Bags, totes, and cosmetic pouches are among the most popular and most customizable promotional products our there. Corporations hand them out, trade show booths are filled with them, and everyone is familiar with the gift with purchase cosmetic bags that companies like Clinique and Lancome offer. There are 2 ways to create a custom bag campaign. The first option is to choose from a pre-existing selection of cute, designer bags and totes. This is referred to as “stock bags” because we already have the bags readily available in stock, and we are able to easily imprint or embroider, within certain parameters, upon request.

The second option is to create your own bag from start to finish, with your choice of colors, fabrics, dimensions, and design. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for in the stock bags, this option gives you the ability to create the perfect bag from scratch! In the design process, you’re able to pick and choose the color that matches your brand perfectly, the dimensions that are the most functional, the material that ties it all together, and a number of other design details to make your bag exactly what you want.

Stock bags are slightly more cost effective, approximately $0.20-$1.50 cheaper per bag, depending on the bag. However, they are not necessarily faster to produce, as many people tend to believe. Because we produce custom bags domestically, they can be completed within 2-3 weeks! Creating a custom bag with your own signature design can be very rewarding and, of course, fun! It’s definitely worth paying a little extra to have the perfect bag.

Check out some of our custom bag projects below. Take notice of the variety – the sky is the limit! We can do allover imprints, make use of different fabric patterns, include unique details, and much much more!

Posted by Melissa, Marketing Associate ]]> http://www.femmepromo.com/blog/2010/02/creating-a-custom-bag-from-scratch/feed/ 0 http://www.femmepromo.com/blog/2009/12/create-a-signature-custom-manufactured-product/ http://www.femmepromo.com/blog/2009/12/create-a-signature-custom-manufactured-product/#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:10:14 +0000 admin http://www.femmepromo.com/blog/?p=319 There’s nothing better than getting exactly what you want…well, maybe except for coming up with a brilliant idea and then getting exactly what you want. When you have a particular item in mind, you probably have it down to the exact color, material, shape, and size. As you begin Googling, you start realizing what a daunting task it is hunting for your vision, yet anything less than perfect is just plain disappointing. This especially rings true when you’re searching for a particular item that matches your company’s brand message and style guide. Companies spend countless hours fine-tuning their brand with the perfect strategy and design language, and the same scrutiny is required when designing private label merchandise. What good is a private label handbag if the color is “off” when it sits beside the rest of the collection, the style doesn’t appeal to the target audience, or the material is lacking in quality? Nine times out of ten, you might be able to find a bag that is close to what you’re looking for, but it may be mission impossible to find one that fits all of your criteria. Don’t settle, there are options out there that so many are surprised to find out about and yes, they are affordable!

When you create a custom signature product that represents your brand, you are making a bold statement, and you need an item that your company will stand behind. The strength of a signature piece is the full alignment with your brand and brand strategy. Signature pieces are used for many purposes, including reselling, gift with purchase, promotional give away, events marketing (e.g., themed events), corporate gifts, and many more. For each purpose, the signature piece exudes quality, meaning, you didn’t opt for the more affordable standard, stock bag. You are a visionary, creating a signature, one-of-a-kind creation. (Go you!)

So what’s the hesitation? Why not create a signature piece? The usual culprits are price, time limitations, and finding a reliable source. Most of our customers are surprised to find out that many of our items don’t take 12+ weeks, but can actually be produced in 2 to 4 weeks. Another big surprise is that we custom produce original products within the U.S. for many items, so you don’t have to wait for the cargo to dock at the ports and for customs to clear your merchandise. Of course, we go overseas when we have to, especially for large quantity orders, but both our options (domestic and overseas production) have produced some of the most innovative, original pieces for well known brands such as: American Express, Disney, Time Warner, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. Our price and quality must be exceptional to please these leading brands. And to minimize risk for you, we have check points along the process, such as creating mock-ups, prototypes, and sending you samples and swatches so you can see, touch, and feel your way through the process of getting exactly what you want.

The bottom line is this: our customers are frequently surprised at how easily and effortlessly creating a signature piece is, and that it’s not significantly more expensive than opting for a standard, stock piece. If you are looking to achieve an exact look, create high perceived value, and/or make a bold statement in a very specific way, consider custom manufacturing a private label bag, key chain, notebook, jewelry piece, or houseware item. Contact us for a quote or to get answers on how easily it can be done.

Posted by Melissa, Marketing Associate

Check out the awareness ad in Glamour magazine this past October, 2009:

One of our final mock-up’s before prototyping:

Fine construction, durable materials, fashion-forward concept and design… we are proud of the quality work that our clients can count on time and again!

Posted by Sidney, Manager