In today’s blog post I’ll be sharing a few tips about how you can choose between machine and hand-made product replicas. First, I’ll explain what both of these options are. Before presenting the key differences regarding cost, time, customization and quality.
At the end I’ll recommend which of these two product replicas you should choose when and how to choose the right production for your project.
Machine-made replicas are products that, to a high degree, are made by machines. Instead of manual work. There exist a lot of machines that can create products. Which one is a good fit will depend on the type of replica. Its design. Its material. Its required level of quality. The budget. And the required lead time. We here at PES operate a broad range of machinery. Injection Molding. For shaping different types of plastic. 3D printing. CNC machines. Die casting. For shaping products made from ZAMAC, a zinc alloy. As soon as any of these technologies are involved, we’re usually talking about some type of bulk production process. Although both 3D printing and CNC technology are often used for creating one offs, e.g. prototypes and samples.
Hand-made replicas are replicas made by manual labor. If at all, there is very little machine involvement in the process of making the product. The focus is on artistic expression or craftsmanship.
Besides operating a broad set of machinery, we here at PES make a lot of products by hand. Even when we make replicas with the help of a machine, there are usually several production steps involved which are performed by hand, e.g. brushing the surface of a metal product.
There exist a multitude of differences between hand-made and machine-made replicas. Depending on the type of project and a customer’s individual preferences, one decides what the better choice is. Often production processes will involve some form of both. Let’s dive into four of the key differences.
When clients send us a brief, they sometimes don’t mention how many units they need. This input is very important. Not only for determining the costs of production, based on which we are then able to quote the product, but for determining the best option of production. In terms of cost efficacy.
If, for example, you need a single custom trophy, we’ll seek design options which don’t require any custom tool to be developed. Why? Tools require a relatively high upfront investment. Which, financially, makes more sense for larger volumes. How much exactly will depend on the product type and individual design. For a keyring it might be 300 EUR and for a bottle opener 500 EUR.
There always exists a turning point. A number of units for which the math tells us, based on the price per unit, it now becomes more cost-effective to switch to another way of producing the item. This often means switching from a hand-made to a machine-made production process.
We here at PES are in the business of helping clients engage with consumers. We do so by crafting custom premium Point of Sale material and branded merchandise. A lot of our clients tell us that speed to market is often more relevant than price.
Think about this. If it can be done fast, price becomes less relevant. The important thing is to be faster than the competition. This means production planning and execution plays a major role in succeeding or failing. Hand-made production is usually slower than machine-made production. Particularly for larger volumes. The only exceptions are when a machine-made replica first requires a tool to be developed, e.g. from stainless steel. Tool development can take weeks or even months, depending on how complex the replica is. In such cases it will be faster to create the replica by hand.
When it comes to customization, hand-made products have an advantage. Because skilled craftsmen can adapt to special wishes. From size to materials to design details. If need be, each single unit can have small variations, e.g. an engraved name or some other personalized text.
Machine-made products only offer limited customization options. They represent the better option for mass production. Which result in products with a long durability and high precision. There is only little room for variation.
Most of the time skilled artisans will be able to offer products of a very high quality. The reason for this is, over time, they have carefully developed their skills and they pay attention to each detail.
This can relate to hand-polishing, painting and other finishing options that artisans opt for. Furthermore they have expertise when it comes to choosing premium materials. This has a positive impact on both aesthetic appeal and durability.
If the goal is to achieve a high level of uniformity between the different units, machines are the way to go. The durability is also higher. Another important aspect regarding quality is the efficiency of machine production. Less defects. Whilst producing faster.
There are several factors to consider before choosing a machine-made replica instead of a hand-made replica. First of all, your budget. If you hit a certain minimum order quantity, which will depend on the design and the manufacturing technology, but most of all on the supplier you work with, machine-made replicas should be much more cost-effective than hand-made ones.
Secondly, how important precision is for your replica. Machines can assure a very high level of uniformity which is needed for products such as e.g. furniture or collectibles. Another aspect that speaks for machine-made replicas is durability. Many machine-made products use modern materials that foster durability and functionality, which makes them a good option for daily use. Machine-made replicas are the better option when you have to work within a short timeline. Unless you only need a low number of units and, based on the product design, can avoid tool development. In this case choosing hand-made replicas might be the faster option.
There are multiple scenarios for which choosing hand-made instead of machine-made replicas will be a wise choice. Whenever you are working on a project for which artistic expression is important, you want to choose hand-made replicas.
Particularly if, from a marketing and branding perspective, it is important to communicate that a human being has created the products. These might even require a certain customization that is only viable if a human is creating the replicas.
If your project requires a high level of quality and extraordinary attention to detail, hand-made replicas will be the best choice. These are usually made from higher quality materials, carefully chosen by a craftsperson or artist. This gives you the chance to support artisans rather than factories, thus supporting small businesses. From a sustainability perspective, hand-made replicas are usually the better option because you’re investing into small scale rather than mass production. Mass production often means producing surplus units for which nobody might have a use.
There exist many options, regarding both the production method and the supplier, you can choose from. The key is to balance quality, budget and speed of delivery. It is usually impossible to find a solution if all three aspects need to be combined. With this I mean a high quality, a low investment and a fast delivery.
This means you need to define what is most important to you and pick a maximum of two out of these three.
Get knowledgeable about different production methods. You don’t need to become an expert but when you e.g. need a custom trophy made from metal, it helps to understand the difference between casting and CNC technology. Tap into the knowledge your supplier partners have. A conversation about the process of making replicas is already a start.
You might want to pick a partner who has a proven track record of producing both hand-made and machine-made replicas. Like us here in PES 😊. If a supplier has expertise in both areas, they’ll be able to assess which option is best for your specific project.
Here are a few questions I recommend you ask:
- What is your Minimum Order Quantity?
- Does your process include first providing samples? Be aware that there is a difference between a prototype and a PP sample. PP samples are done exactly like the later bulk produced units. Prototypes are not and therefore might be (quite) different.
- What are the branding and customization options?
- What is the lead time? Best to know this for each individual project phase, e.g. concept development, product development…
Be ready to share information about your budget and the number of units you seek to source with potential suppliers. This will help them determine which manufacturing technologies are the most cost-effective ones for your custom replica.
Even if you don’t have any prior experience related to the production of replicas, you’ll be able to figure it out. After all, there are just two main options to choose from. Either machine or hand-made.
As with many other services and products, working with the right supplier will be key here. One that has expertise and is willing to share their knowledge with you. So that, throughout time, you can learn more about how to choose the right type of replica for your project.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & Marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
Business gifts are a material representation of something immaterial. A physical object is serving as a symbol. Of generosity, kindness, appreciation, gratitude and collaboration. Gift giving traces back to primitive civilizations and is even common amongst animals. It can be used to strengthen social connection, establish an alliance and contribute to marking an important event.
Saying thank you to employees, colleagues, clients, or any other business partner, goes a long way in developing a positive relationship. It fosters goodwill and lets the other person know that you value them. This has a positive impact on loyalty and trust. A business gift is a physical manifestation of saying thank you. It contributes to a shared experience and communicates that the relationship is more than just a transaction. Gift giving fosters a sense of mutual respect and connection.
Another aspect of business gifts is that they represent an opportunity to communicate your brand. If you, as a business owner, choose them wisely, they will reflect your company’s values and brand identity. Which can leave a lasting impression. The key here is to choose personalized gifts of a high quality. Because the receiver will then associate your business with thoughtfulness and professionalism. What you want to evoke is a positive emotion which is likely to transfer onto you, as an individual, and the company you represent.
Gifts aren’t only effective when you’re connecting with business partners outside of your company. Gifting employees is valuable, too. It recognizes their efforts and achievements. This boosts morale and fosters a positive organisational culture.
Let me explain this by introducing you to a set of five short questions. By following this proven process you can avoid the many pitfalls of gift giving.
Question number one is who, as in who will you give the gift to? Do you prefer to gift many people or just a select few? Is it a client, a supplier, an employee? Some other type of business partner? Think about the type of relationship you have. Would you characterize it as more formal or relaxed? How well do you know each other? Have you already worked on many projects together? Are you maybe even friends?
The who will naturally be influenced by your budget. You might prefer to give a gift to a large number of people but if you don’t have the budget for it, you’ll have to reconsider.
Why do you plan on giving a gift to this person? Any particular occasion? Is it to show your gratitude for a successful project you’ve been working on? Is it an employee you want to show appreciation for? Determine what the primary motivator is and reflect upon it. Be clear about your intention.
What should the gift be? Information about the person is critical. You’ll want to find a gift that, on the one side, represents your brand identity, and, on the other side, matches the individual’s preferences. The more important aspect of these two needs to be the second, not the first one.
Do you know anything this person likes or dislikes, e.g. certain types of food or maybe a sport? Any hobbies you remember the person talking about? I remember a client who, when we had lunch together, told me he loved cooking. Particularly different types of fish. Information like this is very helpful to determine the right type of gift. He was over the moon when months later I gifted him a cookbook specifically about how to prepare fish dishes.
You know the person enjoys a good drink? Many of the brands we here at PES work with are part of the premium spirit industry. For obvious reasons, for them to gift someone a bottle of of their spirits will be a good gift option. Even better if it comes with a custom bottle glorifier or display. You know that the person doesn’t drink alcohol? Then gifting an alcoholic beverage is obviously a no go.
What you should always look out for is the quality of the product or service. Because this will communicate how much you value the relationship and how much attention you’ve paid to selecting the gift.
Another important aspect is personalization. If it is e.g. a metal object like a bottle opener, you could go the extra mile and add the receiver’s initials, as an engraving, to the product. Or add a personal message, via a handwritten card, or a print on the packaging.
The packaging needs to feel and look right. It offers an opportunity to present your brand. If at all, don’t do it too prominently on the product itself. It sends the wrong message. That your brand is more important than the receiver. I recommend you rather use the packaging or a separate card to communicate your brand.
Last but not least, culture. If the person is someone from abroad, inform yourself about their culture. You want to avoid gifting something that, culturally, would be inappropriate.
How are you going to deliver the gift? Does the product fit into an envelope or box which you want to mail in? Do you prefer to hand over the gift in person? Handing it over personally sends a stronger message in terms of how much you care about the relationship.
Are you the best person to do it, or does a teammate of yours collaborate much more with this person and therefore should be doing it instead?
Consider timing. Is it a gift to celebrate the prior calendar year and therefore you want to deliver it during the end of December or early January? Is this maybe the period of the year when many of your business partners will be on vacation? If so, you’ll want to reconsider.
Consider the occasion. Is it during a lunch or dinner? Before or after a business meeting? At the end of a successful joint project? During an internal reward and recognition event?
An important aspect you have to consider is any organisational rule that impacts gift giving. You need to respect it if an organisation has set, as a rule, that no gift should be given, by any of their supplier partners, to any of their employees. We have a couple of clients who specifically mention this in the terms they asked us to sign.
As described above, there are several aspects to consider when choosing gifts. There isn’t a one size fits them all solution. The following are examples of gift ideas that will serve you as food for thought.
Most of your business partners will be working in an office environment. A workplace needs to enhance productivity, organization and comfort. Office accessories are therefore a popular category when it comes to gifting business partners.
Think of desk accessories, stationery items, ergonomic accessories, technology accessories and office décor here. In 2017, we here at PES, have launched a new brand named VAU. VAU represents a collection of everyday design objects inspired by universal symbols.
A common category within the domain of corporate business gifts are awards, medals and plaques. These gifts have a very long tradition. They are particularly preferred by more traditional type of organizations. We here at PES do a lot of them for Ministries, Embassies, sports, municipal and corporate organizations.
These prestigious gifts are used to recognize achievements, foster goodwill and develop relationships. They serve as a symbol of excellence that people like to display. Awards, medals and plaques can be made from diverse materials: metal, wood, MDF, crystal, glass, acrylic glass…
They can easily be customized, via the color of the material itself, engraving, hotstamping, lacquering or print.
Examples of occasions when they are being used are anniversaries, milestone achievements, product launches, industry recognition, long-term collaborations and business awards.
Personalized product replicas are a unique gift item. Usually scaled-down versions of the original product, it could e.g. be a sculpture of a person, a building or a company’s product. Maybe the first product with which they started their journey, reminding them of their entrepreneurial start.
Replicas serve as a decorative item for an office space and can even include a practical function. A miniature model of a car, boat or historical object, which can serve as a collectible item, is a good option.
Another category that will work well, if the person you want to gift something to enjoys a drink after a long day, are bar utensils and coasters. Even better if they are customized. These are practical and stylish items.
Good options are cocktail shakers, stirrers, jiggers, muddlers and wine openers. Preferably stainless steel. All of these items can be personalized via an engraving. It is important to source high quality products that are dishwasher safe, scratch resistant and hence will last a long time.
Coasters are often an overlooked but effective business gift option for an office or home bar. As everyday objects, they protect surfaces and enhance the decorative appeal of a room. Custom coasters are both practical and personal. The customization can be achieved via adding a logo or any other brand element. Common quality materials are wood, marble, leather, cork and acrylic.
If you know the receiver likes board games, these coasters might be a great option.
Exclusive bottles, e.g. of whiskey, wine, cognac, brandy, rum or vodka, are beautiful gifts. Their uniqueness can be linked to the following elements:
Limited Editions: collectible bottles from well established brands, e.g. Macallan, Louis XIII Cognac
Custom Personalization: via print or engraving, e.g. of a name, company logo or text
Handcrafted or Artsy Bottles: these could be bottles in unique shapes or artistic designs, including its packaging
A nice addition to unique bottles are glorifiers. Particularly custom ones. Glorifiers are displays that specifically highlight bottles. They are a great idea for business owners who like to display fine spirits or wine in their office or home. There exist different versions of them:
If you opt for the right gift for a business owner it will leave a lasting impression and strengthen your relationship. Whether it’s a personalized planner, a premium pen set, a high-tech gadget or an exclusive networking experience, each option offers a thoughtful blend of practicality and sophistication.
When selecting a gift, consider the recipient’s personal preferences and professional needs to ensure it is both meaningful and practical. A well-chosen gift not only expresses appreciation but also reinforces your business connection in a positive and memorable way.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & Marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
In today’s blog post, I’ll start off by explaining the difference between POP and POS. I’ll introduce you to the role of POP materials for marketing and describe the four most significant options.
At the end of this blog post, I'll write about the major trends and how to choose the right type of POP material for your brand.
POP stands for Point of Purchase and POS for Point of Sales. The main difference between these two lies in their focus, purpose and position within the customer journey.
POP marketing are marketing tactics companies apply to prepare visitors for making buying decisions. This relates to all channels: within the on trade, the off trade and at events. If POP marketing is done well, POS marketing will run, not by itself, but much smoother than if POP marketing is done poorly. This means POS marketing results are directly linked to the quality of POP marketing.
Point of Purchase materials are vital for marketing and sales. Because they directly impact consumer behavior at the location where they are likely to make purchasing decisions. Here are eight ways how POP materials contribute to business success.
Brand Visibility
Items such as displays, banners, or wobblers help draw attention to the product. These then stand out among a multitude of products that are being offered, thus enabling brands to get noticed.
Influence Impulse
POP marketing unlocks additional sales because some people will be willing to buy products they haven’t even considered before entering the store.
Promotions and Offers
POP materials can communicate discounts, limited time offers, or new product launches. This way shoppers become aware of deals and take advantage of promotions.
Educate Consumers
Another area where POP materials help is the education of consumers. They present how to use an item and what it is for. By doing so POP materials help customers make easier decisions.
Increase Product Visibility
POP materials are often used in high traffic store areas, like aisle ends or checkout counters. This maximizes exposure to a high number of shoppers and leads to more purchases.
Trigger Cross-Selling
In retail stores one can often find complementary products together, e.g. beer and chips. This encourages customers to buy more.
Enhance the Experience
For many people, shopping is fun. Innovative POP materials can enhance this, e.g. interactive elements, or beautiful visuals.
Cost-efficacy
Compared to some other marketing options, POP materials are a cost-effective option. Particularly because they focus on shoppers when they are willing to buy. POP materials can be easily made to align with changing trends or theme-based campaigns. This makes them a very flexible marketing option.
There exists a broad range of Point of Purchase material options. These can cater to different needs: gain visibility, offer education, or facilitate impulse purchases.
Product displays are visual arrangements of merchandise in retail or other selling environments, e.g. in bars or at events. Its purpose is to attract customers, present products, and increase sales.
Aspects like design, layout, lighting, and branding play a significant role in how products are being displayed.
One can classify displays in different categories.
All displays should be visually pleasing, thus contributing to a retail environment’s beauty. It is important to avoid clutter. A display’s placement is key for achieving good visibility. They can be rotated often in order to assure shopper interest.
Product samples play a significant role in elevating the impact of Point of Purchase materials. They encourage customer engagement, build trust and increase sales. There is something about the sensory input that samples add.
Being able to taste, smell and touch the product. It reduces uncertainty about what exactly is being offered. There occurs an emotional connection which can lead to immediate purchases.
Samples alongside POP displays add an interactive element to the presentation. It helps the product stand out from competitors by giving customers a reason to stop, engage, and remember the brand. Samples therefore encourage customers to explore other products from the same brand. If samples are provided by an employee, it creates the opportunity of receiving direct feedback. This provides input for the process of further developing the product.
Signage and banners serve the purpose of gaining attention, communicating key messages, and guiding shoppers towards making a buying decision. In a retail environment, they are often the first things customers notice. They are strategically placed at entrances, checkout counters, or other high-traffic areas.
Signage and banners reinforce a brand’s identity by featuring logos, colors, slogans and images. This helps customers recognise an already familiar brand and develop trust.
They can often form a connection to other promotional content that customers might already have seen, e.g. social media, ads, or email. The messaging is often linked to presenting product benefits, current promotions and new products. In a very concise manner.
An important part of signage and banners is the Call-To-Action message, e.g. “Shop Now”, “Limited Offer, or “Find Out More”. Signage and banners offer high visibility at a relatively low cost. For a one time investment they can repeatedly impact customer behavior whenever they are entering the store.
Product replicas play a special role in Point of Purchase Marketing. Particularly the realistic, oversized ones. By showcasing a product’s shape and features, they grab a lot of attention.
Replicas can be designed to emphasize unique aspects of a product that may not be immediately visible when the product is presented with its packaging. For example, the interior of a household appliance could highlight the quality materials that are inside of it. Or the replica of a food product could highlight its ingredients.
Replica can evoke nostalgia, humor or curiosity. People might make a picture of themselves in front of an oversized replica and share it on social media. This boosts brand awareness beyond physical retail. A special case when replicas are useful is when a product is too delicate or impractical, due to size, to be displayed in its original version, e.g. vehicles or industrial goods.
Sometimes large replicas are inflatables which, because of their uniqueness, draw people into the POP area.
Retail environments continuously evolve to adapt to changing consumer behavior and new technology. Point Of Purchase Marketing is no different. The following are the important POP marketing trends you need to be aware of.
By now you’ve noticed that POP marketing increasingly uses interactive displays, e.g. touchscreens and QR codes to show interactive content. Augmented reality, in short AR, allows customers to see products in their own environment or explore features via in-store AR setups. Smart POP displays incorporate Internet of Things, in short IoT, which enables them to collect data and track customer engagement.
The POP material design needs to reflect a clean and sustainable approach towards reducing production costs. Brands actively seek materials that are recycled, biodegradable, or reusable. POP material might even include messaging about environmentally focused initiatives.
Progress in data analytics enables POP materials to adapt to preferences of local groups of people or even individuals. Retailers and suppliers can customize POP materials to align around regional trends, cultures or holidays. POP displays can recommend products based on customer data, e.g. from scanning a loyalty card and analyzing prior purchases.
Brands are focused on creating a memorable in-store experience. To put on a show. Through POP displays via which customers can engage with products, e.g. live demonstrations, sampling, or virtual reality (VR) offers. A valuable element in this can be gamified content, e.g. digital contests or spinning wheels. These foster an emotional connection between the brand and the shopper.
The goal of omnichannel integration is to create a seamless experience and adapt to customer preferences. POP displays nowadays invite shoppers to engage with digital content, e.g. QR codes for discounts and additional product information, or it is common to order a product online but pick it up in the physical store. Another common occurrence is to find hashtags or selfie opportunities that facilitate social media sharing, extending a brand’s reach.
With so many POP material options out there, it can be challenging to make a choice. The most important criteria are your brand, product, target audience, retail surroundings, scope, goals and budget. Here is an easy and proven process you can follow.
What is the broader marketing plan and how can you make POP marketing integrate well into it?
What are your primary goals for investing into POP material? For example, do you want to increase impulse buys, maximize visibility or showcase high-end items? Are you running a short- or long-term campaign?
What will be the scope of your investment? How many stores or outlets do you plan to cover?
If your response is to drive impulse buys you could e.g. focus on counter displays and shelf talkers. If it is to maximize visibility, you’ll want to prioritize e.g. floor and end-cap displays. Clarity about your goals will help you choose the right POP materials.
Age, gender, income level, lifestyle preferences. You know this already. How does your audience prefer to shop? What kind of visuals and copy do they prefer?
Consider what the individual outlets look like. How much space they offer. What type of POP material your partner does and does not allow. What POP material already exists there. Chances are you have already grouped the individual outlets into certain categories, e.g. supermarkets and specialty stores. Use this information to adapt your POP material.
What elements of your product will impact POP marketing? How big is the product? What’s its weight? Does it need refrigeration and therefore electricity? Will you want to use digital screens to showcase it? Does it need to be tested?
Know your budget and be realistic about what you can and what you cannot do with it. Your goal is to balance costs to get the highest Return on Investment possible. For high-traffic promotions, invest in large, eye-catching displays. For smaller ones or limited budgets, start off with cost-effective options like shelf talkers or signage. Don’t forget to consider not only the costs of buying POP material but its delivery, installation and maintenance.
Now bring all of the above five aspects together. By choosing the most appropriate POP material. Speak to several suppliers and listen to their feedback. They will often have valuable input about how to gain more value for the same amount of money. For example, slightly adapting a product’s design might lower its tooling or even the bulk production cost. It happens all the time with our projects. Pay special attention to visual appeal, durability, practicality and sustainability.
You put a lot of effort into sourcing and deploying your POP material. You’ll want to receive feedback and learn from it. Evaluate your results. Continuously. Use metrics like sales, foot traffic or customer engagement to evaluate the effectiveness of your efforts. Feed the data back into the next cycle when you source new POP material. Progress only comes from learning what works and what doesn’t.
POP marketing is essential for achieving retail success. There exists a broad range of product options which can easily become confusing. By aligning your POP material choice with your goals, target audience, retail environment, and budget, you can create an effective, eye-catching campaign that maximizes brand exposure and increases sales.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & Marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
In today’s blog post, I’ll share ideas about how to highlight your business via custom plaques. I’ll introduce you to what they are, why they are important and the most common types of material.
Plaques are recognition items used to highlight achievements, show gratitude, or acknowledge contributions. Plaques have a long tradition. They play a role in different settings. For example in governmental organisations, NGOs, the corporate world, schools, and sports. They usually carry a particular logo, image and text, e.g. the name of the recipient, the award title and date.
Plaques are often displayed in public areas, homes, or offices. To showcase exceptional deeds.
When you recognise someone’s exceptional achievements or contributions, you want to show that person how much you care. Custom versions of plaques do that because they prove you’ve gone the extra mile. By personalising the plaque in such a way that it speaks to the individual recipient.
Receiving a custom plaque can mean a significant boost in morale and motivation. Not only for the recipient but others, too. Because it proves that achievements are being recognized. As social beings, this is particularly the case when the plaque is being handed over on stage. In front of other people.
Custom plaques are important since they represent an investment into relationships. They have a long tradition of serving as a symbol of appreciation and respect. Presenting someone with a plaque is a feel good moment.
As physical objects, plaques serve as lasting reminders of achievement. They are durable items that will stand the test of time and are often placed at visible spots such as e.g. a desk, shelf or wall.
Custom plaques that show details about an organisation, e.g. the name and the logo, contribute to successful branding. This conveys a professional image about the brand.
Plaques can be made from many different materials. Either from one single material or a mix of several. The best option will depend on your brand’s identity, timeline, budget and what you believe the recipient will appreciate most.
Acrylic is a transparent plastic that for plaques is often used instead of glass. Because it is easier to shape, whilst being cheaper and lighter. Printing and engraving offer excellent options for personalising an acrylic plaque. Additionally, one can choose from many different color options.
Out of all materials mentioned here, metal is the most premium one. The perception of value you’ll achieve by using metal is high. One can shape it via different technologies, e.g. casting, forging and CNC. Metal offers the possibility of detailed 3D shapes and diverse finishes.
Wooden plaques are chosen for their warm and elegant look. Natural grain patterns add a unique character to each individual plaque. There are many wood types available which can be stained in various colors. Branding can be done via CNC or laser engraving, printing or plates made from metal or plastic. At the end of the production process, wooden plaques can be coated in a protective lacquer. To further enhance durability.
Glass plaques do exist but it is a tricky material. Due to its weight and the fact that it can break into sharp pieces. Logistics are kind of a nightmare with this material.
Plaques made from mixed materials can be particularly elegant. Our favorite is to mix wood and metal. Both are premium options that together look sophisticated. This combination often results in a wooden back panel and a metal element on top. It could be a medallion or an engraved or printed plate.
There exist many materials and manufacturing technologies to choose from. This means endless possibilities for creating plaques. The emphasis needs to be on the initial concept development phase. To first determine a creative solution.
Engraving is a useful technology for personalisation. Because it is very cost-effective for low volumes. And it works with many different materials. If it is the best option depends on the design. For larger volumes of metal plaques, it will often be better to first invest into a tool. For casting the product. A supplier will be able to tell you which technology is the most cost-effective for your project.
Plaques made in the traditional way never contain electronics. But hey, you don’t have to stick to tradition. Plaques can for example offer illumination. By adding LED strips or other types of light sources.
Our in-house product design and development team has brought a lot of custom plaques to life. They aim find new ways to get the most out of a product. Always from an aesthetic perspective. Sometimes from a functional perspective, too. But it has to make sense. Let’s face it, a lot of plaques don’t even end up on a desk, shelf or wall, but in a drawer. A well chosen function can add value. One needs to be careful to choose the right type. Not something that trivializes the item or occasion.
Custom plaques are about recognizing someone’s achievement but about branding, too. You don’t want to invest money into a custom product without your brand gaining a fair part of the spotlight.
Plaques made from glass or acrylic material are transparent options. They are very common items in the health industry. I recall visiting a doctor who had about a hundred of them in his office. The commemorative product version that has a laser etched 3D object “floating” within.
Plaques are a product category with a very long history. I'd say more than 700 years! There exist a broad range of materials, finishes and manufacturing technologies. Which give you a lot of options. With a custom solution, you'll be able to communicate the unique character of your brand. And show your appreciation for the people who receive them. In case you need any further advice, do let me know.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & Marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
In today’s blog post I’ll talk about the top promotional product ideas and how important they are for your sales success. There don’t exist product categories that will work for every brand and every occasion.
I’ve therefore chosen examples that primarily work for the drinks industry because that’s the industry we here at PES have, since 1992, gained the most experience in. At the end of this blog post, I’ll give you a few tips on how to choose the right promotional products, and the options you have for sourcing them.
Promotional products are crucial to sales success because they are a physical extension of a brand, they facilitate customer loyalty, and improve brand recall.
Promotional products provide long-lasting brand visibility. Compared to digital ads, customers actively use and engage with a promotional product. Whilst others who are not using the item might still notice the product. This means your brand is getting reinforced. Over weeks, months, or even years.
A person who receives your promotional product is likely to remember your brand over other brands and feel a need for reciprocity. This is a deeply engrained part of human culture. It means the person is more inclined to trust and ultimately buy from your business.
Promotional products can serve as on pack gift items, significantly increasing the perceived value of your offer. “Buy X and get a free keyholder.” This directly increases sales.
Using promotional items as giveaways pre-purchase can serve as conversation starters which facilitates sales. Whilst being used as a post-purchase gift item, promotional products make customers feel appreciated. This in turn increases the probability of customers remembering the interaction, and in the future opting for a repeat purchase.
A quality promotional product will help your brand stand out. At event booths they can help attract traffic, thus facilitating customer engagement. Unique promotional products can create a buzz, encouraging people to show them to others and talk about them.
There doesn’t exist a specific list of promotional products that in general will be the best. It always depends on the specifics of a brand, its target audience and how they go about marketing.
As an example, here are eight product ideas that will work well for drinks brands
Bottle glorifiers are one of the first products drinks brands invest in, when it comes to being present at the Point of Sale, e.g. a bar or a supermarket. Depending on the brand and the budget, glorifiers will be made from either plastic, metal, wood or MDF.
Bottle glorifiers are one of the first products drinks brands invest in, when it comes to being present at the Point of Sale, e.g. a bar or a supermarket. Depending on the brand and the budget, glorifiers will be made from either plastic, metal, wood or MDF.
In bars bottle openers are an essential tool. If custom designed, they represent visually appealing items that draw consumer attention. Made from metal, they can reach a high level of durability.
Keyrings are a cost-effective promotional product that can serve as a gift or giveaway. Most keyrings are made from plastic or metal. The branding is done via print, laser engraving, stickers or a custom shape, e.g. a relief which comes from the custom mold.
Everybody likes to receive a medal. It symbolises exceptional achievement and serves as a physical reminder of all the effort exerted. Mostly round in shape, medals are made from metal and branded via a print, a label, laser and CNC engraving, and/or a custom shape.
Pins are communicating a brand via a logo, name or slogan. Mostly small in size, ca. 15 to 25mm, they are made from metal and fixed via a butterfly clutch, a pin or a magnet.
Every brand has certain elements that are linked to its industry. One could say these elements are part of its iconography. Within the whisky domain, three such items are a bottle, a barrel and a still. These are well known products that many consumers already expect to be part of a brand's communication. To support their visibility and storytelling efforts, organizations invest in product replicas. Often these are mini replicas.
An important distribution channel for drinks brands is the On Trade channel. Bars, cafes and restaurants will often use menu holders and coaster holders to communicate what they are offering. Menu holders are made from wood, MDF, plastic or metal. Coaster holders mostly from a sturdy cardboard material, metal, MDF, plastic or leather.
Menu and coaster holders occupy prime Point of Sale territory. Placed in the middle of tables, they are right in front of consumers who are about to make buying decisions.
Be it on a shelf in a supermarket, on a bartop or part of a promotional booth, product displays are used in many different channels. They are a vital Point of Sale material category which increases brand visibility.
Branded utensils are, in the context of drinks brands, bar tools or tableware that carry the logo, name or design of a company or brand. Items like spoons, shakers, jiggers and cheese boards.
These items are mostly being used in bars, during retail store tastings, at events and as Gifts With Purchase.
When it comes to choosing the right promotional product there are many things to consider. Most notably quality, timeline and budget.
The product needs to match your brand’s positioning. This in turn will influence what good material options are. Do you e.g. choose metal, wood, MDF or plastic? To a high degree quality is subjective. This means you need to look at this from your target audience’s perspective.
What promotional products would they appreciate? Which ones match their needs and desires best? Do the products offer a high functional and aesthetic value?
I remember a project during which we won a new client who managed a whisky brand. He trusted us with a purchase order to make custom bottle glorifiers, although our price was the highest amongst a few competitors.
What he liked best, though, was the quality of the prototype we delivered. I’ll never forget what his feedback was: “If the product doesn’t match at least 95% of my quality expectations, it will rather hurt than help us achieve our business goals.”
In today’s fast paced world, brands are constantly racing to outdo their competitors. Be the first to launch a specific campaign, one that is innovative and not a copy of something that has already been seen. Terms that are being used in this context are “speed to market” or “agility”.
All of our clients here at PES have clear deadlines in mind. When preparing a brief, it is helpful to define a timeline with several checkpoints:
By when do you need to receive quotes?
By what date would you want the concept, the prototype and the PP sample to have been approved?
By when do you need the goods to have been delivered to your warehouse or to the individual outlets?
The more detailed of a timeline you have prepared, the easier it will be to check if you are on track. Not just for you but all the project partners you work with.
How much time and money you can dedicate to a project, will directly impact what you get out of it. As I’m certain you’ve already experienced, it isn’t linear. A larger budget doesn’t necessarily equal bigger success.
The same way a football team with a relatively low budget, think e.g. Leicester here, can win the Premier league title, some suppliers will be able to create more value for you than others. When bringing a custom promotional product to life, many things can go wrong.
Clarity about your budget is valuable but the key is to manage the project, starting from the initial brief, the right way and using your resources in a cost-effective manner.
The vast majority of branded promotional products are standard items that are then customised via the application of a logo, visual and/or text. This could be done via many different technologies, e.g. print or laser engraving.
Which technology is the best choice will depend on your budget and the type of product you’re sourcing. Custom products can be bought from many different companies. Online. In physical retail stores. Via a vendor with a standard product catalogue that can personalize them.
Custom shaped items, in the UK they use the term bespoke, are a bit more challenging. Your product does not yet exist. There is no sample you can assess. To bring custom shaped promotional products to life, often requires a tooling phase which can take up a substantial portion of your budget.
There exist different organisations who can help with custom shaped items. The best fit will depend on your needs and preferences. Firstly, apart from the product itself, what type of additional services will you need? Concept development, prototyping, product testing, licensed merchandise, retail activations…? Secondly, I recommend assessing the ethos of a supplier, how they communicate and if their organisational culture fits how you like to do business. Thirdly, does the project scope and type of product fit what the supplier does well?
Your choice might be a large aggregator, a creative agency or a manufacturer like PES.
Promotional products are one out of many marketing options you can choose from. In order to get the best value for price you need to think about different aspects.
This means taking into consideration your brand characteristics, the people the products are for and how you will get these promotional products in front of them. Luckily there are many suppliers out there who can help you with this
Ivica Baraba - Sales & marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
Pins seem to have been around for ages. And for good reason. In today’s blog post I’ll first explain what branded pins are and the different types you can choose from.
After this, I’ll cover how to use them effectively, for different occasions, and what to consider when designing them.
Branded pins are custom pins visually communicating a particular brand. Via a logo, name, slogan or any other element that represents the brand.
Pins serve as a cost-effective promotional product that can impact all of the following aspects:
- brand awareness / visibility
- employee recognition
- customer loyalty
- community building
- sales (as an onpack gift or merchandising item)
There are three main categories of pins. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Enamel pins are small metal pins coated with colored enamel, a glass like coating. These are very durable products. One distinguishes between soft and hard enamel.
Soft enamel is added to the recessed areas of the pin but not all the way up to the metal edges. This means soft enamel leaves a slight texture. One can use different colors on the same pin because metal edges are separating them from each other.
Hard enamel is baked at high tempreatues and results in a polished finish. The enamel is added in layers and then polished down to the height of the metal border.
This production technique is more expensive but offers a premium quality. Both in terms of material and visual appeal. Hard enamel is primarily used for luxury products that are meant to last an extremely long time.
Lapel pins are small pins, as the name already suggests, attached to the lapel of a jacket, suit, coat, or other clothing like ties or hats. They represent a fashion accessory with which to show one’s affiliation or simply a means of self expression.
Lapel pins can be manually painted, enameled or domed. Domed pins are metal pins with a doming sticker inside. The sticker, often called 3D label, too, is coated with either epoxy or polyurethane, a transparent, dome shaped element which assures the pin is durable and protects the visual beneath.
Button pins are small, usually circular types of pins made from light metal. Most of the time its edges are slightly rounded.
On the front there is a printed piece of paper, covered with a transparent plastic foil. On the back there is a safety pin or clasp via which one attaches the product to e.g. a shirt or a backpack.
Button pins are commonly used as promotional products, representing a company, cause, or event. They are widely used during political campaigns and as memorabilia.
In comparison to enamel and lapel pins, button pins are, regarding its price, more on the economic side. They are more casual than these other two pin types, too.
Button pins almost always use a safety pin style mechanism on the back, while the other pins use a butterfly clasp, stick pin or magnet.
There are several purposes for which branded pins can be used as an effective marketing tool.
Corporate and networking events
Many corporate and networking events you’ll attend will feature pins. Why not join the party? I remember a business event here in Zagreb which was organised by the British Embassy. I was wearing a lapel pin which was showing both the UK and the Croatian flag. It served as a great conversation starter since people asked me where I got it from.
Employee recognition
People being the greatest organisational asset, pins can serve as a small element via which to celebrate achievements and foster team spirit. It could be for a milestone like X years of being part of the company, a special achievement, e.g. a sales goal or completing a project, or you could award pins to someone who is embodying your company values. In any case, pins will serve as a lasting symbol of recognition.
Customer loyalty
Pins can be used as a tool to communicate with your customers, create a sense of connection and encourage repeat business. Particularly when you’re offering exclusive pin designs that make them feel special. Some organisations use tiered designs. These are different pin designs, each representing a different level of loyalty. As a cost-effective and small item, pins can easily be used as a direct mailing gift. One of the keys of using pins successfully is its design. You need to make sure they are both practical and visually appealing enough that customers choose to use them. When investing money into pins, the last thing you want is that they end up in the trash.
Design plays a crucial role in creating branded pins. If you don’t have an in-house designer, it is a good idea to work with a supplier who does. The process starts with a brief after which you’ll receive a full color render visualization.
This will help you align with the designer in regards to what you like and dislike. Before starting any bulk production process, it is wise to first receive a prototype or a pre-production sample.
The first decision you’ll need to make is what type of pin works best for your brand, your budget, the people who will receive the pin and the occasion. If your brand is a premium one and you’re organising a VIP customer event, an enamel pin will be the right choice.
If your target group are children for whom you are organising a large promotional event, you will want to rely on a cost-effective solution like a button pin.
The type of pin you choose will, to a great extent, already determine the material.
Lapel or enamel pins are made from metal, either cast, e.g. from a zinc alloy named ZAMAC, or laser cut from sheet material, e.g. steel. Combinations of different materials are possible, like we did here. For the Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey brand.
Like with any marketing material, you will want to make it your own. Differentiation is a key in brand visibility. If your brand has a long tradition, you’ll probably want to choose an antique metal finish. If your brand is a modern one, you’ll want to choose a more contemporary look.
Pick an element from your visual guidelines which will work well with a pin. If your logo has too many details for such a small object, use a simplified version or choose a slogan.
Most pins are somewhere between 15 and 25mm in size. The most common shape is a circle. Many pins are rectangular, oval or even custom shaped. Choose the size and shape that works best for your particular visual.
If you choose to communicate your brand logo, it will often automatically determine the shape of your pin.
There exist several mechanisms for attaching a pin you can choose from. The most common ones are a butterfly clutch and a magnet. A butterfly clutch is safer but some people don’t like to create a hole in their clothes, albeit it being a very small one.
Magnets assure you avoid this but, unless you use a single unit packaging like a box, logistics will be messy. Because pins with magnets will attract each other and, within the export carton, create a “ball” of pins. Besides, a pin with a magnet on its back, tends to fall off easier. My personal favorite is therefore the butterfly clutch.
There are occasions when having your pins packaged into polybags, of 50 or 100 units each, will work fine. In other occasions you will want to use a single unit packaging option.
Instead of single unit polybags we recommend either paper bags or cardboard boxes. The good thing is these can carry a printed label or direct print which can even be personalized.
As a promotional product, pins have a long tradition and offer you many options to be creative. Since a pin is a small object, you can easily distribute them. It is a product category where you can, with a relatively low investment, create a custom version.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
Whenever you collaborate with On trade outlets, e.g. a restaurant or a bar, you have a vested interest in providing them with your branded menu holders. After all, outlets need to present their products and a menu holder is an essential Point of Sale material with which to do that.
In today’s blog post I’ll explain all the reasons why a menu holder is important, the different types that exist and present a few product ideas to get your creative juices flowing. I will talk about them in terms of relevance to someone who is managing a brand, be it within the organisation that is the brand owner, e.g. Diageo, or be it as their marketing execution partner who is taking care of designing, developing and/or sourcing menu holders for them, e.g. HH Global.
Menu holders serve several purposes. Not only do they help present menus in an organised way, so that customers can make more informed decisions. They protect menus from scratches, spills and stains, too.
Menu holders are one of the top Point of Sale objects that you’ll want to manage. Typically located on tables and bar tops, menu holders are easily visible to consumers. They’ll actively use them to read what products/services are being offered. It is in your interest to use menu holders to communicate with consumers and position your brand as the top choice.
An aspect that is often neglected is that your menu holders should not only represent your brand and appeal to your target audience, but they need to work well for the outlet owner, too. In terms of the interior design and what the brand of the outlet stands for. Too often I’ve been in outlets where this aspect has been completely neglected. A sleek, minimal menu holder in a steampunk themed bar? Yeah, that does not work well. A custom solution will work well here.
A personalized model is different. Some people refer to them as custom or, in Britain, they call them bespoke keyrings. They are unique, in the sense that nobody else is using the exact same model. They might even go beyond that, containing e.g. the name or the person that is receiving it.
Within the world of menu holders, there exist three main categories.
Tabletop menu holders represent the most common menu holder category. As the name itself already reveals, these are menu holders that are placed on top of the tables customers sit at. It is important that they do not occupy too much of the table surface. Otherwise there wouldn’t be enough space space for plates, cutlery, glasses and, last but not least, for guests to rest their arms, keys, wallets or phones on.
Some restaurants prefer to use wall-mounted menu holders. It is typical in fast food type of restaurants. Whilst consumers wait in line to place their order they are reading the information about the menu on holders that are hanging on the wall behind the cashier(s).
The most common menu board you’ll come across is the so-called A-board. Looking at it from the side, its shape looks like the letter A. I’m referring to the boards you often run into whilst passing by a restaurant or bar. More often than not these are either made from a white plastic panel one can write on with a marker, with an aluminium frame, or from a black chalkboard panel that has a wooden frame.
There are a lot of different menu holders out there. The easiest way to categorise them is by material. Here are five options.
Wood is a high quality, robust option. From lighter to darker wood types, it offers a broad range of color options, particularly since one can tone wood. The most common wood types for menu holders used in Europe are beech, alder and walnut. Personalizing them is easy and done via printing, hostamping or engraving.
MDF stands for Medium-Density Fiberboard and is an engineered wood product where wood fibres and resin are compressed at high temperatures. Natural wood is more durable than MDF and withstands wear and tear better. MDF, though, is the more economic option. It is easier to cut and shape, too, and less prone to cracking when drilled or screwed into. From a sustainability perspective it is considered to be better than wood, since MDF is made from recycled wood fibres. Although one has to point out that the production of MDF involves chemicals that can emit harmful gases. In any case, you’ll find a lot of menu holders are made from MDF.
Another economic option for menu holders is acrylic glass. These are typically laser cut from premade, flat acrylic glass plates. These exist in many different colors and thicknesses, e.g. 3mm, 5mm and 10mm. One can bend flat acrylic glass pieces via applying heat and easily print onto them. If you need a true 3D shape, plastic menu holders are the way to go.
With plastic menu holders we are referring to 3D shaped menu holders. These are often not made by laser cutting premade acrylic glass plates but rather by first developing a stainless steel mould and then using a manufaturing technology called injection moulding. By using this technology one injects heated material into a mould. It is akin to baking muffins. You need a mould to create the desired shape.
Menu holders made from metal are even more robust than wooden ones and extremely durable. The most common types of metal used are aluminium, stainless steel, copper and brass. Metal versions are a good choice if your goal is to use modern looking menu holders.
Managers building a new brand that focuses on the On Trade distrubition channel, think e.g. a beer or soft drinks brand, often consider menu holders as one of their first investments into Point of Sale material. It is that important of a product category.
After all, since menu holders are placed in the middle of tables, it is the promotional product that is the closest to the actual consumer. It stares him or her right in the face when they are about to make their purchasing decision.
Ivica Baraba - Sales & marketing management
"In PES I get to work on many custom branded merchandise projects. I’ve been doing this since 2004. It intrigues me to delve into brand worlds and determine what products can help a client achieve their business goals. It is an exceptionally creative and dynamic industry to be a part of.”
