Desirable But Not Indispensable

You’d think that in times of economic downturn the use of luxury corporate gifts would be vetoed as being too extravagant. But it seems that luxury good are still in demand in the promotions industry, but should be given with caution so as not to be seen to appear blasé. In fact, when times are tough it’s even nicer to receive something a little extravagant and a luxury gift is a good way of promoting your brand among a select few important customers in these cost-conscious times.

Luxurious and Indispensable

The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines ‘luxury’ as being ‘something desirable for comfort or enjoyment, but not indispensable’, but Melissa Chevin, Marketing Manager at Senator, leading promotional pen manufacturer, offers something that is luxurious but also quite indispensable. Where would we all be without a pen? Computers are fantastic for creating and storing data, but when the phone rings and you want to take a message, or when you are out shopping and want to jot down the dimensions of that fantastic American fridge freezer … you reach for your pen.

Melissa says, “Selecting an appropriate, yet memorable, luxury gift can be a minefield for those responsible for making the product choice, as tastes and preferences can vary widely between recipients. With this in mind, opting for a high quality, functional product, such as a writing instrument, can be a relatively safe option, as it is likely to be kept and used time and time again by the recipient, giving a daily reminder of the company that gave it.

"The key to successful gift-giving lies in selecting a product that both reflects positively on the company presenting it and is appreciated by the person receiving it. It is important to look for top quality, stylish writing instruments that have a high perceived value, particularly in the current economic climate when luxury goods are appreciated more than ever before."

In the ‘luxury’ category, Senator offers the Solaris Chrome range and the famous LAMY range (pictured below). The refined Solaris Chrome range, includes a fountain pen, rollerball and twist-action ballpoint, as well as sets of two in a presentation case. With a high-gloss, chromium-plated finish, these classic graphite-barrelled metal pens feature an elegant matt ripple effect, which creates a strong visual impression. The pens can be fully branded with the customer’s logo printed directly onto the barrel or laser engraved onto the cap.

The LAMY Pico ballpoint is an innovative, stylish writing instrument of the highest quality which won the ‘Most Innovative Product’ category at the 2008 bpma Awards. The metal ballpoint pen is available in a choice of matt black, blue, red or matt chrome and features a unique lift mechanism which extends it from pocket to writing size in one smooth action. A special gift set edition is also available containing a polished chrome Pico with high-grade leather pouch in a sleeved presentation box. Senator

Leather Goods-Photo Albums

Many promotions offer an excursion or experience as an incentive. The trouble with this from the promoters’ point of view is that whist a white water rafting experience might be thrilling, it’s not a lasting reminder of the brand. But if you take photos of the event and present them to the participant in a quality leather photo album, you have a branded momento.

Adoragift was established in 1992 and manufacturers a wide range of leather and imitation leather goods such as photo albums (pictured), elegant ring binders, diary covers, wallets, business card holders, key holders, bags, purses, folios, folders, organisers and desk top items. The goods are produced in India and exported to Europe, USA and Australia.

All products are hand crafted and made to customer requirements. Embossing, printing or embroidery of company logo are all possible at nominal costs. Products can be produced in genuine leather, artificial leather, PU leather, canvas, nylon and cotton fabrics. Adoragift

Leather Goods-desk accessories

Paul Mason of Anything Promotional, a specialist in stylish, designer business gifts from top European brands, offers this advice when choosing leather promotional gifts.

"Ensure that the personalisation and branding on the leather is high quality. Embossing is a perfectly acceptable method of branding, but can lose definition where small designs are involved, especially on dates and telephone numbers. Laser engraving overcomes this, giving a much sharper and clear image.”

Paul has also contributed our ‘Top 10 Tips on choosing luxury and leather goods’, so click here for more advice.

This leather gift set is just one of a range of luxury gifts from Cerruti 1881, supplied by Anything Promotional. It contains an A4 folder, wallet and pen, also finished in leather. Anything Promotional

Leather Cases

Also confirming that luxury and quality leather goods are still in demand, BeyzaCases reports ‘unbelievable interest’ from customers to this RoadLine Messenger Bags.

Beyza Cases was established in 2004. The company offers unique designs and quality leather goods. These boundary-breaking styles, which combine art and functionality with high quality leather, are crafted in BeyzaCases own production facilities.

The company’s comprehensive website was launched just two years ago and has increased its web sales of exclusive luxury leather cases to Europe, US and Asia. BayzaCases

Leather Lookalike Key Fobs

Co Prom has recently supplied 500 light brown polyurethane oval keyfobs at just £1.40 each, (plus set up per side/design and carriage). Jackie Sharp at Co Prom tell us, “They wear well and look like rustic leather but cheaper!” Co Prom

Leather for the Ladies

Here are a couple of luxury leather business accessories for the ladies. This Samsonite Virgo business case is designed for the businesswomen who doesn't want to compromise on style when they're on the go. The Virgo collection combines elegance with functionality. With its matching handles and zip pullers in soft leather and its stylish quilted design, Virgo will compliment even the smartest of dress codes. Made from calf leather and 400-denier polyamide-available in red or black. Procurement International

And finally, Filofax have combined leather and luxury very successfully with functionality in this Deco personal organiser. It’s crafted from glossy Italian calf leather with a micro crocodile print. Indulgent features include a polished metal clasp, cream pigskin suede interior and luxury cream organiser stationery. Although most noted for Filofax personal organisers, Filofax also suppliers a wide range of files, folios, document and computer bags.

Filofax

So, we’ve defied the Concise Oxford Dictionary by starting and finishing this feature with luxury goods that are indispensable. Just as you can’t live without a pen, you can’t live without a Filofax, unless you one of those technie types that runs their life from their Blackberry or mobile phone … and if you are, then be sure to read next month’s feature on ‘executive toys’. It’s bound to feature some hand-held devices that will allow you to run your diary and your bank balance, and possibly your calorie intake, with a few clicks on a tiny keypad.

Carole Bull

Editor

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