Strategy October 21, 2014
Great Reads
Branded books are an excellent choice for markets that range from health care to hospitality. Related accessories, like bookmarks, are a great sales option, too. Consider that there are nearly 9,000 public libraries in the U.S., and all of them could use bookmarks to give to visitors.
CASE STUDY
Calling All Bookworms
When a school recently needed a giveaway for a fundraiser, it naturally looked to reading accessories. The educational institution, which serves special needs students, had teamed up with a hospital and several local businesses to put together a 2-mile walk. As part of the initiative, organizers aimed to provide walkers with something special. “Participants raised over $6,000,” says Sarah Sumner, sales & marketing coordinator at Bay State Specialty Co. (asi/38980). “The event directors wanted to give out a thank-you gift as a token of their appreciation.”
Organizers chose Bay State Specialty Co.’s Reader’s Pal bookmark (E64) – an item that also functions as a ruler and magnifier. They worked with a distributor to have them imprinted with the school name and URL, as well as a “Thank You for Your Support” message. Each bookmark came in a swag bag along with a wellness information pamphlet and healthy snacks. “They chose this item because it’s related to learning, reading and education,” says Sumner. “The program ordered 1,500 rulers and gave out 1,300 of them. The remaining 200 were donated to the school as supplies.”
Sumner says book accessories are ideal for recipients of all ages, at any education level, and shouldn’t be pigeonholed as an item appropriate only for the school market. “In addition to schools,” says Sumner, “they’re great for bookshops, coffee shops, travel agencies, hotels/resorts, libraries, book signings and much more.”
Journeys of a Lifetime details 500 of the world’s greatest trips in beautiful photos. From National Geographic Society, asi/73383, 202-857-7337.
The Everything I Know About… series of books are blank inside and feature a cover imprint of the recipient’s name as the author. Topics include sales, business, politics, golf and more. From Book Architects, asi/41018, 937-224-1707.
Cookbook for tailgaters features ring-bound binding and full-color imprint on the cover. It’s perfect as a promotion for sports teams. From Tradenet Publishing, asi/91760, 800-884-7301.
Retiring employees and graduates will appreciate this motivational book that’s filled with sayings from Benjamin Franklin. From Peter Pauper Press, asi/77802, 914-681-0144.
First Aid and Me, a title in the All About Me series of educational books for children, accommodates a child’s headshot on each page, making them the star of the story. From Better Life Line, asi/40390, 800-635-1107.
Series of hardcover storybooks follow the adventures of Lola and her dog Woofy in 28 pages. Think preschools and day care centers. From Dollar Days Inc., asi/50287, 877-837-9569.
The Reader’s Pal bookmark doubles as a ruler and magnifier. Choose from a variety of stock designs or create your own. From Bay State Specialty Co., asi/38980, 866-947-6708.
Garden centers will love this biodegradable eco-paper bookmark. It’s embedded with wildflower seeds and has a butterfly design. From Illini, asi/62190, 800-935-5472.
Creativity, Inc., written by Pixar and Disney Animation president Ed Catmull, provides insight into creativity in business. Could be an ideal fourth-quarter employee gift. From The Book Company, asi/41010, 800-367-9388.
Coloring book teaches children about safety on the Internet. From Norwood US, asi/74400, 877-667-9663.
Best of the Best cookbook showcases favorite recipes from across Pennsylvania. Choose cookbooks with recipes from all 50 states. Perfect for the tourism and hospitality industries. From The Promotional Bookstore, asi/79369, 717-846-3865.
Kids’ coloring book has 12 inner pages printed in black and white. Choose from a variety of themes, including anti-bullying, firefighting, calling 911 and more. Excellent for libraries and schools. From Essef Distributors, asi/52710, 516-741-4140.