Expand Your Network with Customer Retention Programs

Calendars Make Great Retention Gifts!

Surveys have shown that 7 out of 10 customers are lost because of indifference.  The competition made them feel more important, and did not take them for granted.   That’s a huge number of losses for a problem that easy to fix.  It makes sense that if you’re not making quality connections with your customers and making them feel appreciated, some other company (your competition) will.

It’s also been proven that it’s easier and more profitable to keep existing customers than to gain new customers.  Existing customers know who you are, and they trust that you can deliver.  They typically spend more and they have the ability to provide referrals to your organization.  So why not reward them for contributing to your success?

Keep your customers by generating a “system” that works in conjunction with other advertising to keep your name front and center with the public all year long.  Utilize a plan that will allow you to routinely make connections with customers, members, and sponsors as well as the people you want to do business with in the future.  Your plan should also provide feedback and information to help you constantly improve your process.

Go beyond regular communication channels with thoughtfully selected business gifts that fit your budget, while gaining the attention of your customers.  Executing a retention program at least once per quarter can go a long way toward keeping members, customers, prospects and clients happy.

Using custom printed items in your retention program will make customers feel appreciated and help them to identify with your company, thus providing a connection that goes beyond email campaigns and direct mail.  Providing custom printed items empowers customers to advertise for you without even knowing it, by displaying your items on their desks and in their homes! With benefits like that, need we say more?

Now that you know about the benefits of retaining and rewarding customers, your immediate task is to find items that will fit the needs of your organization.  That’s where we can contribute the most by providing high quality items for your program as well as program support.  Don’t take your customers for granted, expand your network and contact us for help with getting started or implementing your next retention program.

How to Get Started with Christmas Ornament Fundraising

Popular Fundraiser

Any organization (churches, schools, sports teams, fraternities/sororities, reunion groups, clubs, etc) can run a Christmas Ornament fundraiser.  In fact, it’s something that many groups run on an annual basis. Ornament fundraisers are fun, easy, and profitable for all involved.  Read our ornament fundraising brochure for review or forwarding to your colleagues. Here are the program basics to get you started. Follow these steps to get started!

Design Your Ornament

• Decide on an imprint for your ornament.  Some ideas include using your logo, team mascot,  building, your slogan, holiday message, add your school, business or organization name, team name and/or year.  Some organizations have contests to obtain ideas, and get members involved.
• If you don’t know where to start on your ornament design, contact us for ideas. We provide free artwork assistance and clip art options for your design. Each ornament has an artwork template that can be used to make designing easy.
• After your artwork is received, we’ll make a proof of your custom ornament and fax or email it as an attachment for your approval.

Choose Your Ornament

• Pick an ornament from our Holiday Catalog 2009. If you don’t see an ornament in our catalog that you like, send us your requirements and we will find an ornament that meets your needs.

Place Your Order

• Once the order information and artwork are received, we will fulfill your order, including any reorders. You have several options for submitting your order, including our “no risk” option that allows you lots of flexibility based on your needs. Your organization can purchase ornaments before orders are taken or you can “pre-sell” them collecting money ahead of time based on your needs and your time line.
• Reorders are easy and ship in one to two weeks, depending on time of the year – it is a good idea to check with us on the current re-order lead time. The holidays are very busy so lead times may be longer. Since we would have all your order and artwork information reordering will be easier.

Promote Your Fundraiser

• You can start pre-selling the ornaments based on the artwork and proof or we can provide samples that you can display on order taking days. So when your ornaments are delivered, you may have already sold them all! Contact us for our “no risk” option that may be a good fit for your needs.
• We have many resources available to promote your fundraiser, including our fundraising guide, flyers, order forms, banners, and samples that can be displayed on order taking days.
• Ornaments make great holiday gifts for family members and friends and we have a number of ornament types to choose from.
• Check our holiday catalog or contact us for more information and ornaments (and other items) that can be used for your next fundraiser!

6 Ways to Make the Most of Your Holiday Budget

The end of the year presents several great opportunities for your organization. The economy may make it a little more challenging to buy business gifts for everyone on your list, so we thought we’d share some tips to help make the most of your advertising dollars.

Here are our 6 tips for stretching those dollars:

1. Start a Fundraiser. Implement some fundraising activities during the holidays to offset holiday expenditures. Visit our blog for fundraising ideas .
2. Set Goals, Make Lists. Think of all the people who contributed to your sucess this year and place them on categorized lists. Prioritize your lists of important people and set budget limits for each. Categories may include customers, employees, sponsors, suppliers and people you’d like to do business with.
3. Plan Ahead. Order custom printed items early to avoid rush charges for expedited production and shipment. Get the best selection on items that are high on your priority list when you order early.
4. Take Advantage of Discounts. Take advantage of quantity discounts by planning ahead and using the lists created in tip #2. The more items you order, the higher the discount. Many items are available with end quantity pricing to allow for even more savings.
5. Choose a Basic Imprint. Decide on an imprint that will work for all or most of your holiday gifts, fundraisers and business giveaway items. This will simplify ordering and possibly allow you to take advantage of more quantity discounts. Full color imprinting allows you to have photgraphic reproductions of items at no additional cost. Some ideas might include your building, photos of important events or people, landmarks and more.
6. Choose Items That are Flexible. Select items that will give your advertising message mileage into next year. Sticking with a basic imprint will make items good for not only the holidays, but the following year. Items like calendars are an inexpensive way to keep your name in front of customers all year long and they make great holiday gifts.

Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a more satisfying and stress free holiday season.  For product or fundraising information, call, email or visit us at www.customtshirtmakers.com.

Custom Printed Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

Featuring Low Minimum Quantities and Full Color Imprinting

Our holiday catalog is here! And it features low minimum quantities, full color imprinting and business gifts for everyone on your list! Full color digital imprinting is available for many items, allowing you to have full color printing in as many colors as you like for no additional charge!

Screen printing and embroidery also available on many of our holiday items.  Make sure to order early to avoid rush charges for delivery and production.

Many items are a great fit for holiday fundraisers and stores.  Check with us for the best in holiday fundraising ideas, now is the time to advertise your fundraisers to allow for holiday delivery.

Contact us for product information and artwork assistance.

Be More Effective with No Risk Fundraising Programs

In tough economic times, raising money for your project, charity or mission can be a challenge. Reach beyond traditional fundraisers like bake sales, car washes, dinners and craft sales with custom printed items. Traditional fund raisers are great for raising money and wonderful for bring people together. At the same time they are limited by the number of pies that can be baked, or the number of cars that can be washed in any given day. Everyone is over committed, so there’s not a lot of time left to bake enough of everything to sell and make a hefty profit. Traditional fundraisers are limited by time allotted for the sale (usually a few hours), prep time, and a number work and human resources outside of the actual sale day.

It’s easier to raise funds by selling items that are made by others, have an affordable cost per unit, with an unlimited supply, that are practical, well received and have high perceived value in any economy.  Sell items that display your organization’s custom imprint and fit into your organization’s theme that are being used now… and recognized by every day people. That means no hype and no arm twisting to get them to purchase.

This time of year provides an excellent opportunity for fundraising with commemorative plates, bells, ornaments and more. Feature candid shots and pictures of your members, special events, groups, committees, and buildings and grounds in full color digital imprinting with custom calendars. View our video to learn how to use custom printed items to enhance your fundraising efforts.

It’s Not Too Late to Save on Halloween Treat Bags!

No Set up Charge for Full Color Designs

Halloween Stock Designs – FREE

Save and Beat the Holiday Rush!

Great for Service Organizations, Day Cares,  Schools, Costume Rentals, Newspapers, Pediatric Hospitals and More!

Order Halloween trick or treat bags with or without coupon attachments, in plastic, metallic and full color digital imprints.  Print your advertising message and/or coupon at the bottom of the bag or on full back of bag.

Order selected bags (10 day service) by 10/19/09 in time for Halloween delivery. After that date, rush production and/or delivery charges may apply.  Order must be received by the factory with artwork approval by 10/19/09 to receive items by Halloween.

Don’t wait until the last minute, make sure to allow time to distribute your bags in time for beggars night in your local area. If you’re organization is supporting neighborhood parties and activities, make sure to order in time to stuff bags and have them ready for guests.  Remember, production time does not include time for delivery… avoid extra charges for rush production and delivery!

Contact us for more information.

Bring Back Customers with Coupon Bags!

Jack O Lantern Gift Baskets are the Perfect Treat

Pumpkin Treats and Giveaways

There’s still time to order  custom printed Halloween gift baskets!  This Jack O Lantern gift basket makes a great Halloween treat and adds a metal bucket keepsake as an extra! Other baskets are available.

This basket can be ordered with no imprinting, and production is 7 working days plus shipping. For a custom imprint add options like imprinted ribbon, custom mugs,  gift cards or custom labels.  Custom baskets will have a longer production time, depending on the items added.  Visit us for more details…

Custom Apparel and Promotional Items Jack O Lantern Gift Basket, Baskets.