Incentive Mag Continues the Case for Non-Cash

The latest cover story in Incentive Magazine discusses the benefits of offering non-cash rewards as the bulk of your incentive program, which has become an increasingly popular topic within our industry. “The Continuing Case for Non-Cash Rewards” was written by Leo Jakobson and features insight by Hinda and Incentive Marketing Association (IMA) president Dave Peer. According to Peer, one of the biggest factors driving non-cash is, well, cost.

“Cash is too expensive—it costs a lot more to deliver cash awards than non-cash awards,” Peer says. Another is that companies are “having a hard time relating the financial rewards [they have been paying out] to the results they want to achieve,” he adds. “They’re seeing that cash is not the panacea they thought.”

Building on this idea, cash does not provide any “trophy value” to the recipient, which has been a point of contention within the incentive industry as far as what motivates our clients and customers.

“In every single study and every single focus group that anyone’s ever held to get a bunch of people together and ask them what they want [for an incentive award], 80 percent said cash,” Peer says. “But at the end of the day, that has nothing to do with trophy value, it has nothing to do with shared memory, it has nothing to do with engagement. Why are you asking people what they want when you know what their answer is? Why don’t you design something that achieves the objectives you’re starting out with for the program?”

The problem, Peer suggests, is that “cash is not a motivator. It’s a compensator. I think that, more and more, the pendulum is swinging [toward that way of thinking].”

We’ve discussed this before on HindaBlog: cash is not memorable. Do you remember what you spent your last cash bonus on? I do. It was bills, and I can’t even remember exactly which bills. Whether this is your intention or not, chances are your extra cash is going to disappear into the mix of your regular compensation and be forgotten.

Non-cash and the trophy value that comes with it fosters employee engagement and creates a memorable experience for the recipient, his or her coworkers and the friends and family who may also benefit or witness how the recipient benefits from receiving the reward.

Merchandise Monday: Say Spaaah!

These days more than ever, it seems harder to justify the little luxuries that we used to indulge in without even batting an eye – a massage, an extra round of golf, a mani/pedi or meal out. Luckily, it’s becoming easier to enjoy some of these things from the comforts of our own homes – and not to mention more affordable.

Today’s Merch Monday focuses on a few products that will help you unwind, feel pampered and restore you to good health without planning any special trips or taking a hammer to your piggy bank.

Homedics® EnviraScape™ Mariposa Illuminated Relaxation Fountain

Create a serene, stress-free ambiance with this floral-inspired fountain. The design draws inspiration from the natural beauty of a lotus-filled pond and brings the peace and tranquility of the outdoors into your home. Water flows down the flower petals, creating soothing water sounds. The natural flower blossom design adds romance to any décor and the fountain is illuminated for a more dramatic effect. 

Comfort Products 10-Motor Massage Seat Cushion

Get comfortable and soothe your aches and pains at home or on the go. The 10 Motor Massage Seat Cushion features ten invigorating vibration motors, five body zones and soothing heat treatment in the lumbar area. Adjust the settings to your specific needs with the easy-to-operate hand controller. The seat cushion is made from simulated suede fabric and the adjustable strap secures to most seats. 

Brookstone® Aqua-Jet Foot Spa®

There’s nothing nicer than coming home to the perfect foot massage. Get soothing heat and powerful hydro jets to all the right places in your tired feet.  Just choose your speed, sit back and enjoy as this roomy, oversized tub works to increase circulation, relieve tight muscles and relax tired feet. Two rolling nodes provide kneading massage to your arches, leaving no tired muscle untouched.

Hurom® Slow Juicer

You’ll feel good inside and out when you feed your body what it needs. Using the patented Low Speed Technology System, the slow juicer extracts the maximum amount of nutrients, vitamins, taste, and even enzymes from a minimum amount of food such as, fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, wheatgrass, nuts and even soy beans. Get re-energized the natural way and skip the pricey juice bar.

Feeling more relaxed already, aren’t you? It doesn’t take much to de-stress and bring a bit of calm into your day, and you don’t need to go beyond your means to achieve tranquility. A few quick and easy steps are all it takes to bring balance to your life. Go ahead and chill out, and then talk to us in the “Comments” section below.

PIP Mag Talks to Dave Peer about the Benefits of Traditional Incentive Distributors

The recently released March/April 2012 edition of Premium Incentive Products (PIP) magazine features an article by guest columnist Ira Ozer, CPIM, titled, “10 Compelling Benefits of Traditional Incentive Distributors.” The article focuses on the reasons why many incentive companies are turning away from big retailers, such as Amazon, for their award fulfillment needs and coming back to incentive distribution houses.

Ozer states that the primary reasons for going with the big retailers in the first place were to be able to offer a broader selection of merchandise, and second, that the pricing seemed more attractive. As it turns out, this does not seem to be the case.

In the article, Ozer speaks to Hinda president Dave Peer about a couple of the benefits of using traditional incentive distributors. For one, incentive distributors tend to have longstanding industry experience in designing, administering and fulfilling programs for their clients. Peer says that these companies aren’t just interested in filling merchandise orders – they are committed to delivering a fully orchestrated system of recognition for program participants.

Additionally, Peer notes that incentive distribution companies are able to offer special events to their clients that retailers are not. Hinda offers the “Warehouse Dash” event in which program participants are given a specific amount of time to run up and down the aisles and grab as much merch as they can. Several other distributors offer similar events, and excitement is built around this premise, with food, music and cheering. Since distributors control their own warehouse space, this type of event is much more plausible than it would be with a big retailer.

Find out more reasons why companies are choosing traditional incentive distributors by clicking here.

PIP also showed some love this month to Hinda’s corporate social responsibility partner Helping Hand Rewards (HHR). The magazine features HHR product L.I.F.E. Jackets in its latest issue. Check out the blurb here and visit Helping Hand Rewards to browse more socially responsible merchandise options.

Merchandising Minute Newsletter - April 2012

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Hinda's "Merchandising Minute" newsletter.

"Merchandising Minute" brings you the latest news on merchandise and award trends.

This issue includes:

• Spring is Here! Great new products for the outdoors
• Toy Fair 2012: Play Happens
• Does not Compute? Then it's time for a new computer
• Top Redeemers of 2011 

Click here for the current issue of Merchandising Minute.

If you know someone who would benefit from receiving communications like this from Hinda, have them e-mail Alisa Schafer (aschafer@hinda.com) and ask to be added to the distribution list.

Happy reading! 

Merchandise Monday: Home Cookin’

OK, OK – we know it was only two weeks ago that we brought to you some great products for hosting the perfect barbecue. And now we’re featuring some fabulous kitchen items for creating a delicious home-cooked meal. We know what you’re thinking – “Do they ever stop talking about food?” The answer is simple: No, we do not. Now that we got that squared away, here’s a course-by-course smattering of some of the new cooking-related items to Hinda’s assortment

The Appetizer

Picnic Time® Concavo Cutting Board and Cheese Tools Set

Featuring a dark bamboo cutting surface and pull-out tools drawer, the Concavo is perfect for between-meal snacking or happy hour. Zebra wood panels serve as tray handles on either side and the surface of the board is slightly concaved in the center, giving it a contemporary look. The drawer pulls out to reveal three stainless steel cheese tools - dual-prong fork, a crumbly cheese chisel knife and a pointed-tip hard cheese knife. Try not to spoil your dinner.

The Entrée

Leed’s® Cook-Safe Cutting Board Set

Get ready to chop to your heart’s content with this convenient set. Safely prepare vegetables, fish, raw meat and cooked food separately without having to buy additional chopping boards. Each board is color-coded to match the desired food type designated on the display stand, which helps to ensure the same board is used each time for similar food types. The set includes four color-coded chopping boards, display stand and is FDA compliant. A safe meal is a happy meal!

KitchenAid® 9-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice™ System

Three blades and two discs provide the versatility you need to slice, shred, knead, chop and puree almost any food. The package includes a nine-cup work bowl, a three-cup mini bowl, a Three-in-One Ultra Wide Mouth Feed Tube, stainless steel multipurpose blade and mini-blade, a dough blade, adjustable slicing disc and reversible shredding disk. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, the Quick Start Guide will have you cooking in no time.

Hamilton Beach® Stay or Go® 6-Quart Slow Cooker

This is not your grandma’s 1970s slow-cooker. It features a clip-tight sealed lid that locks onto the slow cooker for spill resistance. The removable stoneware and glass lid are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. The full-grip handles make transport easy, and the high, low and keep warm temps ensure your food is just right every time. The slow cooker is the perfect size for a six-pound chicken or four-pound roast. Take it with you to your next party or potluck.

The Dessert

Nostalgia Electrics™ Mini Chocolate Fondue Fountain

Speaking of parties (and the ‘70s), the fondue fountain adds a fun and unexpected touch to any get-together. This fountain features a two-tier plastic tower on top of a black, plastic case. Use a variety of chocolates and sauces to give any event the feeling of a “catered affair.” Entertain your guests with fresh strawberries, marshmallows, pretzels and other goodies to dip into delicious chocolate. OK, so this part isn’t exactly home-cooking, but you deserve to indulge with the rest of your guests.

There, see aren’t you glad we decided to go with a food-related post again? Now your imagination is going with all the yummy recipes you’ve been meaning to try. Maybe you’ll put something in the slow-cooker before you head out the door tomorrow morning. Maybe you’ll host a disco party this weekend, complete with fondue fountain. The possibilities are endless! You can thank us in the “Comments” section below.

Philanthropy Friday

Hinda Incentives is featured on the blog "Another Jennifer." Check it out!

Merchandise Monday: Are You Beach-Ready?

With the weather warming up and summer just a few short months away, there’s no time like the present to take stock of the ol’ bod and notice the subtle changes that have taken place over the course of the long winter. Got a few extra bulges that weren’t there last year? Don’t worry about it – we all do. Lucky for all of us, this week’s Merchandise Monday features some great new workout-related products that have been thrown into the mix this month. Take a look at Hinda’s new offerings, and then get ready to feel the burn.

Avari Fitness™ Single Action Rower

Glide comfortably to a thinner, healthier you with the Single Action Rower. Rowing works all major muscle groups, strengthens your back and kickstarts your metabolism. Featuring 12 levels of shock resistance, a comfy oversize seat and electronic monitor, you have everything you need to get a great workout in your own home. The smooth stroke is perfect for any fitness level and the monitor displays stroke count, calories burned and workout time.

Garmin® Fitness Watch Bundle

Stay motivated and accomplish your fitness goals with the Fitness Watch Bundle. In the gym or on the road, the watch tracks all your workout data, including time, heart rate, calories burned, as well as  weight, body fat, body water and more. Wireless ANT+™ technology allows the watch to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, like the included heart rate monitor, optional foot pod or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment, and then analyze, categorize and share through Garmin Connect™.

Cool Gear® Water Filtration BPA-Free Sport Bottle

Insane workouts require complete hydration. Get it with the Water Filtration BPA-Free Sport Bottle. Made from Tritan™ copolyester, the bottle features a patented filter and freezer stick system which reduces chlorine taste and other impurities. It holds 26 ounces and filters up to 150 gallons of water before the filter needs replacing. Stay hydrated and help reduce waste at the same time. How cool is that?

Taylor USA Glass Electronic Scale

Don’t forget to track your progress while you burn calories and shed fat! The Electronic Glass Scale gives you the function you need without cramping your style. It features a 1.5” blue AccuGlo™ backlit display LCD screen, a silvertone base, instant on, auto zero, auto off and low battery indicator, oversized, extra-thick 10mm glass platform that measures 14.5' x 14" and a 400-pound capacity. It may not be anyone’s friend, but at least it will look pretty on your bathroom floor.

So, are you beach-ready? If not, have you become more active now that the weather is more agreeable? What is your workout routine like? What kinds of tools and products do you use to stay in shape? Catch your breath and leave your comments below!