The Dunstan Group

News

Keep it Local with Made in the USA Product 

Aside from voting, there’s likely nothing more patriotic than buying American-made goods and services. Arguably, there is no better time than now to keep your money local. And yes, there’s an ever-expanding list of MUSA branded merchandise and apparel options to tell your story, build your brand, and make a lasting impression. Here are some of our year-round favorites here at The Dunstan Group. 

Coleman 16-Quart Wheeled Cooler

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t take it outside and keep your cool with even the most intimate group. This Coleman 16-Quart Wheeled Cooler is made from high-density foam insulation for maximum cold retention. With a big, bold, space for branding, too. Now that’s cool! 

SlingGrip Phone Grips 

Give ANY phone case secure, one-handed, easy-to-use grip with SlingGrip Phone Grips. SlingGrip uses a removable, non-sticky, adhesive for easy attachment. It’s “pocket friendly,” and comes in a variety of base colors that are sure to match your brand and logo. 

Grip Write Digital Full Color Wrap Pen 

You’ve heard the new saying: keep your germs AND the pen. These are some of the most popular wide-body pens in the marketplace— and for good reason. For starters, you get one of the LARGEST imprint areas available. Eversmooth ink in black or blue, and a great price create a proven winner! 

Bayside Canvas Tote 

Here’s an item that’ll get year-round use. These Bayside Canvas Totes are perfect for grocery runs, beach trips, or travel. Great colors and plenty of room for decoration, plus the 100% cotton canvas construction is built to last. That means they’ll carry around YOUR brand and logo for a long, long time. 

Shop these Made in the USA faves and more here: https://shop.dunstangroup.biz/sr/1841860

Saying MORE with Branded Merchandise 

If a picture says 1,000 words, we’re pretty sure branded merchandise can say a whole lot more. Imagine that every time your client puts that product to use, the message you hoped to convey is repeated once more. And while we’re all still navigating in social distancing limbo, those messages are more important than ever. 

A most recent project here at The Dunstan Group bundled Fourth of July themed drinkware and a thoughtful “thank you” note from a financial services firm that wanted to let their customers know how much they appreciate the partnership. To further the “wow factor,” these surprise packages are being delivered “direct-to-client,” just in time for the holiday. 

Ordinarily, we’d share a few more details, but we don’t want to spoil our client’s surprise! But this same kind of experience is one that can be replicated across brands, across business lines, or across departments, and just about anywhere across the planet with direct-to-client shipping. 

Branded merchandise and apparel can say, “thank you.” Unless you’re a grocery store or gas station, you’re probably not transacting with your client on a daily basis. In between sales you can let them know you appreciate the business. 

Branded merchandise and apparel can say, “we’re thinking about you.” We get it; these are strange times, indeed. Most every brand and business is going through some kind of struggles. Let your clients know we’re all in this together, and that you’re just a phone call or email away.

Branded merchandise and apparel can say, “we support you.” Got employees still juggling the work-from-home life? Connect with a gift sent right to their door. Let’s be honest; getting the mail is kind of exciting these days. 

Branded merchandise and apparel can say, “let’s get together.” Even if you’ll never get closer than a zoom call these days, branded merchandise or apparel can be a unique personal invitation. 

And the list doesn’t end there. What do YOU want to say to clients, employees, or prospects? For every reason to communicate, there’s an effective and useful piece of branded merchandise or apparel that can do the talking. We’re here to listen— let us know how we can help! 

Back to Work

Like many of you, the team here at The Dunstan Group is making adjustments as we phase into the next normal. We appreciate that each and every client, industry, or partner may need or want to approach doing business in different ways. Your satisfaction is always our highest priority, but so is your health and safety. Because of that, we want to make sure we’re as accommodating and cautious as possible to meet your needs. 

Along with following public health’s best practices for social distancing, hand washing, and workplace hygiene, we’re implementing the following procedures to make it easy and comfortable to work with us here at The Dunstan Group:

Showroom Visits: Yes, you can still schedule an in-person meeting or presentation with us here at The Dunstan Group! For everyone’s safety, we’re scheduling in-person meetings with no overlap, and with time to clean in between sessions. Our large, open showroom provides plenty of space to spread out. Hand sanitizer and branded face coverings are available for your convenience and peace of mind. 

Virtual Presentation: By now, everyone’s familiar with zoom, Ring Central, and other online meeting platforms. We’re happy to arrange a virtual meeting or presentation that fits your schedule. We broadcast directly to you from our BrandBuilders Podcast studio! 

Phone Call or Email: Ready to place an order? Want to schedule a showroom or virtual presentation? Need advice on outfitting your team, company, or employees with industry-recommended PPE? We’re always open for calls and emails. 

Sample Policy: Need to see or feel the product for yourself? We get it! Branded merchandise is the only marketing that has the potential to touch all of the senses. We have an easy-to-use sample policy that can provide a touch-free way to get product in your hands before you make your decision. 

Product Pick-up Delivery Options: For your convenience, we can have orders mailed directly to you. Just let us know! 

We’ll all get through this together, and we look forward to working with you as your business, event, industry, or nonprofit ease back into doing what you do best. We’re here to help you and yours get back to work! 

Everybody’s Zooming. Play it Safe 

It seems like everybody’s “Zooming,” or using some kind of videoconferencing to stay connected. We’re using Zoom or other platforms for casual get-togethers with family and friends, classes, networking events, and virtual happy hours too. 

Videoconferencing isn’t a new technology, but Zoom is taking a lot of heat for privacy and security shortcomings. And internet security pros say the platform isn’t completely to blame. Its ease of use and rapid acceptance by practically everyone have exposed issues more quickly than they might possibly be addressed under normal volume and circumstances. Exponentially larger audiences have also created a higher level of scrutiny. 

Updated security features mean nothing if we don’t put them to work. As consumers and users, we can take a more active role in protecting ourselves. We talked to Tom Blanchard from Sterling Technology Solutions for some tips: 

  • Don’t type in confidential info of ANY kind. Whether that’s the meeting topic, or chat information, or other identifying data. Here’s why: When hackers are looking at Zoom data, Blanchard says it’s text info they’re looking for. They’re not looking at video. DON”T enter confidential info. EVER. Keep that out of meeting info.
  • Add password protection, or don’t bypass the password option when setting up the meeting. As an added layer of security, send that separately from the meeting ID or login.
  • If you have a public meeting NEVER EVER share your screen, reminds Blanchard. Along with having tabs open that may reveal personal or embarrassing information, they may also expose more sensitive details like logins, passwords, or account numbers. 
  • Only allow people to join your meeting if they sign in to the meeting with the email address that YOU invited. That will create a second layer between the hackers and the meeting. 

Working with kids requires extra care, particularly since most school-age kids are taking classes online and many teachers or coaches may not have had experience in the teleconferencing space. Dr. Sharon Jones from the dot. consulting and The Dottie Rose Foundation adds the following recommended precautions.

  • As the meeting host, take advantage of the “waiting room” feature. This will allow you to approve any participants before they enter into the videoconference. 
  • Follow the same guidelines you would in a real classroom. In her Zoom classes, she has at least one other grown-up on the class for security. 
  • Jones also records all the classes to serve as a record of what goes on during those classes, should there ever be a question. 

Technology like Zoom calls will likely become more widely accepted going forward. The more users, the more data, and the more attractive the platforms become for hackers. Another great idea is to get familiar with the platforms and their features during more casual calls first. 

 

A Personal Touch in the Age of Social Distancing

With conferences, classes, and even championships being cancelled, businesses and nonprofits of all sizes are wondering how they’ll make connections, educate, and entertain during these unique circumstances. We believe branded merchandise can provide some relief. We’re not suggesting we’ll set the economy straight or “flatten the curve,” but if you’re struggling with how to pivot in this current environment, consider this:

Branded Merchandise is Personal

Take branded merchandise beyond “swag” and see it for what it can be: a gift, an award, or an item to make the recipient’s day or job easier or more enjoyable. Branded merchandise has the potential to touch all five senses. That’s pretty personal, even in this age of “social distancing.” Not many forms of communication — much less marketing — can say that.

Branded Merchandise is Useful

Investing in products your audience will use makes branded merchandise even more appealing. It’s not “trinkets and trash” if your branded merchandise is thoughtfully selected with your audience or end user in mind. Think about it: branded merchandise has YOUR logo on it. Why would you invest in anything but a useful product?

Branded Merchandise Tells a Story

More importantly, branded merchandise tells YOUR story. And when chosen properly, it can tell that story over and over again. Branded merchandise creates positive brand association, increased customer loyalty, and brand recognition. When telling your brand story, consider branded merchandise the noun of the very first sentence.

Branded Merchandise Makes a Lasting Impression

Think about that simple, reusable bag from that popular athletic apparel store. You know the one. Not only does it carry your most recent purchase from the retail store, it doubles as a lunch bag or grocery tote, it keeps your running shoes separated in your gym bag, etc. That’s a whole lot of usefulness and a whole lot of impressions in between.

Making Time

“The times, they are a changing,” sang Bob Dylan, and it’s also a timely reminder to Spring Ahead for Daylight Saving Time! Twice a year, we reset our watches and enjoy our extra hour of daylight either as we head to work, or out to play afterwards. Either way, we want to know just the right time go places, and these stylish time pieces and accessories can help. Best of all, they can all be customized to create a long-lasting reminder of your brand!

Classic Bulova

Round silver dial with Arabic numerals and a silver tone case show you love of classic style and timeless durability at any hour. Stainless steel bracelet withstands spring rains and so does the watch, with water resistance to 30 meters.

Epoch Style

Elevate your Apple Watch to ascendant levels of fashion and functionality with our Epoch watchband, crafted from raw, top-grain cowhide and reinforced with hand-sewn waxed thread. Gold or gunmetal hardware and nine leather tones match your design and style, with your school, club, business name, or logo ingrained. Made in the USA.

Color your iHome

Make your brand glow with this timely, color-changing Bluetooth Alarm Clock from iHome. The dual-alarm clock and speaker system has Qi wireless fast charging, USB charging, and speakerphone in 7 color-changing modes that stream music wirelessly and let you take hands-free calls.

Block Out Time for This

Light up your days with this simple, yet elegant, Blue Cube Alarm Clock in attractive bamboo veneer that blends beautifully with natural décor. Large, understated surfaces make great backgrounds for your company imprint while keeping you on time during extra daylight hours.

Extra Steps

Those longer sunny days make us ready to get outdoors for a run or ride to better health. This Health Measuring Bracelet Pedometer keeps track of those miles and smiles with step, calorie, distance, time, and multiple wellness measures. You can tell your friends all about your progress with call, text, webchat, and apps. Bring on Spring!

 

Rainy Day Coverage

Like the saying goes, if there’s one thing predictable about Spring weather it’s that it will be practically unpredictable. If it’s anything like this week, there’s plenty of wet weather before we hit the heat of summer. The Dunstan Group can have you and your crew covered for the rainy days ahead. Here are some of our seasonal favorites for Spring! 

Inverted Umbrellas 

Every time we see these we wonder; why didn’t we think of that? Like any old umbrella, this inverted umbrella has you covered. But once you’re in the house, the office, or the car, it folds its “wet side” away to keep floors and car seats dry, too. Genius! 

Rain Poncho Ball 

We’ve all been caught in the rain without the proper gear. Make it easy for your clients, friends, and team members to be prepared for Spring storms — and keep your brand close at hand. The Rain Poncho Ball includes, of course, a waterproof poncho enclosed in a colorful, brandable, ball! Included clip makes it easy to attach to bags and backpacks. 

Wet/Dry Bag

Take it with you AND keep it dry no matter the forecast or conditions. This water-resistant day bag is great for travel, trips to the gym or the beach, and anywhere else you want to keep your wet and dry gear separated. A big main compartment is paired with a mesh zipper compartment for the ultimate ease of use. Includes a removable carry strap, too! 

Silicone Waterproof Shoe Covers

Waterproof, packable, and perfect in a pinch — or any other time you need your feet protected from the wet weather. We love the grippy sole, and the BIG space for branding, too. One size fits most adults; made of stretchable, easy-to-wear silicone. 

The North Face DryVent Jacket 

An impenetrable barrier between you and the elements. The North Face DryVent rain jacket is a waterproof, breathable, technical jacket that lets you explore the trails — or anywhere else — without getting soaked. Plus, the100% windproof fabric blocks the gusts, while pit zips and an adjustable hood customize ventilation. Men’s and women’s sizes and colors, too! 

About that Coronavirus…

The ripple effects from the uncertainty in China have raised lots of questions. Along with the human story, there are worries and precautions surrounding the coronavirus affecting lead times and delivery for industries around the world. Supply, manufacturing, and delivery chains have all been impacted, raising more concerns about long term effects. Our industry trade association hosted a webinar to answer some of those questions. We thought some of that information from PPAI may help frame the global nature of this story and its impact on people, products, and services.

Top Experts Discuss The Coronavirus And Its Potential Impact During Recent PPAI Webinar

The coronavirus is shaping up to have a significant impact on businesses around the world and the global economy. Since it was first reported in early January, the virus has sickened more than 40,000 people in 25 countries and killed over 1,000, but the outbreak’s impact is also being sharply felt along global supply chains that run through China.

The virus was first detected during one of the highest travel seasons in the country. China’s Lunar New Year, a holiday celebrated throughout the country and during which many people travel home to visit family and friends in cities and towns far from where they work, began on January 25 and was extended by the country’s central government to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Initially set to end January 30, it was extended to February 3, however 24 of China’s 31 provinces urged businesses not reopen until February 10.

The extended holiday saw factories and their operations shuttered—carmakers in China, for example, are cutting production by 15 percent in the quarter—shoppers are staying home and numerous international airlines are curtailing, if not cancelling, flights to the country. American Airlines is not expected to resume flights to China and Hong Kong until April at the earliest, says a report in USA Today. And with China’s factories shut down, global supply chains are finding parts in short supply, cutting production beyond China’s borders. Hyundai in South Korea has already temporarily closed plants, and Fiat Chrysler is working to prevent similar disruptions at its European factories.

On Friday, PPAI hosted a webinar, “The Coronavirus: A Conversation With Leading Global Experts,” to help industry professionals learn more about the outbreak and its effects. Facilitated by Jonathan Isaacson, CEO of supplier Gemline, the webinar featured the expertise of top specialists: Dr. Joseph Eisenberg, chair of epidemiology, University of Michigan; Dr. Mary Gallagher, director, Center for Chinese Studies, University of Michigan; and Peter Martin, vice chairman, FocusPoint International Crisis Management.

Eisenberg began by explaining that coronaviruses are, in general, fairly common. They cause the common cold, for instance. What makes the current outbreak so different is that it was transmitted from animals to humans. Eisenberg said, “It’s spreading the way it’s spreading because it’s novel. It’s a new virus and people don’t have prior immunity. Even with influenza, which emerges as a different strain each year, people have some level of immunity.”

With so many products coming into the U.S. from China, one major concern voiced during the webinar is the potential risk of the coronavirus being transmitted on products and packaging being imported from China. Eisenberg explained that flu viruses can survive on surfaces for a couple of hours. Products coming into the U.S. by air are generally in transit for three days. Those traveling by sea may be in transit for 14 days or more. Eisenberg said, “Survival time on a porous surface, like sheets, is going to be different than a surface like steel. It’s a pretty wide range. For the coronavirus, we’re probably talking hours, but we don’t know for sure. It’s probably safe to say it’s closer to influenza. Without knowing the specifics of the virus, it is unlikely that the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for products’ shipping durations. A standard surface cleaning would make it even less likely. Three to 14 days is a pretty long period of time for a respiratory virus to actually survive.”

In the webinar, Isaacson asked Eisenberg if we’re seeing the right response to the coronavirus from a public health perspective. Eisenberg said, “In respect to risk in the U.S., yes, the risk is incredibly low—especially when you compare it to the flu, which kills of tens of thousands of people every year in the U.S. Thinking of that relative risk, there should be little concern about the risk of getting coronavirus in the U.S.”

The outbreak and responses by the Chinese government and governments around the world raise questions for businesses operating in China. The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, one of the largest events in the world for the global promotional products industry, is still on schedule to run April 27-30. Asked about the impact of the virus on gatherings such as this, Gallagher said, “The Chinese government is debating postponing two annual meetings that occur in March, meetings of the legislature and a consultative conference. There’s a lot of political sensitivity around them. It would indicate the unprecedented level of the crisis. I’d leave a lot of room for flexibility.”

On the webinar, Martin talked about the crisis management aspect of the virus on business. “There’s a lot of uncertainty around getting supplies in and product out, and what the reaction of countries doing the importing in and out are going to do,” he said. “Regarding shipping to and from China, there are issues with traffic volume and employee comfort level. Fedex, for example, is allowing pilots to volunteer as to whether or not they fly into China.”

Martin added, “At this point, there’s a lot of pivoting and indecision. If there was a decision right now, I wouldn’t trust it being honored more than for a few days’ time. The financial impact on China and the businesses relying on it will be significant, and we don’t really understand what that’s going to look like yet. There remains a lot of uncertainty about how this will play out in the next couple of weeks and it is too early to tell.”