Promotional Products for Home and Office Desktops

on Wed 27 October 2010

With increasing numbers of people working from home, workers are becoming more and more discerning about what they keep on their desks as these items have to fit in with their personal décor and lifestyle. All of which makes the task of choosing a desktop accessory that will appeal to your target market, and keep your brand name in their eye line, even more difficult. You may well be familiar with the décor and ambiance of the client company’s office, but for those who work from home, you don’t really stand a chance of happening upon the right ‘look’, so your next best strategy is to choose something functional, but I always think ‘functional and fun’ is the ultimate combination.

That’s just the category that this product from High Profile fits into. The ‘Rabbit Headphone Tidy’ was launched this year and is already popular with end users. This rabbit-shaped cable tidy ensures that headphones are kept tangle free. It’s available in all standard colours and can be matched to corporate colours or logos. 

Richard Wood, Managing Director of High Profile, a leading UK manufacturer of standard and bespoke plastic promotional products, says, “While some products reign as the desktop King or Queen, there are some that are disregarded without a second glance.  According to a well-respected promotions industry survey, items that tend to stay the duration on desks are the ones that are deemed useful, relevant and can be used repeatedly. Additionally, people tend to also hold onto certain items for sentimental reasons and also the actual value and quality of the item.
“We are constantly updating our range to add the newest products to meet demand and are often including a new twist or quirky design to a traditional item that will revitalise an existing product giving it a new lease of life.” 
Pen Still in Pole Position on Desktop
No matter how futuristic, minimalist, traditional or cluttered a desktop is, there is one item that is always present (even if it is often hidden under paperwork) and that’s the pen. It is definitely functional, can be fun, comes in a whole range of colours and finishes and can cost from a few pence to hundreds of pounds for a top-of-the-range item. As the season for giving approaches, pens are often considered as a corporate gift for mass distribution or as a personal gift or thank you for an important colleague or client.  
Melissa Chevin, Marketing Manager at Senator, a leading manufacturer of writing accessories, says, “Selecting a corporate Christmas gift that is both appropriate and memorable can be a difficult task as there are often wide variations in tastes and preferences between the recipients.  One gift that overcomes these issues is a quality writing instrument.  The pen has universal appeal and, if the right pen is chosen, it is likely to be kept and used time and time again, providing a daily reminder of the company that gave it.
“Whatever the product and whatever the budget, it is important to ensure that the gift adequately reflects the integrity and credentials of the brand as, after all, it is a reflection of that brand.”
Senator offers an extensive range of writing instruments, lifestyle products, writing accessories and mugs at price points which are suitable for all budgets.  A wide variety of stylish gift box options are also available to add a real sense of occasion during the festive season.
Top products for Christmas 2010 from Senator include the Challenger range (pictured).  The Challenger XL range of retractable bullpens offer both premium look and functionality, with double-arched clips and multiple branding areas for messages with stand out.  The Challenger Clear features a high-gloss translucent finish and is available in a wide range of colour options including clear, yellow and purple, which are new for 2010.  The Challenger XL Metallic has a striking colour palette with a metallic finish with colour options including white, green and blue. Both pens come with a large capacity, best-in-class refill for superior writing performance and high-quality metal tip. 
Another popular and modern looking item from the Senator range is the Image Black Line, a stylish new addition to the Senator portfolio, featuring a matt finish, elegant and unique matt black chrome fittings, and the option to brand on the barrel or clip. 
For a more traditional look, Senator offers the LAMY Studio Rollerball, a writing instrument of the highest quality.  With a contemporary, elegant design, propeller shaped chrome metal clip, stainless steel surface and a matt black or matt blue soft lacquer finish, the pen offers first-class look and functionality.  Fitted with a large-capacity black ink refill, the pen can be branded or laser engraved.  The LAMY Studio range also includes a matching bullpen and fountain pen.
While we are on the quality theme, Procurement International offers this fabulous addition to the Montblanc StarWalker pen collection. This ballpoint pen with black ink is made of black precious resin, with ruthenium-plated fittings. The Montblanc emblem, floating in the transparent cap top, enhances the innovative design of this stylish writing instrument. (Procurement pic)
For something with a little sparkle (well, it IS almost Christmas) ICE offers a range of  fabulous pens which are embellished with crystals made with Swarovski® elements. 
It’s presented in an ICE London gift pouch and gift box complete with the card confirming authenticity of the crystals. (ICE PIC)
The Life of a Pen
Have you ever wondered how the life cycle of a pen pans out? How many desks it sits on, how many hands hold it and how and where it’s used? Well if you have, you may now get some answers. November will see the start of an exciting research exercise for the promotional merchandise industry. In association with PROMOTA, Fionn Dolan of Bright Promotions is working on a project to follow the life of a pen throughout the UK and Ireland.  
Around 1,000 pens will be distributed across the UK and Ireland, each pen printed with a text number, email address and unique code. Recipients will then be asked (via instructions on the pen) to text or email the location where they picked it up. 
Over time, it is hoped that a profile for each pen will be built showing how many hands they go through and how often, as well as how far they travel and how long they last. 
Fionn, who is also a PROMOTA board member, said, “There is currently very little research on promotional products and I am keen to find out exactly how the products that we supply are used, by whom and for how long they are kept. 
“I am hoping that this project will raise the awareness of our industry but also provide us with some valuable and qualitative evidence that we can use to help improve the services that we offer.” 
Executive Gifts
The Keepme Group offers a wide range of stylish and practical desktop accessories that can be fully branded to ensure your promotional message benefits from maximum exposure. With something to suit all budgets from USB sticks to Skype phones, Keepme can help you keep your brand visible in the office environment.
Alongside attractive plain white Skype handsets, Keepme offer their unique Skype Phone Mouse (pictured); a mouse that opens up to become a Skype phone and when closed again reverts to being a mouse.  
The company’s USB range includes basic models and the more exclusive executive leather models, plus an eco and natural wooden range. 
Earlier on we heard that high value gifts tend to stay on the desktop longer and these upmarket desktop accessories for the executive's desk certainly fit into that category. Available from Anything Promotional, the Smalto designer range of four glass photo coasters presented in a smart black holder is perfect for family photos or corporate images. (Picture).
 
The company also offers other traditional desktop items from Cerruti 1881 which include a magnifying glass – useful for that small print – and a stylish letter opener, which can be given as a set presented on a handy tree tidy to make them easily accessible.
 
Popular and Inexpensive
 
Attractively designed portfolios of sticky notes, often paired with memo note boxes, file folders, or in a value-added organisers are very useful and keep a brand’s identity close at hand. 
 
Galison Private Label has recently created custom desk accessories and organisers for Anthropologie, FedEx, Target Stores, Momagenda, LeSportsac, several magazines and others. 
 
For businesses requiring smaller quantities or on a tight deadline, Galison Private Label uses in-house hot-stamping to imprint a design and logo onto stock products from the Galison/Mudpuppy retail line. 
 
The company designs in New York City, but its products have international appeal.
 
Special offer
For 2010, FT Promotions has more repeat orders from existing clients then ever before. With the cuts in the public sector, local authorities can save money on promotional gifts. For the rest of October and all of November FT is offering free origination on the first colour (quote promo coded PM09) on conference folders, oyster cards wallets and recycled pencils.
 
Decorated Drinking Glasses
Branded mugs are one of the most popular desktop items, but hang on a minute – what about all those people who are healthily sipping water and juice at their desks. Amersham Fabrics is best known for manufacturing textile products in the UK, from kitchen textiles to tablecloths and bags, but the company also decorates glassware. The glasses are produced using a traditional transfer method, when fired the image is permanent. (pic)
The company has recently produced decorated pint glasses for a fund raising event and, as its own contribution the event, produced embroidered aprons showing their own logo and the name of the beer festival.     
The Industry Perspective
(Promota logo) In this feature, we’ve heard from distributors and manufacturers, but we wanted to get an industry perspective on the current market for desktop accessories, so we asked PROMOTA, the trade association which represents manufacturers, importers and distributors in the promotional merchandise sector for the association’s comment.
David Webster, Chairman of PROMOTA, said, “The feedback we have had from leading supplier and distributor members who do business in the pens, folders and desktop product sector has largely been very positive.
“In terms of items such as folders, members have seen a trend over the past 18 months where customers are buying lower-priced, economy options, or items that have that little added extra – such as a folder with a calculator. However, more recently they have seen a healthy return to more expensive, leather items. In fact one member’s overall sales have increased in total by 15 per cent during the recession which is very positive news.
“Other members have also found that customers are still buying quality products but within their budget constraints, for example they are selling more plastic pens, but a higher quality plastic. In fact one pen supplier commented that average order volumes have increased by more than 20% during the third quarter of 2010 over the same quarter in 2009. 
“In terms of desktop accessories popular lines include paper blocks and sticky notes, and a product which serves more than one purpose e.g. a multi-use card reader. 
“Overall the general consensus seems to be that customers are still spending, but perhaps on slightly lower-mid range priced items that can be multi-functional with a gradual increase in a return to higher quality products.”
And Finally …
That’s a round up of desktop accessories UK style with a little bit of New York design thrown in. For a broader look at the promotional sector, our interview this month (Please add link) includes comparisons between the promotional merchandise markets in the Australia and the UK.
Next month we will be featuring business and corporate gifts, small and large, expensive and budget priced, glitzy and plain, but all with one motive to enhance, enforce and promote a brand message.
Carole Bull
Editor
 With increasing numbers of people working from home, workers are becoming more and more discerning about what they keep on their desks.
promotional merchandise industry, pens, ballpens, Headphone Tidy’, skype phone, USB, Pencil pot, post it notes, conference folders, oyster cards wallets and recycled pencils, coasters. LAMY, Montblanc, sticky notes, mugs, decorated glasses

Richard Wood, Managing Director of High Profile, a leading UK manufacturer of standard and bespoke plastic promotional products, says, “While some products reign as the desktop King or Queen, there are some that are disregarded without a second glance.  According to a well-respected promotions industry survey, items that tend to stay the duration on desks are the ones that are deemed useful, relevant and can be used repeatedly. Additionally, people tend to hold onto certain items for sentimental reasons and also because of the actual value and quality of the item.

“We are constantly updating our range to add the newest products to meet demand and are often including a new twist or quirky design to a traditional item that will revitalise an existing product giving it a new lease of life.” 

 

Pen Still in Pole Position on Desktop

No matter how futuristic, minimalist, traditional or cluttered a desktop is, there is one item that is always present (even if it is often hidden under paperwork) and that’s the pen. It is definitely functional, can be fun, comes in a whole range of colours and finishes and can cost from a few pence to hundreds of pounds for a top-of-the-range item. As the season for giving approaches, pens are often considered as a corporate gift for mass distribution or as a personal gift or thank you for an important colleague or client.  

Melissa Chevin, Marketing Manager at Senator, a leading manufacturer of writing accessories, says, “Selecting a corporate Christmas gift that is both appropriate and memorable can be a difficult task as there are often wide variations in tastes and preferences between the recipients.  One gift that overcomes these issues is a quality writing instrument.  The pen has universal appeal and, if the right pen is chosen, it is likely to be kept and used time and time again, providing a daily reminder of the company that gave it.

“Whatever the product and whatever the budget, it is important to ensure that the gift adequately reflects the integrity and credentials of the brand as, after all, it is a reflection of that brand.”

Senator offers an extensive range of writing instruments, lifestyle products, writing accessories and mugs at price points which are suitable for all budgets.  A wide variety of stylish gift box options are also available to add a real sense of occasion during the festive season.

Top products for Christmas 2010 from Senator include the Challenger range (pictured).  The Challenger XL range of retractable bullpens offers both premium look and functionality, with double-arched clips and multiple branding areas for messages with stand out.  The Challenger Clear features a high-gloss translucent finish and is available in a wide range of colour options including clear, yellow and purple, which are new for 2010.  The Challenger XL Metallic has a striking colour palette with a metallic finish with colour options including white, green and blue. Both pens come with a large capacity, best-in-class refill for superior writing performance and high-quality metal tip. 

Another popular and modern looking item from the Senator range is the Image Black Line, a stylish new addition to the Senator portfolio, featuring a matt finish, elegant and unique matt black chrome fittings, and the option to brand on the barrel or clip. 

For a more traditional look, Senator offers the LAMY Studio Rollerball, a writing instrument of the highest quality.  With a contemporary, elegant design, propeller shaped chrome metal clip, stainless steel surface and a matt black or matt blue soft lacquer finish, the pen offers first-class look and functionality.  Fitted with a large-capacity black ink refill, the pen can be branded or laser engraved.  The LAMY Studio range also includes a matching ballpoint and fountain pen.

While we are on the quality theme, Procurement International offers this fabulous addition to the Montblanc StarWalker pen collection. This ballpoint pen with black ink is made of black precious resin, with ruthenium-plated fittings. The Montblanc emblem, floating in the transparent cap top, enhances the innovative design of this stylish writing instrument. 

For something with a little sparkle (well, it IS almost Christmas) ICE offers a range of fabulous pens which are embellished with crystals made with Swarovski® elements. It’s presented in an ICE London gift pouch and gift box complete with the card confirming authenticity of the crystals. 

 

 

 

The Life of a Pen

Have you ever wondered how the life cycle of a pen pans out? How many desks it sits on, how many hands hold it and how and where it’s used? Well if you have, you may now get some answers. November will see the start of an exciting research exercise for the promotional merchandise industry. In association with PROMOTA, Fionn Dolan of Bright Promotions is working on a project to follow the life of a pen throughout the UK and Ireland. 

Around 1,000 pens will be distributed across the UK and Ireland, each pen printed with a text number, email address and unique code. Recipients will then be asked (via instructions on the pen) to text or email the location where they picked it up. 

Over time, it is hoped that a profile for each pen will be built showing how many hands they go through and how often, as well as how far they travel and how long they last. 

Fionn, who is also a PROMOTA board member, said, “There is currently very little research on promotional products and I am keen to find out exactly how the products that we supply are used, by whom and for how long they are kept. 

“I am hoping that this project will raise the awareness of our industry but also provide us with some valuable and qualitative evidence that we can use to help improve the services that we offer.”  Bright Promotions


Executive Gifts

The Keepme Group offers a wide range of stylish and practical desktop accessories that can be fully branded to ensure your promotional message benefits from maximum exposure. With something to suit all budgets from USB sticks to Skype phones, Keepme can help you keep your brand visible in the office environment.

Alongside attractive plain white Skype handsets, Keepme offers its unique Skype Phone Mouse (pictured); a mouse that opens up to become a Skype phone and when closed again reverts to being a mouse.  

The company’s USB range includes basic models and the more exclusive executive leather models, plus an eco and natural wooden range. 

Earlier on we heard that high value gifts tend to stay on the desktop longer and these upmarket desktop accessories for the executive's desk certainly fit into that category. Available from Anything Promotional, the Smalto designer range of four glass photo coasters presented in a smart black holder is perfect for family photos or corporate images.

The company also offers other traditional desktop items from Cerruti 1881 which include a magnifying glass – useful for that small print – and a stylish letter opener, which can be given as a set presented on a handy tree tidy to make them easily accessible.

 

Popular and Inexpensive

Attractively designed portfolios of sticky notes, often paired with memo note boxes, file folders, or in a value-added organisers are very useful and keep a brand’s identity close at hand.  

Galison Private Label has recently created custom desk accessories and organisers for Anthropologie, FedEx, Target Stores, Momagenda, LeSportsac, several magazines and others. 

For businesses requiring smaller quantities or on a tight deadline, Galison Private Label uses in-house hot-stamping to imprint a design and logo onto stock products from the Galison/Mudpuppy retail line. 

The company designs in New York City, but its products have international appeal.

 

Special offer

For 2010, FT Promotions has more repeat orders from existing clients then ever before. With the cuts in the public sector, local authorities can save money on promotional gifts. For the rest of October and all of November FT is offering free origination on the first colour (quote promo coded PM09) on conference folders, oyster cards wallets and recycled pencils.

 

 

Decorated Drinking Glasses

Branded mugs are one of the most popular desktop items, but hang on a minute – what about all those people who are healthily sipping water and juice at their desks. Amersham Fabrics is best known for manufacturing textile products in the UK, from kitchen textiles to tablecloths and bags, but the company also decorates glassware. The glasses are produced using a traditional transfer method, when fired the image is permanent. 

The company has recently produced decorated pint glasses for a fund raising event and, as its own contribution the event, produced embroidered aprons showing its own logo and the name of the beer festival. Amersham Fabrics     

 

The Industry Perspective

In this feature, we’ve heard from distributors and manufacturers, but we wanted to get an industry perspective on the current market for desktop accessories, so we asked PROMOTA, the trade association which represents manufacturers, importers and distributors in the promotional merchandise sector for the association’s comment.

David Webster, Chairman of PROMOTA, said, “The feedback we have had from leading supplier and distributor members who do business in the pens, folders and desktop product sector has largely been very positive.

“In terms of items such as folders, members have seen a trend over the past 18 months where customers are buying lower-priced, economy options, or items that have that little added extra – such as a folder with a calculator. However, more recently they have seen a healthy return to more expensive, leather items. In fact one member’s overall sales have increased in total by 15 per cent during the recession which is very positive news.

“Other members have also found that customers are still buying quality products but within their budget constraints, for example they are selling more plastic pens, but a higher quality plastic. In fact one pen supplier commented that average order volumes have increased by more than 20% during the third quarter of 2010 over the same quarter in 2009. 

“In terms of desktop accessories popular lines include paper blocks and sticky notes, and a product which serves more than one purpose e.g. a multi-use card reader. 

“Overall the general consensus seems to be that customers are still spending, but perhaps on slightly lower-mid range priced items that can be multi-functional with a gradual increase in a return to higher quality products.”

 

And Finally …

That’s a round up of desktop accessories UK style with a little bit of New York design thrown in. For a broader look at the promotional sector, our interview this month includes comparisons between the promotional merchandise markets in Australia and the UK.

Next month we will be featuring business and corporate gifts, small and large, expensive and budget priced, glitzy and plain, but all with one motive  - to enhance, enforce and promote a brand message.

Carole Bull

Editor

 

 

 

 

 

 

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