balls.

Messenger bag – Fashioned after the bags used by postal carriers and bicycle messengers, it has a spacious compartment, a large fold-over flap and a single adjustable strap for cross-body carrying.

Satchel – A large hand bag that closes at the top with a zipper of a clasp and has a carrying handle. Most satchels have a a wide flat bottom which tapers to the top giving it a triangular side profile and the ability to stand on its own. Doctors' bags are an example of satchels.

Sling bag – More compact than a backpack, it has a single shoulder strap that goes over the carrier's body.

Shoe caddie – A bag designed for carrying shoes. Most are vented or are made with mesh fabric to promote air flow. Often used by enthusiasts indulging in sports that require specially designed footwear (golf, bowling, track and field). Usually comes with and additional zippered compartment for laces, spikes and other accessories.

Tote – Inspired by a shopping bag, tote bags are designed for easy handling. It is usually rectangular with a wide opening and two strap handles for shoulder or hand carrying.

Travel bag – A bag with wheels and pivoting handle used for travel.

Waist bag – Also called a fanny pack or a belt bag, it is a small bag with a strap that goes around the waist.

Tradeshows and Bags

Exploring the bigger market and and acquiring a wider company exposure at tradeshows.

Tradeshows are said to be the “gold mine of prospects” simply because prospects are already there. However, the challenge will be how to make these prospects remember your business after the show? EverythingBags helps you identify how to:

Stand out from other participants.

Make your booth interesting. Be creative and innovative at the same time. It can be as clever as having a mascot outside the booth or giving prospects an opportunity to use your products first-hand. Use promotional giveaways that can get your booth mentioned among tradeshow participants.

Establish contact

Engage your visitors in conversation and collect business cards. Offering giveaways gives you “permission” to talk to prospects as they feel they owe you something in return for your gift. If they run out of cards, prepare a sign up sheet for them. This way you can stay in touch even after the show to have a better introduction of your company, products and services.

Distribute promotional items

Hand out something which will always remind them of your business. Although business cards are good, people tend to either misplace them or put them in a case along with others. Give out something they can see or use everyday. It can be as simple as a pen, a magnet, a calendar, a shirt or a bag. The goal is to establish company recall, so you will not be forgotten in the future. Of course, do not forget to put your contact details on the items.

Bags are a particularly useful giveaway at shows because people get a lot of things to carry around. And if you choose a nice bag that is comfortable to carry around, you’ll find people will keep on using it after the show.

Remember, tradeshow visitors pass along a zillion of booths so always make a good impression above the rest!

Getting the Best out of Promotional Bags

6 tips in choosing promotional bags

People use bags everyday. They work with them. They walk with them and bring them almost everywhere. However, in order to use bags as a promotional item successfully, you need to choose the right bag. EverythingBags gives you the 6 tips to consider when choosing one of the most effective promotional items--Bags.

1) Identify the quantity needed

Determine your target market. Are you aiming for a wide distribution in a huge fair? Or are your target the key executives and decision makers of the company? For mass distribution, a reusable die cut plastic bag or inexpensive totes will do. But if your goal is to target the key executives of the company, a few upscale briefcases or computer bags will work better. Unit prices are lower the greater the volume, so try to consolidate your buying by determining the number that you will need over the coming months.

2) Classify the audience

Consider your audience. Know the demographics of your target market. Are they mostly men or women? Do they belong to the same age group? What is their common interest? Are they golf enthusiasts? Or are they computer savvy? Trekkers? Travelers? The key is to make sure that you select a type of bag that will fit into their regular activities so that they will use your bag repeatedly.

3) Determine the imprint

There are different methods to imprint your logo. In choosing an imprint method, consider four things: 1) the surface material of the bag 2) the design of the logo 3) the setup costs for the method 4) the production time

Debossing is the common method used for leather bags like briefcases and executive bags. In this method, the logo or text is depressed on the material’s surface so it will sit below the product surface. No colors are involved. This method is not recommended if the objective is to draw attention since the logo will be the same color as the item. However, it’s the perfect way to achieve that “classy gift” effect. Debossing has a shorter production time compared to other methods

Embroidery uses high-speed, computer-controlled sewing machines to stitch the logo into the fabric. Your artwork must first be converted to “stitches and threads”, a process called digitizing. Digitizing is a one-time fee and your digitized logo will be saved for future use. Charges depend on the number of stitches used based on how simple or complicated the imprint will be. Production time is longer with embroidery, however, rush services are available.

Silk-screening is a cheaper alternative to embroidery. This method uses ink pressed through a stenciled screen using a squeegee. Each color is printed and dried separately. Silkscreen decoration charges and production time depends on the number of colors used.

When in doubt about which method will look best on the bag, feel free to ask your sales representative for expert advice.

4) Get the best price

There are certain price breaks with larger quantities so, as much as possible, order enough to get the next price break. Also, make sure that you have the correct prices including set up charges, delivery charges, and rush charges (if any), and get a price guaranteed price quote from your sales representative. At EverythingBags our quotes always include every charge so there are no surprises and we guarantee them for 30 days.

5) Consider the turnaround time.

Plan your promotional purchase ahead of time. This will give you three important benefits. First is to prevent missing your event or deadline. Second is to avoid paying for rush charges or expedited shipping. Third, you’ll have the greatest selection of products to choose from if you start the process early. Make sure that the order will arrive on time. Verify with your sales representative the production, shipping and delivery schedules. Get the tracking number once shipped so you can check with the courier service the status of delivery.

6) Choose the best supplier.

Not all vendors are the same. Even if the product looks the same, the quality of the product and service offered by your representative varies significantly from vendor to vendor. Select the supplier with the highest credibility that will give you a good value for your money. Choose someone who knows the business very well and is experienced with the type of product you want. They will give you the best-priced deals, have an excellent customer service and will make a commitment to deliver on time.

For all these reasons, EverythingBags should be your source for your next bag purchase. EverythingBags understand your promotional bag need. We offer the widest bag collection at the best prices. All our customers are well-cared for by our bag specialists. If that doesn’t give you enough peace of mind, remember that all our orders are protected by our lowest price, 100% satisfaction and on-time shipment guarantees. We are after all the promo bag expert!

Maximizing your Budget for Promotional Bags

The effective campaign through promotional bags in three words

What makes a promotional bag worth up to the last penny? What are the characteristics of a successful campaign without splurging? Primarily, there are three things to consider to ensure you are getting the best value of your money—promotional bags should be durable, effective, and cost-efficient.

• Durability

  Choose the bag with the best quality. Even if you are buying an inexpensive bag, should demand good value for your money. Make sure that the imprint will not easily wear out. This way, you are assured that the bag will be used again and your imprinted logo will get a lot of exposure. In choosing bags, ask yourself, “How long will this bag last?”

• Effectiveness

  One good way to ensure that your recipients will value your gift is to give something unique and hard to find. Your prospects will show more interest in the bag and will not throw it out simply because they already have one just like that. Also, a practical bag that will be used often is better than a nice-looking bag which only gets one use because it’s uncomfortable or won’t fit anything your prospect might want to pack. A simple bag used often is worth the buy. An example would be a duffle bag used regularly in working out in the gym or playing sports. Take time to really know who your clients are and what they do. Show a good taste in choosing the bag. Give out a bag that doesn’t look tacky. Put yourself into your prospects’ shoes, “Would I use this bag when I go out?”

• Cost-efficiency

  It is not necessary to give out something branded. Get the most reasonable price you can get without forgoing quality and effectiveness. Ask for a discount or a friendly deal. The objective is to get the most effective promotional bags for your budget, so don’t make the mistake of getting the cheapest bag just to save a little money. Ask yourself, “Are the bags worth the price”?

Using Logo-imprinted Bags to Raise Funds

While the common uses of promotional bags we encounter are those meant to boost sales and pull in new customers, nongovernment organizations and other nonprofit groups are starting to see how customized bags can be used to raise funds for important causes.

University sororities, quilt unions, cooperatives, churches, and even schools can use custom-imprinted bags to raise money for their favorite cause, charity, or simply to buy uniforms for the school's junior baseball team. 

Offering promotional bags as merchandise instead of simply asking for donations is also a more effective way to raise funds. Consumers are more likely to buy a product if they are convinced that their purchase will benefit a group or a cause.

If you're planning to use custom bags for your fundraising campaign, you might want to source different designs on wholesale and find unique models to offer.  Your selling point should be that your group offers merchandise not usually found in department stores or boutique.

Here are some great bag ideas:

1. Canvas shopping bags are effective ways to promote an environment-friendly campaign. Department stores can sell them in lieu of plastic utility bags and offer a discount or a rebate if customers use them each time they shop.

2.  Pet carriers are good ways to raise funds for animal-friendly campaigns.

3. Golf tournaments can sell these miniature golf bag coolers on the side for their favorite charity.

4. Women’s briefcases such as this are effective ways to draw attention to female issues like breast cancer or raising funds to build homes for battered women and their children.

Everythingbags has a wide range of products that you can use for your fund-raising campaign. If the huge inventory is making it difficult for you to narrow down your choices, call 1-877-630-7910 and an account manager will readily help you with your needs.

Happy Employees Make a Successful Company

What qualifies as a “successful” company? Is it the company's growth in terms of sales? Is it its ability to get big-name clients in its portfolio? Is it its staying power?

Certainly those are part of the criteria and shouldn't be overlooked. Sometimes, however, we pay more attention to figures and charts and neglect the role that human resources play in a company's success.

One of the company's most precious resources is its people. When wielded correctly, having a group of talented, skilled employees works to a company's benefit. We've heard of stories wherein a position remains unfilled for months because of the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement. This hampers a team's productivity, especially if the person missing is someone who plays a major role in the process.

So what makes an employee stay? Is it the benefits? Is it the remuneration? Certainly, these factors play a major role in an employee's decision to continue working for a company, but more than anything, it's the employee's happiness or satisfaction that seals the deal.

Of course, happiness is subjective. A good retirement package, company-sponsored car or housing, even an unbeatable compensation may not even be enough to make an employee happy. Creatives, especially, yearn for an environment that continues to challenge their skills and allow them to grow. Others find that doing the same thing every day bores them.

Companies should take the time to know and understand their employees because this will help them improve and build a corporate setting that benefits all, if not the majority.

Companies should also consider how their rewards and performance programs are structured. As with raising children, compliments and praise go a long way in boosting an employee's spirit. Remember them on their birthdays with meaningful corporate gifts such as watches or special pens engraved with their names and the company logo.

Include them in your Christmas list with complimentary wine or chocolate that comes with personalized greetings from the bosses. Organize company events in which everybody can loosen up and have fun, and invite their families over. As in personal relationships, it is the little things that count.

Creating a comfortable workplace

One of the many things a company can do for its employees is to create a comfortable workplace for them. After all, employees spend 45 hours a week in their workstations—it's basically a home away from home. Here are tips on creating a work-friendly office:

Make sure the workstation is ergonomic. Work-related injuries are among the major causes of turnover and absenteeism. People get back and neck injuries because they are not educated on proper posture or lack exercise; worse, their desks are not user-friendly at all.

Start the week (and the workday) right with something to chew on, literally. While coffee is a staple in most offices, welcome the week with a box of donuts, which lovers of sweets would appreciate. Start the day right with freshly brewed coffee, served in custom mugs or tumblers with company logos.

Encourage them to take their breaks and to do so responsibly. A promotional wristwatch will be helpful so they don't lose track of time when they're on a coffee or cigarette break.

Give stress-relieving gifts. Because work can sometimes be tough. Custom stress balls ome in various designs (pill, soccer, basketball, hand-shaped) and eye-catching colors that would surely bring them a lot of relief.

Allow them to personalize their desks. Give them promotional digital or regular photo frames so they can display images of their loved ones. It will be a reminder of why they're working hard (to feed their families) and what they're saving up for (college tuition or a vacation, possibly).

Encourage employees to get a life outside of work. As the popular saying goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Give them something to take away for the weekend, say, an animal radio or a bag of sunscreen and lip balm. If employees are recharged over the weekend, they report to the office on Monday refreshed and ready to sink their teeth into work.