TruWireless vs. AirPods

Just this past Tuesday, we, the Edmonton BrandAlliance office, had a PCNA Presentation with Leeds (and Bullet) by Matt Herod. As he showcases all the new items for the fall season, one item in particular caught my attention: ifidelity TruWireless Bluetooth Earbuds, a true cable-free device to satisfy all your audio needs.

• Features:
  - Bluetooth connectivity
  - 4 hours of talk time
  - Mic and Music control
  - A carrying case that double as charging station (up to 3 full charges)
  - Price (CDN) : $137.38 decorated, 1st column 

The following day happens to be the Apple Press Conference. As the vast majority focus on the big announcements about the new iPhone 7, I found my interest fell on the AirPods system (and the fact that Apple continues to boldly move away from old technology like the 3.5-mm analog jack), more so than anything else during the Live stream presentation.

• Features:
  - Wireless connectivity with other Apple devices*
  - 5 hours of battery life on 1 charger
  - Built-in W1 chip to manage battery life and mic/audio quality
  - A carrying case that double as charging station (more than 24hr battery life and 15 mins quick charge capability)
  - Price (CDN) : $219.00 

*Apple never once mention the word "Bluetooth" during their press conference. Therefore, it is safe to assume that it is connectivity is done through an internal technology developed by Apple, hence it only works with other Apple devices.

Both items, similar in functionality and features. It is hard not to compare the two.

With the W1 Chip to manage audio quality and a slightly longer battery life. The Apple Airpods most definitely pack more of a punch in terms of technology in such small package. But of course, that also mean a much higher price point, and quite possibility one of the highest price of its class.

In comparison, the TruWireless Earbuds is much more device-friendly with the built in Bluetooth system. Also, by having the mic and audio control on the device will provide a level of hands-on convenience to some.

#PromoProduct Tradeshows

January is the time where #PromoProduct suppliers showcase their newest products to distributors such as us. By the same token, this is also the time where I receive the most catalogues and emails about the new products for 2015. This may take a while to review simply going through all these reading materials. Well, I guess I better start reading; there is no time to waste for the latest and greatest!

There is, however, another way to shorten the process of exploring new products. That is, to attention the two biggest trade shows in the industry, one in Las Vegas and the other in Toronto. The Las Vegas show is called the PPAI Expo, hosted by Promotional Products Association International. This show features more than 1300 exhibiting companies showcasing more than a quarter million products. A few of my colleague is currently attending that show and I should receive their review upon their return this week.

Click here for more information about the PPAI Expo:

http://expo.ppai.org/

The other one is the PPPC National Convention hosted by the Promotional Product Professionals of Canada. It is relatively smaller than the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and its biggest difference (and perhaps advantage) is it focuses mainly on connecting suppliers and distributors who operate in Canada. This show takes place between January 26 and January 30^th. I will try my best to record my finding of that show during that time, so stay tuned!

Here is the schedule of events for the PPPC National Convention:

http://www.promocan.com/tradeshow-calendar/

2013 was the year of Bluetooth speakers, whereas 2014 was the year of the powerbanks. Now I wonder, what is the next big #PromoProduct for 2015? I guess I will find out once I get to summarize all the discoveries from the two shows.

My Top Pick of the Year

As it comes to the end of 2014, perhaps it is also a good time to pick my favorite #PromoProduct of the year. There is but one criterion that must be fulfill in order for this particular #PromoProduct to become my top pick of the year, which is, it must be a pick in a promotion for at least one client or one event in 2014. Without further ado, may I present to you, my favorite #PromoProduct of 2014.

Zoom™ Energy Mini

Image retrieve from Leeds

Description: Small and compact the 2,800 mAh Li-Ion Samsung battery device is small enough to put into a pocket, yet powerful enough to charge an iPad, iPhone or other tablets and smartphones, like Android OS or Windows mobile devices. "Zoom" charging technology quickly and safely allows you to charge your device at an output speed up to 2.1 Amps, so you can keep your mobile devices operational.

Overall, I had great success with Powerbank in 2014. However, I do find the products from the Zoom™ brand are well constructed and economically priced. This particular item also allow for full color imprint (at additional cost), which allows for artistically creative design to elevate client’s brand if needed.

As I look forward to 2015, I wish to spend more time on this blog and write more about things that I come across in the #PromoProduct world. For those visited this blog, Thank you for spending the time and I hope you will come back for another visit in 2015.

Happy New Year!

Chocolate Bar

We are now half way through November, and I hope you've decided the promotional tactics for Christmas. If not, just note that you are cutting it close, considering some project may take up to 4 weeks to complete. Especially in the case with #PromoProduct, logistical planning should be done as early as possible to ensure delivery prior to Christmas Day.

My favorite #PromoProduct during this time is Chocolate bar. Not just a normal 1.75-2oz chocolate bar with a customizable wrapper, but rather a custom molded 2lb chocolate bar with a full color wrapper band as decoration. This particular chocolate bar is perfect as business-to-business gift. You may choose to package it with an engraved hammer for your recipients to break the chocolate into smaller, edible pieces. 

Picture taken by Chocolate Chocolate

I also believe that this is the perfect time to promo with chocolate-made items as well, especially for Canada. The main reason is the lower temperature; shipping chocolate-made items during warmer temperature will require additional packaging cost to ensure the chocolates do not melt during transit. In the same token, shipments during the lower temperature seasons eliminate those costs completely.

Mobile Device Accessories

Arguably, mobile phone is probably the most often used technology by the general public these days. No wonder there are hundreds of #PromoProduct that accessorize mobile phones in the market; cases, screen cloths, Bluetooth® headsets, speakers and pen-stylus just to name a few.

My recent favorite is a desk accessory that holds mobile devices, and it also double as a screen cleaner. It is called The Wedge™ Mobile Device Stand. Not only it is useful and functional, it also does not discriminate between Smartphones model; it will work with non-Smartphone too, in case you are wondering. Finally, this particular item allows for a full-color design, so let your creativity fly!

Check them out at http://www.toddygear.com/collections/the-wedge-mobile-device-stand

Seasonally Minded...

Thanksgiving Day was last week in Canada, which explains why I took a week off from writing this blog :). Now that I think about it, there are at least one major seasonal event on every month of the year. Some of these seasonal event may be universal (ex. Christmas Day, Valentine's Day), others are more local and unique to a specific region (ex. British Columbia Day).

I think as marketer, we should be extensively aware of these seasonal holidays and events. These themed-days provide opportunities to do a communication, or a touch point, to connect with clients and potential clients. We may not necessary need to plan something for every single one of them, but note that it may become a gateway to a dialog for future business opportunities.

Our office usually does something for Halloween every year and this year is no different. The #PromoProduct of choice is a custom carved pumpkins with our clients' name/logo/message on them. It is not so much a promotional-oriented effort, it is more of a special gift for our key clients. Once again, a touch point generated by a seasonal event.

Be Creative By Design

Business runs on budget planning and proper expenditure execution. Marketing, being one of the business functions, cannot escape the fate of the limitation by a certain budget. To put this into context of purchasing #PromoProduct as a marketing means, these goods of supporting promotional goal(s) are drawn from the overall marketing budget.

So here's a thought, we easily get caught up finding the right #PromoProduct within a certain budget. Focus on items that have a price point near the maximum of the predetermined budget level, then slap a logo on these theme-fitted, functional products in hoping the end user would keep and use them. 

Without a doubt, this model does work. But a couple questions pop up immediately: What stopping your competitor to do the same thing, promo the same way? How can you differentiate your brand by choosing items that are easily accessible by everyone?

There is a solution to both of these questions - Be Creative By Design, in terms of the imprint. Shift some of the focus from the item to the design; having a little bit more that just a plain logo. Design a theme that will work with the overall branding of a logo, then integrate it in #PromoProduct that allows for such creativity. Select items that allow different decoration methods (transfer, deboss, laser, etc), have large and multiple imprint areas, support full color printing capability. For wearable, position the artwork away from the common areas such as left chest and right sleeves. At the end of the day, be different!

I did come across a project this week that support this Creative by Design model. It is a square acrylic paperweight for the University of Alberta - Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. A prime example of a stunning full color design on a simple #PromoProduct.