Bankers Advertising

It all started when Sam Hart (@thesam_show on TikTok) signed the lease for her new apartment and received a promotional pen with the apartment building’s name on it. She loved the pen and took five more. When the ink ran out, she tried asking where she could buy more pens for herself and found out she could only buy the pen as a promotional item in bulk quantities. Hart was in a position at her former job that had the task of designing a yearly branded-merchandise campaign, so she pitched the pen. The pitch was approved and Hart distributed the pens around the office. Her coworkers raved. “I am the most popular person in the office because I am the one who procured these pens. I’m a hero, in fact,” Hart said.

The video currently has 1.3 million likes, 7,678 comments, 85,000 saves and 20,200 shares. The supplier got wind of the viral status on Thursday, May 2.

“As soon as we became aware of the video, we launched a campaign to capitalize on the increased interest,” said the company’s senior director of marketing and communications. “This included social media posts, blog content, email scripts and added attention on our website. Our sales team is actively engaging with our customers, letting them know about the popularity of the BIC® Intensity ClicTM Gel Pen and that we are its exclusive supplier…We quickly placed orders for more samples because we were getting triple the number of sample requests than we normally do. One of our customers even received 1,200 sample requests in 48 hours.” 

Knowing that viral fame doesn’t last long, Rosario says the team is already using this moment to shift attention to other products to hopefully maintain peoples’ attention and secure more orders.

The ICLGEL has become a popular item, and we also want to highlight the new BIC® Ferocity ClicTM Gel Pen, which is very similar to the ICLGEL but with a slimmer profile. For all the lefties out there, it also has a fast-drying ink – even though the gel in the ICLGEL dries pretty quickly too. The BIC® #FCLGEL Ferocity Clic Gel Pen is featured in our Summer Guide on page 14.

This isn’t the first time a pen from this supplier has gone viral on TikTok. In October 2020, the people were obsessed with the Sharpie S-Gel.

Promote your company with this pen – the virality speaks for itself.

Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for a sample and see for yourself!

Spring is in full swing! With warmer weather comes more travel. Here are some of the Advertising Specialty Institute’s editor’s picks.

As the travel industry evolves, these branded accessories are sure to keep pace. The travel industry has certainly shifted over the past several years. With high inflation and expensive costs, vacationers are becoming more intentional about how and where they spend their money. A recent article from Condé Nast Traveler lays out the big trends to watch this year, including astro tourism, home-swapping (cheaper than Airbnbs), “coolcationing” (heading to Iceland rather than Sicily, for example) and even train travel. Changes may be afoot, but people can’t help but want to get out there – the branded travel products listed here are must-have companions on the journey.

Equipped with stretch-mesh pockets, elastic cable organizers and a power bank pocket, the #4400-07 Bellroy tech kit offers easy access to tech accessories without the tangle. Great for conferences and college bookstores.

Employees celebrating milestone work anniversaries will love this #101833 Samsonite weekender bag for both work trips and vacations. Made of a blend of recycled polyester and cotton, it has a recycled polyester lining, two side pockets and an adjustable and removable shoulder strap.

Guests on incentive trips are sure to need this #SET-TP travel pack that includes SPF 30 sunscreen, SPF 30 lip balm, sanitizing spray and scented lotion in a clear pouch with carabiner.

Talk about space-saving – this #ROLLUP 4-in-1 travel bag has four detachable pouches for storing tech accessories and other small belongings. Ideal for travel overseas or to the gym.

Readers can follow National Geographic experts on a grand tour of the 50 states in this #9781426216909 travel book. Optional custom insert page and belly band. Consider employee gift programs.

Water-resistant and breathable, this #TT77 Anorak jacket is a must for tour groups and valet parking staff. Can be rolled up into a fanny pack when the rain clears. Available in five colors.

Traveler 3.0 (INT’L Adapter Kit), the newest generation of our Traveler universal power bank now features Magsafe wireless charging and ultra-fast charging speeds. For those going on international trips, this is the perfect companion! The built-in plug-and-charge function offers incredible convenience wherever your adventure takes you!

The AeroLOFT™ Pillow is a business first travel pillow with a sleep mask. It features a luxurious, super-soft plush pillow cover that’s removable and machine washable. The pressure-relieving memory foam pillow ensures optimal comfort and support. An adjustable pillow clasp and tightener allows for perfect fit. The compact folding pillow design fits snugly in drawstring travel pouch.

Don’t forget staples like luggage tags, packing cubes, etc. See page 7 of our NEW Summer Guide for more ideas. Contact your Bankers Promotional Consultant for more ideas!