Howdy! Buenas dias! Bon jour! Ello-hay! (That's my best Pig Latin right there.) Enjoy this edition. 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: Strike A Pose
In this extra-flashy edition of The Joe Show, Counselor Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some of the trendiest cameras and picture frames the ad specialty industry has to offer. Looking to boost sales? Take your best shot with these hot products.

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Hey, Sweet Lips!
The Pitch: I know I write about this supplier a lot, but they are always coming up with something I love and I must have this: Chocolate lip balm made from real cocoa from Custom HBC Corp. (asi/47934) in collaboration with their Custom Chocolate subsidiary. Of course I might eat my lips off, but that's just me. Choose from White Chocolate Chai Tea, Milk Chocolate Mint Leaf, Dark Chocolate Cocoa Noir, Milk Chocolate Orange Truffle,White Chocolate Raspberry Tart, and Dark Chocolate Espresso Bean. Pricing starts at: 250; $2.49-R. Check it out: http://www.customhbc.com/.
The Bottom Line: Satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Let's Meet
The Pitch: In yesterday's USA Today there was a report that hotels are booking more meetings and conferences this year, which is a coincidence. I just edited a feature article for your September issue of Advantages magazine on that very topic, so be on the lookout for how you can maximize your opps with this market. For one thing, think of some very cool products to present to meeting planners. Case in point: How about the Hat's Off gift bag, featuring snack items like smoked almonds, caramels and chocolate squares. It's from Gift Basket Experts (asi/42421). Upsell this item with an embroidered cap from a cap supplier and you've got a truly complete "hat's off” theme for sales conferences and incentive trips. Pricing starts at: 5; $13.58-R. Click on: http://www.giftbasketexperts.com/.
The Bottom Line: Token of appreciation.

Tops in Pops
The Pitch: According to my in-depth research, which I always do for you fine folks, nobody knows exactly who invented lollipops. Some say cavemen, some say other ancient types, and some say they are a more modern concoction. But this much is fact: Lollipops are fun (can you really suck on a lollipop and not smile, or at the very least, feel less stressed?), and here's a fun idea: The Lolli-card from Mid-Nite Snax (asi/71685) is a custom card with lollipop attached. This is perfect for candy shops, trade shows, thank-you notes, product launches and more. Pricing starts at: 250; .53-R. Email: info@midnitesnax.com.
The Bottom Line: Sugary sentiments.

Turn It Down
The Pitch: My kids play in a band (drums and guitar with big, huge amps) and they practice in my basement. Do you know how many times I've yelled down to them to make sure their earplugs are in? "You're gonna blow your eardrums out!” Well, today I read this report online that one in five teens has hearing loss, which of course, I promptly emailed to them, with the subject line: "I told you so!” Seems like an ounce of precaution is a good measure for anyone who's exposed to very loud noises. Target Industries Inc. (asi/90640) offers an Ear Protection Kit, item #8090, with ear plugs in a pillow box. This would be a great idea for band members, auto and truck races and even travel, too. Pricing starts at: 250; $1.22-R. http://www.targetline.com/.
The Bottom Line: Noise-reducer.