InkHead Promotional Products Blog

Team InkHead Gets a Logo Make-over for 2009

2009-01-05T10:58:53.5

If you ask us, we think we've never looked better.

We've given the InkHead brand a fresh new look for the New Year and you're going to love it. After our victorious climb to the top of the promotions industry, we figured it was time to refocus our energies--because that's what the best businesses do to stay the best. So we spent two years and a boatload of cash to create the perfect symbol for our brand of record-setting growth. And after 2 years of hair-pulling strategic meetings, we've finally done it.

When 2009 rolls around, come check us out at www.inkhead.com to see the new us--logo, web site and all. What's not changing? Our commitment to serving our customers with uncommon performance--because that's just what we do to stay the best.

Team InkHead and the University of Michigan Join Forces to 'Go Solar'

2008-12-19T12:06:16.5

It's the next best thing to a NASCAR sponsorship.

Those brainy kids from the University of Michigan Solar Car Team received (semi-)corporate sponsorship from InkHead Promotions. We're talking a generous donation of high-performance custom water bottles and chic, durable custom drawstring backpacks. So even if they're entry doesn't take the checkered flag, they'll be the ones sporting matching team gear donated by promotions experts.

UMSolar is the perfect organization for a partnership with InkHead. In fact, virtually any 501 (c) 3 non-profit group or community organizition can benefit from our donation program and reap the rewards of free outstanding promotional products.

For more information on our non-profit program, contact:
Jason Miller
InkHead Promotional Products
(800) 554-0127 x804
jmiller@inkhead.com
www.inkhead.com

So Just How Many Mugs Drink Coffee Every Day?

2008-12-09T12:03:52.5

Here are some eye-opening statistics about the power of coffee.

In the U.S. alone--which is the world's largest coffee consumer--the National Coffee Association (NCA) estimates that retail sales are $19.2 billion. In fact, 80% of Americans drink coffee, and more than half of the population drinks it every day. That makes it the main source of antioxidants for the 'Red, White and Blue'.

Chances are that you know someone who has to have their daily cup of Joe. Clients. Customers. Employees. And just imagine if your business or organization logo was proudly displayed on the coffee mug or tumbler that's in everyone's hand throughout the morning hours. That's the kind of advertising you just can't buy. Or can you?

At InkHead, we know a thing or two about custom coffee mugs. Our collection includes the hottest brands--Aladdin, Cutter and Buck, High Sierra, Sovrano, Stanley and Zippo. This is truly high-performance drinkware with a wide range of choices that fit the personality and lifestyle of the people who can't live without them.

Who knew that coffee could help build a brand? We did. As always, our full line of Promotional Products, Personalized Pens and Custom Water Bottles can be found at InkHead Promotional Products.

Happy Cyber Monday!

2008-12-01T10:20:24.5

Looking to wrap up your corporate holiday shopping this Cyber Monday? Check out our new Clearance section, where you can score some of our most popular promotional products at up to 80% off their original prices! You'll find custom computer accessories, briefcases, coffee mugs, and everything else you need to make the season bright for your clients and employees. But you'd better get them while you can, because these items are only available while supplies last! There's still time to get your order before the holidays, so start shopping and saving today!

'Tis the Season!

2008-11-13T16:41:00.5

It seems impossible, but the holiday season is upon us again. Don't worry! There's still time to get your holiday corporate gift orders in! Few gestures resonate with clients throughout the year as much as a gift, and even the smallest token of appreciation can have a huge impact. Try a custom ornament; they even make great handouts to employees at the company party! We also have some fun new gift ideas for this year, including the USB Holiday Light Strand! Need help finding the perfect gifts for your clients and employees? Our promotions experts are full of great ideas! Order soon, because we're offering free UPS ground shipping on orders of $500 or more when you order by 11/30!

InkHead Contributes to the JDRF Walk for a Cure

2008-10-23T14:50:59.5

While Breast Cancer Awareness tends to take center stage during the month of October, a large number of charitable organizations have fundraising events during the early fall. We found out about the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's Walk to Cure Diabetes in Atlanta through John here in our own Accounting Department. John's 13-year-old son was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes just last year, and the family decided right then to participate in the walk. Their team needed to raise sponsorship funds, and so of course everyone here at InkHead (and the company itself) donated to the cause. The walk was held this past Saturday, October 18th in downtown Atlanta, and we're all glad we could help fund research into curing this disease. John says his family had a great time participating in the walk and they hope to do it again next year! For more information on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, please visit their website at www.jdrf.org. And if you're planning a fundraiser this fall, don't forget imprinted t-shirts, custom water bottles, or other promotional items to help generate enthusiasm!

We Did It Again!

2008-10-15T10:27:13.5

We'd better stop getting all this recognition, or it might start going to our heads! InkHead has just won a 2009 Web Award from the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) for technical site innovation! The PPAI is the preeminent membership organization for the promotional products industry, so to have them recognize our site is a real honor.

The 'My Account' feature we added to the site earlier this year has been the major focus of our technical upgrades. It's our user-created database that allows you as a customer to have instant access to your order history, art proofs, and total order management. 'My Account' means you can take care of business on your time, without having to waste precious minutes on the phone talking to a customer service representative (though if you do need to talk to us, we have some pretty great customer service representatives!).

We think the secret to our success is that we are constantly asking customers for feedback on our site design and functionality. We've just added filtering by brand to the site, so you can look for corporate gifts from big names like Cutter & Buck, Zippo, and others. Have some ideas for other ways we can improve? Contact us and let us know how we can make InkHead.com better for you!

Reuse This Bag!

2008-10-10T14:35:29.5

In recent months we've seen the popularity of one particular promotional product grow by leaps and bounds: the non-woven polypropylene bag. What, you may ask, is a non-woven polypropylene bag? It's the type of reusable, recyclable bag that's cropped up for sale in almost every major retail outlet in the United States this year. You've undoubtedly seen them at the grocery store checkout counter; maybe you've even purchased a few. The non-woven material is made with recycled content and is non-allergenic, non-toxic, and non-corrosive. These bags are durable enough for repeated reuse, and can be tossed into the recycling bin with the plastics when you're finished with them!

So why are these bags a good choice for promoting your business? Offering your customers and prospects a promotional gift that shows an awareness of environmental concerns is a great way to let people know about your company's stance on environmental issues. Reusable items like a shopping bag also ensure that your message will be seen again and again, and by a new audience each time! While you might automatically think retail when you think of a shopping bag, we've seen orders from schools, insurance companies, churches, and even a funeral home! If you want to earn extra points with your clients, go for the Therm-O-Tote Insulated Polypropylene Shopping Bag.

Who's Hungry?

2008-09-30T14:55:47.5

This is a great example of a business taking advantage of a captive audience to promote their products! Full color stickers depicting menu items at a nearby sushi restaurant scroll by hungry shoppers on the escalator hand rails. Never underestimate the power of suggestion! You can tell from the photo that the campaign is working-you can see people pointing and smiling at the images, and I'm willing to bet that more than one of them is going to wind up ordering some sushi in the near future. More proof that promotional products can be useful advertising tools outside of the traditional "giveaway" model if you have a clear marketing objective.

Via Ads of the World
Advertising Agency: JWT; Sydney, Australia

Think (P)InkHead: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-09-19T16:00:34.5

According to the American Cancer Society, over 182,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. This October, help raise awareness and show support for groups working toward a cure with the power of pink promotional products. Whether it's a simple message of hope imprinted on a pen or a custom water bottle for participants in a Race for the Cure, you can help spread the word. And for each Cross Century II Starlight Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Ball Point Pen sold, Cross will donate 10% of the retail price to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We're offering FREE UPS Ground shipping on all orders over $500 placed now through September 30th, so you can save money while you save lives!

New and Improved!

2008-09-12T17:12:29.5

'New and Improved' is probably one of the most overused phrases in the world of advertising. Personally, I've always wondered how something can be both 'new' and 'improved' and the same time. Doesn't it seem like it would have to be one or the other? So while InkHead.com isn't necessarily new, our site layout is definitely improved! We've made it even easier for you to locate the promotional products you need, so you can save time and money when placing your order online. From the home page you can easily navigate to top categories, like Specials, items for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or Eco-Friendly Promotional Products. Our most popular items are listed first, so you can stay on top of the trends when planning your next marketing event. We're always looking for ways to make your InkHead shopping experience better, so feel free to drop us a line with your suggestions!

Promotional Ties Mean Business!

2008-09-08T10:01:45.5

Allan Gray, a South African investment firm, hosts recruitment events on college campuses each year to identify potential future employees. They offered their flyers in the form of custom imprinted ties that could be worn by students. The front of the tie featured Allen Gray's corporate logo, while the back included information about the recruitment drive. This is a unique and effective use of promotional apparel to both increase brand recognition and to convey pertinent information about the event itself. Other effective campus giveaways would be custom hats or imprinted messenger bags.

Via Ads of the World

We're #560!

2008-08-26T10:59:33.5

We just made the Inc. 5000! Inc. Magazine ranks the fastest growing private companies in America every year, and InkHead came in at number 560 on this year's list! We're also number 35 in the Top 100 Businesses in Atlanta, and number 64 in the Top 100 Business Services Companies. You can check out a press release about our rankings here.

You know what? We never could have achieved such success without customers like you! To show our thanks, we're offering FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING on all orders over $500 now through 9/5/08!* Give us a call or log into My Account to get started on your next order to take advantage of this offer while it lasts! And who knows? Your next promotion could be the one that takes your company to the next level!

*Please see our home page for FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING offer details and restrictions.

Trick or Treat!

2008-08-25T13:45:11.5

My favorite holiday is almost here again! Halloween is the perfect time of year to advertise with custom candy! A lot of shopping centers and malls host community trick-or-treating events for children, so lollipops with imprinted wrappers or spooky bags of jelly beans are great handouts. And don't forget the parents! Mints would be a smart way to promote to adults during the Halloween season. Don't be haunted by a missed opportunity to spread your branding message this October!

Confused About BPA?

2008-08-15T17:22:00.5

If you've been paying attention to media reports regarding bisphenol A (also known as BPA), you're probably thoroughly confused about the whole thing by now. BPA is a plastic hardener often found in shatterproof bottles and is also used to seal canned food. Trace amounts of BPA can leach from products, and recent studies question the health risks that could be associated with BPA exposure. Just today, the FDA drafted a report that states these trace amounts are not dangerous to humans. Despite the FDA's reassurances, many consumers and health groups still question the safety of products containing BPA. In fact, we get a lot of calls and questions regarding BPA-free bottles. We do have several BPA-free plastic bottles available, and aluminum bottles have become a popular alternative to the standard polycarbonate as well. So regardless of whose reports you believe, we can help you find a promotional bottle that's a perfect fit for your event. Interested in learning more about BPA? The FDA website has several informative articles, including a statement from the FDA Commissioner. If you have specific questions about any of our products, we’re more than happy to help!

He Could Have Just Ordered From InkHead

2008-08-01T18:10:25.5

According to an article in the Lincoln Journal Star, a man was recently robbed outside of a Nebraska hotel. The suspect stole some pretty random personal effects, including three Post-it notes. We can only speculate as to whether or not they were of the custom imprinted variety.

It's That Time Again!

2008-07-30T13:00:24.5

It sneaks up every year: back to school time! While imprinted pencils and notebooks are always popular this time of year, custom apparel is also an important part of back to school time. Many schools, both private and public, require uniforms to help students focus on their studies rather than making a fashion statement. Embroidered sport shirts are a great solution, as they have a classic look and will reinforce school identity when you add a mascot or school motto. The athletic department or other extra-curricular groups can use custom youth t-shirts to identify members; they can also be sold as fundraising items. Our promotions specialists are more than happy to help you find the perfect color and style for your school, so call or send an email to get started!

InkHead! Summer

2008-07-14T11:14:52.5

We're officially in the middle of one hot promotional season here at InkHead! Summer is one of the best times to get outside and spread the word about your organization or business. If you plan to advertise at any outdoor festivals or concerts, consider giving out promotional items that can be used the day of the event. Flying discs and beach balls are perfect giveaways for family-friendly events. Sun protection items are a good choice if the event is an all-day or weekend affair, whether it's an imprinted packet of sunscreen or a hat and sunglasses combination. And if you really want to make friends at a summer concert, try a beverage cooler (bonus hint: you'll be even more popular if you give them something to put in it)! Now get out there and get in on the summer fun!

Give Something Back

2008-04-18T09:34:21.5

Each year, millions of Americans donate time, money, or goods and services to charitable organizations. But did you ever consider donating promotional products? In order for any charitable group to be successful, they must first spread the word about their cause. Promotional products are the easiest, most effective way to get a message out! By donating the tools a group needs to attract attention and further donations, you give a gift that continues to support the cause in the months and years to come.

InkHead routinely donates promotional items not only to charity groups, but also to community organizations and schools. We donated $18,000 in products and equipment to Goodwill in 2007; Goodwill resells the items in their stores to support their mission of providing education and career services to those who face economic hardship or are physically or mentally disabled. We also sent items to Operation Gratitude, a group that sends care packages to US troops serving overseas.

Charitable donations don't just benefit the group you donate to. Giving feels good! So whether you opt for pens, lanyards, water bottles, or bumper stickers, don't forget to order promotional items to support your favorite cause!

Earth Day is April 22!

2008-04-02T14:22:29.5

The idea of going "green" seems like the hot trend in most product sectors right now, from personal care to clothing to cars. The sudden rise in public awareness might make you think Al Gore invented the environmental movement single-handedly, but did you know that the first Earth Day was held in 1970? It was the brainchild of Senator Gaylord Nelson, who had been encouraging President Kennedy to make environmental issues a government priority since the early 1960's. Senator Nelson recognized the potential to galvanize a grassroots environmental campaign by appealing to Vietnam protestors on college campuses, and the idea for a national day of education and awareness was born.

Earth Day draws more and more attention worldwide as we become increasingly aware of the impact our actions can have on the environment. As awareness grows, so will the availability of goods and services that help to minimize that impact. Whether you're looking for t-shirts, pens, messenger bags, or any number of other product types, chances are pretty good that there's a more eco-friendly version available. Recycled and recyclable promotional items are a great way to promote an Earth Day event or just to show that your organization is doing its part. The sooner we can make every day Earth Day, the better!

Stick It To 'Em!

2008-03-13T09:34:23.5

This is a great piece of ambient advertising for the National Coalition for the Homeless. A custom imprinted sticker attached to the lid of a standard to-go coffee cup shows what the inside of the standard spare change cup might look like. Adding something unexpected to an item many people use daily is an effective way to put an important message directly into the hands of your intended audience. We offer promotional stickers in a wide range of sizes and shapes, many with full color imprint capabilities to achieve this type of photographic look.

Photo via Ads of the World

InkHead for President?

2008-02-18T13:40:00.5

It's Presidents' Day, and here at the InkHead HQ we've been consulting the Presidents Ruler! It shows all of the American Presidents and the dates they were in office, so it's perfect for schools...or anyone who just needs help remembering that Taft was president from 1909 to 1913. Since it's an election year, we'll need to make room for someone else on the line up soon! Need to spread the word about your favorite contender? Try the Democratic Donkey Stress Ball or a Republican Memo Board. No matter what side you're on, you're sure to find the perfect campaign products here at InkHead! Just want to feel like a commander in chief? Try writing in your Presidential Portfolio with your Presidential Pen while sipping coffee from your Presidential Mug.

New at InkHead: Cross Pens!

2007-12-06T11:01:59.5

Make an impression this holiday season with executive pens from Cross! Cross is one of the most recognizable brands in writing instruments, and they make wonderful corporate gifts for the holidays or to commemorate special achievements. They can even be engraved with the recipient's name or initials for an added personal touch! With styles ranging from classic to contemporary, there's a Cross pen for everyone on your list!

Your Days Are Numbered!

2007-11-16T17:59:57.5

If you haven't realized it already, 2007 is almost at an end. It's the perfect time to start thinking about planners and calendars for the upcoming year! Day Planners are a great way to help your team stay on top of meetings and events. They also make great holiday gifts for your top clients! Calendar Magnets make a great choice for direct mailings this holiday season. Try enclosing one with your holiday cards and get ready for 2008 with InkHead!

In the Nick of Time

2007-11-15T13:50:02.5

We've added some new recycled products to our catalog, just in time for the holidays! Items like personalized messenger bags and padfolios are the perfect gift for your sales reps or customer service team. What's more, you can feel good about your gift-giving choices with eco-friendly products this holiday season. Take a look at the Recycled Owl Deluxe Messenger Bag and the Recycled Owl Journal. We even have rush production for all of you holiday procrastinators!