In the incentives industry, we talk a lot about the importance of custom packaging for rewards that go out to your participants. After all, a gift is often judged first by how it looks when received. One recent survey backs up this notion with some great consumer insights on preferences for gift-like packaging.
A recent study by the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and the Incentive Manufacturers and Representatives Alliance (IMRA) shows how small businesses are using merchandise incentives. We explore some of the study’s key findings for takeaways of how incentives can be a powerful business tool.
Experientials provide exactly what they sound like — experiences. Whether a vacation getaway to the Bahamas, or a cooking tour in an Italian village, or perhaps a trip to a local sporting or music event, experientials provide something for the recipient to do, not just have. Here four key benefits that make them such a powerful part of a rewards program.
When looking for a way to reward your employees or customers, it's easy to turn to the age-old, traditional gift ideas like pens, t-shirts, stress balls and thumb drives. But, are these effective alone? The minds behind Flowtown thought not. They had the brilliant idea of putting all traditional gift ideas together to form one perfect super-gift.
While I can't say with certainty, I'm fairly sure this is a parody. Given the humorous descriptions of each item, I sense that this super-gift isn't going to be at the top of any employee or customer's wish list. But still, it's worthy of a laugh. Can you think of any other traditional items that may be missing from this? Or, did they capture all of them?
Instead of combining all of the traditional corporate gifts together to create one perfect gift, perhaps the best solution is to let your employees and customers select their own gifts. We specialize in points-based reward systems. We understand all of the important elements to a successful reward program and have all of the resources available to support your needs.
So how can a picture frame or candles make a rewards collection more socially responsible? It all comes down to where these to products come from.
The picture frame is a really unique way to dip your toe in the CSR water. Even though it's a rustic brown color, it's certainly a great example of a "green" product. The 4x6 inch frame is made from recycled bicycle chain. What's more remarkable about it is how it's made. The Bicycle Chain Frame is created by a social enterprise group out of India called Noah's Ark. Artisans working for Noah's Ark receive benefits such as training, education and medical treatment for artisans and for their families. Money made from frame sales goes back towards making the artisan communities more self-sufficient.
In the same way, Dreambean Candles also help those less fortunate more self sufficient. The Deeper 
Dreambean collection offers candles made from a high quality soy wax and fragrant oils. Poured into round, three-inch tins, the candles can be easily packed for a weekend getaway and has a burn time of around 45 hours. Made by Bright Endeavors, each candle sale goes to help support training, mentoring and eventual job placement for homeless or other at-risk women in the Chicago area.
Sometimes the smallest things - like candles and picture frames - are the ones that make the biggest difference.
**Both Noah's Ark and Bright Endeavors are partners of Helping Hand Rewards. Learn more about Helping Hand Rewards' parteners by visiting www.helpinghandrewards.org
Frankie Goes To Hollywood had some good advice when they told us to "Relax" in 1984. Panasonic's Urban Collection Massage Chair helps us do that even better.
A more high-end, higher-point reward option, the Urban Collection Massage Chair offers four pre-set programs with eight additional manual modes that result in a combination of 44 different types of massage experiences. One mode in particular, the "Chiro Mode," which is specially designed to provide better muscle relaxation and eliminate tired, over-worked muscles.
The EP1285 model features a 14 airbag cirulation system that provides a more complete lower body massage. An adjustable ottoman is included in the chair that also fails to neglect the importance of a good old-fashioned calf and shin massage. While massaging the legs, the ottoman raises and lowers your legs in 20 degree increments to alleviate the stiffness in your lower back, hips and thighs.
Stress is a common thing in a work environment. Taking care of yourself, even with a quick 15 sitting time in a Panasonic Urban Collection Massage Chair, can do wonders for your health. Releasing tension in over-worked muscles while also helping alleviate stress can help yourself (or any worker for that matter) be more productive and efficient for the next working day.
We've spoken a bit about 3D technology coming into the home via 3D televisions. ViewSonic is making 3D entertainment even more practical.
ViewSonic's new 3DV5 HD camcorder puts the user in control of being able to create their own 3D enterainment. The device is capable of shooting 2D only stills and videos but it's the 3D component that really makes this stand out.
Want to preview what your videos will look like instantly? No 3D glasses needed! The 3DV5's 2.4-inch LCD screen allows the user to preview their photos and/or footage in 3D without the need for glasses. Should you want to view your media creations on a computer, red and cyan glasses come with the camera for larger screen viewings.
Should you want to share these videos online, ViewSonic makes it easy. The 3DV5 is integrated with ArcSoft Wizard. All it takes is one button for your video creations to go live on your YouTube channel or Facebook page. Of course, the full 3D effect will require glasses for your viewers.
What other ways are gadgets making 3D more practical?
