Now that the kids are back to school and sport has resumed, hearing this urgent question is a very common occurrence in my house. We have serial offenders, they know who they are, no need to name and shame here. Reasons given are plentiful, and include but definitely not limited to, lost at the sports field, left at school, taken by a colleague from the work kitchen, absorbed into the abyss of the car back seat. Sometimes they are not actually lost at all and are in plain sight to the calm and collected, but invisible to the panic stricken who should have left 10 minutes ago.

But I have noticed, since we are now able to go about our business as relatively normal as current circumstances allow, this shortage is very apparent. My theory is that the wonderful supply that comes through our doors, as part of an event haul, sports club kit handout or your companies in office stash has all but dried up.

It reminds me that while promotional merchandise is ultimately aimed at the giver’s customer base, they do become part of everyday life once unleashed into the community. Continuing their work, out and about on an everyday basis delivering their brand name to the many that will see, use and be grateful for.

So, if it’s time to restock your merch cupboard, get your little merch ambassadors back out there working hard for your brand, please give us a call. We will help you find what best suits, and who knows your bottle could save the day in someone’s house very soon.

Sustainability is great for the environment, it makes sense, it seems obvious. But incorporating a more sustainable outlook and strategy means many facets of the business need to come together and work towards this common goal.

The promotional product industry is no different. As a supplier to many corporates and organisations we are accountable too.

In the past environmentally sound merchandise was 9 times out of 10 more expensive than other less sustainable options, however attitudes are changing and there is more choice in the market , we are also seeing these items priced at less of a premium.

Bamboo, organic cotton, PET are common alternatives.

73 Percent of Millennials Are Willing to Spend More Money on This 1 Type of Product | Inc.com

Choosing more eco merchandise may also be better for your business, how you are perceived by YOUR customers and what actions you are seen to be taking.

It may also affect new clients desire to do business with you.

Although a small cog in a bigger marketing wheel, it makes sense that your branded merchandise represents your outlook to this highly topical global conversation and movement.

Do Customers Really Care About Your Environmental Impact? (forbes.com)

At Mazing Merch we have partnered with Ecologi, and commit to offsetting our impact on this beautiful planet of ours. For every $500 of merchandise that is purchased, we plant x10 trees on behalf of our client. Looking forward to watching the Mazing Merch forests grow.

Ever wondered if promotional products could work for your brand? Or question if its worth the investment? Let me share with you why we think they can add that something something to every brand

Whatever you choose for your promotional item it’s going to be very different from other traditional marketing strategies and will offer its own unique benefits. For one it’s 3d and tactile, its sent home with your customer, who doesn’t like a freebie gift? Your brand is visible in your customers everyday lives. It becomes a billboard for your name.

Choose wisely and the impact on your customer of your promotional item in relation to your brand will reap many benefits.

This includes, but not limited to- care factor, on trend, environmental message, showing you know your customer, showing the personality of your brand, longevity of message

Branded promotional merchandise when chosen well, work hard and give you a lot of bang for your buck..

It’s the choose wisely process that we are experts in. Our mission is to make you look good. Allow you to bask in the favourable responses of a promotion well executed. We will have you front of mind when new products get released, and work along side you in finding that something something that really works hard for your brand.

Furthermore, can contributing to a cause help a business in making money?

I think the answer is yes. In the world in which we live these days, our collective social conscience is better and more important to us than it was 5, 10, 20 years ago. Sure, the ever-present self interest means most people and most businesses want to maximise their earnings, but people want to do it in a way that makes them feel good and doesn’t deny them sleep.

Whether your thing is supporting the local soccer team, contributing to a charity because someone close to you was affected or a desire to ensure your great grand children enjoy this planet as much as you have, most people get a non-economic ‘feel good’ benefit out of doing something good for someone or some cause.

But, can doing good be blended effectively with doing well as a business? There are more than a few examples, both in Australia and globally, to say ‘yes they can’. Big successful businesses like Patagonia, Zambrero, Air BnB & L’Oreal use ‘cause marketing’ extensively, as well as Aussie grown brands like Sendle & Who Gives A Crap.

Carolyn Butler-Madden of The Cause Effect has been helping business plenty doing good with doing well for a few years now and has written a couple of books on the subject along the way. I would recommend any marketer with a social conscious and a big idea to read her stuff to inspire a way to help your boss and your cause at the same time.

https://www.thecauseeffect.com.au/post/how-you-can-build-a-profit-through-purpose

https://www.thecauseeffect.com.au/post/how-to-put-purpose-at-the-centre-of-your-brand

https://www.thecauseeffect.com.au/post/a-purpose-for-australia