Please note, we have moved our blog to https://bicgraphicblog.com/. You will be able to find all past posts there as well as new content posted weekly.
Please update any RSS feeds and join us on our new platform!
Best Regards,
Margit Fawbush
August 10, 2016
April 18, 2016
BIC Graphic Expands Partnership with Cool Gear - Supporting Fitness and Hydration Trends
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of even more high-style, high-function Cool Gear® brand sports bottles to support ongoing trends in hydration and wellness. Cool Gear products are found in many major retailers across the US, such as Walmart and Target.
BIC Graphic has partnered with Cool Gear to bring the industry a number of high-function sports bottles such as the Cool Gear® Subzero Bottle (#46040), with a freezable insert designed to keep water colder, longer. New for 2016, is the Cool Gear® Aquaburst™ Bottle (#46082), with a refillable flavor burst compartment. Perfect for those who enjoy a little flavor in their water.
Studies show hydration continues to be an important component of overall health and wellbeing*. Stylish, functional water bottles can help make the habit easier to maintain on the go. Cool Gear's blog, The Cool Down, recently summarized the benefits of hydration in the following blog: How to Drink More Water.
Promotional products distributors can use these benefit facts to support drinkware recommendations for a variety of industries and purposes, such as employee wellness programs, health clubs, sports clubs/teams, education, healthcare and more.
Click here to view the full Cool Gear® product assortment at BICGraphic.com.
- According to the US National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health: Water Intake and Hydration Indices in Healthy European Adults: The European Hydration Research Study, 2016 Apr, O. Malisova.
~Margit Fawbush
April 12, 2016
Maximize your Business with Non-Profits and Charities
Think “non-profit” equals small budgets? Not necessarily. While non-profits, charities and cause marketing organizations are closely monitored for fiscal responsibility, they all have to spend money to raise money.
There are over 1.5 million non-profits in the US and more than $350 billion donated to US charitable organizations. Larger non-profit organizations have armies of volunteers, fundraisers, staffers and donors. They all need to be rewarded and motivated for their efforts. In addition to the branding and messaging opportunities supporting fundraising events, distributors can mine these organizations for opportunities top to bottom.
Consider these ideas next time you meet with a potential client to grow your business.
Awards/Recognition -- Donors and staff both need to be rewarded for their support of the organization. Consider something elegant, like a small crystal award customized with the recipient’s name.
Bags -- Offer staffers a unique thank you gift such as a branded backpack or messenger bag. Bags have some of the highest impressions in the industry and whether carried for work or play, will be greatly appreciated as it spreads their message.
Sports Bottles -- A terrific idea for both volunteer and participant giveaways. Hydration is important for health and wellbeing. Show your volunteers and event participants you care by giving them the gift on on-the-go hydration.
Calendars -- Have a lot to say? Sharing research data, event dates, program information? Calendars offer a lot of real estate to communicate the cause’s mission, details and progress. Calendars are a great giveaway for supporters and staffers alike.
Contact BIC Graphic for even more ideas suited to your customer’s non-profit or charity. No matter what the budget, or constituency, BIC Graphic has the perfect items to spread the word.
Or, log-in to BICGraphic.com to review our Non-Profits Channel presentation - a perfect start for your next client meeting.
~Margit Fawbush
March 31, 2016
March 29, 2016
Product of the Month - GRID-IT!(TM) Organizer
26041 | GRID-IT!™ Organizer Medium
This month we are featuring the GRID-IT!™ Organizer Medium from Cocoon as our Product of the Month.
Uniquely designed to become the newest addition to your tablet case, the GRID-IT!™ Organizer delivers a new versatile way to organize your gadgets.
The elastic object retention system provides endless configurations to fit all of your organization needs!
Click below for a video demo...
For more details and a great selling tool,
click here for our GRID-IT(TM) Organizer Product Spotlight Flyer.
Top 10 Promo Ideas for Nurses Week
National Nurses Week, beginning May 6, is a major event in the world of promotional products. We looked at the latest trends in promos and the nursing profession to develop a great list of ideas.
A couple overall thoughts -
- Make them feel special with personalized products. Put their name on it and they'll be even more impressed - and likely to keep the item long-term.
- Nursing is a tough job - make their lives a little easier. Give them thoughtful items that make their long shifts a little more manageable.
1) Power Banks - More and more nurses are taking patient notes on tablets. Having a power bank can keep their tablet powered through the shift making this a very welcome gift. To really make this present special, personalization with each nurse’s name allows them to keep track of which tablet is theirs.
2) Lunch Coolers - Bringing lunch to work is common practice with the hectic pace of nursing. A nice lunch tote will be appreciated for years. Opt for a cooler with storage space for a meal and a couple snacks, and possibly a beverage compartment.
3) Water Bottle - Moving around all day means needing to stay hydrated. Keeping a drink handy with a personal water bottle can reduce trips to a vending machine or fountain. To make this even more convenient, choose a water bottle with a carabiner or handle that can be used to hang the bottle from a bag or workstation.
4) Badge Holders or Lanyards - Several states require hospital ID badges. Hospitals are using them nationwide, helping patients know more about who is treating them. A lanyards or badge holder gives nurses a hands-free way to keep their badge handy and quickly accessible. They are also a great way to show off personal style.
5) Tablet Holders and Padfolios - A survey by Spyglass Consulting found that two-thirds of nurses are using personal devices “to support clinical communications and workflow.” Meanwhile, many hospitals still require paperwork to be filed as well. A padfolio with a tablet holder is a great solution so nurses can keep all their information on hand during patient visit. Keeping organized is a key to success for nurses.
6) Electronic Accessories - These days we are all using smart devices as extensions of ourselves. Any accessories enhancing these devices make for great gifts. Headphones and Bluetooth speakers are perfect for relaxing to music on breaks. A phone stand or screen cleaner will keep phones and tablets clean and organized. Whichever you choose, electronic accessories are sure to be appreciated.
7) Stylus Pens - A stylus is great solution for taking notes and completing forms more easily. Using a stylus allows tablets to be written on just like pen and paper. Selecting a pen/stylus combo can really simplify life by offering one writing instrument for both screens and paper.
8) Tote Bag - A large tote bag for daily use is perfect for nurses. With long shifts requiring a boatload of gear to and from the job each day, a tote bag can be quite useful in their daily commutes. Having the right bag means easily transporting a packed lunch, notebooks, tablets, a water bottle, toiletries, workout clothes and much more.
9) Cosmetics Case - A 2001 ANA/NursingWorld.com survey showed over half of nurses work an average of 41 to 60 hours per week. A toiletry bag is a great gift for a nurse so they can keep their personal luxuries from home handy on the job. Also consider throwing in some convenient personal care products like manicure sets or personal mirrors.
10) Awards - Nothing says “We appreciate you” like personalized award. Make sure to have them printed or engraved with reminders of the excellent achievements of each nurse along with their name and years of service.
For more great ideas for Nurses Week, click here for a presentation on the topic.
~Margit Fawbush
March 22, 2016
March 17, 2016
BIC GRAPHIC EXPANDS KOOZIE® LINE WITH EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS PERFECT FOR SPRING
BIC Graphic continues to expand its popular line of KOOZIE® koolers with a variety of items perfect for Spring and Summer promotions. Always on-trend, the KOOZIE® line offers a unique combination of retail styling and practical functionality.
The latest additions include:
KOOZIE® Waterfront Kooler (15809) - With the appeal of natural fiber, the cotton exterior is right in line with fashion and home décor trends. Great for summer.
KOOZIE® Clean Edge Kooler (15788) - The perfect companion for lunch break. Available in 5 colors with a stylish design that easily fits 6 cans + ice.
Collapsible KOOZIE® Can Kooler (46063) - your favorite collapsible can cooler now in bright neoprene material to fit snugly on a can!
Bottle Opener KOOZIE® Can Kooler (46087) - the latest innovation in can coolers features an attached bottle opener!
Click here for another exciting KOOZIE® Kooler—a backpack perfect for picnics, outdoor events and more! Visit bicgraphic.com for more great ideas and products for Spring!
~Margit Fawbush
March 16, 2016
March 10, 2016
BIC GRAPHIC ANNOUNCES DEDICATED CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR JAFFA® COLLECTION
AND LAUNCHES EXCITING NEW AWARDS
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated customer service team for the award-winning JAFFA® by BIC Graphic Collection—the industry’s complete source for awards and recognition.
After extensive customer research, including both quantitative surveys and focus groups, BIC Graphic determined that the awards and recognition category requires additional support and developed the JAFFA® Customer Service Team. This dedicated team has received in-depth product training to better assist customers with their awards and recognition inquiries and orders. For customer convenience, BIC Graphic established a specific toll free phone number and email address to reach the team staffed from 7:30am-6:00pm CST.
⇒ JAFFA® team toll free number: 844-485-6077
⇒ JAFFA® team email address: [email protected]
New for 2016, the supplier offers seven new awards each under $100. These awards, such as the #36827 Thumbs Up Acrylic Award and the Beveled Corners Optical Crystal Awards (#36805-7), offer an excellent value without sacrificing elegance and impact.
Visit BICGraphic.com for more exciting, new JAFFA® by BIC Graphic products and helpful sales tools.
~Margit Fawbush
March 08, 2016
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CALENDAR COLLECTION
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce an exciting partnership with National Geographic to produce a new line of photo-driven calendars. The collection of seven calendars being offered under the Triumph® by BIC Graphic line features iconic images centered around popular themes such as Wildlife of the World, World Scenes, and Rural Scenes.
Suitable for a variety of industries and audiences, the National Geographic collection will delight and inspire daily, maximizing brand impressions throughout the year.
Click here for a link to the whole collection on bicgraphic.com.
~Margit Fawbush
© 2016 National Geographic Partners LLC. All rights reserved.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and Yellow Border Design are trademarks of the National Geographic Society, used under license.
March 01, 2016
February 18, 2016
What's New in Bag Materials? Top Trends for 2016
According to ASI’s recent Impressions Study, logoed bags tie with writing instruments as having the lowest cost per-impression of any promotional item in the US. 31% of consumers own a promotional bag – whether it’s a tote, duffel, backpack or briefcase. On average, bags are kept nearly 7 months – that’s staying power.
Imagine the long-term usage of bags inspired by retail trends – with the look, feel and functionality of those you’d buy for yourself.
Several trends have guided product development for 2015 and 2016:
1) Retail-inspired patterns – step and repeats, florals, bold stripes and more – both on internal linings and as exterior panels and accents.
#15761 Hut Tote
2) Bright, vibrant colors have been accenting bags – look for eye-popping neon and tropical brights in particular.
AP8012 Annie Tote
3) Clear/see-through materials – it started as a fashion trend, moved towards a way of easing security concerns and now it continues to live on, particularly in sporting goods.
#15797 Clear Cinch Backpack
4) Cotton – cotton is durable, reusable and eco-friendly. Using cotton tote bags conveys environmental concern and practicality – and is also very stylish.
#15810 Striped Cotton Tote
5) Two tone polyester -- an upgrade to the traditional 600D polyester. Used in retail, this fabric has a higher perceived value and gives the perfect finish to a street style/casual look. Minimalist fashion at its best.
#15807 KAPSTON(TM) Pierce Backpack
6) Natural look trend – seen in home décor and accessories, tone-on-tone texture gives an organic, natural look to items like pillows, ottomans, drapes, even wallpaper. This is now informing bags and totes.
#15655 Jute Grocery Tote
All in all, continuing to watch home décor and fashion trends keeps promotional bags fresh and in-demand as a way of keeping your brand message out in public. Choose a stylish bag inspired by the trends in retail and you’ll have a winning combination.
Click here for a link to BIC Graphic's complete Bag assortment.
~Margit Fawbush
February 17, 2016
February 04, 2016
JEROME SMITH HONORED WITH MOMENTUM AWARD AT PPPC NATIONAL CONVENTION
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce that Jerome Smith, Account Manager, received the PPPC Momentum Award, recognizing the industry’s dynamic innovators who are continuously challenging and improving conventional methods.
The recipients of the Momentum Award are leaders; they are driven, creative, and are paving the way for the promotional product industry and leading it into the future.
Jerome Smith received his award during the Image Awards Ceremony at the PPPC National Convention this past January.
~Margit Fawbush
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES EXCITING NEW BAG COLLECTIONS FOR 2016
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce two exciting new Collections for 2016.
The KAPSTON™ Collection—exclusive, new designs only available from BIC Graphic. The collection offers four bags featuring retail-inspired fabric. The 19” carry-on even cleverly folds up for storage underneath a bed or without taking up too much space in a closet.
With coordinating padding on straps, plenty of storage and durable, elegant functionality—this collection is sure to be popular for a number of industries and entice the Millennial market looking for fresh clean lines.
BIC Graphic is launching a partnership with Cocoon, a well-known retail brand (sold at Apple Store, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, Staples). Offering two options, the Cocoon® Recess and the Cocoon® SLIM, BIC Graphic brings the industry a tech-friendly option with a unique spin. The Cocoon® Recess 15” Backpack with GRID-IT!™ organization system can protect up to a MacBook Pro in a padded compartment.
The GRID-It!™ organization system is built into the front pocket and makes it easy to store smaller items such as cords, headphones and chargers. The GRID-IT™ organization system is a proprietary patent pending object retention system.
The Cocoon® SLIM Backpack with GRID-IT!™ organization system is a slimmer, smaller option for up to a 15.6” laptop. With a full-size GRID-IT!™ organization system in the vertical pocket, a messy bag is virtually impossible. With features like a water-resistant zipper shield and ballistic nylon exterior, users can count on the Cocoon® SLIM to keep laptops and electronic essentials safe.
BIC Graphic also offers The GRID-IT!™ organization system separately in two sizes. A great gift on its own.
Click here for a link detailing the Cocoon® Backpacks and GRID-IT!™ organization system.
~Margit Fawbush
MARK WINGROVE INDUCTED INTO PPPC HALL OF FAME
BIC GRAPHIC ALSO HONORED AS FOUNDING MEMBER OF PPPC
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce that Mark Wingrove, Regional Account Manager for Canada, was inducted to the PPPC Hall of Fame at the PPPC National Convention in January.
Mark Wingrove, MAS, has had a distinguished career spanning over 25 years in the Promotional Products Industry. Respected for his ongoing commitment to the industry, Wingrove has held several National and Regional PPPC board positions including National PPPC Board Chair in 2010. His innovative thinking and passion make him an ideal mentor to new generations coming into the industry.
“It was a magical night and I was so happy that my family, friends, coworkers and industry peers could share it with me,” said Mark Wingrove. “Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support before, during and after the ceremony.”
Wingrove is pictured with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Brittany, at the PPPC Image Awards ceremony.
As part of PPPC’s 60th Anniversary, BIC Graphic received special recognition for being one of the organization’s three founding members.
Pictured left: Ed Ahad, Ralph Dei Tigli, Stephanie Bouchez, Mark Wingrove.
~Margit Fawbush
February 02, 2016
BIC GRAPHIC HONORED BY DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERS
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce awards received from two long-time distributor partners.
Deluxe/Safeguard 2015 Supplier Engagement Award (based on successful “T3” campaign). Joe Ruedt, National Account Manager and Lori Bauer, VP National Accounts were present to accept the
award. They are pictured with Boyd Miller and Forrest Fairly of Deluxe/Safeguard.
iPROMOTEu
• Top Supplier Of The Year (ranked #6 out of the top 15 suppliers)
• Special Recognition award for support of IPU’s A Woman’s View program
Michael Clark, National Accounts Manager and Lori Bauer, VP National Accounts accepted the award.
~Margit Fawbush
2016 Golf Trends
According to a recent article on Forbes.com, the golf industry’s economic impact has been reported by various industry insiders as being nearly $70 billion per year. Its charitable impact is close to $4 billion per year through 143,000 events and 12 million participants.
Golf continues to gain positive momentum, particularly among youth with now 3 million participants age 6-17. Millennials aged 18-34 are active with an estimated 6.3 million golfers, though there is some debate as to the potential growth of the market. Those bullish on the market believe the more athletic and exciting players on tour combined with the growing use of tech and targeted marketing programs will continue to spur growth among young adults.
BIC Graphic closely tracks the trends. Andrew Norvill, Group Product Manager, attended the PGA Show in January, offering us additional insights. Three key trends have informed our product development as we continue to define our golf collection and the brands we partner with.
- Continued growth in practice and training products. Both physical (swing trainers, putting alignment aids) and digital (simulators and sensor technology) trainers have grown in use. These types of products inspired BIC Graphic to launch the new 62333 Golf Chipping Net for chipping practice at home.
- Colored golf balls. There are a lot of new companies with colored golf balls in fluorescent colors and some even have built in LED lights, etc. BIC Graphic continues to promote its 62290 Nike® Mojo Multi-Color 24 ball pack (launched in 2015).
- Vintage style golf accessories are popular. There are a lot of leather products such as golf bags, luggage, head covers, bag tags and retro golf apparel. BIC Graphic launched the argyle patterned 62334 Pattern Golf Tee Pouch that is available in a number of kit configurations. We have also launched the new 62291 Callaway Vintage Driver Cover. A popular style at the PGA Show for several different golf brands.
Visit bicgraphic.com to view our full range of products. From golf balls to event kits to prestigious partner brands like Titleist®, Nike® and Callaway®--BIC Graphic has everything you need to put on a memorable tournament or provide executive gifts to the most avid golfers.
#LiveBICGraphic! See what BIC Graphic is all about! Click here for a short video.
~Margit Fawbush
January 28, 2016
January 19, 2016
Over $200k raised in 2015! Looking forward to another successful year of fundraising for WWP in 2016! We can't do it without the support of our distributors. bit.ly/1PD5YNP
January 13, 2016
2016 Writing Instrument Trends
Writing Instruments continue to be a top selling product category – both ASI and PPAI reported it as the 2nd largest product category (2014 year end data). Globally, the market for Writing and Marking Instruments is projected to reach US $17.5 billion by 2020, driven by product innovations, an increase in home offices, growing interest in luxury writing instruments and increasing literacy rates in emerging countries (according to Global Industry Analysts, Inc., published November 2014).
In the US, 50% of consumers own logoed writing instruments. Writing Instruments are the most commonly owned promotional product and are used most often – over 18 times per month!
As simple as they seem, pens can get technical and are strongly influenced by trends.
Gel Pens continue to be popular. The pigment is suspended in a water-based gel and supports a higher proportion of pigment allowing it to show up more clearly on dark or slick surfaces.
Blue ink is gaining popularity as more and more industries require a blue ink signature to distinguish original documents from copies. Colorful ink colors are also popular in retail.
The industry is seeing increased demand of low-priced metal or aluminum Writing Instruments that target a more youthful demographic with miniature styles and vibrant colors driven by fashion and home trends.
There is also increased demand in technology driven products, particularly for business gifts. These pens can include a touchscreen stylus, LED flashlights, multiple ink colors or even USBs.
And of course smooth-writing action is critical, so no matter how many bells and whistles a pen has, if it doesn’t write well – it won’t be kept or used with any frequency.
Contact your BIC Graphic representative for specific ideas. 2016 is an exciting year for us as we launch over 20 new BIC® branded pens as well as 17 other stylish new designs.
Click here to see the new BIC® branded pens. Share your favorite BIC® product on social media. #lovemyBIC
See what BIC Graphic is all about! Click here for a short video. #LiveBICGraphic
~Margit Fawbush
(New BIC(R) Honor Pen Family pictured above)
January 12, 2016
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES OVER 20 NEW BIC® WRITING INSTRUMENTS SUPPORTED BY #LOVEMYBIC CAMPAIGN
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce over 20 new BIC® branded writing instruments, including five completely new design families as well as extensions of other successful products featuring either new colors or the addition of a stylus version.
Three key trends have influenced the development of the new BIC® writing instruments:
- Prominent branding, as requested by promotional products distributors, using the well-recognized BIC® icon incorporated into the pen and does not compete with end user brand imprints
- Upgraded ink systems—many of the new pens feature a 1.2mm ballpoint ink cartridge for smooth writing and bold lines
- Multi-function— such as stylus, multi-color, etc
These exciting new product launches are supported by an aggressive campaign including print advertising, database promotions, and an innovative #lovemybic social media campaign encouraging BIC Graphic customers to share their favorite BIC® product on social media. By including the #lovemybic hashtag, posts will be collected and featured on a living “social wall” on bicgraphic.com. Click here for link.
Visit bicgraphic.com for more details on the new BIC® writing instruments as well as the over 400 new products across several categories.
~Margit Fawbush
Pictured: BIC® Honor Family
January 07, 2016
November 11, 2015
November 09, 2015
HELP PRICE THE NEXT NEW BIC® PEN!
As a follow up to the “Choose the Next BIC® Pen” and “Name the Next BIC® Pen” promotions, BIC Graphic is now inviting promotional products distributors to help PRICE the next new BIC® pen!
All participants will receive 500 Free BIC® Round Stic(R) Pens—simply for selecting one of 3 price points.
Click here for the entry page and rules: http://bit.ly/1RvMpcZ
~Margit Fawbush
November 03, 2015
October 21, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC OFFERS LARGEST SELECTION OF CALENDARS AVAILABLE ON 24 HOUR SERVICE IN THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
BIC Graphic offers the largest selection of calendars available on 24-Hour Service in the industry. Understanding the often last minute nature of 4th quarter business, BIC Graphic has expanded its 24-hour offering to over 200 Triumph® and Good Value™ brand calendars.
Promotional products distributors can offer their customers many themes to choose from—suitable for a variety of industries and audiences. Calendar business can also create reliable repeat business, because the statistics speak for themselves. An industry study showed that 74% of recipients remember the name of the company that gave them an advertising calendar and 41% referred someone else to that same company.*
Click here for details and products available.
*Statistics provided by Promotional products Association International. A Study of Calendar Usage in U.S. Households, 2011
~Margit Fawbush
October 14, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC OFFERS LARGEST SELECTION OF CALENDARS WITH GUARANTEED INVENTORY IN THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
BIC Graphic offers the largest selection of calendars available with Guaranteed Inventory—allowing distributors to sell with confidence through the end of the year. Available on over 120 Triumph® and Good Value™ brand calendars, a variety of themes and styles are available, suitable for a broad range of industries and audiences. There are also several price points, making it simple to find the right calendar for every budget.
Calendar business can also create reliable repeat business, because the statistics speak for themselves. An industry study showed that 74% of recipients remember the name of the company that gave them an advertising calendar and 41% referred someone else to that same company.*
Click here for details and products available.
*Statistics provided by Promotional products Association
International. A Study of Calendar Usage in U.S. Households, 2011
~Margit Fawbush
October 07, 2015
Help Name the Next New BIC(R) Pen!
As a follow up to the “Choose the Next BIC® Pen” promotion, BIC Graphic is now inviting promotional products distributors to help name the next new BIC® writing instrument! All participants will receive 150 Free BIC® Grip Roller Pens for writing in their suggestions. If a submitted name is actually chosen for use, the winner receives a $500 gift card.
Click here for the entry page and rules: http://bit.ly/1Vzf1rU
~Margit Fawbush
September 30, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC OFFERS FREE PERSONALIZED SHEAFFER® PEN WITH SELECT JAFFA® AWARDS
Just in time for fourth quarter recognition programs, BIC Graphic is offering a free, personalized Sheaffer® pen with each JAFFA® award ordered. Elegant gift pens are the perfect accompaniment for awards and recognition as they offer a lasting and useful reminder of one’s accomplishment—one they can carry with them in a purse, briefcase or pocket.
Ten award styles are eligible for this special offer. Distributors who order a minimum quantity of four awards with personalization will receive a free Sheaffer® 100 ballpoint pen in chrome. The pen will be personalized with the same name, packaged in a standard gift box and shipped separately at no additional cost.
Awards and recognition programs offer distributors reliable annuity business. By offering a high-value bonus, like the Sheaffer® pen offer, distributors can give additional incentive to their customers for renewals or expansions of existing programs.
Contact BIC Graphic for more details on how to sell recognition and incentives. Click here for a link to a flyer detailing the Free Personalized Sheaffer® Pen offer.
Pictured: #35736 Jade Award with britePix® imprint and Sheaffer® 100 pen.
~Margit Fawbush
September 24, 2015
September 16, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC EXPANDS EXCLUSIVE DRINKWARE COLLECTION WITH HIGH-STYLE, HIGH-FUNCTION DESIGNS
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of several new drinkware items perfect for the gift giving and year end incentive season. In order to help both promotional products distributors and their customers differentiate themselves, BIC Graphic has focused on building its line of exclusive products—mixing style with functionality.
Martillo Tumbler (46051) - This elegant tumbler features a unique hammered-metal finish in four stylish colors. Stainless-steel exterior, suitable for hot and cold beverages.
Diamond Pattern Tumbler (46059) - Featuring a dimensional diamond design, the double-wall insulation ensures both hot and cold beverages maintain their temperatures. Twist on plastic flip-top lid is easy to clean and drink through.
Quench™ Grand Journey Tumbler (46071) - This large, sporty tumbler offers double-wall insulation, a twist on-flip up lid and wide, silicone straw. Perfect for hot and cold beverages, including smoothies, the 24 oz capacity is great for hydration on the go. Bright colors accent the straw and wave-textured silicone grip.
Wine Bottle KOOZIE® Kooler (46056) - Conveniently transport your favorite bottle with a stylish carry handle and sleek neoprene material that keeps wine chilled.
For more details on these new, exclusive drinkware products and much more, visit norwood.com.
~Margit Fawbush
September 11, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES HOT NEW TECH PRODUCTS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH HOMEDICS FOR JAM® AND HMDX® RETAIL BRANDS
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of several high-quality Bluetooth® products through a partnership with HoMedics for Jam® and HMDX® retail brands. As the technology trend continues to gain momentum in corporate gifts, incentives, and promotions, BIC Graphic continues to bring the industry innovative new products through partnerships with leading retail brands.
The Jam® Classic Bluetooth® Speaker (31931) is the #1-selling wireless Bluetooth® speaker in the US. It projects massive high-quality sound, allows you to make and answer phone calls, and connects to your smartphone wirelessly from up to 30 feet away. All of this in a speaker that fits in the palm of your hand! Recharge cable and carrying pouch included.
The Jam® Transit Bluetooth® Headphones (31933) are stylish, lightweight, very comfortable on-ear headphones that deliver deep, clear, life-like sound. Integrated speakerphone allows you to make and answer phone calls, and connects to your smartphone wirelessly from up to 30 feet away. Recharge cable and carrying pouch included.
The HMDX® Go XL™ Portable Speaker (31953) connects with any mobile device though an auxiliary cable. It can be easily attached to a bag or backpack using the carrying clip. The case fits most smartphones and
has external volume controls.
For more details, click here for a flyer detailing the new products or visit norwood.com.
~Margit Fawbush
September 10, 2015
The Stylus Trend - it's here to stay
Wasn't Steve Job's adamantly against the stylus? Didn't Apple design the iPhone and iPad to be so intuitive that children with finger-painting abilities could use them? Well, yes, but it seems that the stylus is becoming more and more necessary as note-taking and drawing apps become popular and higher-level functionality is developing.
Those of us with petite, pointy fingers can hit the most minute icon on the iPhone. But there are some of us who still prefer one degree of separation between us and the screen (chronic users of hand cream, you know who you are). There are many reasons to use a stylus and the promotional products industry has whole heartedly jumped on the bandwagon.
Pros of the stylus pen:
- Use the touch screen keyboard more quickly
- Draw on the touch screen with more accuracy
- Project a more professional appearance when using a tablet
- Use of stylus will keep screen cleaner
- In general, it is easier to interact with some applications with a stylus than with a finger
- Relatively inexpensive, yet high value perception
Consider recommending a Stylus Pen the next time you are promoting a technology brand, as an executive gift, employee appreciation gift, or at a trade show.
Norwood by BIC Graphic offers a variety of Stylus pens at several price points. Their mid-year new products include the Flav Metallic Stylus with bright, popular colors. Click here for more details.
BIC Graphic is introducing the BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus family. The BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus (CSSTY) is a tech-savvy take on the popular BIC® Clic Stic®. The new patented technology offers a click-through stylus plus all the great features of the most popular retractable pen in the industry.
The BIC® Digital Clic Stic® Stylus (DCCSSTY) gives you maximum impact with 360 degree imprints around the barrel. The BIC® Mini Clic Stic® Stylus (CSMSTY) is a pocket-sized version perfect for a variety of industries.
The BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus family is available with 600 color combinations, capacitive screen stylus technology and free set-ups. Click here for details.
Work in comfort on your tablet or smartphone and then transition to a pen to sign the check at lunch. The stylus pen trend is here to stay and BIC Graphic has the range to suit a wide variety of industries, events and budgets.
These stylus items are covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 8,847,930 and 9,092,077.
~Margit Fawbush
September 08, 2015
Help choose the next new BIC Pen! http://bit.ly/1EZEH3v
September 03, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC LEADS THE STYLUS CATEGORY WITH NINE EXCITING NEW PENS
INTRODUCING THE BIC® CLIC STIC® STYLUS PEN FAMILY
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of nine new stylus pen styles, including the BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus Pen Family. The technology trend continues to influence all product categories, and is the fastest growing segment of writing instruments.
The BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus (CSSTY) is a tech-savvy take on the popular BIC® Clic Stic®. The new patented technology offers a click-through stylus plus all the great features of the most popular retractable pen in the industry.
The BIC® Digital Clic Stic® Stylus (DCCSSTY) gives you maximum impact with 360 degree imprints around the barrel.
The BIC® Mini Clic Stic® Stylus (CSMSTY) is a pocket-sized version perfect for a variety of industries.
The BIC® Clic Stic® Stylus pen family is available with 600 color combinations, capacitive screen stylus technology and free set-ups.
The Norwood® by BIC Graphic stylus pen collection also gains six new designs, including the stylish Flav Metallic Stylus (55749) and Flav Silver Stylus (55750) pens available in several bright colors.
An excellent value for a low price, the whole range of Norwood stylus pens are perfect for trade shows, health fares, banks, retail and more.
Work in comfort on your tablet or smartphone and then transition to a pen to sign the check at lunch. The stylus pen trend is here to stay and BIC Graphic has a broad assortment to suit a wide variety of industries, events and budgets.
Visit BICgraphic.com for more details. These stylus items are covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 8,847,930 and 9,092,077.
~Margit Fawbush
August 19, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES BIC® STICKY NOTE™ SPRING NOTES
AVAILABLE IN BOTH STOCK SHAPES AND STANDARD SIZES
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of BIC® Sticky Note™ Spring Notes in both stock shapes and standard sizes.
These spring notepads combine the function of the adhesive notepads with a little bit of interactive fun. The back side of the pad can have one of the five colors– Blue, Red, Yellow, Purple, White. The front side of the notepad will contain the customer's ad copy/artwork like any other adhesive notepad. Available in stock shapes as well as standard 4”x3” and 3”x3” sizes, these spring notes are an excellent promotional item in a variety of settings and industries such as, employee communications, healthcare offices, schools, hotels/resorts, and more.
BIC® Sticky Note™ Spring Notes pricing includes 4-color process imprint and there is No Set Up Charge!
For more product details and custom shapes, visit www.bicgraphic.com.
~Margit Fawbush
August 18, 2015
Why KOOZIE(R) Lunch Koolers? Here's Why!
The options are endless out there, but its up to the distributor to make sure they are recommending the best lunch tote or 6-pack cooler to their client? Lunch totes and bags with good quality construction and great style ensure repeated use and years of brand impressions.
Not sure what quality construction really means in this category? Or what features to point out?
Material Differences
A higher denier polyester is a good indicator of both strength and durability. Check to see what denier the outer fabric is.
A heat-sealed PEVA lining will ensure leaks and spills stay within the cooler rather than leaking through to the outside. A thicker, silver PEVA lining looks more premium than the standard white. Also, check that the foam is thicker to ensure really effective insulation. Coolers with a lined bottom offers more structure and supports the weight of the contents.
The length of the handle or carrying strap can be overlooked, but it is important to ensure the majority of users are comfortable carrying the cooler. The longer strap offers the choice of carrying over the shoulder or in the hand – more versatile for users.
More Details that Make the Difference
There are several more details to look for to ensure you are recommending a quality product with a retail look that will ensure maximum brand impressions long into the future. Here is the Koozie(R) 6-Pack Cooler...and here is what sets it apart.
Rivets that reinforce panels or carrying handles add style and durability. An exterior pocket for napkins or small snacks is also a helpful feature and definitely not standard.
Other differences to look out for include a large imprint area size and the breadth of available colors. Not only do you want to consider your brand's colors, but also what's in style. Punch it up with brights - they are so "in" right now.
The KOOZIE® Six-Pack Kooler #45036 is a best seller in the industry, meeting all the standards you should look for when selecting a cooler for your customers.
- 420D Polyester
- Thicker foam insulator
- 12” handle drop length
- Available in 14 colors
And even better, it’s available on Free 24 Hour Rush Service if you’re in a jam. Further product details and pricing available here.
~Margit Fawbush
August 11, 2015
Does your Duffel Bag “measure up?”
There are many quality differentiators in bags – ways to tell the quality of the materials and construction to ensure your customer is getting a bag that will maximize their brand impressions long into the future. Make sure you take these into consideration as you select the bags to recommend to your customers.
Material Differences
Look for bags made of the same material throughout. Some suppliers replace back panels with a lower-cost alternative such as non-woven materials. This compromises durability and lifespan.
Webbing quality and size is important. The width of the shoulder strap is a small detail, but important because it impacts ease of carrying and comfort. They should be 1.5” wide and soft to the touch.
Carrying handles are often a way for suppliers to save on material costs. Wrapping carrying handles in fabric is the ideal – ensuring a comfortable grip.
Details that Make the Difference
There are other more minute details to look for when comparing bags that can really make a bag look more retail-inspired and more premium to the end user. Examples include trim details such as piping or patterns, stitching accents, grommets and even metal shoulder strap adjusters versus plastic ones.
Size differences are also important – suppliers measure differently, so be sure to order samples to see exactly how large, roomy, and/or useful the bag will be.
Other differences to look out for include imprint area size and stitch per inch (this ensures seam strength for durability).
- 600D Polyester throughout
- Size: 18”w x 10-1/2”h x 9”d
- Screen Print: Front, 8"w x 4"h (max: 4 colors)
- 7 Colors Available
The Center Court Duffel AP6810 (Atchison® by BIC Graphic) is a great example of a bag that meets all the important criteria when helping your customer select a promotional duffel bag.
And if you get in a pickle, its even available on Free 24 Hour Rush Service!
Further product details and pricing available here.
~Margit Fawbush
August 10, 2015
August 05, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES NEW BARWARE CATEGORY WITH TWO UNIQUE COLLECTIONS
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce their new barware category with two exciting launches—the PubWARE™ brand and Stainless collections.
The PubWARE™ brand offers an elegant line of drinkware perfect for restaurants, bars, resorts, cruise lines, and more. Every piece looks and feels like glass—yet is exceptionally durable. Made in the USA of unbreakable organic molecular glass, it won’t haze or crack, holds temperature longer, is microwave safe and has a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. Available styles include both stemmed and stemless wines, pint, cordial, champagne, old-fashioned and tulip.
The Stainless Collection is perfect at home, out on picnics, outdoor events, camping and more. Extremely durable, these stainless steel items ensure long-lasting, fresh flavors. The collection includes a stainless growler, pint glass and stemless Vino2Go® wine.
All of Norwood® by BIC Graphic’s barware items are BPA-Free. Product and imprint details can be found
here or review a flyer detailing the new collections.
~Margit Fawbush
July 23, 2015
July 22, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC EXPANDS CLEAR BAG COLLECTION
NOW OFFERING 6 STYLES FOR A VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES
BIC Graphic is expanding its range of clear bags to accommodate a variety of audiences and industries. BIC Graphic has grown the collection over the past 2 years due to continued growth in demand. As of July 1, the latest addition is the Clear Game 2-in-1 Wristlet, bringing the collection to six unique styles—some with a wide variety of popular trim colors to choose from.
Clear Bags by Norwood by BIC Graphic
Clear bags have grown in popularity as a variety of industries require them to address security concerns. The NFL began requiring certain styles and sizes of clear bags (with imprint size specifications) to improve safety and expedite fan entry into stadiums. Other sporting events, such as the PGA, have followed suit. Casinos, corrections facilities, specialized retailers and others are requiring their personnel to carry clear or transparent bags. Schools across the country are banning traditional cloth backpacks in favor of easily searchable clear bags to ensure no weapons or contraband enter school property.
Norwood by BIC Graphic now offers a comprehensive clear bag collection with styles available to suit most clear bag policies. Visit www.bicgraphic.com for product details.
~Margit Fawbush
July 14, 2015
A Wedding Case Study - how to use promo products
As a follow up to the post on targeting wedding planners with ideas for incorporating promotional products, we wanted to share how our very own Elise Ho, Senior Marketing Manager, made her own wedding fun and unique by using BIC Graphic products.
Save the Date
Elise and David sent out 2 different Save the Date magnet designs notifying family and friends of the upcoming wedding. BIC® 20 Mil Extra Large Stock Shape Magnet (MGSSXL20)
Welcome Gift
Out-of-Town guests received a lovely welcome gift: the Bargain Bag (#15003), Full Color Luggage Tag (#30296), and the Can't Do Without Kit (#40760). These items were perfect for travelers and offered a souvenir of the event.
Wedding Party Gift
Groomsmen received a Leatherman® Freestyle (#21131) multi-tool.
Favors (at the reception)
As you can see, all the items were design with a navy and white nautical theme and nicely complimented each other.
Contact your BIC Graphic sales rep or visit bicgraphic.com for more ideas. And don’t forget about our “Perfect for Weddings” Pinterest board.
~Margit Fawbush
July 09, 2015
BIC GRAPHIC LAUNCHES BIC® DIGITAL J26 LIGHTER
UNFORGETTABLE 360-DEGREE MESSAGE IN BRILLIANT FULL-COLOR
BIC Graphic is pleased to announce the launch of full-color, full-body imprints on their best-selling BIC® J26 Maxi Lighter. Already a proven favorite in the lighter category and making up a vast majority of the supplier’s total category volume, the J26 is the ideal lighter for a variety of industries, events and
retailers.
The lighter market has experienced a resurgence and with the variety of designs available, are often considered collectible and a way to show off a personal brand or affiliation.
The digital imprint capability adds tremendous messaging impact and brand recognition opportunities. The BIC® Digital J26 Maxi Lighter (DCLTR) is offered at a low introductory price of $1.98(A), with 4-color process (360 degrees) on a white surface. The standard warning label will be affixed to side 2 of the lighter after imprinting.
Visit bicgraphic.com for product details.
~Margit Fawbush
July 08, 2015
Wedding Planners – a growing opportunity for promotional products
Weddings are big business and wedding planners are incorporating favors and gifts as part of their wedding packages and checklists. This creates a great opportunity for distributors to target event and wedding planners with an assortment of promo items perfect for helping a bride and groom create lasting memories of their special day. Here are a few ways to approach it...
Before the Wedding
Save the Date – Consider a magnet! An extra-large magnet, with a photo of the bride and groom and wedding date and location make a great mailer. Recipients can put it on their fridge to remind them of the upcoming wedding and to make their travel arrangements.
Welcome Gifts for Out of Town Guests
Beach Wedding - a beach tote, sunscreen packs, sport bottle or pair of stadium cups, and a lip balm would be a nice surprise as they check into the hotel.
City Destination - a shopping tote, mint packet, photo frame, pen and notepad.
Wedding Party Gifts
Bridesmaids would love The Manicurist nail block, a pair of Wine Tumblers with color-coordinated beads in the stem, an elegant, flavored lip balm, a photo frame or photo cube.
Groomsmen would appreciate a Leatherman® multi-tool, photo frame, duffel, flask, or elegant stainless steel growler.
Favors (at the reception)
Koozie(R) Can Coolers, wine tumblers, color changing stadium cups, and mint packets all make nice table favors at a wedding reception.
For more great ideas, check out our “Perfect for Weddings” Pinterest board or visit bicgraphic.com. And check the blog next week for a real life example of how newlyweds Elise and David used BIC Graphic promo products to make their wedding memorable.
~Margit Fawbush
July 01, 2015
Enter your favorite Custom Calendar...receive a DSP...and be entered to win a $500 AMEX gift card! http://bit.ly/1Jv2yMK
Margit Fawbush
Corporate Communications and Customer Engagement
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