Wondering which items to include in your corporate gift bag packs? Branded promotional items have evolved a great deal over the years, going from the somewhat cheesy mugs and USB sticks of the early 2000s to interesting items that can be used and enjoyed by those receiving branded gift packs.

Whether you are planning a promotion or organising gift packs for special events, there are a few items that will add value to your corporate gift bags.

Essential Items for Branded Corporate Gift Bags

Gone are the days of boring pens and unwanted goods. Today’s promotional items don’t have to be over the top, but they can still provide value in a way that keeps your brand top of mind. Some of the most useful and functional branded items to include in your corporate gift bag packs include the following:

Car chargers.

Car chargers are practical, which means that they are used on a regular basis. These are often also compact enough to easily fit into a goodie bag or a gift bag and they do not cost a fortune to produce. Industries that work well using this type of gift for promotion include travel niches, business niches, mom businesses, and even hospitality industries.

Sticky notes.

These are a fun, simple and affordable way to keep your brand front of mind. Sticky notepads can be found in a range of sizes, from extra small to larger sized pads. These have an added benefit of getting your name out not just to the client you gift the item to but also to that client’s audience. Whether used to take notes near the phone, make shopping lists or keep on track of reminders, sticky notes are especially useful in industries such as retail, corporate, marketing, and hospitality.

Mug warmers. 

Rather than going with old-fashioned mugs, you could look at branded mug warmers that can be added to a travel mug. This item is relatively affordable and easy to produce, with a variety of branding and styling options that help to customise the warmers. Ideal for home businesses, travel niches, business niches, and many other types of business, this gift is also long-lasting and reusable if made from quality materials.

Shopping bags.

In today’s eco-conscious world, reusable shopping bags are always in demand. Look for well-made bags that are made from recycled or sustainable materials. Bags that can be folded easily will be especially popular. Industries that would welcome this type of gift include eco-businesses, retailers, fashion businesses, travel businesses, leisure companies, and many others.

Power banks.

Power banks are the modern version of the USB stick. These come in a range of shapes and sizes, helping to charge phones and tablets on the go. They work in a wide range of industries and offer a genuinely useful, thoughtful gift that will be used and appreciated by recipients.

To get the most from your goodie bags, it is best to choose a promotional goods and printing company in Durban or surrounds that is able to work with you each step of the way. This will ensure that your corporate gift bag ideas are turned into reality in a way that leaves the right impression every time.

Did you know that the Trappist Trail, a series of mission stations built by Trappist monks roughly a century ago, starts in Pinetown?

Corporate clothing has gone through a complete evolution. From the ugly and restrictive uniforms of decades ago, we now have fashionable, comfortable and sophisticated items that make corporate clothing a great perk to have. Here is how these items go a long way in boosting your brand’s identity:

• Brings employees closer together

Corporate clothing unites the workers in a business. It gives them something to distinguish themselves from other workers in the region, it eliminates the stress involved in buying and deciding what to wear every day and it places everyone on the same level. This can spill over into company branding objectives by boosting morale and creating cohesion among the staff.

• Puts your Brand out there

If your staff is wearing corporate clothing to work, then they are undoubtedly seen in these items when they are out-and-about as well. Designing great looking and great fitting corporate clothing that can be worn to sporting events and social functions will raise your brand awareness to the public. People who see your logo and corporate colours will be able to experience the enthusiasm of your corporate culture, which will contribute to your brand identity and brand-building goals.

• Endears you to your customers 

When you invest in items that reflect your corporate culture, it will create a golden thread that ties your company’s corporate culture with the faces that customers see at your place of business. The colour scheme, designs and patterns that you choose will establish authority and trust in your brand.

Get in touch with Minuteman Press, a leading printing company in Pinetown specialising in branded Barron company clothing. 

Did you know that Pinetown was a site of one of the British concentration camps during the Anglo Boer War?

If you want an effective way to introduce your business to people or to market a special sale or promotion, use flyers. The design of your flyers, as well as the actual content on the flyers, must be effective to get results. Here are few tips to keep in mind for writing effective flyers:

Find Your Niche

You undoubtedly have competition in your industry. So, what makes you different? Describe your company in such a way that doing business with your company is a complete no-brainer to your client.

Include a clear call to action.

You need to tell readers exactly what they need to do after reading your flyers. Should they visit your website, pick up the phone to call you or visit your store? Perhaps you want them to stick the flyers on their fridge so that they have your company’s number in case of an emergency. Make sure that this call to action is clear and understandable on your flyer.

Due diligence.

To appeal to your potential customers, you need to understand their challenges and needs. Do some research on the demographics of your target audience and carefully consider their pain points so that you can list ways that your product or service will be able to benefit them.

Simplicity is key.

Many people make the mistake of wanting to include too much information on their flyers. Include only the most important information, such as the special that you offer, why they should buy and how to must go about buying from you.

Get in touch with Minuteman Press, a leading printing company in Pinetown, for all your flyer design and flyer printing services today.

Did you know that Pinetown is home to one of the oldest cricket clubs in KwaZulu Natal?

If you have ever been to a golf course you must have noticed that golf caddies all wear the same uniform at the Masters. Though the uniform colours may differ depending on the tournament, caddies usually wear white boiler suits and a green (or other colour) hat.

 

In the past, golfers didn’t have their own caddies with them on the golf course. The golf course or tournament organiser would assign a caddie to the player for the event. This practice was common many decades ago but largely died out in the 1970’s. One of the reasons why a uniform was provided for the caddies is also because the earliest caddies at the Augusta National were poor men from the local community. The official uniform that they received on the day helped them to look professional for the event.

It was not until the early 1980’s that the US Masters eventually changed its policies. However, even though the players could take their own caddies to the tournament, they were still required to wear the traditional uniform.

While this was a long-standing tradition in golf, many sports require specific protective clothing, overalls or other types of branded gear. The logic behind this is simple: not only does it make it easy for players and spectators to distinguish between players and helpers on the field, but it also protects players, caddies and other helpers from the risks involved with being at an outdoor sporting event, such as exposure to the sun, runaway balls, etc.

Minuteman Press is a printing company in Pinetown that can design and print branded overalls and many other types of clothing for you. Contact us for more information today.

 

Finding a Durban printing shop can seem like a challenge for many businesses and consumers. Luckily, it is entirely possible to find one that is not only reliable but also there to help you each step of the way with a wide range of services. Keep reading to get our tips on what to look for when choosing a Durban printing shop.

Choosing the Ideal Durban Printing Shop

What should you look for when choosing a Durban printing shop? For starters, here are a few non-negotiables that every print specialist should be able to offer:

A diverse range of services.

You should be able to call your print shop a one-stop-shop. Ideally, you should be able to design and print everything you need for your brand to get noticed. That could include anything and everything from business cards all the way to brochures, flyers, posters, presentation folders, uniforms, labels, forms, menus, calendars, table tents, awards, greeting cards and even promotional products. A limited range means that you will have to find more than one partner, which is never ideal. Having multiple products and services under one roof saves you time, effort, and often, costs.

The ability to innovate.

Your print shop should be constantly seeking to innovate and grow their services, technology and processes. If your print partner is still doing things the same way that they did them a decade ago, they are likely not going to be able to keep up with today’s printing trends. If, on the other hand, your printing partner is up to date on the latest printing trends, you will always know that they are able to offer the very best level of service at all times. This means that your marketing material will always be designed and printed to the best possible level.

Commitment to quality.

 

A commitment to quality is also essential. You should never have to compromise when it comes to the design and printing of any projects you outsource. No matter how big or small the job may be, you should trust your print specialist to deliver the best quality product. If you are always having to request reprints, redesigns or any other changes that come as a result of poor quality paper, ink or printers, your brand reputation will be the one who takes the knock.

Reliable customer support.

You should also be able to get reliable support at all times. That means friendly and helpful staff, a simplified customer care process, ample resources to help you and other clients and open lines of communication. One of the most frustrating things for any customer is not being able to find closure in the event of problems, miscommunication or jobs poorly done. Any shop that provides anything less than reliable and helpful customer service is not worth supporting.

Affordable printing solutions.

Finally, you should also not have to go broke preparing your marketing materials and printed goods. Although that does not mean finding the cheapest partner you can find to scrimp on money rather than quality, you should be able to budget for your projects in a way that is reasonable and not overinflated. An affordable partner will allow you to plan your projects without paying through the roof.

If you’re like to know more about working with a Durban printing shop you can always trust, contact Minuteman Press Pinetown today.

Branded promotional items do not have to be limited to t-shirts, key rings and other conventional items. With a bit of imagination and creative thinking, almost anything can be branded. In this guide, we share some of the most interesting branded promotional items to give you a bit of inspiration for your next campaign.

You can brand just about anything these days. Check out these fun, strange and amazing branded promotional items to see just how big your imagination can get when it comes to branding.

1/ Drones

Promotional drones are a fun way to promote an event, especially if they come in a wide range of colours that further add to their appeal. Drones have become popular with people of all ages, across every demographic. Just be sure that you gift this item wisely –there are a few privacy laws to consider when it comes to flying drones in South Africa.

2/ Wheatgrass

 

If you have a food, health or sustainability business, wheat grass seeds offer a great gift idea. The packaging of this seed contains is made of sustainable, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable material. The wheatgrass can easily grow, staying in its branded pot. The pot can be kept on desks or in kitchens to be used for smoothies and other treats.

3/ Straws

A yoga studio in China came up with a very clever way to brand straws. The bendy nature of the straw was perfect to display a person doing yoga. If you do choose straws, make sure that you make them reusable to avoid adding more plastic to the planet. High quality PET plastic, glass and metal all workwell for this purpose.

4/ Gadget Strips 

Gadget strips are made to easily pick up mobile phones and other devices using magnetic strips. This item would be ideal for technological industries that sell mobile phones or other devices. It would also work well for digital marketing companies and similar businesses.

5/ Mister Fans 

                      

Keeping customers cool in the hot summer months, these fans are practical and memorable. They can be used at home or taken to the beach. The great thing about this type of gadget is that it will be used on a regular basis, summer after summer.

6/ Flip Flops

                        

Branded slops are also a fun idea for summer. These can be great for kids and adults clothing stores, footwear stores, fashion designers and many other businesses. Like the misters, slops are practical. If the branding is subtle, they will be worn even more frequently.

7/ Tissue Boxes

This is definitely a more unusual branded item. Not only is the box branded –it is also designed to look like a delivery van. This would be a fantastic idea for home removal companies, delivery services, logistic companies, car rental companies, car sales companies and even chauffeurs and similar businesses.

8/ Water Pistols

Great for kids toy stores, clothing lines, family businesses and any other type of business that has a playful nature at heart, branded water pistols are great fun for all ages. These are also ideal for summer promotions. Although the branding is small, this item will get plenty of use, making it highly effective for visibility.

9/ Sweets

Just about everyone loves sweets. Branded sweet wrappers are sure to make a good impression for a promotion. They can also be used at events, for important meetings with stakeholders and for various other promotional activities. Although the sweets are eaten quickly and the wrappers discarded, people are sure to remember something so unusual.

10/ Snow Globes

                                          

Finally, another fun and unusual way to brand your business is a branded snow globe. These make great desk ornaments, lasting for many years. If you keep the branding subtle, this will be something that stays with the recipient for a very long time. How can you take your branding to the next level? If you’re looking for high quality branded promotional items in Durban, Minuteman Press Pinetown is here to assist. 

Have you ever wondered what your business logo really says about your company? Logos play a vital role in your brand identity, acting as an instant visual identification for your business. A good logo has the power to build trust and recognition. In this guide, we take a look at some of the ways that your business logo speaks to prospective customers.

What Message Does Your Business Logo Send?

What sort of message is your business logo sending out? Ultimately, your logo represents your brand. The colours, font and symbols you choose all send out a hidden message to prospective clients. Your overall brand is also represented by your logo, while your story is very often broadcast as well. Here are some of the things that your logo says about your company.

Your brand.

The very first thing that your logo says about you is how seriously you take yourself as a brand. A cheap, hastily thrown-together logo does little to make you seem professional, while a well-designed logo will make you seem as though you are invested in your business. When your logo forms part of your broader brand identity, the message that you send potential clients and investors is that your brand is cohesive, professional and visually appealing.

Your colours.

Your brand colours can also send out a message. Black is often seen as traditional and sophisticated, while blue often indicates security, red indicates boldness, yellow indicates optimism, orange represents cheerfulness, green indicates nature, and purple indicates creativity. It is well worth doing some reading on colours and their associated symbols and meanings. It is also essential that your logo colours are reflective of the colours you use on your website,  brochures,  business cards and other marketing material.

Your fonts.

Even the fonts you choose can have hidden meaning. Fonts are divided into three broader categories – serif, san serif and script. Serif fonts such as Times New Roman have a small tail at the end of the stroke. These fonts are thought to be traditional and comforting and are often used by banks, legal firms and corporates who want to establish a reputation built on trust and tradition. San serif fonts such as Arial or Calibri do not have any tails. These fonts are considered to be clean and modern. They are favoured by start-ups, agencies and other industries that want to be perceived as cutting-edge. Script fonts resemble calligraphy, with plenty of flourishes. These fonts are seen as creative and unique. They are often used by businesses in creative, romantic or dramatic industries.

Your symbols.

It’s also worth considering the symbols you use within your logo, along with the colours and fonts you choose. Logo symbols vary from contemporary elements all the way to classic symbols. Some are completely original, while others use recognised icons that can include objects or animals. It is worth doing some research to be sure that a symbol you use is not inadvertently offensive in other cultures or countries. For example, owls are seen as wise in western culture, but in many other cultures, owls are feared. Be careful that your symbols do not end up having a negative hidden meaning, too. Overlapping shapes may end up in a symbol that is far from professional. Strange and misleading symbols are a common theme in many  logo mistakes.

Finally, it is also worth noting that your logo should always be consistent with your story. Symbols, colours and text should reflect your values and uniqueness. Borrowing elements from other logos can end up doing far more harm than good. Instead, make sure that your business logo tells your story in a way that is authentic and real. 

 

There is no doubt that printed banners offer a valuable marketing tool for trade shows, events and general marketing purposes. With a variety of banner types available, how do you go about choosing the best banner to suit your unique needs, you may be wondering? In this guide, we take a look at the most commonly used printed banners to get a better idea of how each is used.

How to Choose Printed Banners

Choosing between printed banners can be confusing at the best of times. To help you determine the best banner for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the main types of  marketing banner and their uses.

1) Hanging Banners

This type of banner is tough, durable and ideal for outdoor promotions, such as sporting events. Banners are printed according to your specifications, with corners and edges fitted with metal eyelets. Rope is looped through each eyelet, and the banner is hung to trees, lampposts or other structures. Due to its stability, and the fact that most hanging banners are made of high quality PVC, these banners are best suited to outdoor areas or high wind areas that require a sturdier banner.

2) Roll Up Banners

These banners are rolled up inside a cylinder and come with a metal stand. When the banner is unrolled, it is hooked to the stand. Most of these banners are long and rectangular in shape. They are ideal for indoor events, working well when used within shop displays, exhibition stands and other indoor venues. They are not always strong enough for outdoor use, however, and may get blown down if used in windy areas.

3) X-Frame Banners

X-frame banners are also ideal for indoor promotion. Similar to roll up banners, they can stand on their own, with no structure or wall required for support. This banner uses an x-shaped frame that reinforces the banner and keeps it standing upright. They are often long and rectangular in shape. As they can blow over, they are not ideal for outdoor use.

4) Flying Banners

Flying banners are an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor events in areas that are relatively sheltered. These banners can be placed along pathways, outside shops, adjacent to trade show booths, in conference lobbies and in various other locations, making them versatile for many events. They are easy to see, with a flag type shape that works especially well with angular designs. As they are displayed on their own stands, they may not be ideal in areas that are very windy.

5) Large Format Banners

Another option that can be suitable for both indoor and outdoor events is a large format banner. Large format printing is done on specialised equipment that is designed for sizes that exceed traditional specifications. A larger than life banner placed on an open wall has high visibility and impact, making it ideal for special events that require more exposure. These banners are typically mounted to structures or walls to ensure that they are stable and secure.

Whatever your banner requirements may be, the Minuteman Press Pinetown team is here to assist. We provide premium printing solutions for a diverse range of requirements. We can also assist with any additional marketing material needs you may have, from brochures to business cards.  Get in touch to find out more about printed banners in Durban and surrounds.

 

Which digital printing trends are shaping the year ahead? Digital prints continue to evolve and adapt, as technology continues to change the way that digital prints are created. Not too long ago, we shared some broader printing trends.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at digital printing to see how it has shaped the way that flyers, brochures, business cards and other marketing material is printed. Keep reading to find out which digital printing trends are worth noting in 2018 and beyond.

Digital Printing Trends Worth Noting According to research done last year by Smithers Pira, in 2017 alone, digital printing comprised 16.2% of the global print market value, and 2.9% of the total print volume. Many experts predict that by 2022, digital printing will see a far faster growth compared to traditional printing, with toner and inkjet printing leading the way and off-set litho seeing a decline. While litho still makes up over 70% of the global print output, a large percentage of litho print falls within low-value publication printing, including directories, newspapers and magazines.

Digital print offers plenty of opportunity for value-added work. As new equipment becomes available, the demand for toner and inkjet continue to increase while prices drop. This has helped make digital print a more cost-effective solution compared to litho at increasingly higher run lengths. With the pressure to reduce inventory and work-in-progress, there is a constant trend of reduced run lengths, as print buyers rush to ensure that content is kept up to date. This has had a direct impact on the consistent transformation from analogue to digital print. Some additional digital printing trends worth noting include the following:

• The constant advancements in digital printing since its introduction way back in the 1970s has helped to see an increase in quality, reliability and productivity. Digital printing offers a cost-effective solution that is especially enticing for commercial users. Print service providers and packaging converters have embraced this technology, which is further helping to increase adoption on a global level.

 

• Inkjet quality sees a steady increase, which in turn increases reliability and consistency of digital printing. The growth of inkjet has superseded every other technological development within the printing and packaging industry, and we will continue to see advancements in inkjet quality. Both single-pass sheetfed and webfed presses are available, working with most print applications.

 

• Inkjet has become widely uses in a broad range of applications. As its quality and effectiveness continue to improve, this makes inkjet a highly cost-effective solution for low, medium and high volume printing. It is also efficient in proofing and prototyping as well.

 

• As a versatile solution, inkjet offers multi-pass traversing heads as well as single-pass arrays of fixed heads that are positioned over or beside print surfaces, whether flat or not. Wide-format printers have especially embraced this technology, with high-performance flatbed devices replacing a number of litho and screen devices.

• Inkjet end-user sectors are growing consistently. Print advertising continues to be the largest sector, accounting for roughly $38.6 billion in 2017 alone. This value is set to grow closer to $50 billion by 2022.

 

• For inkjet, all end-use sectors are growing. Advertising print – including display and direct mail – is the biggest sector, worth around $38.6 billion in 2017. Smithers Pira predicts that this will expand to nearly $50 billion in 2022, although this market may be a slower growing sector compared to others. Packaging is expected to see the fastest growth between 2017 and 2022, with an estimated growth rate of 20% predicted. Inkjet innovation will see the investment of new press installations, especially when it comes to volume printing of corrugated packaging.

 

• As new technology arrives on the market, the value of both analogue and digital printing will continue to evolve. The volumes of toner and inkjet printing are set to grow, while the prices are expected to drop. All in all, digital printing offers a cost-effective solution that will continue to provide benefits to end users.

There is no doubt that the technology landscape is constantly changing and adapting. Each year, trends continue to change the world as we know it in order to provide a better, faster way forward. We are looking forward to seeing how these trends progress as we get closer towards the halfway mark of 2018. To find out more about how to benefit from digital printing trends in Durban and surrounds, get in touch with the Minuteman Press Pinetown team today.

 

 

If you’re looking for a highly effective way to market your business, branded promotional products are well worth considering. These products can be tailored to your needs, with a wide range of products to consider. Whether you are thinking about branded mugs for a once-off promotion, branded pens to give out instead of business cards, or promotional merchandise such as t-shirts, caps or USB sticks, there are many advantages enjoyed by this type of marketing material.

What makes branded promotional products a must-have for your business? Let’s have a look at some of the unique benefits offered by branded promo products.

Why Invest in Branded Promotional Products?

Some of the biggest benefits of branded promotional products include the following:

1) Enhanced brand loyalty.

Free gifts are a great way to drive loyalty. When your new customers or valued clients are presented with a branded product that is genuinely useful, they will not only keep your company front of mind, they will also appreciate the gesture of your gift. Customers that feel a connection to your brand are far more likely to spread the word to others while staying loyal to your brand.

2) Effective lead generation.

Unlike paper-based products, such as brochures, which are often tossed or forgotten about quickly, promotional products are used and viewed on a regular basis. Items such as caps and t-shirts have a long lifespan that helps to nurture leads on an ongoing basis. When promo products include a call to action, such as website link or contact number, people viewing the product are more likely to become valid leads.

3) Increased enthusiasm.

A great example of how branded products can generate enthusiasm and even brand passion is the personalised Coca-Cola soft drink campaign. Here in South Africa, a large number of name tins were produced. In the UK, customers could call a hotline to request a personalised name on a Coke bottle. A massive number of personalised bottles were produced, which lead to an increase in brand interactions and brand perception.

4) Improved relationships and engagement.

Handing out branded gifts can help to build relationships and drive engagement. When products are chosen carefully and branding is done in a way that continues the brand identity across products, website and other material such as flyers, business cards and brochures, the result is a better level of engagement and trust. Rewarding customers with a well-chosen gift will make them feel valued and involved.

5) Better customer retention.

Rewarding existing customers can also help to increase customer retention. It costs far more to attract new customers than it does to retain current customers. Investing in your customers and rewarding their loyalty is the best way to ensure optimal retention. Tangible, personalised products are especially useful as a retention tool.

6) Cost-effective marketing strategy.

From an impressions point of view, branded products can be a very cost-efficient marketing strategy that has a far higher reach compared to printed materials that may be viewed once or twice by a limited number of people. Branded products are often worn by customers, which expands their reach even further. Active marketing strategies such as branding are often more effective than passive strategies, too.

7) Functional marketing.

Branded merchandise is also highly functional. Often, corporate gifts are passed from person to person. A branded t-shirt may be worn by more than one person in a family, while a branded pen may be used by more than one person in an office, for example. A branded notebook may be given to a child, co-worker or friend, and a t-shirt or cap may be given away or donated to a charity shop when no longer in use. This further increases the reach of branded promo products.

To find out more about how branded promotional products in Durban and surrounds help your business, contact Minuteman Press Pinetown today.

 

Are you considering branded uniforms for your business? This is a great idea for several reasons. Here are five reasons why wearing a proper uniform is important:

 

1. Customer Service Expectations in Your Industry

 

Certain industries, such as the hospitality sector, restaurants, health industry and many other customer service sections of a business demand that the workforce is easy to identify. Give your staff the clothing they need to look more united and so that they are distinguishable to clients.

 

2. Company Perk

 

A uniform can be seen as an honour and a perk for staff. Deciding what to wear every day takes a lot of mental energy. Corporate clothing is expensive, so you can help your employees and offer uniforms as a perk.

 

3. Sense of Belonging

 

It’s easy to feel isolated and disconnected, even if you’re working among many people. A uniform can give staff members a sense of belonging to your business.

 

4. Equality

 

People come from vastly different backgrounds and social standing. When everyone wears the same clothing, it puts everyone on the same platform and level, thereby bringing a sense of equality to all.

 

5. Creating the Right Attitude for Achievement

 

People are more likely to care for people who are part of their group. Uniforms will help colleagues to see each other as peers who are part of a team.

 

Minuteman Press is a printing company in Pinetown that can help you with uniform design, and they supply branded Barron uniforms to your business. Contact us for more information today.