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<title>Engraving Etc. Forum - Ad Specialties/ Promotional - RSS Feed</title>
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<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5313.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 21 Feb 2007 09:17:34 UT</pubDate>
  <title>How's PMDM work?</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5313.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Carl (CSEWELL)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Becky;

Any updates on your venture into the promotional business?]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5313.1</comments>
</item>
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  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5978.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:16:35 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Promo Products Vent</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5978.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Patty (PDI)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[And don't forget how you have to drop everything to sign off on the proof...and call to confirm it shipped...and track it when it doesn't arrive...and ....]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5978.1</comments>
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  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5947.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 04 Feb 2007 12:25:30 UT</pubDate>
  <title>SAGE Upgrade</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5947.1</link>
  <dc:creator>JHayes55</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[David  - Toni does the Sage side of things in our shop - she mentioned something about this over the weekend.   I will have her give you some thoughts about the upgrade on Monday or Tuesday.  I don't think she has had much time to evaluate it yet.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5947.1</comments>
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<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5835.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 24 Jan 2007 11:24:18 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Color Separation in Corel</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5835.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Becky (KIAIJANE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Harvey and David-
Thank you for reminding me of 2 very important things in this thread....

1. Why I never wanted to sell promotional products..(because I have spent waaayy to much time on this already) LOL

2.  How wonderful it is to have friends that are sooo smart!!  

Thanks so much guys!  You've gotten me over a speed bump (again)
Becky]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5835.1</comments>
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<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5549.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 22 Dec 2006 15:34:36 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Order cancelled, should I refund anything??</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5549.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Peter</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[A  P.S.

Just so you know, we arent losing any custom to  other Engravers as a result of our professional position, quite the opposite...

It really is refreshing for many customers/clients to be able to deal with the level of professionalism we offer, rather than a mealy mouthed, indecisive, unsure of own policy, easily manipulated two bit operation.
The end result is ....word of mouth spreads and you end up with what you sow.....Which for us is great to see, we've got fields of ripe quality wheat springing up...even in a drought !

Think about it and go with what you think is right..youve got to be comfortable with yourself..

We're just thankful we get the clients that want the level of professionalism we offer.


read my comments as you will B-) 

regards
Peter]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5549.1</comments>
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  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5395.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 23 Nov 2006 19:44:23 UT</pubDate>
  <title>AI vs. Corel</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5395.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Becky,

We didn't have any Thanksgiving plans until 3:00.   We went down to Kansas City for a nice dinner and to enjoy the Country Club Plaza lighting ceremony as we do every year.  It is a site to be seen.  This is the 77th year of the Plaza lighting.  Here is a link to the event.  They start stringing the lights up beginning in August.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5395.1</comments>
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  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5110.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Mon, 16 Oct 2006 15:07:56 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Ad speciality pricing</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5110.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LARRY (CENTURYBADGE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Hi,
  A is 50 off, B is 45 off and C is 40 off. Your cost is 60% of the retail price plus freight and any set up charges that have.  When selling Ad Specialties you have towatch for those extra charges and make sure you charge your customer for them.
   Good Luck,
    Larry]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=5110.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3933.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 26 May 2006 02:29:23 UT</pubDate>
  <title>SAGE/ASI Supplier Pricing</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3933.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[quote: Apparently there are people importing and imprinting the glassware for less than most of us can purchase the glasses for wholesale. Has anyone else encountered this situation? How can we as suppliers and distributers deal with this type of competition?


Linda,
    I would have to guess the that folks that are importing the glasses are importing them from China.....one can import things from China in less than container load and considerably cheaper than the same item can be had in America. I would venture to say that any of the sites you are looking at, do NOT offer &#34;CUSTOM&#34; engraving, but I could be wrong..I have not looked into it.  But if they do, there would be a &#34;lead&#34; time I am sure....and they probably do not do the etching in house. It is darned near impossible to compete with that, and one would be wise in &#34;my&#34; opinion not to try. Yet we do. 
    So to answer your question as to &#34;how&#34; do we compete with that, I believe the ONLY weapon we have is SERVICE.  We MUST provide THE best service possible...doing things our competition will not do, such as stay late to allow for a pick up, or to accept an order. Deliver, even if it is a bit inconvenient.....have a clean and varied showroom.... and NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. Develop relationships. As Stephen Capper writes in one of the trade magazines, &#34;People buy from People&#34;. You may not be the cheapest, but if you are the most personable, most professional, most prompt, most service oriented you WILL win.

Just my two cents. Want change?]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3933.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3656.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 28 Apr 2006 16:26:08 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Promo Suppliers</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3656.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LipChip</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Hello Mike,

Nice to meet you.   SFV is correct.  

David Takes also gave &#34;great&#34; advice in his posting.

One of my primary focuses in the promotions market (ASI, PPAI, SAGE, and others) is with our glass, ceramics, crystal, acrylics, plastics decoration partner, which we have been working with for over 3 years. We have worked with them on sublimation (which they have now decided to jointly go into in extremely large production runs), decal manufacturing and decoration possibilities, and direct flatbed printing solutions.

Another of our joint ventures with the direct flatbed printing will start with one of the top &#34;keychain&#34; suppliers to the ASI/PPAI/SAGE market with our direct printing machines being shown starting at the Philadelphia Show at the end of May.  These are the www.swi-usa.com printers/ Super A3 and A4 models.  Direct &#34;full color photo&#34; printing into plastics, without any pre-coatings.  These are specialty LipChip HOT (heat cured inks), that's what SWI calls them, and they will be printing directly to many surfaces for the promotional products market.

Just email me when you need some help.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3656.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3383.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 31 Mar 2006 21:39:52 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Crystal Key Chains</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3383.1</link>
  <dc:creator>big b (INDY77)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Does anyone know of a good place to purchase blank crystal key chains.
Laser Bits is at about $2 each. I found a importer that will engrave
for .87 for qty of 2000 pcs. Want to engrave them myself. 
Thanks in advance for your help]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3383.1</comments>
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<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3296.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Thu, 30 Mar 2006 13:17:16 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Getting into promotional products..do you have any tips?</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3296.1</link>
  <dc:creator>UncleSteve</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[&#34;End quantity pricing&#34; referring to the maximum &#34;listed&#34; discount available based on large quantity orders.  It is made available for smaller quantities as an incentive.
]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3296.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3352.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 29 Mar 2006 22:43:03 UT</pubDate>
  <title>T-Shirts - yeah or neah??</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3352.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Bieb (HABIEB)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Joyce, I tell them I will do as little as my screen printer will do. **BUT** they always get charged the screen setup charge, I don't always add $$ to the screen charge. So if my printer charges $25 for a one color screen and the customer wants 5 shirts (I will charge alittle extra on the low number of T-shirts) I tell them the shirts will cost X (let's say for $10 for this example) then the screen charge of $25, so their actual cost per shirt is $15.00. I explain if they do more shirts obviously the per shirt cost gets lower since you are spreading out the screen charge. I have learned that some people are willing to spend the extra money for a short run (sorta like an exclusive shirt). I also make custom mini helmets for teams and individuals, if you were to contact me and order say 12 helmets I might charge 25-30 depending on the amount of my time to apply the decals and such, but if you call and only want 1 or 2, price is going to be somewhere around $50-55 plus shipping. I have had probably 12 requests for 1 or 2 helmets and only one guy balked at that price. Alot of people understand that 1 or 2 is much more expensive than 12 or 24 or whatever number.

Find the screen printer that you like, go visit them all, see which one is willing to work with you, which one is open to showing and explaining their operation, and get a feel for if they will go around you directly to your customers. The one screen printer I use, she told me up front, I will never go after your customers directly, I don't have time to put a sales person out there, I would much rather deal with companies that are re-selling, they can do all the leg work for correct artwork, etc. 

Best of luck now that you are in the T-shirt business, and don't forget sweatshirts. Also, find that embroiderer (dress shirts, golf shirts and hats)

Harold

My motto, which I have seen on this forum before is to never tell a customer I can't do an item. If I dont have a source already, I will find one quickly. I can't stand to leave money on the table, or let a competitor get a foot in with a customer.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=3352.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2707.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2006 20:07:11 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Joining Promotional Products Association</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2707.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Becca (BECLYON)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Thank you, very good points. I've gotten some very good advice from those who are more experienced than I. I think building slowly is the best idea.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2707.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2048.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:34:10 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Free Promo Tips</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2048.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Hi Gang,
    At the recent NBM show in Long Beach I met Jeffrey Solomon. He introduced me to his site www.freepromotips.com I have checked it out a couple of times and have gleaned some information from it. He also puts out a montly maybe weekly news letter via email with tips tricks and ideas.

   It might be worth a look to you.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=2048.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=828.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2005 13:43:00 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Ad Specialties</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=828.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Brian,
     I've  been using sage for about 4 months now.  I'm quite pleased.]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=828.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=1236.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 29 Apr 2005 16:16:38 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Commission rates for Sales People</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=1236.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Hey Hi Gang,
     Does anyone have any ideas about commission rates for sales people selling Ad Specialties? Or anything else in this industry?
     I have ideas from my previous life as a sweat hog, but this is different.

Thanks]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=1236.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=883.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:05:57 UT</pubDate>
  <title>High School Reunion Idea</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=883.1</link>
  <dc:creator>Engravin' Dave (DATAKES)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[GB,

The company website is www.mvsport.com.  They sell to promotional product distributors and their number is 800-367-7900.

These albums are screened by hand so they are only offering a one-color imprint.  The set-up charge is $25 net.  The unit prices are listed below and are discounted on a (C).

72-143  ~  $13.75 ea.
144-999  ~  $12.50 ea.

&#160;

&#160;]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=883.1</comments>
</item>
<item>
  <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=832.1</guid>
  <pubDate>Wed, 16 Feb 2005 14:36:17 UT</pubDate>
  <title>Thank you all</title>
  <link>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=832.1</link>
  <dc:creator>LaZerDude (C_BURKE)</dc:creator>
  <description><![CDATA[Many Thanks to everyone for their responses. I can see that there is a bunch of stuff I need to learn

I'm thankful for this forum and everyone on it, and to the Lavenari's for setting it up, and everyone that helps keep it going.

What a valuable resource we have.


Chuck
Pacific????????? ( In the middle of a name change )
Maui]]></description>
  <comments>https://www.engravingetc.org:443/archive/index.php?webtag=EE&amp;msg=832.1</comments>
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