We’re halfway through February, can you believe it? Before you know it, March will be here and Spring will be POPPING into action.

To help us do that, we’ve got our Top Pick for March.

Our Top Pick

Popsockets!

You’ve probably seen these around town and I can tell you, they are not going away any time soon. PopSockets have been one of the hottest trending products on the market and it’s not slowing down. Where function meets design, you’ve got a PopSocket.

PopSockets stick flat to the back of your phone, tablet or case with a rinseable, repositionable gel. You can lower it for video chat or extend it fully to use as a media stand or photo and texting grip for any brand of phone.

The back of anyone’s phone is prime real estate for any promotion.

Stake your claim on premium advertising space now!

Placing an order or shopping online, it is no surprise one of the first questions you ask is “When will it be delivered?” We’ve all been there.

This is no different in the promotional products industry. We fulfill over 1,000 orders a month and THE most popular question, is just that…”When will I receive it?”

There are many factors that go into determining when an order will be shipped and delivered. We’ve rounded up a few of our most common circumstances.

What Affects Turnaround Time When Placing an Order

Weather

Weather plays a huge part in the arrival time of your order. Of course, we would love for it to be sunny and 75 degrees all year round, but that is not the case.

It is very important to always ask your sales rep where your items will be shipping from. This will prepare you in the event of a weather delay. For example, if they tell you your order is shipping from Indiana, in the middle of February, it is possible that it is snowing.

Give yourself plenty of cushion time when you are placing an order.

The Item

Next, your item!

This plays a great role in how long it will take for your order to be produced, shipped, and delivered. Not all items are printed the same and, for that reason, do not take the same amount of time to do so. Imprint areas differ from one item to the next. Imprint colors and number of imprint colors will not be the same. And, imprint methods will vary.

To give you the best quality, factories go to great lengths to prepare, set, print, and check your items before they leave their facility. Remember, shipping time and production time are separate. Keep this in mind when placing an order.

Make sure to be specific when asking your rep how long it takes to arrive and always give them your ideal in hands date.

Stock

As quick as these 1,000 orders are placed, the products are gone just as fast. This brings us to our third most common factor in turnaround time.

Stock.

One of those orders could be requesting 10,000 pens. This means our factories, on average, have to keep stock in millions of products.

We take proper steps to ensure they have enough stock to fulfill your request, but, on some occasions, they could be too low or out of stock.

In these cases, we hope there is more stock arriving in time for your event or we find a similar item at another factory. This could cause turnaround times to change.

Like we said, this is a great reminder to give yourself breathing room when placing an orders.

Vision

Every month, our team focuses on one of our core values. We have twelve that we live out on a day-to-day basis. These include, Teamwork, Vision, Trust, Excellence, Family First, Diversity, Passion, Ownership Mentality, Clear Communication, We Grow Leaders, Coachability, and Embrace Change.

Throughout the month of January, we focused on Vision.

At the end of the month, our Leadership Team voted on who they thought lived out that core value to the fullest. Those chosen were Cody Hutchin and Marcus Hill.

Here they are to tell you a little bit more about themselves!

Marcus Hill

Sr. Project Manager

Present action is directly influenced by foresight.

How long have you worked here?:
Coming up on 2 years

What does Vision mean to you?:
Present action is directly influenced by foresight.

Vision is the ability to imagine and visualize what is ahead, which results in activity that leads to making it a reality. It involves planning, setting goals, and belief beyond that which is only seen on the surface.

How do you live out Vision?:
I stay engaged with a Vision by keeping it in front of me so that there’s a constant reminder of why I’m doing what I’m doing.
Writing it down is the best way for me to do that. At work, I’m constantly reminded of what I’m working towards.

In finances, my budget lays out the plan for my Vision. At home, my goals for my family keep me engaged in a way that’s healthy and helps me grow.

What’s your favorite thing about our industry?:
I love the creativity involved that leads to customers realizing the possibilities available for their brand.

What is your favorite product and why?:
Apparel and bags are strong products to me because of their usability and brand visibility.

The Urbanpack Backpack has been a big hit with our customers!

What is a fun fact about yourself?:
I am going to be Dad in 2 months, which is crazy to even hear myself say that. I’m excited though!

Cody Hutchin

Dept. Director – Health & Wellness Division

Vision doesn’t necessarily speak to “what” you’re doing, but more so “why” you’re doing it.

How long have you worked here?:
A little over 2.5 years.

What does Vision mean to you?:
Vision could be defined as carrying out a task or process with having the end in mind.

Vision doesn’t necessarily speak to “what” you’re doing, but more so “why” you’re doing it.

How do you live out Vision?:
Living out vision is not necessarily a day-to-day response as living with vision is not task-based. Living out vision comes from answering the questions that connect with the core of our spirit.

Why do I love to sing? Why do I enjoy helping others? Essentially, why was I created?

Being able to answer these questions provides an internal compass that helps with the daily decisions and problems we face.

What’s your favorite thing about our industry?
Personally, I love being able to deal with colors, logos, and creativity on a daily basis! It is a necessary reprieve as I’m not currently writing/singing for my day job 🙂

What is your favorite product and why?:
This is like asking a dentist which tooth is his favorite… There are so many to choose from and they all have different uses!

I think the product I find the most useful is our stainless steel milk frother. It’s great for mixing your collagen supplement in with your coffee and leaves your cup of joe with the right amount of foam. Mmmmm.

What is a fun fact about yourself?:
One time, I ate a bean burrito in a Mexican jail. It is an experience I will never forget.

It’s like Christmas morning in the promotional product world. It’s that time, again, for the PPAMS Road Show (Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South Road Show).

Every February, distributors like ourselves, end users like YOU, and vendors from all over the country come together to preview all of the new, upcoming trends and products for the year.

This is our chance to get a hands on look at what we think you will be excited about and want to use to promote your brand.

Our team recently attended the show and came back with a small inside look just for you! Enjoy!

PPAMS Road Show Product Highlights

H2GO Bottle

The H2GO is a fan favorite.

It is a 20 oz double wall tumbler featuring 18/8 stainless steel thermal properties, with copper vacuum insulation.

It has matching threaded lid and spout, soft carrying loop, high polish accent, and powder coated finish. Measuring at 10″h x 2-7/8″w and has 12 hours of hot, 24 hours of cold use.

The best part…so many colors!

These come in Matte White, Matte Red, Matte Orange, Matte Lime, Matte Aqua, Matte Navy, and Matte Black.

Ello Ceramic Mug

Drink directly from the warmth of ceramic.

This mug features a real wood handle designed for comfortable carrying and a splash-resistant friction fit lid.

It is certified BPA-free phthalates-free PVC-free, lead-free and cadmium-free.

Of course, it meets FDA requirements and measures 6-3/4″H.

Richardson Hat

From one of our leading producers in the sports industry, come these custom hats, caps, sun-shielders, you name it.

The choices are endless.

This low profile trucker hat features structured six panels with pre-curved visor and an adjustable plastic snapback.

Made of 47/28/25 cotton / nylon / polyester material, it is sure to turn heads.

HIVE Wireless Speaker

It’s a tech world, and we’re just living in it. We were excited to see this item at the PPAMS Road Show.

Whether it’s setting a relaxing mood or hosting a party, turn up the tunes with the Hive.

This wireless speaker allows you to enjoy music with a portable surround sound system using true wireless technology.

Listen to a single unit with dynamic 5W sound and built-in subwoofer or pair multiple units together to listen to music in every room of your home or office.

Designed to stand on a solid surface or mounted on the wall, it will definitely get everyone buzzing around this product!

PPAMS is not only a great way to preview new products, but also a great bonding trip for our team! Who doesn’t love a field trip, right?

Here are a few of our amazing reps and devoted team who love and serve their customers so well.

They are so excited to bring you the best of the best in 2019! Get ready!

Love is in the air and we are here to bring you the best promotional gifts to win over your customers’ hearts with gifts clients will love.

Here are 5 items that are sure to give you all the heart eyes.

1. Promotional Heart shape stress reliever

Show your customers some love with this heart-shaped stress reliever!

Measuring 3″ x 3″, this fun favor is great for conventions, Valentine’s Day promotions and more!

Have your company logo or custom design imprinted on the surface for maximum brand visibility.

This product is CPSIA compliant. Squeeze all your troubles away with this handy heart-shaped stress ball!

2. Customized Window Box / Conversation Hearts

Get customers talking about your services with the help of this window box full of candy conversation hearts!

This small window box not only displays the delicious treats inside, but also comes with up to 13 custom messages.

With a variety of colors to choose from, you can truly customize this product to your liking.

It’s a great idea for Valentine’s Day events and more!

3. Imprinted 11 oz Candle in Deluxe Black Gift Box

Your customers or employees will LOVE this aromatherapy candle in a deluxe black gift box.

The candle is placed in a fitted foam insert to protect the candle and create a clean professional look.

The gift box includes a custom printed ribbon.

4. Promotional Heart Gel Hot / Cold Pack

Add a little love to your promotional efforts by featuring this heart shaped hot/cold pack as a giveaway or gift!

Use the pack to soothe away aches and pains after an injury with gel beads that will provide both hot and cold compress therapy.

For cold use, store it in the refrigerator or freezer, or soak it in hot water for 5 minutes for use as a heating pad.

5. Promotional Heart Krazy Straw Sipper

Get every ounce of brand recognition you can using this Heart Krazy Straw Sipper!

This 16 oz. sturdy sipper with Krazy heart translucent red straw is BPA free and features heavy duty double wall acrylic and screw on top.

It’s a gift your client will truly love!