PPB April 2018

feed back Send feedback on articles in PPB or opinions on industry issues to JamesK@ppai.org . PPEF Reflects Well On The Promotional Products Industry Earlier this year, the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) sent out a postcard to industry professionals informing themabout the foundation’s scholarship program. PPEF and the work it does for industry members and their families reflect the industry’s values and professionalism. I don’t often see marketing that comes in through the mail, but I suppose with a growing high school student, the word “scholarship” is more like a beacon. I got the flier about PPEF and it got my attention. I came into this industry three years ago after leaving the employee benefits world as a successful broker with 20 years of experience. I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and success I find in the promotional products industry. For example, I have an incredible mentor that graciously shares her time, talent and enthusiasm for the future with me. PPEF is also a great example of the commitment to industry professionalism. I add all this to say that we’re very optimistic about the opportunities as we make it past the startup phase and make corrections to our model. We’re small and growing stronger each year. As we continue growing, we will begin contributing as well. We will also consider having our daughters apply when the time comes. DAVID WIDMER Owner Nashville Brand Company Nashville, Tennessee PPAI 674165 The Upside Of Walmart’s Entry Into The Promotional Products Biz In 2017Walmart announced it would start selling promotional products through an online site. Among the distributors who saw themove as another opportunity for promotional professionals to truly differentiate themselves fromprice competitors was Gloria Lafont, president of Action Marketing Co. She shared her thoughts in PPB ’s December issue in the article titled “Being A Small Distributor Is Your Competitive Advantage.”Walmart’s announcement also spurred a number of other comments such as these. Hmmm, where would you rather buy promotional products, or anything else for that matter? A store where the associates can’t even point to the right aisle for the product you are looking for, or from a company specializing in helping you get the best value for whatever it is you need—a company that might even give you some guidance as to what you need? I’m not knocking Walmart (or any other company where promotional products are a “by the way, we also sell printed stuff ... I’ll get an associate from housewares to help you” kind of business), it’s just that the type of clients I want value quality and service as well as price. JOHN BARBER President CHH Engraving, Inc. Agawam, Massachusetts PPAI 278636 This is fantastic news! As we know, there are a lot of promo distributors that simply sell stuff, make some money and that is the end of the story. There’s very little professionalism or care for clients—they are more interested in writing an order. So, hopefully, bye-bye to that flock. More importantly, your competition will get all up in a fret about the big W jumping into your business. That’s not my business. I refuse to dally in the low end. There’s a simple phrase I learned many years ago—”if you get it on price—well, you will lose it on price.” So, let those price buyers drive someone else nuts and waste their time. I like the article about the small promo business. Know your client; listen to your client. Change your ways. Set parameters for customer service. So, go Walmart! Hurray for you. Thank you for filtering out the price peeps. PAT MOLLER Account Executive MadeToOrder Pleasanton, California PPAI 216503 8 | APRIL 2018 |