Keeping Your Client Chilled This Summer

Well here we go my first promotional products review and recommendation.  We all know that the economy has fallen apart and budgets are all but gone from many of our customers.  That does not mean they are totally gone though and there are still some clients actively buying.  What is important at this stage is making sure whatever you give away at the next trade show is actually a meaningful gift that somebody may use.

Today we will discuss the PolyPro Insulated Tote which has all the features of a more expensive personalized tote at a much lower cost of ownership.  For starters this is one strong tote with reinforced handles and seams.  You can really stuff this to capacity and it will not burst or tear unless you use something with sharp edges.  The insulating material meets the new safety standards and will be significantly free of lead.  Although not yet available in a bunch of colors that will likely come with time.  This item is in direct competition with the Bagmakers insulated tote which long ago became a huge hit in the industry but is still priced well north of three dollars.  That puts it above the price point many customers are looking to hit during the downturn.  PolyPro has been a huge hit this season due to the reduced costs associated with making the product.  The PolyPro Padfolio from Norwood and Air-Tek.   Air-Tek was once an independent company that was gobbled up by Norwood several years ago and is now under their umbrella.  2009 is the first year it appears that Norwood is trying to market all of their brands as sub-lines versus independent lines.  This makes it a lot easier on the customer and the distributor as the information is finally in one place.   This padfolio is stylish and organized which will make your organization look professional with a logo splashed across the front.  With a regular sized writing pad on the inside and room to hold business cards and a CD holder it is the total package.  

PolyPro will likely enjoy a long life in the industry especially given the financial constraints placed on many budgets right now.  Although it will not last as long as traditional padfolios made from the durahyde type materials it should last for quite a few years of routine use.  The proper expectation needs to be set though, this is not a material that should be given in a premium situation.  For that use the higher end fake leather or even full leather.   In my next review we will try to include some images.