Custom Print Bags - Three Things to Keep in Mind by Iran Schwartz
Every year, companies pour millions of dollars into advertising and marketing their brand in order to establish themselves in the marketplace. They advertise, they market, and they brand everything from clothes to pens and coffee cups.
But what about bags?
Most people don't think about the bags they bring home from stores. They shove them under the sink, use them to clean up after the family pets, or drop them off to recycle. However, many companies have seen custom print bags as a vital marketing opportunity. And they're starting to take advantage of it.
A December 2007 article in the New York Times discussed how major retailers like Lord & Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, Macy's and Juicy Couture are moving away from disposable one-shot bags. Instead, they're investing in high-quality, custom print bags their customers not only love, but also use over and over again. How's that for stretching your advertising budget?
Custom print bags give your company additional exposure in a competitive market. Maintain a commitment to quality by providing custom bags that match the quality of the products customers are buying.
That bag may reappear later as an extra purse or an overnight bag. Other potential customers will see that bag with your name and logo and they will associate your company with quality. Customers also remember the bag they received from you, and that will be a factor in future shopping decisions. Custom print bags can help encourage customer loyalty.
When you're ordering custom print bags, here are three things you need to keep in mind.
1) What is the use of the bag?
More than anything else, your bag's use will affect the choices you have in terms of material and quantity. Depending on the use you have in mind, some materials will work better than others.
For example, a San Diego sheriff contacted us to make a bag for prisoners to use for the commissary. Since he wanted a reusable bag, it couldn't be paper, so we decided to use vinyl. However, we couldn't give a vinyl bag to prisoners as-is. It might end up over someone's head. So, we designed the bag with plenty of holes in it.
Though this is an extreme example, it does illustrate the importance of planning for the intended use of your custom print bags. It helps a bag supplier decide how to best meet your needs.
2) How many do you need?
The number of bags you need plays a crucial role in what your bag supplier can do for you. This is something your supplier will want to know even before you discuss materials for your bag. Certain custom print bags simply cannot be manufactured cost-effectively in small quantities.
It costs the same for the manufacturer to start up the printing press whether they're printing one bag or 100,000 bags. The economy of scale comes from the printing machine running for longer periods of time.
For example, if you want to print a picture of your store on your bag, but you only want 1,000 bags, the printing cost would be $400 per bag. That's simply not feasible for you or your bag supplier. However, if you ordered 10,000 of those custom print bags instead, the cost per bag scales down considerably.
3) Paper, plastic, or vinyl?
Once a bag supplier has established the use and quantity for your bag, then it's time to consider which material you'd prefer, whether it's paper, plastic or vinyl. For example, if you're going to a trade show, a high-end paper bag with rope handles is an excellent choice. You can also make it glossy or matte for a more sophisticated image.
Your bag supplier will be able to guide you in choosing the best material for your quantity of custom print bags. While your first choice for material will probably work, there may be other factors to consider. For example, paper bags below a certain quantity can not be made in custom sizes. If you are absolutely set on getting that size, discuss it with your bag supplier to find a workable solution.
Mark your brand with custom print bags
These are some things you need to consider when you're ordering custom print bags. Choose your bags well, and not only will they get your products from point A to point B, but your customers will continue to use them, stretching your advertising dollars. Choose wrong, and the only other things the bags will be carrying are the remnants from the litter box.
About the Author
Iran Schwartz is the president of BagsOnTheNet, a bag supplier who markets online. They've helped thousands of clients as diverse as the WWE, Rosemount Wine and WestPoint Home to fulfill their bagging needs, including custom bags and printing on tight deadlines. Visit them online at http://www.bagsonthenet.com to see how they can help you.
Komentar