Product Hub July 30, 2014
Editor’s Picks - Education
Leverage personal, professional and community connections you already have to get your foot in the door with an education client. Once you do a good job for that buyer, ask for a referral to another within the organization; typically, schools and other educational institutions have more than one potential purchaser.
CASE STUDY
A Good One For the Alums
Amy Williams knows the importance of showing samples – a sales savviness that recently helped her execute a sale of 500 high-quality notebooks to a client in the education market. “One of the first things I learned in the promotional products industry was that clients want to see and feel what they’re buying so they can get something they‘re truly happy with,” says Williams, the chief operating officer at Los Angeles-based AB Unlimited (asi/101880). “I’ve really taken that to heart.”
Putting her knowledge into practice, Williams brought several samples to a meeting with a buyer looking for a notebook to give to members of a university’s official alumni association. They had graduated a half-century earlier. “Their objective was to commemorate those graduates,” says Williams.
After examining the various options, one style stood out from the pack: the Flex Leatherette Notebook (product #LN1F) from Drum-Line (asi/50873). To ensure the item was indeed what the buyer wanted, Williams arranged to have a pre-production sample made for the buyer. Impressed by the quality and the notebook’s classic style, the client didn’t hesitate to invest.
Part of a product package that included buttons, the notebook was imprinted with the name of the alumni organization and the school mascot. “It was a hit with the alumni association constituents,” says Williams.
Students and alums can show their support with FanFlair, a custom-embroidered logo that can be clipped to anything from shirts, scarves and lanyards to hair. From FanFlair, asi/53615, 765-507-9247.
An ideal fit for elementary schools, the transparent Notebook Mate School Kit with pencil pouch includes an imprinted assorted Krypton pen, three-ring hole punch, pencil, eraser and more. From Gold Bond, asi/57653, 423-842-5844.
This click-action pen features a stylus for touch-screen devices at the tip, making it a great item for teachers who incorporate technology in the classroom. From All-In-One, asi/34256, 800-843-7367.
Help fend off the “freshman 15” with healthy eating tips from this book from Time’s editors. Cover can feature custom print and a promo-page can be inserted. From The Book Company, asi/41010, 800-367-9388.
Teachers can keep students’ test papers and homework organized with the help of these KeepaKlips – full-color imprintable stainless-steel paper clips. From PromoBiz USA, asi/79903, 310-320-4448.
The Flex Leatherette Notebook features clean, classic styling that will appeal to education administrators, teachers and alums. From Drum-Line, asi/50873, 870-673-2726.
Excellent for university bookstores, this personalized soft tablet sleeve features plush lining that will protect smartpads from scratches. From Part 1 Creation, asi/76351, 714-901-2000.
Retractable banners will help university recruiters attract the attention of students and parents at college fairs. From Beyond Manufacturing, asi/37783, 866-988-2634.
The patented, reinforced-edge design of this folder allows it to hold a single sheet or expand to hold 3/8” per pocket – while staying flat. Just right for guidance counselors packaging important forms for students. From Admore, asi/32050, 800-523-6673.
Portable screen cleaner does triple duty as a mousepad and keyboard cover. Great present for incoming college freshmen. From Ideamax, asi/62135, 949-754-0960.
Made of 600 denier PolyCanvas, the Cornerstone Compu-Backpack is a perfect item for today’s on-the-go, tech-savvy students, with its features that include a padded laptop compartment. From Bullet, asi/42424, 800-749-7367.
School nurses and high school coaches will get a lot of use out of this brandable cold/heat compress therapy gel pack. From Custom Ice, asi/62097, 800-645-5983.
Fraternities and alumni associations will appreciate this silk neck tie, which is created using a wet-dye process. From KTP Design Company, asi/63773, 888-465-1290.
Students and teachers at vocational/technical schools will love the practical applications of this headlamp, which includes a flashlight that can be detached for standalone use. From Superex, asi/90231, 866-214-4393.
Ballpoint pen with stylus features a pull-out banner with large imprint area, maximizing messaging opportunities. From Cosmo Fiber, asi/46755, 800-366-1600.
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