Promotional Bags and Cases | How-to Guides for running your business from Business.com

Giving away personalizedpromotional bags and totes will create "walking billboards" everywhere your product goes. Selecting the right personalized bag to carry your message requires attention to detail and following the ABC's of successful merchandising and branding. Here are some key factors to consider when buying promotional bags and totes:

Determine which distributor will provide the custom bags you need quickly, and with the quality you expect.
Follow the vendor's guidelines for ordering custom bags and business bags: Provide artwork, logos, and color choices in the proper formats and files to save time, avoid additional charges, and improve the look of the finished product.
Calculate all costs to eliminate "surprise" charges and additional expenses.
Consider how your prospects and customers will use your customized bags. Today's customers expect versatility and higher-end materials in giveaways.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Shop around for the right distributor of custom bags

More than 20,000 promotional product distributors are vying for your business today. Expect a professional distributor of business bags to guarantee quality, provide samples, respond to questions within 24 hours and offer reasonable turnaround time for orders. A reputable distributor has access to thousands of manufacturers and products, which means they should be able to find the right product promotional bags for your budget. Most have minimum order quantities and most also provide discounts for large personalized bag orders.

I recommend: Search Promotional Products Association members for a distributor. Check out Build a Promotion for tips on finding a promotional products distributor.

The right file in the right format

Vendors offering custom bags need artwork in specific formats; they won't be able to use your Web site logo or letterhead to copy artwork. Most vendors prefer "vector" files for manipulation; JPEG and GIF files usually don't work as well. For color, you'll need RGB, CMYK or spot color and resolutions of at least 300 dots per inch (DPI).

I recommend: For a quick definition of these and other terms go to EPromos. The vendor you choose for your custom and imprinted bags will be able to assist you. Alternatively, you could hire a graphic designer to create personalized bags with unique flair.

Get it in writing

Costs for promotional bags and totes vary greatly. Get detailed pricing, including extras like rush charges, set-up fees (usually about $35) and shipping in writing. Simple cotton imprinted bags can cost as little as $1.49, depending upon quantity, while leather briefcases, rolling backpacks or business bags can run up to $80. If a vendor has to redo artwork, you'll have to pay additional design charges.

I recommend: Go to BuyerZone for free estimates from multiple vendors offering inexpensive customized bags to high-end business bags.

Consider who will carry your promotional bags

Great bag…but will they use it? It's hard to go wrong with a promotional bag, especially at trade shows and conventions. And imprinted bags are available in almost every variety from plastic to canvas, including cotton. But customers are choosy; they want a business bag with all the features you can offer. Consider custom bags with quick access pockets for phones or laptops and separate compartments for cords, wires and water bottles.

I recommend: For a look at the latest promotional bags, check out Extra Mile, Branders, Trade Show Exhibitor, and Compleat. When giving away promotional totes or business bags, fill them up. Include company brochures, promotional notebooks and personalized pens emblazoned with your logo.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Ask members of your intended audience to evaluate a sample custom imprinted bag or personalized business bag for color, size, and versatility before you place the final order.
Customers like totes that include compartments to hold today's necessities — cell phones, digital cameras and MP3 players.
Keep the imprints bright and simple. Avoid putting dates, names of events, or tradeshow information on a bag. It dates them and keeps recipients from using them over the long term.
If you're ordering promotional bags in November or December, you'll wait longer to get them. Plan ahead.
Promotion works. Studies show that more than 76 percent of promotional item recipients can remember the name of the advertiser 12 months after they receive the gift. Salespeople who give away promotional gifts enjoy 22 percent more referrals than those who don't.

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