When the Corporate Gifts Company started in business almost 20 years ago, all our promotional items and corporate gifts were either made by us, or other UK manufacturers. As with a lot of industries, we found we couldn’t compete with Far Eastern imports and reluctantly hung up our manufacturing boots, so to speak, and joined the masses importing from the Far East. We ensured we only worked with quality suppliers and the range of our products grew and grew.
With recent “reversals” in currency exchange rates (from an importers’ perspective of course) and soaring costs out of the Far East, suddenly “Made in the UK” is now less of rose tinted view of past times and more of a reality.
We at the Corporate Gift Company are only too happy to grab the opportunity of manufacturing again in the UK, and we are currently working on lots of new ideas to launch in the new year. There are lots of benefits that will directly effect the service and product we can offer.
1. Made in the UK means a vastly reduced carbon footprint – no shipping a promotional product from one side of the world to another.
2. Although we always strive to work only with ethical suppliers (as you can see from our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, manufacturing ourselves or with well known UK companies means that ethical issues are even more assured.
3. Faster turn around times. Obviously when we have an item in stock our turnaround times for plain or branded promotional items are second to none. But the time for replenishing stock from the Far East is becoming longer and longer. Items made in the UK will be faster.
4. Bespoke Items (awards, trophies, plaques, corporate jewellery) will become even more flexible with more options and faster turnarounds.
So, watch this space. There’ll be loads of new and exciting product launched on the website in January.
Posts Tagged ‘promo cufflinks’
THE SEVEN “TOUCHES” OF MARKETING
Sunday, November 16th, 2008On average it takes seven “touches” to convert a cold customer to a sale. Sounds daunting doesn’t it? If you’re using only one vehicle for your message (eg traditional advertising), that’s a lot of exposure, a lot of cost, probably over a prolonged period of time. Smart companies utilise more than one “channel” to get to their marketing target. 360 degree marketing in the modern jargon, although it’s good old fashioned common sense when you think about it.
So what “channels” are available to corporate companies for their promotional activities? Advertising, emailers, exhibitions, face to face meetings, post mail shots or catalogues, pr, and promotional advertising gifts. Obviously that’s where the Corporate Gifts Company comes in.
Corporate advertising products are an essential part of the marketing mix. They are, however, often the poor relation in the marketing family, left until last minute without much thought or attention. If it does indeed mean that seven touches of marketing activity are required to convert prospects to customers, then it’s obvious that marketeers need every weapon in their amoury.
Choosing the most appropriate promotional product, therefore, is essential and as much time, effort and care should go into the selection of your business gifts and advertising items as any other aspect of your marketing budget. Appropriate is the key word, of course, and like any marketing activity an ill considered “off message” piece of marketing can actually harm your company’s product or reputation.
So what about some examples from the experts? Who’s that, you cry. Why, the Corporate Gifts Co, of course.
How about these cufflinks for a conference including men and woman? http://www.corporate-gifts-co.com/acatalog/corporate_gifts_cufflinks.html . Rediculous you say. Of course you’d be right, but this is a true story. These are, however, perfect for an executive male option, and if you choose something for the men and something for the ladies, it really says you’ve put some thought into it.
How about this smart, contemporary yet traditional clock. http://www.corporate-gifts-co.com/acatalog/corporate_gifts_deco_clock.html Can’t go wrong? A safe bet for virtually any promotional activity, unless some or all of the intended targets are Chinese (where the clock signifies death).
This great hip flask http://www.corporate-gifts-co.com/acatalog/corporate_gifts_3oz_hip_flask.html, used for an AA promotion! Alright I made that one up (in fact it would be disasterous for either AA’s, alcholic and motoring). But great for a Christmas promotion.
Business card cases are one of the most effective and popular business executive gifts and the Corporate Gifts Co has a fantastic collection of these promotional stallwarts. http://www.corporate-gifts-co.com/acatalog/corporate_gifts_card_holders.html . Just make sure your target audience actually uses business cards – not great for the guys on the shop floor.
But don’t be alarmed at this potential minefield. Over the last 20 years The Corporate Gifts Co has seen it all (promotionally speaking), and our experienced sales team are available to help you make the right choice for your promotional gift, whatever the audience and event. Call them today on 0845 230 2902 and make sure this part of the “seven touches” of marketing is done right!
