Advantages™ Hot Deals Newsletter Volume 300 / May 26, 2010
Keeping you in the loop on products and deals you may not have heard about.
Click here to read this and past issues online.

Volume 300!? That means I have been writing Hot Deals for how long now? I'm not mathematically inclined, but I know it's pretty long. We should celebrate (unless you're one of the people who writes, "Unsubscribe me or I'll report you!" For real, someone wrote that to me last week). I don't want to be reported so, for the record, if you want to unsubscribe, go all the way to the bottom and you'll see a little link to do so. If you do, however, enjoy my ramblings and recommendations, please go right ahead and enjoy this edition too. Send your feedback directly to:khuston@asicentral.com. It may be published in a future issue of Advantages magazine. For free information on products featured in Advantages, click here: www.advantagesinfo.com.

Sales Tip of the Week

– Kathy Huston, editor 

The Joe Show: Rain, Rain Go Away
In this episode of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off the latest in promotional umbrellas. Have clients looking for the newest in rain-protection gear? Check out this episode. 

Click here to see this umbrellas edition of The Joe Show.

Want more videos? Subscribe now to our YouTube videos .

Brand Recognition
The Pitch: So, tonight is the finale of this season's American Idol (Crystal or Lee; who will it be?). If you pay attention, you know I mostly love that show. However, tonight is also Andrew's high school symphonic band concert. If I'm lucky, they might have AI on the TV at Red Robin when we're there for a late dinner afterward.Yes, as many of you well know, parenting is all about sacrifice. That's why there are two special days for parents (when we usually do all the work for the BBQ), and Father's Day is coming soon. Regardless of the day, dads of all ages would get a kick out of the steak branding irons from The PromoSpot.com (asi/91112). The "Inter-Dad" version, for instance, comes with interchangeable brands that say things like, Dad's BBQ, Grill Master and Bite Me. Pricing for this one starts at: 5; $16.67-R. Click here for other options: http://www.steakbrands.com/.
The Bottom Line: Leave an impression.

Patriotic Pride
The Pitch: With Memorial Day a few days away, let's stop for a minute and think about all the veterans and those who are serving in our military right now and give thanks for their service and sacrifice. It's always a good time to show your patriotism and Artform Fine Collectibles (asi/30230) offers item #290, the America the Beautiful jeweled trinket box shaped as USA flag. Pricing starts at: one for $19.90-P. This is a nice idea for military gifts, veteran awards and more. This would also be a special memento for military families. See it here: http://www.trinketcollection.com/.
The Bottom Line: A salute to the flag.

Just Super
The Pitch: Hey, football fans! It's official: 2014 will be the year the Super Bowl is held at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ (don't even try to claim it New York!). Being from North Jersey, that's one of my old stomping grounds. In fact, I saw U2 there in September, back before poor Bono had back surgery and canceled this summer's North American tour (my condolences to my fellow editor, C.J., who had tickets). But I digress. Sports fans everywhere will love the patented, multi-color, cosmetic grade, face color that functions the same as black-out patches only in your team colors. Game FX is a winner for athletes, fundraisers, fan appreciation, special events etc. It's from Maximum Performance LLC (asi/69702) and pricing starts at: 48; $7.072-Q. Check it out: http://www.maxperformancellc.com/.
The Bottom Line: Put on your game face.

All the Essentials
The Pitch: Even those of us who are having staycations this summer, occasionally have an overnighter. That means everyone could use a handy toiletry bag, if even to stash the makeup on our vanities (you never know when a girl will have to make a quick getaway with her makeup). Troy Sunshade (asi/92252) is offering EQP all summer (until 9/30) on item #2226, an all-purpose nylon bag that can be used for toiletries, medical supplies or whatever your little heart desires. That means you can pitch it to whatever type of client your little heart desires too. Click here for all their offerings and to read the cool story of how they began in the days of horse-and-buggies: http://www.troysunshade.com/about.html.
The Bottom Line: Take your stash.

Get Tucked
The Pitch: My parents, sis, bro-in-law, niece and nephew are staying with us for the weekend, as my niece Megan has a 2-day softball tournament in our area. I'm thinking this product from WOV-IN Group (asi/92980) would be perfect for softball teams. Custom-woven-fabric sleeve tucks (item VSJ07) are just right for showing team spirit. Pricing starts at: 50; $4.48-P. Don't know what they are? Take a look at them here: http://www.wov-in.com/products/index.php/sleeve-tucks.
The Bottom Line: Roll up your sleeves.

ASI Online Learning Center
Did you know you can take self-paced, on-demand courses at ASI Education's Online Learning Center? This is the newest and most convenient way for distributors, decorators and suppliers to get educated. In our newest course for distributors, "Cold-Calling Clinic: Get More Appointments Now," we'll teach you how to use cold calling as an important tool that can take your selling skills to the next level, including five ways to reduce rejection and key tips for connecting with your prospect. Click here to take the course.
Coming next month: Break Into Five Hot Apparel Markets

 

Advantages is bringing over 60 top suppliers to a city near you.
Come to the industry's largest and most popular traveling show, the ASI Advantages Roadshow. For a list of cities and dates, visit http://advantagesroadshow.com/. Admission is free for all distributors and salespeople!
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