by John A Stefani
General certificates of conformity (GCCs) will be required for the flammability standards for non-children's products made into vinyl plastic film, clothing textiles, carpets and rugs beginning January 26, 2011 certifying that a manufacturer's products comply with these standards. GCCs do not need to be based on testing done by a third-party laboratory. Rather, certification testing can be done by the manufacturer of the product based on a test of each product or on a "reasonable testing program."
A GCC must accompany the product whether imported or manufactured in the United States and be furnished to the product's distributors and/or retailers. Firms must supply GCCs for their products to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) upon request.
What does this mean to promotional products?
Logo or personalized apparel would fall into this category. What might come to your mind when you hear the phrase “logo apparel?” Custom t-shirts are the most common answer, but the apparel category includes other wearable products like baseball caps, fleece jackets, business polo shirts, knit scarves and more.
The manufacturers are required to supply GCCs for their products to the U.S. CPSC. GCCs do not need to be based on testing done by a third-party laboratory. Rather, certification testing can be done by the manufacturer of the product based on a test of each product or on a "reasonable testing program."
The manufacturers of the printed clothing need to comply with the new General Certificates of Conformity (GCC) standards. I wonder if this is a contributing reason why logo apparel prices are going up.
What do you think? Feel free to leave your comments.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Postmaster Announces Price Increases
Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe signaled a new direction in continuing to improve customer relations within the mailing industry by consulting with industry representatives on the effective date for new prices and by relaxing some guidelines on implementing Intelligent Mail services.
"Working together as an industry we can address continuing economic challenges in a way that allows the postal service to generate much-needed revenue while being more responsive to ongoing customer needs," Donahoe said.
The Postal Service filed new mailing service prices with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Price increases are limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap of 1.7 percent, consistent with the Postal Law of 2006. Actual percentage price increases for various products and services will vary. It has been nearly two years since the last increase.
After consulting with key industry association representatives, the new prices would become effective on April 17, giving the mailing community more than 90 days to make the necessary technology and system changes to accurately handle the new prices.
"We heard concerns that we were moving too fast on discontinuing POSTNET coding, and we will continue to offer the automation prices for mail with POSTNET barcodes beyond May 2011," Donahoe said.
Donahoe emphasized the value of the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) to mailers and reiterating the Postal Service commitment to implementing the IMb. To date, more than 41 billion pieces of mail have been processed using the IMb.
Recognizing ongoing industry concerns with challenges associated with implementing the IMb, Donahoe announced that mailers can continue to use POSTNET barcodes to qualify for automation discounts. The POSTNET code was to sunset this May to enable broad adoption and use of the IMb. There will be no Full Service Address Change Service (ACS) charges.
Single-piece, 1 oz. First Class letters will remain 44 cents with additional ounces increased to 20 cents. The price for mailing a postcard will increase one cent. The overall increase is capped at 1.741 percent-at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. More detailed pricing information is available at www.usps.com/pricesOpens in a new window. This does not affect Express Mail and Priority Mail prices.
Prices for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services, also will change. Business mailers will see price increases in a variety of categories.
The proposed price changes are expected to generate $340 million for the balance of the fiscal year and $720 million if implemented for a 12-month period.
For more information, visit www.usps.com
For more information see also: Postal Service Price Adjustments Set for April 17 (Friday, February 18, 2011)
"Working together as an industry we can address continuing economic challenges in a way that allows the postal service to generate much-needed revenue while being more responsive to ongoing customer needs," Donahoe said.
The Postal Service filed new mailing service prices with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC). Price increases are limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) cap of 1.7 percent, consistent with the Postal Law of 2006. Actual percentage price increases for various products and services will vary. It has been nearly two years since the last increase.
After consulting with key industry association representatives, the new prices would become effective on April 17, giving the mailing community more than 90 days to make the necessary technology and system changes to accurately handle the new prices.
"We heard concerns that we were moving too fast on discontinuing POSTNET coding, and we will continue to offer the automation prices for mail with POSTNET barcodes beyond May 2011," Donahoe said.
Donahoe emphasized the value of the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) to mailers and reiterating the Postal Service commitment to implementing the IMb. To date, more than 41 billion pieces of mail have been processed using the IMb.
Recognizing ongoing industry concerns with challenges associated with implementing the IMb, Donahoe announced that mailers can continue to use POSTNET barcodes to qualify for automation discounts. The POSTNET code was to sunset this May to enable broad adoption and use of the IMb. There will be no Full Service Address Change Service (ACS) charges.
Single-piece, 1 oz. First Class letters will remain 44 cents with additional ounces increased to 20 cents. The price for mailing a postcard will increase one cent. The overall increase is capped at 1.741 percent-at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index. More detailed pricing information is available at www.usps.com/pricesOpens in a new window. This does not affect Express Mail and Priority Mail prices.
Prices for other mailing services, including Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Extra Services, also will change. Business mailers will see price increases in a variety of categories.
The proposed price changes are expected to generate $340 million for the balance of the fiscal year and $720 million if implemented for a 12-month period.
For more information, visit www.usps.com
For more information see also: Postal Service Price Adjustments Set for April 17 (Friday, February 18, 2011)
Great Pens - Super Low Prices. Last Chance Before It's Too Late
If you are ready to grab a great deal when you see it, do it now. These won't last!
Available until sold out.
612.804.1275
AdXPress Imprints Promotional Products
adxpress@charter.net
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Graphic Design Reflects Your Business Online
by: Tarjinder S. Kailey
If you want to promote your business or product and consumer awareness, the best possible way to do this is through the internet. The internet is a powerful tool that is used by millions of people worldwide. Advertising your product on the net will allow the millions who access the net everyday to view and possible buy your product, thus increasing your sales and giving you a better shot at success.
Graphic design is an excellent way of promoting your business through the internet. A graphic design is a logo or image that represents the ideas that you want to convey to the viewers – your would-be clients. It is the first thing that people would remember about your business. Thus, it is logical to ensure that your graphic design would be of good quality in order for it to communicate to the people that your business is trustworthy, reliable, and produces only high quality products or services.
Internet marketing companies are abundant. Choosing the right company could mean the success of your business venture. An effective graphic design is one that customers would readily recall when they want to purchase a particular product. In able to be on top of the game, your business must reflect innovation as well as quality. Graphic designs done by reputable companies will make your business a cut among the rest, a most trusted brand that would be top of mind, and would reflect the customer’s needs.
A quality graphic design will give credibility to your business and will attract customers to buy your product. Thus, it is imperative that you hire an efficient company to create a graphic design that is geared towards giving you the optimum opportunity to promote your product, paving the way for a more lucrative and rewarding business.
If you want to promote your business or product and consumer awareness, the best possible way to do this is through the internet. The internet is a powerful tool that is used by millions of people worldwide. Advertising your product on the net will allow the millions who access the net everyday to view and possible buy your product, thus increasing your sales and giving you a better shot at success.
Graphic design is an excellent way of promoting your business through the internet. A graphic design is a logo or image that represents the ideas that you want to convey to the viewers – your would-be clients. It is the first thing that people would remember about your business. Thus, it is logical to ensure that your graphic design would be of good quality in order for it to communicate to the people that your business is trustworthy, reliable, and produces only high quality products or services.
Internet marketing companies are abundant. Choosing the right company could mean the success of your business venture. An effective graphic design is one that customers would readily recall when they want to purchase a particular product. In able to be on top of the game, your business must reflect innovation as well as quality. Graphic designs done by reputable companies will make your business a cut among the rest, a most trusted brand that would be top of mind, and would reflect the customer’s needs.
A quality graphic design will give credibility to your business and will attract customers to buy your product. Thus, it is imperative that you hire an efficient company to create a graphic design that is geared towards giving you the optimum opportunity to promote your product, paving the way for a more lucrative and rewarding business.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Who doesn't like a FREE gift? Giving Free Promotional Items Can Effectively Promote Your Business
All businesses are looking for ways to push sales figures upwards. And one of the most proven and popular ways of doing this is through distribution of promotional items.
When you distribute gifts, you will always have a business edge. The core idea behind these items is to promote your products and brand name aggressively to the market. You are wrong if you think that buying gift items can disturb your budget.
AFFORDABLE & EFFECTIVE
These items are very affordable. They can serve as investments in the long term. If you give away gift items together with your main product, it will complement your product in terms of popularity and importance.
It has been proven that companies who are giving gift items enjoy a lot of customer attention. They can also encourage new customers to patronize their business.
THE PREFERRED WAY TO INCREASE PROFITS
Gift items are now very popular - they are the most preferred way to increase business profits. Therefore, choosing the right gift requires serious thought process and a lot of research.
Although there are already huge innovations for the past years, your gift items should perfectly match your company genre and product line. It would certainly help if your corporate identity is branded to your gift items.
With today's latest technology, you can print, emboss, or engrave your company logo, name, slogan, marketing message, website URL and contact details to the item. And when you give these items as gifts to your clients, they will see your company name every time that they use it.
SILENT SALESPERSON
Promotional items can act as silent salespersons for the products and services of your company. They can do all the walking and talking on your behalf.
While designing your gift items, remember that they will represent your company's image. So try to be as creative as possible. Some famous and market-proven gift items include baseball caps, coffee mugs, calendars, and pens. But there are still other innovative and unique items in the market.
--------------------
About the Author: Lottie Carrot works in the promotional items industry for Argon Promotions, the leading company in terms of innovative business gift ideas. Lottie works closely with businesses to help market their products and services by providing information and help in the selection of suitable promotional items for their advertising campaigns.
When you distribute gifts, you will always have a business edge. The core idea behind these items is to promote your products and brand name aggressively to the market. You are wrong if you think that buying gift items can disturb your budget.
AFFORDABLE & EFFECTIVE
These items are very affordable. They can serve as investments in the long term. If you give away gift items together with your main product, it will complement your product in terms of popularity and importance.
It has been proven that companies who are giving gift items enjoy a lot of customer attention. They can also encourage new customers to patronize their business.
For example, if you have a travel business, you can easily gift an umbrella or promotional camera to your loyal customers. They will surely be confident and contented of your commitment and service to them.
THE PREFERRED WAY TO INCREASE PROFITS
Gift items are now very popular - they are the most preferred way to increase business profits. Therefore, choosing the right gift requires serious thought process and a lot of research.
Although there are already huge innovations for the past years, your gift items should perfectly match your company genre and product line. It would certainly help if your corporate identity is branded to your gift items.
With today's latest technology, you can print, emboss, or engrave your company logo, name, slogan, marketing message, website URL and contact details to the item. And when you give these items as gifts to your clients, they will see your company name every time that they use it.
SILENT SALESPERSON
Promotional items can act as silent salespersons for the products and services of your company. They can do all the walking and talking on your behalf.
While designing your gift items, remember that they will represent your company's image. So try to be as creative as possible. Some famous and market-proven gift items include baseball caps, coffee mugs, calendars, and pens. But there are still other innovative and unique items in the market.
--------------------
About the Author: Lottie Carrot works in the promotional items industry for Argon Promotions, the leading company in terms of innovative business gift ideas. Lottie works closely with businesses to help market their products and services by providing information and help in the selection of suitable promotional items for their advertising campaigns.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Continue client loyalty with executive gifts for 2011
Personalized executive gifts go a step further, offering not only quality, beautiful products that the recipient will appreciate and admire but also the ability to customize each executive item.
2011 is quickly approaching, and one of the best ways to ensure a continued profit into the New Year is to show customer appreciation, especially towards your loyal and important clients. Both big and small businesses should take a cue from Santa Claus and get in the gift-giving spirit this holiday season.
Studies have proven for years that advertising specialties are one of the most cost effective marketing tools available today, even compared to TV and print advertising. Personalized executive gifts go a step further, offering not only quality, beautiful products that the recipient will appreciate and admire but also the ability to customize each executive item so that it is a one of a kind gift. An aesthetically pleasing personalized design with your company’s name and logo will remind your clients to whom they can thank for such a thoughtful gift. Your consideration will make a great impact by showing that you invest in their continued business and know how to show your full appreciation for their loyalty.
Great executive gifts used to be difficult to find, but now many online advertising specialty businesses like www.adxpressimprints.com make the search easier by grouping their highest quality products in a separate category for executive gifts, and offer customer assistance to help you choose the most appropriate product to personalize. Executive gift baskets are one of the most popular products ordered since they are pre assembled and contain a selection of different items. A specific theme unites the different items comprising executive gift baskets, such as the Now & Zen Basket with body wash, candles, green and chai teas, and many other soothing products. Humidors are another popular choice of executive gift, as are crystal products such as wine carafe sets and vases; their luxury item status instantly impresses recipients, and the classic, timeless styles look even more impressive when you personalize them.
Even just choosing products made from high quality materials will give clients and important staff members a favorable opinion of your business; upgrading portfolios, computer bags, and briefcases to leather styles with your personalized embroidered logo turns a functional item into a gift fit for any executive!
2011 is quickly approaching, and one of the best ways to ensure a continued profit into the New Year is to show customer appreciation, especially towards your loyal and important clients. Both big and small businesses should take a cue from Santa Claus and get in the gift-giving spirit this holiday season.
Studies have proven for years that advertising specialties are one of the most cost effective marketing tools available today, even compared to TV and print advertising. Personalized executive gifts go a step further, offering not only quality, beautiful products that the recipient will appreciate and admire but also the ability to customize each executive item so that it is a one of a kind gift. An aesthetically pleasing personalized design with your company’s name and logo will remind your clients to whom they can thank for such a thoughtful gift. Your consideration will make a great impact by showing that you invest in their continued business and know how to show your full appreciation for their loyalty.
Great executive gifts used to be difficult to find, but now many online advertising specialty businesses like www.adxpressimprints.com make the search easier by grouping their highest quality products in a separate category for executive gifts, and offer customer assistance to help you choose the most appropriate product to personalize. Executive gift baskets are one of the most popular products ordered since they are pre assembled and contain a selection of different items. A specific theme unites the different items comprising executive gift baskets, such as the Now & Zen Basket with body wash, candles, green and chai teas, and many other soothing products. Humidors are another popular choice of executive gift, as are crystal products such as wine carafe sets and vases; their luxury item status instantly impresses recipients, and the classic, timeless styles look even more impressive when you personalize them.
Even just choosing products made from high quality materials will give clients and important staff members a favorable opinion of your business; upgrading portfolios, computer bags, and briefcases to leather styles with your personalized embroidered logo turns a functional item into a gift fit for any executive!
Grow Your Business (Organization) with Media Relations
Yesterday's issue focused on the value and effectiveness of the practice of media relations as a low-cost, high-results option to your marketing mix. Reporters and journalists can be intimidating, but these tips will help you to position yourself as a dependable and helpful source of knowledge for reporters.The end result will be free exposure for your business that's more far-reaching and valuable than advertising alone.
1. Reporters and editors often spend most of their time in the world of ideas. When you are engaged in conversation, remember to bring up the topic they like to talk about. In a similar vein, if you see a subject come up in the news you know will interest a reporter, copy and send it to him or her.
2. Don't let months pass without contact. If you stumble across an event or idea related to an area of the reporter's or editor's interest, call and leave a quick voicemail about it. The goal is relationship building. If the reporter or editor you would like to get to know is local, you can drop by the office (with appropriate notice) or even invite him or her to lunch.
3. When you are interviewed, give good quotes. Strive for simple, declarative sentences. Use concrete images. Answer the question. Help the reporter do a good job, and once again your effort will be appreciated. At the end of an interview, ask about other stories the reporter is currently covering. Explain how you may be able to contribute and offer a unique angle that may interest their audiences. And make it clear that you're eager to be an accessible source of information in the future.
4. Don't forget to maintain your relationships once they are established. Sometimes the reporter will call you as a source, but you just aren't right for that particular subject matter. You can still be helpful by suggesting another person to call. Or, if the reporter needs a second or third source to interview, suggest names of other people. The reporter will remember this and be grateful. Effective media relations are all about relationships. If you develop, nurture and maintain good relationships with reporters and editors, you will become the expert source they seek out time after time, which will help you stand out from the competition and boost your sales.
--------------------
Source: Pam Lontos is president of PR/PR, a public relations firm based in Orlando, Florida. She is author of I See Your Name Everywhere and is a former vice president of sales for Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting.
1. Reporters and editors often spend most of their time in the world of ideas. When you are engaged in conversation, remember to bring up the topic they like to talk about. In a similar vein, if you see a subject come up in the news you know will interest a reporter, copy and send it to him or her.
2. Don't let months pass without contact. If you stumble across an event or idea related to an area of the reporter's or editor's interest, call and leave a quick voicemail about it. The goal is relationship building. If the reporter or editor you would like to get to know is local, you can drop by the office (with appropriate notice) or even invite him or her to lunch.
3. When you are interviewed, give good quotes. Strive for simple, declarative sentences. Use concrete images. Answer the question. Help the reporter do a good job, and once again your effort will be appreciated. At the end of an interview, ask about other stories the reporter is currently covering. Explain how you may be able to contribute and offer a unique angle that may interest their audiences. And make it clear that you're eager to be an accessible source of information in the future.
4. Don't forget to maintain your relationships once they are established. Sometimes the reporter will call you as a source, but you just aren't right for that particular subject matter. You can still be helpful by suggesting another person to call. Or, if the reporter needs a second or third source to interview, suggest names of other people. The reporter will remember this and be grateful. Effective media relations are all about relationships. If you develop, nurture and maintain good relationships with reporters and editors, you will become the expert source they seek out time after time, which will help you stand out from the competition and boost your sales.
--------------------
Source: Pam Lontos is president of PR/PR, a public relations firm based in Orlando, Florida. She is author of I See Your Name Everywhere and is a former vice president of sales for Disney's Shamrock Broadcasting.
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