The 2023 Holidays are right around the corner - are you ready? Prep for the giving season with beautifully branded merch that clients and employees will want to use year-round.
Choosing thank you gifts for your most important clients goes beyond selecting what's easiest to give, cheapest to buy, or trendiest at the moment. The most effective approach for this type of ...
Employee recognition is about more than just bonuses and awards; it’s about making your team feel appreciated in whatever way means the most to them. This includes things like a team trip, a paid day ...
Burnout is a problem most organizations are facing today. Whether a seasoned employee or new member of a team, anyone can be susceptible to feeling overwhelmed and exhausted from their job. Putting ...
How a company recognizes its staff greatly impacts how those employees view their overall career and contributes to workplace satisfaction. One of the ways you can cultivate a positive and productive ...
Creating a custom company store for your employees can be an innovative way to boost morale, cultivate a sense of belonging, and even promote your brand. Whether you want to provide personalized ...
Strengthening your relationship with key customers is critical - and the power of promotional items helps to reinforce that connection. However, it’s not enough to just give your customers basic ...
Why do consumers make the buying decisions they do? How do they choose a company to work with? It’s not as simple as picking the “best” option for their needs. In fact, customers are often willing to ...
Organizations with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs should consider employee recognition as a key element to further any DEI initiatives - but unfortunately, not everyone does. The ...
Every successful brand has a story. Not just the events on a calendar - but a mission, vision, and values that create a compelling narrative. An effective branding strategy taps into these ideas and ...
Loyalty programs are a proven, effective way to connect with your customers and gamify the shopping experience to incentivize loyalty and repeat purchases. There are a few options to choose from when ...
No matter the brand, all companies have the opportunity to be seen as cool, especially to those in their orbit. Make a big splash with employees or customers by building an impressive corporate gift ...
Pride month kicks off in June - plan ahead with these cute, quirky, and practical Pride-related promo items. Whether for recognition, rewards, gifts, or freebies, you’ll find something to help you ...
Direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to reach your target market - but only if you’re smart about it. If you take the shotgun approach and push generic mailers onto as many people as ...
Sustainable corporate gifting is something that both companies and individuals want - but it’s often simplified to recycled notebooks and eco-friendly pens. We don’t mean to insult either - notebooks ...
Summer will be here before we know it - and with it, companies are preparing for outdoor events. These types of outings are great opportunities to create promotional event kits for your employees and ...
In today's digital age, it's easy to overlook the power of traditional marketing tactics. However, signage can be one of the most effective ways to attract new customers and promote your brand.
Looking for fun reward ideas? Your employees love their pets - show your love for your colleagues by rewarding them with products their furry friends will love!
Uniforms are a critical component of many companies’ branding. Whether showcasing professionalism, highlighting brand identity, or displaying conformity, the clothing that employees wear should ...
Your sales team is a vital part of your organization. However, it’s also easy for organizations to overlook these individuals - or assume financial incentives like commissions are enough to keep them ...
Promotional items have always been a popular way to show appreciation to employees and clients, as well as boost brand awareness. With new tech, styles, and innovations emerging each year, it can be ...
No matter the size of your company, branding helps create an external reputation. This includes opinions on your products, services, employees, logo, and more. How you present your business, and its ...
The last few years has presented the workforce with many challenges, including the increasing difficulty of keeping your employees engaged and motivated. With societal and individual pressures ...
One pain point that many companies are currently experiencing is figuring out how to keep employees motivated. In today’s remote work era, productivity has been challenged to the point where ...
Think back to your first job. You were probably a little nervous about what to expect, and whether you’ve made the right decision to being working for that company. This is how millions of Americans ...
Customer loyalty can be easy to define. Think of it as your clients’ likelihood of doing repeat business with your company and recommending you to others. You want to provide enough value to keep ...
Marketing takes on many different forms. Today, it’s critical to not only have a strong digital presence, but a thoughtful print marketing strategy as well.
Employee recognition is an effective way to keep your work environment engaging and employees feeling motivated and appreciated. While important to a positive company culture, recognition does not ...
Finding a new, good hot sauce nowadays is almost like when Indiana Jones triumphantly grabs the idol at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may have taken you traversing through the aisles ...
The last couple of years has brought about some undeniable shifts in the workplace. The switch to remote work, virtual meetings, and fluctuating schedules has taken corporate culture by storm. And ...
Creating meaningful branded merch, especially for your employees, is one of the best ways to show appreciation as an employer. Making a lasting impression on your employees helps both parties – if ...
So, you’re launching a new product or service? Congratulations – what an exciting time for your business! We understand that your next step is to develop your action plan to make this launch ...
There are many people that are under the false impression that print marketing is dead. In fact, it’s still a proven way to create positive customer relationships and improve your overall reach to ...
Choosing the right custom apparel for your company is essential for many reasons. Clothing can create a culture of inclusion and consistency for your employees. It can set the tone for how your ...
If you’ve been in the workforce for a couple of years, you’ve probably had to wear a company uniform at one point or another! Across all industries, trades, and professions, uniforms are common – ...
Description: Rubberized Sunglasses Industry: Broadcast Media / Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A vampire-based television show hosted blood drives at outdoor events. These were given out ...
A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their ...
Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. They ...
An event promoter was compiling a gift box for top-tier ticket holders for a large-scale national summer concert tour. The Koozie® Adventure Dry Sack 10L was a natural fit for the outdoor ...
Customer experience can make or break your company. How you and your employees treat customers directly reflects your brand’s values. But the truth is, positive customer experiences can be difficult ...
Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had ...
Tradeshows are important opportunities for your company to reach out to customers and prospects face-to-face and make lasting impressions. Make sure you’re prepared with the proper supplies to ensure ...
Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a product ...
As more and more companies turn towards e-commerce, shopping online has never been easier or more enjoyable. Ordering branded products is no exception! Company stores give you a convenient and ...
It’s fun giving out promotional products like fidget spinners and stress balls, but sometimes you need an option for the guy that likes to keep it a bit more professional. These business casual ...
A logo is often a company’s first impression and it can impact a customer’s perception, purchase decisions, and overall attitude toward your company. A logo is a symbol or graphic element that ...
If you've ever been to a music festival or convention and walked away with a bag full of freebies, then you know that promotional products work! But did you know that those quirky logoed products ...
Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships. They ...
Eating healthy. Weight management. Working out five times a week. There are many health-related resolutions we set at the beginning of a new year. But, do we follow through with them? Many times, the ...
A company in the automotive industry was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo they had created that communicated ...
Having high-quality equipment and gear is an important part of every team, no matter how big or small. When your team walks out onto the field, you want them to stand out from the crowd and show off ...
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser of a promotion, consider candy! Few people can resist the delicious charms of a tasty treat, and giving someone a sweet gift is a great way to have them remember ...
When it comes to gift-giving, there are always the same things people go for: blankets, socks, cheese baskets, candles... and it can get a little repetitive! We wanted to help defeat the boredom of ...
Thanksgiving may be frequently overlooked during the holiday season, between Halloween and Christmas, but it’s many folks' favorite holiday. On Thanksgiving, families get together to share a meal and ...
Wondering how branded promotional products can help your business achieve both internal and external initiatives? Check out this quick excerpt about a company's use of branded promotional products, ...
Seasons are changing, and it’s time to pack away your tank tops and shorts and bring the sweaters, boots, and scarves out of storage. Wardrobes need a little refreshing to match the new colder ...
An envelope can be so much more than simply a covering of some sort for your correspondence. The right envelope can instantly convey a wealth of ideas before its intended recipient even opens it up. ...
When you consider the packaging that you will use for your clients' products, remember that color is one of your channels that communicates instantly. There are thousands of shades of each color, and ...
The complexity involved in color and how big of a difference various color profiles can make on your print project is something you'll want to pay attention to. Is there a specific shade of orange or ...
Creating dimension in a one-dimensional print project can take some serious creative brainpower. Generally, printed items are planned with colors that do not go on top of each other, as this can ...
Whether you’re sending direct mail or proposing a new business partnership, your presentation is always significant. Including a cover letter with your printed pieces is a compelling way to make ...
DID YOU KNOW? It’s been reported that every square inch of your phone has around 25,000 germs. That's more disgusting than a toilet seat. That makes your phone one of the dirtiest objects you come in ...
The new school season is rapidly approaching and college students are itching to get back to school before their parents can ask them to do their own laundry again!
If you're not already spending your marketing budget maximizing direct communications to prospects and customers, you need to. But first, explore these four customer trends:
A custom box will help you build your brand, but what happens beyond the box is what helps you create lasting value. Sometimes, finding value in your brand, or even defining your brand, can be ...
If you're an organization with multiple sales reps, sales offices, distributors, dealers, or locations all needing marketing collateral, business printing, branded merchandise, and/or identity ...
Staying informed of trends in the ever-changing world of branded merch can be daunting. But it's our job and we love it! We've pulled together the top 2020 trends our merchandising experts are seeing ...
Considering how social distancing has completely changed the event landscape, virtual conferences and tradeshows represent the "new normal" – keyword being "new." So if the concept is new to you, ...
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th – which is actually Florence Nightingale’s birthday. But it wasn’t easy for Nurses to gain the recognition they deserved – it ...
With all the shelter in place and social distancing rules to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, more people are working remotely than ever before. It’s important to make sure your at-home workplace ...
Another spring has sprung and things are getting greener outside our windows. Earth Day reminds us it's important for us and our brand to be eco-friendly every day. After all, there is no planet B.
The world has been full of twists and turns lately. We’re experiencing things that nobody ever has before. Social distancing has resulted in the majority of the workforce working from home. While ...
We've embarked on a national month-long quarantine, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. Our lives are moving further into the digital realm. A completely digital world is quickly becoming more of a ...
When you’re stuck at home, it becomes tempting to relax and let yourself go a bit. But now more than ever, we need to make sure we stay active. According to Healthline.com, regular exercise can:
Last Wednesday we joked about not being an "April Fool" because you failed to use your webcam cover. But it's not just Zoom fails that you need to worry about. With people spending increased amounts ...
Shifting to home offices is the new normal, and if you are new to working from home it can be difficult figuring out how to stay connected in a different environment. When you dial-in to virtual ...
As the American workforce changes to working from home, this new normal may take some getting used to. In the past, remote employees often listed benefits like no commute, more family time, less ...
Due to the coronavirus, events are rescheduling or canceling causing concern about what to do with the branded product purchased for those events. Here are a few ideas you might want to consider if ...
Avocados From Mexico teamed up with Molly Ringwald to create a Home Shopping Network style Super Bowl ad devoted to branded merch. They even went as far as creating an online store! The Avocados From ...
The 2010’s have come to a close. It was a momentous decade full of innovation, change, and shifting trends. Now it’s time to set our sights forward. Let’s look at where your attention should be ...
With Valentine's Day coming up next month, a lot of companies are looking at ways they can do BrandGood. Often time, partnering with a nonprofit is the easiest way to give back. If this is something ...
Custom mints are an incredibly cost-effective way to build your brand and your business. According to Promo Marketing, here are the top 6 most creative ways businesses are using them.
Make it Stand Out! When you choose a lid imprint, you aren't just branding...you're creating a lasting second impression. And it's such a new trend it will likely be the one they remember! Give your ...
Spring and summer showers are not only good for the flowers, but for your rainwear sales as well. Whether commuting or hiking, it’s not enough for customers to simply tout around an umbrella, ...
As summer comes to a close, give back to school gear that will really get used. Instead of the traditional supplies that are given to students, dish out something they want. Do this with new tech ...
Minneapolis, MN (August 1, 2019) QRG proudly announces that Kelty-Best, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin has joined the QRG family of companies. With the addition of Kelty-Best, a full-service promotional ...
Make sure you're prepared next time you have a group of friends or family around. Try out these group gathering tech products that are great for modern meet ups. They will help you create and capture ...
While June's Pride Month is wrapping up, we recognize that the celebration and fight for equal rights aren’t over on June 30th. 2019 is important because it marks the 50th Anniversary of the ...
A variety of factors are contributing to the health and fitness boom in the US including health insurance costs, wearables, budget-friendly gym options, and streaming services. This $30 billion ...
Trade shows can be cutthroat environments. While people are typically courteous, there are plenty of fights. Not physical altercations, but fights to get attendees’ attention. Standing out and ...
While many people want to wish away winter altogether, there’s no denying that everyone will continue to feel its force. The season figures to help contribute to another productive period for the ...
QRG has been a proud supporter of Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare for more than two decades. This organization has only become dearer to our hearts because our own QRG President Todd ...
WHAT IS ‘THE CLICKABILITY OF COLOR’? It’s actually becoming a very important concept in the way we think about shopping in the digital age. Everyone who has something to sell should probably be aware ...
Wireless charging is the latest and greatest way to charge mobile devices. It’s easy to use, fast, safe, and fiddling around with cables is not required. But what is wireless charging? How does it ...
The BackSac is a new and completely original way to create a memorable promotion for your next event. A fully customizable, interactive, branding product that utilizes the seats in venues as an ...
As I walked the floor of the largest trade show in the promotional products industry several trends emerged. Many of then reflecting the world of fashion and the political environment.
Having trouble getting your corporate health and wellness program off the ground? Is the interest there, but you need to build some momentum? Here are 3 simple ideas to help you spread the word, ...
Following up on last Thursday's article about outerwear, we thought it prudent to discuss the materials we choose for our apparel. We're talking about fabrics that have special properties to keep you ...
Outerwear is one of the most highly sought-after pieces of promotional apparel. According to ASI, 50% of consumers in the United States own a piece of promotional outerwear, and it’s easy to ...
Living Coral was announced as the 2019 Color of the Year by the Pantone Color Institute. "Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living Coral embodies our desire for playful ...
Bags are the unsung heroes of the promotional world. They feature a large imprint area, lend themselves to repeat use and are extremely functional. Not to mention, they boast impressive brand power. ...
According to various news reports, fountain pens are back in vogue. Millennials are said to be turning to handwriting because of digital fatigue. Market insiders are crediting the renaissance to ...
Every year, nearly two-million companies reach a significant corporate milestone, such as five years, fifty years, or even one-hundred years in business. These anniversaries present great advertising ...
Wine is the no-brainer solution to the yearly gift-giving dilemma! Nearly everyone loves great wine. Now decorate that wine bottle with custom art and a custom message and you’ve made a lasting ...
QRG does not engage in call-center telemarketing or spam calls. QRG learned in March of this year that unscrupulous telemarketers have been deliberately falsifying their Caller ID information to show ...
Looking for an easy, effective, and affordable way to get your direct mail into the hands of your target audience? Forget mailing lists and talk to QRG about Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). EDDM lets ...
QRG is proud to announce that Account Executive Lynn Wood (QRG Milwaukee Branch) nominated client Achilles International for the Reciprocity Road BrandGood quarterly award, and earned a $500 donation ...
Year-end is right around the corner which means new calendars, appointment books and planners for many homes and businesses. Despite the rise of the digital age, paper calendars are still popular and ...
Bouncing back after the recession, the construction industry is hammering out a bright future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, construction spending in August 2017 was over $1.2 billion. Numbers ...
Give your gift that little something extra. In a recent article discussing brands and the benefits they deliver, Rob Wengel, senior vice president of global data analytics firm Nielsen, explained, ...
No matter what your style is, your drinkware BFF is waiting for you. We all have our favorite beverages. For some, the morning coffee is a completely non-negotiable must-have that only a true ...
Wifi smart home accessories are one of the hottest trends in promotional products. The devices that turn your phone into a remote control for your lighting, appliances, and speakers are among the ...
Set your elementary school, high school, college, or university apart with high-quality, custom large-format printing. Reinforce your shared community values through consistent branding and design. ...
According to Forbes, poor health costs the U.S. economy $576 billion a year. That's more than half a trillion dollars! Poor health is bad for business. Corporate health and wellness programs give ...
Looking to really bring your brand to life, check out these amazing augmented reality Kool-Aid Man Summer Tour experiences we recreated at our QRG Twin Cities Open House. While on tour, happy concert ...
Airtight, foil-lined canister preserves the freshness gourmet handmade mini cookies and freshly roasted snack mixes. Made in Minnesota using all natural ingredients quick turn-times, easy mailing ...
Printed bags are one of the most powerful yet affordable categories of branded merchandise. Bags raise lasting awareness of your company's brand. Just a single bag can generate 5,772 marketing ...
All prices and descriptions are subject to change without notice. If the price listed is different from the actual price or we feel that a different vendor is recommended, we will notify you before ...
Additional paper price increases are expected next month after receiving notification from the mills of prices increases of 8-10%. The soaring cost of pulp has been cited as the driving force behind ...
College football is back, and we’re pumped because of the opportunities it opens up for innovative marketing ideas. Think outside the box, because it's not just about advertising during the game, but ...
Last week, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) begin enforcing the new California Prop 65 warning requirements. In the promotional products industry, suppliers, ...
Presenting five gift ideas from PCNA designed to make life on the road (or in the air) a little easier for you and your team. Business travel is tough. Just ask anyone who's lived out of a suitcase, ...
It's never been easier to custom design beanies and stocking caps that will increase your company's visibility. In the U.S, the average branded headwear item makes 3,136 impressions over its ...
New drinkware for every type of beverage was on view at the Tabletop Show, from tasting flights on wooden paddle boards to banded and cut crystal options to the newest shape, the coupe-shaped saucer. ...
The unemployment rate in the upper Midwest is at 3% or less right now. For the tech sector in the region, it's at less than 2%. If you work in the tech industry or have tech employees, keeping your ...
Just in time for school, apparel provider Sanmar shares their look at Fall 2018 trends. Instead of school uniform, think "you-niform". This Fall's all about uniqueness and individualism.
Yesterday, I shared that the hottest tech gift item for 2018 is wireless chargers. Unsurprisingly, I got a lot of feedback asking, "What else is new in tech?" Well, there is a new trend. The latest ...
If you've got techies on your gift list, wireless chargers are hands down the best gift of 2018. Apple and Android compatible, many of these chargers come with plug-in-to-charge options, so even late ...
Like most professional women today, I work long hours, travel regularly, and want to look stylish and professional while doing it. Plus, I want the added benefits of being comfortable and remaining ...
We reported Wednesday that "Flannel isn't going anywhere," which got us thinking, where did it come from? Promo Marketing reported that "The long-held joke in manufacturing circles, pertaining to our ...
We work hard to stay on top of the apparel trends that make an impact. The New York streetwear company Supreme just this week unveiled its Fall 2018 collection. Promo Marketing Magazine reports that, ...
Join the QRG team at their Twin Cities corporate headquarters for the annual product showcase and open house. With more than 60 lines of on-trend products and innovative ideas, our expert team will ...
Dave Floersch, Account Executive of Quality Resource Group (QRG), Minneapolis, MN, lost his battle to cancer on July 16, 2018. He was 51. A father, husband, longtime industry veteran, friend to many, ...
The last couple years have been the calm before the storm as far as paper prices and increases go, but now it seems the storm has hit. Costs for all paper products–including stationery items, labels, ...
QRG's own Account Manager Lead Jody Barber has been named one of Print + Promo's "2018 Women in Print and Promo". Jody is an exemplary example to all who work with her and well deserving of this ...
QRG consistently supports the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. QRG provided the awards for last week's TwinWest Business Awards Luncheon. Special congratulations go out to winners Young Professional of ...
After 47 years of dedicated service, QRG founder and CEO Denny Pottebaum retires. In this video, he sends out a personal message of thanks to QRG employees, vendors, clients, and the community.
Making the online customer experience seamless is critical to a brand’s digital success. Recent studies found that 75% of customer management executives and leaders rated customer experience a 5 on a ...
"Spoofing" occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone ...
Research tells us that for most American workers, the top three on-the-job benefits are health insurance, paid vacation time and a 401k retirement plan. There’s probably no surprise that those ...
Creating a brand that stands out from the competition is one of the biggest challenges every marketer faces. Some of the common setbacks for small businesses include a small budget and limited ...
Think businesses that have primarily office workers don’t have to worry about workplace safety? Think again! This list of workplace injuries demonstrates that accidents happen in all kinds of U.S. ...
Maintaining a strong online presence requires staying on top of trends and staying active. On a quarterly basis, companies should update their digital marketing plan to incorporate new strategies and ...
Kicking the year off to a charitable start, QRG and other Reciprocity Road members pledged $7,500 to advocate for the Promotional Products Education Foundation, an established institution, founded by ...
Think people switch jobs primarily to earn more money? Think again. Gallup studies have found that about 50% of 7,200 adults surveyed left a job “to get away from their manager.” Other surveys show ...
Every successful small business owner will tell you that starting and running a business is no easy task. Between the day-to-day operations of accounting, marketing, and customer service, small ...
QRG ranked #15 in Print+Promo magazine's Top 50 Distributors of 2017. In a subcategory of the same report, QRG ranked #3 for forms distributors and in the Top 10 for labels and tags.
Nationwide, it’s estimated that 43 percent of all employees work remotely at least part of the time. Research shows that telecommuting has numerous benefits to employers (such as more productive and ...
Planning for the upcoming year is one of the most important times for a marketing team. Although you can always alter these as you go, it’s most effective to work ahead of time on creating a concise ...
The newly redesigned QRG website has a clean, uncluttered design and improved functionality. Content is focused on QRG’s services offering prospective clients a more comprehensive understanding of ...
Creating a strategy for your marketing team and overall plan is crucial for your team as well as business success. Many marketers get caught up in the day-to-day responsibilities and forget how ...
QRG President Todd Pottebaum has been elected to the PPAI Board of Directors. Todd will begin serving his four-year term immediately after the January PPAI Expo. Todd's commitment at this national ...
Attendees loved the holiday décor and homemade Christmas cookies at the 2017 Milwaukee Holiday Gift Showcase on October 4th. Clients and prospects stopping by throughout the day viewing holiday gift ...
Flu season has officially arrived, and there are a number of signs that this year could be miserable — even deadly. The Southern Hemisphere — primarily Australia — has been hit hard by flu in recent ...
The Des Moines Product Showcase on September 27th had record-breaking attendance with more than 85 customers and prospects present. Thank you to all who attended and contributed.
E-mail is one of the most popular marketing tools for small businesses today. But federal law requires that anyone sending out email for commercial purposes follow some specific rules or risk costly ...
The Twin Cities Product Showcase on September 21st was the largest and most successful event to date. More than 230 clients visited 30 booths highlighting more than 60 product lines. Clients and ...
Constructing a successful marketing funnel is an excellent way to maximize a strategy for increased sales and profitability. A marketing funnel is a strategy for turning potential consumers into a ...
School's back in session across the Midwest and QRG is proud to have played a part in helping supply local students in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin with school supplies. Our regional offices teamed ...
Plymouth, MN - August 28, 2017 QRG CEO Dennis Pottebaum to be inducted by industry peers into the Ben Franklin Honor Society of Printing Industries of America. He was chosen from among many industry ...