Apple Watch, Your Way

Personalization is the way of the future, at least according to Apple. At the Apple event earlier this week, the tech giant launched Apple Watch Studio, which lets you mix and match Apple Watch casings and straps to get the exact look that you want.

Taking it a step further, add your company logo or a custom design opens a branding opportunity for your business. It’s a gift-giving opportunity for your employees or a way to say “thank you” to a vendor or client.

Custom branding options on the Apple Watch:

  • Company or recipient name on the blank side of the case
  • Logo or design on the Watch button
  • Custom design or logo etched on the Sport Bands
  • Color logo or design on the charger

Being able to choose the material, style and color of your Apple Watch case and bands, there are over a 1,000 different watch customization options. Being able to add your own logo or design, the possibilities are endless. There is truly a watch for everyone.

An Employee Reward to Keep Them Going

Agile Physical Therapy, a privately owned physical therapy company, recently hosted its 17th Annual Agile State of the Company at its headquarters in Palo Alto, Calf. The event brought together its 125-plus person team to celebrate the successes of the past year and highlight where the company is headed.  

Prior to the annual gathering, Agile worked with FUSION OF IDEAS to customize 30 Apple AirPods that would be presented to select employees during the special event. The company’s logo was printed on the charging case and bonded with UV so it does not scratch, chip or fade.  

“We were so excited when we received our AirPods because they looked absolutely amazing,” said Chris Reed, CFO at Agile Physical Therapy. “We wanted to give a special appreciation gift to our loyal employees who have been with the company for over five years. It was our way of thanking them for their hard work and dedication to Agile.”

Founded in 2002, Agile Physical Therapy has more than 125 employees, including over 60 board-certified clinical specialists in orthopedics, sports, hand therapy or pelvic health.  The organization has locations across California in Palo Alto, San Mateo, Los Altos, and Los Angeles.

Agile is one of the thousands of organizations that FUSION OF IDEAS has partnered with to create custom-branded gifts as part of their employee rewards program. For more information about our customization services, visit https://fusionofideas.com/branding.php

Employees gather at Agile Physical Therapy's "Agile State of the Company" event. Select employees were recognized with custom-branded Apple AirPods for their dedication to the company. Photo credit: Agility Physical Therapy
Employees gather at Agile Physical Therapy’s “Agile State of the Company” event. Select employees were recognized with custom-branded Apple AirPods for their dedication to the company. Photo source: Agility Physical Therapy

Perfecting the Unboxing Experience

We’ve all watched them. Unboxing videos to reveal the latest phone, the season’s hottest toy or a new beauty product. There are countless online videos, and even YouTube channels, dedicated to unboxing products.

What is “unboxing”?  

‘Unboxing’ is just what it sounds like: the action of taking something out of a box. Done well, a package that creates a memorable unboxing experience demonstrates thoughtfulness from the sender and makes the brand stand out from the crowd.

Why does it matter to businesses?

For companies, a great unboxing experience can boost your content marketing efforts, drive engagement, increase sales, as well as improve the way the recipient feels about the product. But it’s not just relevant for retail or e-commerce businesses. Creating a memorable first impression lets the brand’s personality shine for all companies in all industries.

People care about the unboxing experience because it provides additional value for the recipient and the business by way of creating a positive first impression —ideally, one that’s both memorable and shareable, hence all the unboxing videos you see.

What does it take to create a memorable unboxing experience?

  • Great Packaging – The very first impression the recipient has of your product comes from the packaging. One way to ensure your business stands out from the crowd is with custom packaging, such as a box or gift wrap that is customized with your company logo, slogan or brand colors.

For a mobile device or accessory, an easy, yet impactful, way to personalize your package is with a customized device sleeve that fits over the manufacturer’s box.

Custom box created for Apple iPad with a custom designed device sleeve
Custom packaging delivers an impactful unboxing experience. Pictured here: Custom box created for Apple iPad with a custom designed device sleeve.
  • Personalized Message – A note, such as a welcome or thank you message, adds one more touchpoint in the unboxing experience. Take it one step further and personalize it to make that one-on-one connection with the recipient.
Personal note from sender included with a gift card.
A little personalization goes a long way. Pictured here: Personal note from sender included with a gift card.
  • Branded Product – While this is not part of the unboxing experience, customizing the product inside the package with corporate artwork or branding truly makes the product one of a kind. Pro tip: If you go this route, consider getting the product re-packaged with shrink wrap to create the same effect of opening a new, untouched product.
Custom branded Apple iPad Mini and smart cover, and customized device sleeve
Create a lasting impact with an immersive brand experience. Pictured here: Custom branded Apple iPad Mini and smart cover, and customized device sleeve.

When it comes to creating an immersive brand experience, we consider every customization point that can create a positive impression on your brand. The unboxing process is just one of the ways we customize to elevate and take your business to a new level. Contact us today to see how you can create an unprecedented unboxing experience for your customers.

3 Tips for Employee Appreciation Day

Employees cannot take their jobs for granted. At the same time, employers cannot take their staff for granted. As an employer, your employees dedicate a significant portion of their time to helping you succeed.

For Employee Appreciation Day, how will you thank your team for their hard work and dedication?

Whether you are planning to bring a simple “thank you” lunch for your crew, or an all-employee celebration, here are three tips to keep in mind:

  1. Get involved. Leaders in the company should be involved in the planning of the celebration, no matter how big or small. Don’t leave the task to non-management employees. Employers need to celebrate their employees and show them how important they are to the whole company.
  2. Everyone is important. Avoid the temptation to spotlight certain employees. There is a right time and place to recognize top achievers. Employee Appreciation Week is an opportunity to show gratitude to the entire staff.
  3. Know what they want. If you are giving a gift, remember that your employees are worth more than a tchotchke that will end up in a drawer or be given to their children. Skip the low-quality items and give something that is valuable and memorable to them. A memorable gift doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many cool giftable gadgets that are priced fairly, such as Apple AirPods, YETI tumblers or Amazon Echo Dot.

We’ve taken to our blog in the past to showcase a growing trend of companies turning inward and giving unforgettable gifts to their employees. Here are a few more examples of businesses that have shown appreciation to staff through gifting.

Omni Technologies: Beats EP headphones with custom sleeve and gift wrap
Omni Technologies: Beats EP headphones with custom sleeve and gift wrap
FlexCare Medical Staffing: Apple Watch with custom sleeve and gift wrap 
FlexCare Medical Staffing: Apple Watch with custom sleeve and gift wrap
Nashville Healthcare Council: Amazon Echo with custom sleeve and gift wrap
Nashville Healthcare Council: Amazon Echo with custom sleeve and gift wrap