Apr 30, 2017

We've Got the Power of mAh

What’s the Deal with mAh?

MPH, MPG, MPS—the world is full of acronyms. But today I want to talk to you about the coolest acronym you might have never heard! If you’ve ever used a battery-powered product, you’re already familiar with this three-lettered wonder. Here at The Icebox, we’re all about the mAh, and once I break it down for you, you will be too.

mAh stands for milliampere hour. Now, I know this sounds like a lot of science-y mumbo jumbo, but bear with me—mAh has a lot of important implications! mAh is a unit of electric charge and is often associated with measuring the power capacity of rechargeable batteries. Understanding the mAh of a battery helps you understand how long the battery will be able to run your device without recharging, depending on the amount of power the device requires. The higher the mAh, the longer the battery will last, compared to a battery with a lower mAh running the same device.

So why does this matter? Well, now more than ever, we’re on the go with our mobile devices. Who has time to be tied down to a wall outlet or a cigarette lighter? Not this penguin! Power banks are a great way to cater to your customers’ on-the-go lifestyles and help them remember your brand every time they need some extra juice for their devices!

Now that you’ve got the 4-11 on mAh, you can evaluate the charging efficiency of these banks. Here are a few of my favorite power banks to keep you charged up and ready for action.

Cherokee 5,000 mAh Power Bank

The Cherokee Power Bank is made from natural bamboo material personalized to your brand. This battery backup packs a 5,000 mAh Grade-A Lithium Polymer battery with a dual output, perfect for charging smartphones with both USB and Micro USB connection cables. Don’t let the organic look of this power bank fool you. It packs a major punch!

10,000 mAh Stylish Metal Powerbook

This stylish and sleek power bank is perfect for the jetsetter who doesn’t have the space to worry about multiple charging cords. This 10,000 mAh powerbank can be charged with both Micro USB and Lightning tips. Go ahead and leave all the extra cords behind, this one's got you covered!

Tomax Power Bank

Looking for a lighter version of the previous bank? It’s your lucky day! This 5000 mAh version offers the same compact package in a smaller capacity.

6,000 mAh Round Power Bank

If you’re convinced it’s not hip to be square, take this round power bank for a spin! The disc shape slides easily into your bag for easy charging on the go.

To stay cool, you’ve got to stay charged. We here at The Icebox have all the high-mAh gear you need to help your customers stay connected on the go. Contact our team of Creative Experts today to learn how we can take your giveaway to the next level with swag that excites.

Apr 23, 2017

Mix Fabrics for Cool and Fashionable Swag

Mix and Match Textures and Patterns for Branded Swag that Showcases Your Style

Hey there! Ping here. We’re right in the middle of a beautiful Spring here at The Icebox HQ in Atlanta, and the blossoming trees and blooming flowers have inspired my style this season. Have you ever looked at a tree and noticed how the dark color and hard texture of the bark complements the lush green, soft and shiny leaves? These contrasting visuals create such harmony together.

Many of the world’s most fashionable designers integrate multiple colors, textures, and prints into their looks. But mixing textures and fabrics can be a challenge; how do you know what looks cool together and what looks like a mess? This ultimately comes down to personal preference, but there are three rules we generally abide by when it comes to creative clashing.

Keep contrasting textures and fabrics in the same color family.
Pair mixed prints with neutrals, and use the neutral pieces to break up the prints.
When mixing prints, choose one print to dominate and one to accent the look.

Tweed and velvet, denim and linen, cotton and leather—these are all stylishly contrasting combinations we’re accustomed to incorporating into our personal wardrobes. So why not take this approach to your swag selection?

We’re seeing some awesome two-tone apparel and mixed-fabric pieces that we love. Show off your brand’s style and give your clients fashion-friendly wardrobe pieces. We’ve compiled some great examples below, and our creative experts and apparel gurus are standing by, ready to pair you with the perfect swag selection. Contact our team today if you’re curious to learn more!

NIKE Golf: Stretch Woven Front mixed with Knit Back

DISTRICT: Cotton/Poly Jersey Knit Tank combined with Microburn Racerback

SPORT-TEK" Welded Mesh Texture joins Solid Tech Fleece

OGIO: Fleece merges with Water-Resistant, Quilted Woven Overlays

Apr 2, 2017

Tees Cut for Women Can Boost Your Brand

Tees Fit for a Lady

Hey there, Ping here!

Today I’m discussing a topic that is pretty familiar to my female friends: t-shirts that don’t fit quite right. Unfortunately for many women, unisex tees can look baggy or tight in the wrong spots, making them less exciting and fun to wear. If you want to be known as a brand that cares, you can’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to apparel. Offering men’s and women’s t-shirt options is a great way to show catered appreciation to employees of all shapes and sizes!

T-shirts work!
Branded tees are everywhere. They are a highly effective marketing tool that gets your brand out on the streets and noticed. Tees don’t have to be boring. Having a creative design can go a long way toward showcasing your company’s brand voice and personality. One t-shirt can generate more than 2,000 logo impressions in an average lifetime.

Women are a massive market for branded tees.
According to a study by the Advertising Specialty Institute, more women than men own logoed tees. If women are more likely to wear a branded shirt, why not offer a style and cut specifically for them? I know very well that a tee that doesn’t fit well doesn’t get worn. (Trust me, these flippers are hard to clothe.) People feel more confident when they wear clothes that fit well, and it boosts your brand to have it seen worn and represented with that confidence.

T-shirts that fit show you care.
Ultimately, offering tees made to fit the female form shows that you care about your customers. Offering choices lets your customers, and those you hope to work with, know you respect their preferences and want to give them options. This seemingly small detail can influence how your company is perceived.

Next time you’re working on a creative giveaway, consider having ladies cut tees as an option. Not only will this increase the likelihood of your logo being worn, but it is also a chance to let your customers know you’re thinking of them.

Need a little help? Contact us today, and our team of Creative Experts will help you find the perfect tee.

Sources:
http://media.asicentral.com/resources/impressions-study-2016.pdf
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/openforum/articles/the-marketing-power-of-a-t-shirt/
https://www.the-gma.com/the-rise-of-merchandising-2-0-how-a-simple-t-shirt-could-help-promote-your-brand
http://media.asicentral.com/resources/impressions-study-2016.pdf