Taking Out the Brandfill Trash: Why Investing in Quality Swag is Key to a Cleaner Environment and a Stronger Brand Image

In today's world, branding has become an essential aspect of any business. From small startups to large corporations, businesses spend a considerable amount of time and money building their brand image. One crucial component of branding is swag or promotional products, which are given away as gifts to customers, employees, and partners. While swag can be a powerful branding tool, it's crucial to be intentional about your swag needs and purchase better, higher quality items. This is where "brandfill" comes into play.

Brandfill is a term used to describe low-quality swag that is distributed in large quantities without much thought and that usually gets thrown away nearly immediately (ending up in a landfill - get it?). While it may seem like a good idea to give away as much swag as possible, this approach can have a negative impact on your brand image. Poor quality swag can create a negative impression of your company, and recipients may associate your brand with cheap and low-quality products. Part of a good swag company's job is to also "protect your brand" making sure that these sorts of products get discarded in the planning process not once they are in your customers hand.

Investing in higher quality swag can help to build a positive brand image. When you give away high-quality items, recipients are more likely to associate your brand with quality and reliability. They are also more likely to use and appreciate the swag, which means that it will have a longer lifespan and a more significant impact on your brand.  

High quality does not necessarily mean more expensive - there are many items that are inexpensive, high quality, and produce the desired marketing result.  Also, just because you invest in higher quality swag does not mean that you have to increase your budget. Giving away 5000 items that cost $1 to random people that end up being tossed right away is less effective than targeting and qualifying who you give your swag to and only giving away 500 and spending $10 per item. The key is to track your ROI and the best swag companies will help you come up with a plan to do that.

Another benefit of investing in higher quality swag is that it can help to reduce waste. When you give away low-quality swag, recipients are less likely to use it, which means that it will likely end up in the trash. By investing in higher quality swag, you are not only building a positive brand image and increasing the impact of your promotional products, but you are also taking a step towards sustainability. High-quality items are more likely to be used and kept, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. In today's world, where consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental issues, investing in sustainable branding practices can help to differentiate your company from competitors and attract environmentally-minded customers.

Swag can be a powerful tool for building your brand, but it's important to be intentional about the swag you choose to give away. By investing in high-quality, targeted swag, you can build a positive brand image, increase the impact of your promotional products, and reduce waste. At the end of the day, it's not about how much swag you give away, but the quality and impact of the items that matter. So, choose your swag wisely, and watch your brand soar to new heights.

POD Stores: Revolutionizing Your Organization's Fundraising Strategy

In the ever-evolving landscape of online retail, Print-On-Demand (POD) stores have emerged as game-changers for small businesses, nonprofits, schools, camps, and beyond. Beyond the realm of customizable merchandise, these platforms have evolved into dynamic fundraising tools, offering a range of unparalleled benefits that extend far beyond the traditional retail model.

Ever been caught up in the chaos of managing a pop-up store, or collecting sizes, colors, and cash for a bulk order? If so, we’re happy to inform you that those days are over! Welcome to the era of POD stores, where the hassle is history. Now, individuals can order anytime, pay directly, and have their items shipped straight to their doorstep. No more scrambling or waiting – it's personalized shopping at your own pace.

Imagine a service that not only provides you with a seamless, eco-friendly solution for personalized products but also turns every purchase into a continuous source of passive fundraising. Welcome to Liquid Screen Design, where we redefine the POD experience by putting innovation, sustainability, and profitability at the forefront.

Hands-Off Management:

Your focus should be on what you do best – growing your brand, not wrestling with production headaches. With our hands-off approach, we take care of every aspect, from printing to shipping, leaving you with more time to grow your brand. When orders for your print-on-demand store roll in, the only thing you need to do is cash those automatic fundraising checks.

Continuous Passive Fundraising:

What if every purchase made by your employees, fans, or students could contribute to your cause? With our print-on-demand service, it can. Gone are the days of hunting down individual t-shirt sizes and money while barely turning a profit. Our platform transforms each order into a fundraising opportunity, providing a continuous revenue stream effortlessly. 

Professional Artwork Design:

Stand out from the crowd with our expert graphic design team. From the initial spark of an idea to the finished product, we make sure your apparel designs not only look amazing but also connect with your audience. Want to seamlessly incorporate your existing artwork into your store? No problem. Or perhaps you're itching to give your brand a fresh look with a more-retail version of your logo? We've got your back, and the best part – it won't cost you a penny extra! Our design assistance is here to bring your vision to life, tailored to your needs and brand identity.

High-End Apparel Selection:

Elevate your brand with our curated selection of high-end, date-driven apparel. Informed by data from our vast network, we bring you products that not only maximize profit but also delight your customers. Expect a dynamic shopping experience as we consistently refresh your store's offerings to align with the seasons, always mindful of the unique demographics of your organization and clientele.

Eco-Friendly Approach:

At Liquid Screen Design, we believe in more than just creating products; we're committed to reducing environmental impact. Our internal production process reduces the number of apparel shipments to our decorator while also staying on schedule with individual order deliveries. Our eco-friendly POD store service ensures that every item is crafted with purpose, eliminating excess waste by producing only what is ordered. Your custom merch will never end up in the brandfill because you made too much!

Social Media Calendar:

We get it – marketing isn’t always easy. That's why we throw in a plug-and-play social media calendar with YOUR branding on it. Find the relevant date on the content calendar we provide and copy, paste, post! Our creative team designed the marketing calendar with you in mind- empowering you to effortlessly promote your online stores and boost those sales. 

Subscription-Free Option:

Unlike other POD companies demanding a monthly subscription (yeah, we’re talking about you Shopify), we get that flexibility is your secret sauce. That's why Liquid Screen Design offers two  subscription-free store options – pay a one-time fee, and your store is yours for a lifetime of fundraising success. Dive into the POD revolution without the commitment of ongoing fees.

Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Partner with Liquid Screen Design, where Print-On-Demand (POD) meets innovation, sustainability, and fundraising brilliance. Elevate your brand effortlessly with our hands-off approach, turning every purchase into a continuous source of revenue. Our expert graphic design, data-driven item sourcing, and eco-friendly practices redefine personalized merchandise. No subscriptions, just a one-time fee for a store that's yours forever. Join us and discover how to transform your fundraising journey, making it seamless, eco-friendly, and undeniably profitable. Let's elevate your brand together!

Not everyone wants to wear the same thing

Allow your brand fans to express their love for your organization in a way that fits them

Making the Season Bright: The Power of Custom Holiday Swag

The holiday season is a time of giving, joy, and celebration. For businesses, this time of year offers a unique chance to make a lasting impression and foster brand loyalty through custom holiday gifts. Personalized gifts and the impact they can have on your brand's image are essential to showing your employees how much you value and appreciate all the work they have done.

Why Personalize Your Gifts?

Personalization is the key to making your holiday gifts stand out. When you make the extra effort to customize presents for your clients, employees, or partners, it demonstrates thoughtfulness and shows that you value the relationship. Custom gifts are memorable, create a sense of connection, and foster goodwill towards your brand.

Now, Let’s explore some of these popular custom gifts for the 2023 holiday season…

Stanley Items:

More Than Just

a Water Bottle

Stanley items are synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, and are all the hype right now! While their classic tumbler is a popular choice, consider expanding your options to include their durable thermoses, mugs, and food containers. Adding your logo or a personalized message to these items can make your gift more special. When recipients use these well-crafted products, they'll be reminded of your brand's commitment to quality.

Converse Shoes:

Classic Style

Converse shoes have maintained their iconic status for generations. A pair of customized Converse shoes makes for an unforgettable gift. You can select the colors, patterns, and even add personalized text or branding. These shoes will not only be appreciated for their style but also as a unique and thoughtful gesture from your brand. Custom Converse are an up-and-coming trend that you will want to get ahead of!

Airpods:

The Gift of Sound

Tech gadgets are always a hit, and AirPods are no exception. These wireless earbuds are not only highly functional but also sleek and stylish. By customizing them with your brand's logo or a unique design, you offer a practical gift that your recipients will use regularly, all while increasing brand visibility every time they pop them in their ears. Extra points if you record a company song for playback!

Socks and Slippers:

Cozy Comfort

Socks and slippers might seem like a simple gift, but during the holiday season, everyone appreciates a little extra warmth and comfort. You can elevate these essentials by choosing high-quality materials and designing them with your brand's colors or logo. Personalized socks and slippers keep your brand in mind while keeping your recipients cozy during the cold winter months. Trust us, you can never go wrong with some comfy essentials!

Travel Bags:

On-the-Go Essentials

Practicality meets style in the form of custom bags. Backpacks, duffels, and crossbody bags are versatile, everyday accessories that can be tailored to your brand's aesthetic. Whether it's for daily use, travel, or outdoor adventures, these bags are the perfect canvas for your brand's logo, messaging, or unique design. Is there ever such a thing as too many bags?

As we dive deeper into the world of custom holiday gifts, we’d be remiss if we didn’t explore this category: corporate tech items. In this digital age, where technology plays a significant role in our daily lives, personalized tech gifts have become a go-to choice for businesses looking to make a meaningful impact during the holiday season. Let's take a closer look at some of the top employee tech gifts for 2023 that will leave a lasting impression on your customers and employees.

3-in-1 Fast Charge Mat

Never run low on battery again! This new device is the perfect combination of versatile and convenient. It can wirelessly charge Apple and Android phones, watches, and earbud cases all at the same time.

Nomad Travel Tech Bag

Keeping your electronic essentials organized! This bag is designed with tech and travel in mind. It features a leather strap, waterproof fabric, zippered pockets, and a strap organizer. 

Hugo Boss Gear Matrix Gift Set

For work and play! The Huge Boss set includes a discrete bluetooth speaker, key ring, and ballpoint pen. Use it for work by taking your conference calls on-the-go, or use it to unwind and listen to your favorite music. 

Travis & Wells Ashton Travel Organizer

For the corporate traveler! This organizer features a dual zipper opening to the main compartment, and separate scratch-resistant pockets for small electronics and other on-the-go essentials. 

Executive USB Pen Drive

The most multi-function pen you’ve ever seen! This twist-action barrel pen is also a USB drive, laser pointer, and LED flashlight. The USB drive is hidden in the pen and has multiple storage capacity options.

MagCube Power Bank

Perfect for the busy traveler! This next-gen power bank supercharges your device with wire output and built-in Qi wireless charging. With snap-on technology and a display stand, users can watch their favorite content hands-free

Business Card Case

A must-have for networking! This card case is super sleek- with a black leather tarnish and silver accents.

Moleskine Soft Cover Expanded Notebook

Back to basics! Featuring a softcover with rounded corners, an elastic strap closure, two ribbon bookmarks, and an expandable inner pocket, this notebook is perfect for anyone who needs to jot down important notes while traveling. 

Embrace the Future of Work: The Virtual Office has Arrived!

These days, more and more businesses are working virtually in some way or another, whether that be in a hybrid manner or completely remote. The most obvious benefit to having a remote business is from a financial aspect- if you don’t need to pay for a physical office, supplies, and utilities, why would you? Until recently, it was necessary to be in the same place as your employees and coworkers to run a business smoothly. However, we are in a new day and age with technology that allows for effective communication between people who are not in the same vicinity. More specifically, virtual offices are evolving and becoming readily available to the masses. 

A virtual office is an office space that enables employees to work from home (or any other location, depending on company policy). Not only does a virtual office save your company money, but it can allow for easy scalability for your operations. This is especially useful for new businesses that do not have the money to invest in a physical space. Flexibility is also a huge advantage. Being able to work anywhere that the WiFi can connect will put your company openings at the top of the list for job-seekers.

Here at Liquid Screen Design, we utilize a completely custom virtual office (powered by Gather) for our day-to-day work. Employees and guests can navigate through our office and communicate with each other using just their computer or mobile device. Each employee gets their own personal space that they can personalize to their liking and we are able to add things like arcade games, go-karts, and a pet park that features our employees’ furry friends! This space allows for office-like communication, and creative individuality.  

Now, let’s address some of the former hurdles to remote work and why they are no longer a problem with our virtual office technology. First, communication. It’s not a question that being face-to-face is most effective for human interaction. However, a video call is very close to the same thing. In the very recent “old days”, we had to send a link to invite someone to a video chat. But, what if the link got broken during the copy and paste? What if the attendee needs to change the meeting time and you have to regenerate your invite? It just wasn’t ideal for a quick chat or question. 

Another complaint about remote work is the extent of company culture that it allows for. Our custom virtual office allows for employee individuality through virtual space decoration, avatar personalization and as much (or as little) communication that you would want with each other. We hold company-wide team building exercises in our virtual office and encourage active participation in our staff group chat games. Despite being physically separated from each other, our employees actually feel quite comfortable with each other in the virtual workplace we’ve created. 

The last hurdle of remote work we’ve eliminated is the ease of accessibility of remote software. Our virtual office sits in its own internet tab on any computer - laptop, PC, tablet or smartphone. No app download necessary. You can keep your remote office bookmarked on your browser and join with the click of a button. Whether you are a new company, a currently-remote company looking to amp up your productivity, or an in-office looking to move to the digital world, we can help you build a custom workspace designed with your needs in mind.