The Pinnacle Blog

In an office that happens to be predominantly female, shopping is a conversation topic that arises on a daily basis. There is constant discussion about sales, coupons, and limited time offers, and an article published yesterday on BrandWeek.com, “Coupon Use Skyrockets,” supports a hunch I had been harboring about a swell in bargain-hunting chatter occurring amongst my coworkers in recent months.

According to the article, coupon distribution in 2009 reached its highest recorded level since 1988 (when market research firms began tracking this information). It shouldn’t come as a shock to anybody that retailers and business owners adopted discounting strategies to try and stay afloat during the current economic crisis, but an underlying reason for the coupon distribution increase that I hadn’t fully considered was the tremendous jump in online coupon distribution and redemption. Internet coupon distribution increased a whopping 92% last year, with consumer redemption rates of online offers up more than 36%.

A quick Google search for the phrase “online coupons” turns up millions of results, mostly web directories with archived coupons for virtually any type of store. Some directories are solely dedicated to the retail sector, while others focus on grocery coupons, restaurant deals, or a variety of other niche areas. Finding discounts has never been easier- if I am considering a purchase from one of my favorite clothing stores, I can avoid overlooking an opportunity to save money by conducting a single search query. These directories typically feature immediate, date-specific feedback from shoppers who have successfully redeemed a promo code/printable coupon/special offer from your chosen retailer.

With large retail chains, it used to be entirely possible that you may not get word of a sale or exclusive offer until it had expired, but now savvy shoppers have a convenient communication channel to share insider information with others. Lucky for you, Pinnacle Promotions coupons can be found exclusively on our website, saving you the hassle of scouring the Web for bargains! Happy Shopping!

Dana
Team Lead – Social Media
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I recall several years ago, I was working on a project for a customer and after confirming her delivery date, quantity needed and theme for the event, I inquired about her budget. She replied – “The gap between perceived value and actual cost needs to be wide.” It took me a few extra seconds to process, but I’ve always loved this answer. Isn’t that what we all want to some degree? We want to get the most bang for our buck, the best value, the best deal for our marketing budget. We may only have a $.50/pc budget for our promotional products, but we want our customer to think we spent top dollar.

Actual Cost versus Perceived Value – a marketers’ challenge! But there is no shame in that, and there are a number of unique strategies to maximize your budget for promotional products. From ordering larger quantities than you need for an event and saving the excess items for future use, to varying the price points of giveaways for different clients based on their purchasing power, creativity can enable you to launch a successful giveaway campaign without breaking the bank. And don’t forget about the deals that can be found in Pinnacle Promotions’ selection of Monthly Specials!

Natasha
Relationship Manager
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Some of my favorite TV commercials this holiday season are part of Target’s sarcastic “Blue Christmas” campaign. The retail chain’s edgy, slightly gloomy approach to holiday shopping stirs up conversation no matter when the commercials appear on-screen, and after a little bit of investigation, it has become apparent to me that the controversy about the campaign has extended into the online arena as well. Frequenters on many advertising and marketing-related forums and message boards weigh the appropriateness of Target’s holiday advertising this year and mixed opinions abound.

I find Target’s take on thrifty spending to be tactful and right on “target” (pun intended!)- the current recession has put a damper on the holidays for many families, and finding humor amidst this enormous crisis is one way to shed light on how Americans are coping. Why ignore the truth when it is a glaring reality that fiscal challenges are facing almost every member of our society on a daily basis? Yes, the bluntness of Target’s ads may offend more conservative viewers, who fare better when problems are kept behind closed doors, but for other avid TV watchers, the ads are easy to relate to and provide a much-needed dose of comedy. The thought of spending excessive amounts of money on holiday gifts is stressful enough for consumers when the country is NOT in a recession!

Economic hardship has been an on-going struggle throughout 2009, and although we all hope to see financial improvements in 2010, the recovery is shaping up to be a long and arduous process. In the meantime, we can all add the phrase “recessionista”* (made popular by another Target ad campaign earlier this year) to our vocabularies and try our hardest to return to normalcy next year. You can save money on your promotional products by exploring Pinnacle Promotion’s Sale and Closeouts category- the recipients of your custom imprinted giveaways will be none the wiser about how much you actually spent on the items! ;)

*Wikipedia defines “recessionista” as: “a blend of the words Fashionista and recession that describes a person who strives to remain fashionable on a minimal budget… originated in the United States during the economic difficulties of 2008.”

Dana
Team Lead – Social Media
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Dreaming of hot, sunny weather as the winds of fall are starting to blow? Well that dream can become a reality with a trip to fabulous Playa del Carmen with Pinnacle Promotions’ Mexican Getaway Contest! We are offering a 6-day/5-night vacation package to one lucky winner that includes flight and accommodations for two along with a Pinnacle Gift Pack complete with towels, sunscreen, and all of your beach essentials – a $5000 value! The winner and his/her guest will stay at the exclusive Magia Playa resort, located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, and just steps away from sandy, white beaches. Register online for Pinnacle’s Mexican Getaway and with each order your place in 2009, you will be entered to win*. The more orders you place…the more chances you have to win! The contest will continue to run through the remainder of 2009, and the winner will be drawn in January of 2010.

Mexico’s Playa del Carmen is located on the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo and is at the center of the Riviera Maya district, which runs from south of nearby Cancun through the village of Tulum. Originally a small fishing town and a rest stop for travelers making their way from Mayan civilizations to the island of Cozumel, “Playa,” as it is referred to today, has become a destination in itself, boasting beautiful beaches with turquoise waters and a myriad of boutique hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a gorgeous resort area, perfect for relaxing or spending time with the family, as it maintains its reputation and charm as a small fishing community and artists’ colony.

*Please visit http://www.pinnaclepromotions.com/contest/playa to register and for additional contest rules.

Jaime
Team Lead – Multimedia
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Since its creation in 1994,
Pinnacle Promotions has been a promotional company that offers more.
Providing customized solutions for any marketing or branding need,
With all exclusive services designed around one overriding goal – speed.
From processing orders with our service of 24-Hour Rocketship Express,
To saving you time with custom IdeaKits that are sure to impress.
Let our dedicated Account Teams help you find unique products of quality,
And know that your order will arrive on time, and as approved, with our Platinum Guarantee!

From apparel, to drinkware, to stress balls galore,
Check out everything we have to offer in our online store!
We have journals, pens, backpacks, candles, candy jars and toys,
We have magnets, spa kits, golf balls, lanyards, and shirts for girls and boys!
We have accessories for travel and fitness, for your computer, your cell phone, and your car,
We have gifts that tell time, display photos, play games, and even stock your bar!
Whether for man or woman, young or old, business or pleasure, or all,
We have thousands of products for everyone in our virtual product mall!

Too many products to choose one on your own?
Just e-mail us, live chat or pick up the phone.
With account managers who know the industry like the back of their hand,
Their insight and knowledge can help find the perfect item for your brand.
What about custom artwork and logo designs?
Our graphics team can produce amazing samples that go beyond basic lines.
Let us help you along each step of your promotional products decision,
And help us enhance your overall marketing vision!

Jaime
Team Lead – Multimedia
view my bio!

Original Artwork By Jodi Spong, Production Manager/Graphic Designer

They all say “money makes the world go around.” But in the contemplative words of Tim McGraw, “who are they?” Well, I guess the overwhelming majority of society has adopted this mentality, but that does not mean that this statement should be interpreted as law. Children are taught at a young age through the use of allowances to value money and spend it wisely, but too often kids grow up to become jaded and materialistic, losing sight of what is really important in life.

Promotional products can serve as valuable marketing tools to attract business, but they need to be properly integrated into a cohesive marketing mix to return optimal results. Relationship management is a critical aspect of running a company, and you want to take necessary steps to ensure that your brand is perceived positively among current and potential customers. You need not shell out big bucks to impress end users of your promotional products with expensive gifts; sometimes it really is the thought that counts.

In college I took a marketing course entirely based on the concept that the best companies, the ones which make the greatest impact on the world around them and therefore stand the test of time, are those that have a soul. Soulfulness is an admirable quality that comes from within a brand: it is the intrinsic principles and values that guide the company every single day, and it cannot be communicated adequately in a mission statement or companywide memo. Ultimately, every organization needs money in order to remain in existence, but there are many other important factors that must be present to create a strong brand identity.

I am not trying to discourage you from investing in costly customized executive gifts or gift baskets. These items promote your brand’s professionalism and appreciation for valued clientele. However, you can achieve comparable success by employing less expensive promotional products and coupling them with articulate, compelling imprint messages or underlying marketing sentiments.

One of my favorite examples of inexpensive, yet highly effective, marketing with promotional products is LiveStrong bracelets. These cheap bracelets started a movement across the country in support of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Consumers can buy their own custom imprinted bracelets, featuring the word “LiveStrong,” to publicize their support for the charitable cause, while also helping fundraising efforts for the foundation.

The popularity of LiveStrong bracelets demonstrates how simple it is to use promotional products for good, and the potential benefits that can be reaped by associating your brand with meaningful causes. Show the public that your company has a soul by distributing items like EarthSmart™ pens and jotters with your logo. You can also give these products out in your office or workplace to set a precedent for environmentally conscious actions.

Another way to get the word out about your company’s unique culture is by customizing inexpensive promotional products with phrases (not slogans!) that your employees live by every day. Some examples may be “Do good to do well” for a bank or financial institution, or “Mindful matters” for an educational foundation or think tank. Any way that you can think of to illustrate your company’s mantras in a genuine way to your target audience can boost brand loyalty and recognition. Check out our Sales and Closeouts category to take advantage of our current deals.

The answer to the question posed in the title of this blog post is yet to be determined. Look within your company or organization to reach your own conclusion, as every business operates differently and has its own set of objectives. Whether you decide to shell out big bucks or just small change, I wish you the best of luck with whatever direction you choose to take with your promotional products purchases!

Dana
Marketing Coordinator
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Particularly in tough economic times, organizations and individuals are looking for maximum return on marketing investments. Promotional products are valuable tools to get your brand optimal exposure, and there are thousands of unique options that won’t cost a fortune. With Pinnacle’s Dollar Deals, you can browse our constantly growing selection of promotional items that sell for less than a buck per unit! This category on our website is a great starting point if you are interested in promotional products but unsure about the added expense. At such a small price, our Dollar Deals can afford you the opportunity to purchase much larger quantities of items like pens, keychains, mugs, and tote bags. Now you may assume that these items are so inexpensive because they are outdated, poor quality, or damaged inventory, but these products are honestly just a great deal!

The current recession has affected every area of corporate spending, with budget cuts, hiring freezes, and layoffs bringing down consumer confidence across the board. Remind your clients and partners that you value their business by providing them with practical custom imprinted office supplies, like adhesive notepads or letter openers. These thoughtful gifts will send the message that you are available to support their needs, and let them know that you appreciate the relationship you have built with them- all for less than the price of soda!

Make your marketing goals recession-proof by taking advantage of creative and cheap promotional products!

Dana
Marketing Assistant
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