The Platform Group Gallery

83% of promotional distributors surveyed willing to promote a line via a web-catalog

During our recent participation in ASI's Virtual Trade Show, The Platform Group Gallery conducted a survey with promotional distributors.  Here are selected results - (of those surveyed)

• Only 37% of distributors had offered to provide a printed gift box to a client. 

WOW!  Think of the incremental sales you would have if you offered a gift box from the ecologically friendly galleryboard packaging line. 

Over 300 ready-made styles -- made from 100% recycled content fiberboard -- made in the USA -- decorated with offset, screen, vignette or blind deboss -- accessorized (optionally) with a PE Foam Insert -- shipping in 7 business days from art approval.  GalleryBoard Packaging has been an industry favorite since 1999 -- winning accolades from both PPAI and ASI for quality, service and distributor marketing tools. 

It's easy to get started and to make that first successful & lucrative presentation of packaging  -- contact CustomerService for your no-charge samples and no-charge self-promo program.

• 83% of distributors are willing to present a line using a web-site branded with the distributor's logo & contact information.

That is great - because The Platform Group Gallery offers no-charge distributor branded web-sites
that display the entire over 300+ item line of GalleryBoard packaging.  The sites feature a request a sample and contact us for quotes submission that goes directly to the associated distributor.  The items are virutal sample enabled - using technologo technology - the same VS system used by ASI on ESP.

Use your site to present the line virtually and in person to your clients.  You can also use our GREENCat - a page-turner style catalog that features the best sellers.

• 95% of distributors would like to receive end-user leads in their geographic area.

Super -- because we offer a referral program that SENDS end-users to distributors.  Get listed - it is totally free and boy does it work (read these testimonials).  End-users find The Platform Group Gallery because they google packaging or gift boxes - so they contact us directly -- and we get them sorted out with samples and match them immediately to a listed distributor.  These end-users are ready to buy - and often they buy a lot!

• 90% of distributors are interested in receiving free gift boxes with their logo.

Wonderful - because as part of our Gold Award winning Sales & Marketing Tools we offer a 50 piece, decorated, no-charge self-promo program to professional distributors.  Choose your gift box, present it to your clients packed with promo items and guess what -- they will ask you to not ONLY source their promo items, but also source their packaging. 

Get Started with any of the above at CustomerService@theplatformgroupgallery.com or 888-880-4790.  We look forward to working with you!

Platform Group Gallery at ASI 1st ever virtual trade-show

If you missed ASI's first ever virtual trade-show yesterday - don't worry - the exhibit hall will be open for the next six months.  Yesterday you could chat with us suppliers in booths and network with other distributors -- but all of the presentations, videos and resources documents are all still live and I've just been in to look - and it is still a really great resource!

Visit ASI Central to get a free registration to log-in -- and walk through virtual booths from award winning industry suppliers like The Platform Group Gallery, Norwood, Avaline, Moderne Glass and many more!

At our booth, see the full-line of ecologically friendly galleryboard packaging, featuring press kits, portfolios, folders, binders and gift boxes.  Don't miss our free give-away!

Promo Biz Coach 2nd Quarter Sales-Boost Teleconference

Download Now:  Powerpoint for the 2009 2nd Quarter Spring Sales Boost - Download 2009 2nd Quarter Spring Sales Boost

Rosalie Marcus, The PromoBiz Coach, offered industry distributors advice on how to Boost sales with her 2nd Quarter Sales Boost Teleconference.  Each of the featured suppliers answered 5 questions, with the objective of providing tips & ideas for grow sales in 2009. 

Rosalie: What's the single best tip you can give distributors for getting business in today's economy? 

Allison: Target companies that are on the leading edge of new product / service / technology. 

For example; there are banks forming that are mobile-only, that is, they bank all online vs. bricks & mortar, and they need to create awareness.  USAA is one of these, and so is GreenBank.

Other examples would be any company providing an alternative energy.  Read 'Flat Hot & Crowded' by Thomas L. Friedman for a great outline of new energy.

The WSJ is a great resource for 'cutting/leading' edge companies / programs and is a good place to identify targets. 

Another good indicator is watching what companies are hiring -- there are some -- and those should be good targets, both for marketplace education and raising awareness with recruits.  CNN is a good source for this.

Rosalie: What is the best new idea you can give us for selling your product line now (in the spring season?)

Allison:  Ask questions and make suggestions.  Your client is too busy doing their 'real' jobs to think through a program totally, and you can drum up business by being the first to point out gaps and providing solutions.

For example, gift programs always need a gift-box.  Brochures need a leave-behind. Trade-shows required display packaging.  But your client will either forget totally or leave it until it is too late.  Bringing it up with a solution will earn you business.

Rosalie: Can you share a case history with us...or a successful promotion another distributor did? 

Allison:

Bring Back the Bull -- gift box / portfolio program by a distributor (self-promo program).  Filled with accessibly priced promotional items in a printed package.

Baker Hughes -- same distributor - many different offices within company -- gift boxes, portfolios.  Ask for referrals within a company.

Rosalie: What industries or niche markets do you see orders coming from? 

Allison:  Industries to watch include services using technology, for example, the mobile-based banking, education and non-profits (these maybe not surprisingly are growing & hiring).  Government is hiring, particularly in areas of intelligence like CIA and FBI.  They need to raise awareness with recruits and in marketplace.

Rosalie: What special offer do you have for our group? ( See attached coupons, you can use this offer or add another.) 

Allison:  EQP pricing on any gift box + 15% discount of custom foam insert.  Good through end of June on any gift box item, across all price groups.

Featured Suppliers -

1. Allison Gower, The Platform Group Gallery
2. Viktoria Sokolova, EMT
3. Bob Hechler, Windbrella
4. Pam Centina, Direct Connections
5. Julie Nieves, Wash. Promo Group
6. Glen Hersh, Admints and Zagabor
7. Ross Silverstein, iPromoteu

Featured Offers -

 

Supplier Specials from The Promo Biz coach featuring The Platform Group Gallery

If you're already signed up, fantastic! If not, you don't want to miss this.

Get Sales Now! Complimentary Teleconference. (featuring The Platform Group Gallery, and other top industry suppliers)

• Great new product ideas to increase your sales
• No-cost/low cost self-promotions that drive business to you
• Sales-boosting tips from industry experts and top suppliers
• Hundreds of dollars in supplier discounts (More income for you!)
• Expert advice and the chance to ask questions and get answers

Date: Tuesday, April 21 Time 2:00 ET, 1:00 CT, 12 Noon MT, 11:00 PT

Register even if you can't attend the live call. Rosalie will send you the recording and supplier discounts.

Grab your spot  The telephone number is sent after you register.  Here's to your success!

Follow twitter.com/aegower!

Factory tour - The Platform Group Gallery

Come and tour The Platform Group Gallery's factory.

Meet Customer Service & Production Staff - and watch us laminate, die-cut, print and assemble galleryboard packaging.

Navigating The Platform Group Gallery web-site

There are many resources & tools available on www.ThePlatformGroupGallery.com.

These resources & tools are also available in distributor branded web-sites -- with distributor logo and contact information.

A powerpoint to use when presenting GalleryBoard to your clients

The above video is available in a powerpoint format that can be easily edited to replace our company name with yours. This is a great way to present the ecologically friendly galleryboard packaging line to your clients.

The benefits of the line include being made from 100% recycled content fiberboard, in the USA with employees vs. outsourced overseas labor, quick ship times and four decoration methods. We QC our work as we produce and only ship top-quality and always ship on-time. We ship all major freight methods - prepaid add or 3rd party / collect and we pack the product to arrive safely and on-time with no surprises.

Download the powerpoint here - Download The Platform Group Gallery - ecologically friendly packaging supplier

galleryboard packaging featured on ASI Radio

The Platform Group Gallery is being featured on ASI Radio's focus on ecologically friendly products. 

The Radio Show will run October 7th, 2008 and will feature the promotional industry's best options for GREEN gifts & packaging.

Need an ecologically friendly press kit or gift box? Every item in The Platform Group Gallery’s galleryboard packaging line is made from 100% recycled content fiberboard and environmentally friendly paperstock. Choose from over 300 ready-made gift boxes, press kits, folders and binders or ask us to design a custom package.  Decorate with spot, CMYK or blind deboss and receive a firm freight quote.  Orders ship within 7 business days, rush is available. Visit Ecofriendlyprintedboxes.com for a blind catalog.

Download tpgg_asi_radio_30_seconds.wav

Rosalie Marcus 4th Quarter Sales Booster

Rosalie Marcus - the promotional product industry's PromoBiz Coach is offering a FREE simulcast full of ideas to boost your 4th quarter sales.  Sign up for the show here.

The show, 9/23 at 2pm EST is featuring a panel of promotional products business experts who will share fresh ideas, new product introductions, case histories and sales tips guaranteed to boost your 4th quarter sales and beyond. Plus, you'll receive exclusive discounts, worth hundreds of dollars, from our supplier guest experts.

She'll cover:                                

• Eco-friendly products and packaging                                     
• Low cost, high value products for any budget                                     
• Holiday gift and self-promotion ideas                                     
• Case histories you can duplicate to make more money                                     
• Innovative sales and prospecting tips                                     
• Questions from listeners

Guest experts:                                

• Allison Gower, The Platform Group Gallery                                     
• Brett Hersh, Admints and Zagabor                                     
• Liz Lewtan, Lewtan Industries                                     
• Gregg Muzzillo, Proforma                                     
• Tim Rowe, Washington Promotional Group                                     
• Tom Vann, Target Graphics Ltd.                                     
• Steve Weinstein, EMT

Most Beneficial Sales & Marketing Aids

The Platform Group Gallery (PPAI 216134 / ASI 78708) has been selected as a winner in the Promotional Product Association's (PPAI) 2009 Supplier Awards Competition.

The winning category is Most Beneficial Sales & Marketing aids (provided to Promotional Products distributors).

The awards will be presented at the PPAI Expo January 2009 in Las Vegas - and will be awarded to The Platform Group Gallery President Allison Gower.

Learn more about the Spectacular Distributor Support services that won in the category of Most Beneficial Sales & Marketing Aids --

The Platform Group Gallery manufactures and markets GalleryBoard(r) Packaging exclusively to Professional Promotional Products Distributors.  Every item in the line is made from 100% recycled content and is colored with chlorine-free dyes, making it environmentally friendly as well as sturdy and functional.  We provide a host of sales and marketing aids to our professional distributor network – the elements of this aid program are outlined below for the submission.

No-charge self-promotion Program;
•    A distributor can order up to 50 pieces of any TriBeCa priced item with a 1 color screen or CMYK vignette at absolutely no-charge.  Read More Here.
•    Many distributors present their collateral & business information in our items when previewing their services to their clients.  This is a very successful way for distributors to gain packaging orders – many of their clients order the same exact item as they have seen their vendor distributor use. 

No-charge Door Opener
•    A distributor can provide CMYK art and we’ll prepare an absolutely no-charge DOOR OPENER spec sample
•    These are great ways for a distributor to present a new idea (packaging) to clients who have been going to non-industry listed printers for packaging and/or to get in the door with a brand new client.
•    In the example shown below, Stuart & Associates presented a no-charge door-opened to a client (Training on Base) and immediately got an order for a printed piece (almost a replica of the door-opener presented as spec). 

Welcome Kit –
•    All listed promotional distributors are provided with a FREE Welcome Kit that contains everything they need to know about the GalleryBoard packaging line, along with a listing of resources, free offers and contact information
•    Distributors can also access & download the welcome kit 24/7 online.

Distributor Branded Web-Site
•    We provide no-charge distributor branded web-sites along with Google Analytics reports showing page landings, bounces and sources for entry.
•    These sites show the distributor’s contact information, link to their web-site and allow their clients to order samples, create virtual samples and request quotes.  They can also see list rates 24/7.
•    We have provided over 1,000 of these branded web sites to distributors and many receive 100’s of hits per week (reports provided to distributors from google analytics)

Distributor Branded Catalogs
•    We provide no-charge distributor branded catalogs. Distributors can choose what to display, co name, co / contact / phone etc. We do not limit these and they are always free.

We provide No-charge Drop Samples (including no-charge FedEx Ground freight)

•    Drop-ship samples can be ordered straight from our web-site, from the distributor’s branded sites or via customer service email or fax
•    We ship within 2-3 business days (unless express / rush is specified), and do not charge for FedEx Ground freight
•    Drop-ship samples are packed with identifying item numbers so clients can easily ID samples chosen for a program, with a  distributor contact card, with box stickers to identify the shipment as samples so it does not get stuck in the mail-room.

We send all end-user (and adv/graphic agency leads) to professional products distributors participating in our FREE Referral Program –
•    Distributors can join the referral program is they are officially industry listed
•    All leads go to participants
•    We advertise to end-users via google adwords and generate 100’s of qualified leads who are ready to by each week – all of these are passed to distributors
•    Read More here – and read testimonials of participating distributors.

On-demand Virtual Samples –
•    Our web-site www.theplatformgroupgallery.com is equipped with on-demand virtual samples so that a distributor or his/her client can choose an item, upload art, choose color and view immediately.
•    All items on web are equipped and this allows distributor to view virtual’s 24/7