Plastic Bags

Guide to Plastic Bags

Build your brand with industrial plastic bags personalized with your logo
By Frances Sharpe

Plastic shopping bags, plastic take-out bags, plastic trash bags -- plastic bags may not generate a lot of excitement on your business agenda, but these often overlooked items are essential to many businesses. For instance, plastic bags are a staple in retail and restaurant operations. For these businesses, personalized plastic bags can play a vital role in an overall marketing plan. With the right plastic shopping bags, you can build your brand and reinforce your company image. And when customers leave your establishment carrying pre-printed plastic bags with your company name and logo, they become a walking billboard for other consumers to see.

Plastic bags have dozens of other critical uses in the business arena, including plastic trash bags, plastic storage bags and more.

To get the most bang for your buck from plastic bags:

1. Choose plastic retail bags in colors and styles that fit the image of your business.
2. Make sure your plastic bags are sturdy enough to hold your products without breaking.
3. Use personalized plastic bags with your store name, logo and perhaps your phone number, street address or website address.
4. Follow vendor guidelines when providing artwork for personalized plastic bags.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Plastic retail bags Plastic shopping bags come in hundreds of styles - from bargain-basement basic varieties to unique upscale versions. The best plastic retail bags for your business depend largely on your industry - a hardware store has very different needs than an upscale clothing boutique. Also, you need to consider the size and weight of your merchandise when choosing plastic shopping bags.

I recommend:  Find plastic retail bags, such as plastic handle bags, Euro shopper plastic bags, plastic tote bags and preprinted plastic bags in numerous styles at Paper Mart, Uline Shipping Supplies  and Action Bag Company.

Plastic take-out bags for restaurants Many restaurants depend on a thriving take-out business to meet their financial goals. That means you need an ample supply of plastic take-out bags with handles for to-go orders. Printing plastic take-out bags with your company name, logo and phone number increases awareness about your restaurant.

I recommend:  Find plastic take-out bags at Uline Shipping Supplies and a variety of foodservice bags at BagBarn.com.

Pre-printed plastic bags If you want to curb costs, check into pre-printed plastic bags that work for retail or restaurants.

I recommend:  The Nu-Era Group offers pre-printed plastic bags that say 'Thank You'.

Promotional plastic bags for trade shows If trade shows play a part in your marketing plan, promotional plastic bags are an ideal giveaway. Imprinting your company name and/or logo on promotional plastic bags turns these simple totes into a walking calling card.

I recommend:  TradeshowExhibitor.com and Affinity Bag Co. offer a wide variety of promotional plastic bags for your trade show needs.

Plastic bags for office supplies When it comes to plastic trash bags and plastic storage bags for everyday office use, you can find an adequate variety at major office supply stores.

I recommend:  Visit Office Depot or OfficeMax to order plastic trash bags and plastic storage bags.

Industrial plastic bags To store equipment parts and other materials, industrial plastic bags are a popular and affordable choice. Anti-static plastic bags are especially useful for some industries, such as the computer and electronics fields.

I recommend:  Find industrial plastic bags at Uline Shipping Supplies, BagBarn.com or CentralPack.com.

Recycled plastic bags Recycled plastic bags don't have to be dull or ugly. In fact, recycled plastic bags come in a variety of colors and styles that look just as good as non-recycled plastic bags. For retailers, going green can improve your image with environmentally conscious consumers.

I recommend:  Visit Earthpack for a variety of recycled plastic bags that can be personalized with your name and logo.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Be sure that your personalized plastic bags are easy to read from a distance.
• Track your plastic bag usage and order accordingly to avoid running out of bags or overstocking.
• It pays to invest in good quality plastic bags. Consumers are more likely to re-use high-quality plastic bags, which provide you with free advertising.