Case Studies

One of the most highly sought after skills is direct sales and those who are looking to get better consistently seek out the strategies that work. We’ve been working with direct sellers for decades and thought that it was time to share some of the most effective direct sales strategies we’ve seen and been a part of. What is Direct Sales? You likely know what this is but, Direct Sales is a model in which products or services are sold directly to consumers or buyers without the involvement of intermediaries such as retailers or wholesalers. It is a method of marketing and distribution that allows companies to establish a direct connection with their customers, enabling them to control the entire sales process from start to finish. One of the key characteristics of direct sales is the emphasis on building personal relationships and providing personalized customer experiences. Unlike traditional retail environments, direct sales allows for direct interaction between the sales representative and the customer, creating opportunities for product demonstrations, one-on-one consultations, and tailored recommendations. This personal touch enhances the overall buying experience and can contribute to customer loyalty and repeat business. Direct Sales Strategies When it comes to direct sales strategies there are many out there and a lot of them are actually pretty good. So we wanted to share with you today some of the good ones, the direct sales strategies that will help you close more business and generate more revenue. Direct Sales Strategy #1 – Personal Selling Personal selling is a direct sales strategy that involves face-to-face interaction between the sales representative and the customer. This approach allows for building strong personal relationships and customizing the sales pitch based on the customer’s needs and preferences. Sales representatives can provide product demonstrations, answer questions, and address concerns in real-time. This strategy is commonly used in industries such as cosmetics, home improvement, and financial services. Personal selling requires effective communication, product knowledge, and the ability to establish trust with customers. Direct Sales Strategy #2 – Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) Multi-Level Marketing is a direct sales strategy that utilizes a network of independent distributors who not only sell products but also recruit and manage their own sales teams. Distributors earn commissions not only from their personal sales but also from the sales generated by their recruited team members. This strategy creates a hierarchical structure where distributors can earn income not only through direct selling but also through the efforts of their downline. MLM companies often offer training, support, and incentives to motivate distributors to grow their networks and drive sales. Direct Sales Strategy #3 – Party Plan Sales The party plan sales strategy involves hosting in-person or virtual gatherings where a sales representative showcases products to a group of potential customers. These gatherings can be hosted in homes, community centers, or online platforms. The sales representative typically presents the products, offers demonstrations, and encourages attendees to make purchases. This strategy creates a social and interactive environment that fosters product engagement and can lead to higher sales. Party plan sales are commonly used in industries such as kitchenware, fashion, and beauty products. Direct Sales Strategy #4 – Online Direct Sales With the rise of e-commerce and social media, online direct sales have become increasingly popular. This strategy involves promoting and selling products or services directly to customers through online platforms such as websites, social media channels, or online marketplaces. Companies often provide online catalogs, product descriptions, and ordering systems to facilitate the sales process. Online direct sales offer convenience and a wider reach, allowing companies to connect with customers globally. It requires effective digital marketing, engaging content, and a user-friendly online shopping experience Direct Sales Strategy #5 – Direct Mail Direct mail is a targeted marketing and sales strategy that involves sending promotional materials, such as letters, brochures, catalogs, or postcards, directly to potential customers through the mail. This approach allows businesses to reach a specific audience with personalized and tangible marketing materials. One of the key advantages of direct mail is its ability to deliver a physical piece of promotional material directly into the hands of the recipient. Unlike digital marketing channels, direct mail engages multiple senses and can leave a lasting impression. By leveraging eye-catching designs, compelling copy, and creative packaging, direct mail can capture the recipient’s attention and generate interest in the product or service being promoted. Direct mail also enables companies to tailor their messages and offers to specific customer segments. Through targeted mailing lists or data analysis, businesses can identify and reach individuals who are most likely to be interested in their products or services. This personalized approach enhances the relevance of the direct mail piece and increases the chances of a positive response. Furthermore, direct mail allows for a high degree of measurability and tracking. By using unique promotional codes, personalized URLs, or response cards, businesses can track the effectiveness of their direct mail campaigns and measure the return on investment. This data-driven approach enables companies to refine their targeting and messaging strategies for future mailings, optimizing their sales efforts. Each of these direct sales strategies has its unique advantages and considerations. Companies may choose to utilize one or a combination of these strategies based on their product offering, target audience, and market dynamics Direct Sales Follow Up Ultimately none of these strategies can be highly effective without strategic follow up. Every marketing and sales effort requires some ongoing level of nurturing to bring the sale to a close. We’re not talking about aggressive tactics that are pushy and demanding, we just mean that you need to stay visible and continue to be helpful so that your sales effort doesn’t fade and the buyer or customer loses interest. Armed with all of this information we hope that you have a better understanding of the direct sales strategies available to you and how to implement them in a way that will drive success for your business. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Sustainability is at the top of every brand and retailer’s minds. It’s good for the environment, the future and customers are expecting to see it acted on as well. So it only seems fitting to share with you examples of the most common and most popular sustainable retail displays. What Makes a Display Sustainable? You’ve probably heard the word sustainable quite a bit lately, but what is it? What makes a display sustainable? Here we’ll look at the ways something can actually be considered sustainable. Materials it’s made from When a display is made using a material that is being recycled or created with a material that can be recycled, this is considered a feature that coincides with sustainability. It’s ability to be reused The fact that retail displays can be reused over and over is a form of sustainability as well. You can think of this as recycling, but it’s more about longevity and not having to dispose of the display after a single use. How it was made and the impact that has on the environment Lastly if you look at how a retail display is made, this can contribute to it being sustainable. If the manufacturer uses sustainable practices or sustainable materials then the end product can also be considered sustainable. Common Sustainable Retail Displays If it’s sustainable retail displays you’re looking for then it’s sustainable retail displays you’ll get. At least if you know what to look for. Here we are listing out the most common retail displays that are actually sustainable. Banners Signage Recyclable & Reusable Dump Bins & Floor Displays These bins can hold a lot of product and can be used over and over again. They can also be designed to be used for many different types of products by swapping out small inserts or wraps. By doing this you are engaged in the recycling of use with this specific retail display.  So whether you are just looking to be on trend or you are actually concerned about ensuring you are practicing in a sustainable way this should help you better understand what sustainability means as it relates to retail displays and that you can easily implement these at your stores. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

There are so many changes and updates in the world of graphic design that it can sometimes be a challenge to keep up with all of the trends that are emerging. We have saved you the necessary research time by finding out what are going to be hot trends in the next year and creating a full list of graphic design trends for 2024. Keep reading for the top trends coming up in graphic design: Design Trend 1 – Natural Textures & Patterns An IBM study has reported that 57% of consumers are willing to alter their purchase habits if it means reducing their impact on the environment.  With that statistic in mind, you can see how the incorporation of natural textures and patterns from nature would appeal to many people.  The use of leaves, flowers, and trees are just some of the nature patterns you can use in your 2024 graphic design projects. Design Trend 2 – 3D Design Elements 3D design has enjoyed a steady increase in the last few years, and marketing experts do not expect this trend to fade in the near future.  Modern technology makes it easier than ever to create 3D graphics and elements in brand packaging, mailers, and products. Be sure and try this graphic design trend in at least one of your print marketing designs in the coming year. Design Trend 3 – Hand Drawn Illustrations This graphic design trend is a bit more complicated than others as it cannot be copied. On the other hand, these illustrations are a unique element of your brand or designed product.  This is a trend that many expect to grow in usage due to the uniqueness it brings to your graphic design.  Design Trend 4 – Monochrome The use of varying shades of a single color, especially black & white, remains quite popular in graphic design. In addition, this trend simplifies the design palette and makes it easier to be creative while also strategically thinking about the other parts of the work. Design Trend 5 – Muted Colors Many brands are looking to tone things down so look for a moderation of design through muted color selections. Companies are going for a softer look in their messaging with a design that truly reflects their voice. Design Trend 6 – More, More and More In contrast to past minimalism design trends, you can now expect to see design compositions that are busier than ever before. Look for more images that are overlaid by graphics and illustrations, as well as text, objects, and patterns. Design Trend 7 – Throwback to the 90’s The 90s are back in a big way. Designers are turning to nostalgia which means you are guaranteed to see bolder colors with sharp lines and radical energy. Design Trend 8 – Retro Line Art Expect to see an increased amount of minimalist design using line art that contains fewer colors within the composition. Multiple brands are using this design option which is helping to increase its popularity. We have found that these are going to be the hottest graphic design trends next year and will be trends that you may want to implement in your upcoming print marketing projects. However, keep in mind that  new ideas are appearing all the time. Know of a trend you think should be added to this list? If so, let us know! Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Sustainable packaging is critical these days because of how important it is to both companies and their customers. In general, sustainable packaging solutions use environmentally friendly and sustainable materials that are designed and produced with the intention of minimizing the environmental footprint of a company. Many companies are moving in this direction in response to the wishes of the public to help protect and sustain the environment. As you will learn in this article, there are sustainable packaging materials available for most packaging options that make them more sustainable./ Keep reading to learn which option could best for your sustainable packaging efforts. Compostable Packaging Compostable packaging has the ability to naturally decompose back into the earth and it usually does not leave any type of toxic residue behind. This type of packaging is usually made of plant-based materials.  One example is bio-poly mailers which break down anywhere from ninety days to one hundred and eighty days after they are thrown out and moved into landfills. Mushroom Packaging as a Material Mycelium packaging is a sustainable packaging option that is made from mushrooms. The mycelium is the part of the mushroom that is able to break down organic matter and it forms a lightweight and strong material that can be molded into multiple shapes. It also decomposes within a few months. Hemp Packaging Hemp packaging might be able to replace single-use, disposable plastic as hemp plastics are made of durable and renewable hemp polymers. This makes hemp packaging an eco-packaging material that is sustainable and a possible solution for easing environmental difficulties for a business. Seaweed Packaging Seaweed is a sustainable material and scientists collect it in order to ferment the material and create sustainable packaging materials. There is no chemical distillation involved in the process and the only by-product is a yeast by-product that can be converted and fed to farm animals.  Recycled Paper Pulp Recycled paper pulp is made of used paper that has been processed by chemicals. This process allows the inks and other unwanted elements to be removed. The final result is recycled pulp that can be safely used as a material for paper manufacturing. However, the papers made with recycled pulp are not as sustainable as those made with virgin pulp so recycled paper pulp can only be used for a limited amount of time. Now that you know more about the sustainable packaging material options available for your business, you too can help reduce your carbon footprint. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

An outdoor vinyl banner is a successful way for many businesses to grow their visibility and attract customers. There are times when a custom vinyl banner does not have the proper design which means it will likely not deliver the desired results. In many cases, this can be avoided by making sure some simple design errors do not happen during the design and production process.  In this article, we will highlight the top custom outdoor banner design mistakes to avoid so you can gain the ROI you want from your banners. Size of Text & Graphics While this seems like a simple part of the design process, it is not always executed correctly. When it comes to the viewing distance of the signage, the banner needs bigger text and graphics if it is being viewed from a far distance. If the person is viewing the outdoor vinyl banner from a closer distance, the design should have smaller text and graphics. The viewing distance must be considered or the custom vinyl banner can be difficult to read. Too Cluttered or Busy If a custom outdoor banner is too cluttered or too busy because of too many design elements fighting for attention, the readability of the banner can be seriously impaired.  Take a look below at some of the most common mistakes that can happen during the design process: Avoid Misspelling & Typos This seems like such an obvious mistake to avoid but it happens more often than you might imagine. The appearance of misspelled words on your banner design takes away from your professional image. It can also make the message hard to understand and even give incorrect information. Using the Wrong Colors The correct use of color is an important aspect of banner design. The color that you choose catches the eye so try to use a color that best identifies your business while still making the banner appealing and easy to read. Color contrast is also important so think about using a dark text on a light background or light text on a dark background.  Coating Consideration If you don’t use a coating finish on your banner, you can potentially shorten the lifespan and effectiveness of the banner. There are multiple reasons to use a coating including the fact that it increases the durability of the banner and makes it easier to maintain. A banner coating can prevent any damage from the sun and also make it easy to clean off any dust, dirt, or grime that gets on the banner.Want to make sure your outdoor banner is long-lasting and easy to read? Contact our design team today. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924

Brochures are one of the most versatile marketing techniques that a business owner or marketer can create to promote their company. Even though brochures might seem to be an old school way to market a business, there are almost unlimited creative options when it comes to the brochure finishing process.  In this article, we will spotlight a number of print finishes that make a brochure stand out from the competition thanks to creative and compelling brochure finishing options currently on the market. Embossing & Debossing This print finish option is easy to understand because they are the opposite of each other. Embossing is when a graphic is stamped from the back of the paper in order to create a raised graphic on the front of the paper. During the debossing process, the design is indented from the front by depressing the graphic into the paper. Brochure Coating Brochure coating provides a professional and appealing finish to the product. Different finishes provide different effects or appearances to the brochure so it is important to know the difference between each coating option. Die-Cutting The die-cutting process is when a die is customized through the cutting or forming process in order to create a desired design or shape. The die-cut machine is able to mass produce large numbers of the same cut out shapes for the final product.  Foil Stamping Foil stamping uses foil and pressure to create graphic designs and text in a large range of shiny colors and textures. The result is a unique printed design when the foil is applied to another material for the final aesthetic finish. Brochure Laminating Brochure laminating is when a clear plastic film is bonded onto printed materials. The addition of the clear plastic film makes the brochure sturdy and long-lasting.  Binding While many people view binding as nothing more than a way to hold a document together, it also gives the brochure its shape. In addition, the binding process makes the materials easier to read and improves its durability. This could be done by stitching, wire-o, perfect/book binding among many other binding options Custom Brochure Folding The fold of the brochure impacts the way the contained information is laid out and read by the public. Each type of fold determines the layout of the brochure and some common fold options include the tri-fold, accordion fold, the bi-fold, and Z-fold. Print finishes provide much of the aesthetics and functionality of a brochure. Contact our design team for help in choosing the best brochure finishes for your print project. Contact Us Now for More Information Phone: (314) 652-9924