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The HomePod mini and AirPods Max Brand Experience

Two new Apple products have taken the music listening experience by a storm: HomePod mini and AirPods Max. These devices feature room- and ear-filling sounds, and are the latest technology in the Apple product lineup. 

Doing what they do best, our production and design teams used our laser and direct printing process to create brand experiences for the devices.

HomePod mini

HomePod mini is the latest smart speaker that packs a punch with its unique design and powerful sound. The device can be personalized on the display top using direct color print on clear StealthArmor, a fitted protective film that offers a semi-permanent branding solution. 

AirPods Max

We use laser etch for permanent branding of artwork or your company logo directly on the aluminum cups on the over-ear headphones. For gifting, we offer a custom device sleeve that fits snugly over the original device box, personalized insert cards and custom gift wrap.

Check out the AirPods Max unboxing experience:

For more gifting ideas, visit www.fusionofideas.com/gifting.

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7 Habits of a Thoughtful Gift-Giver

If you’re wondering whether or not a corporate gifting program is appropriate for this odd year, the answer is yes! 

In today’s times of working from home and virtual conferences, it’s more important than ever to create personal connections and engage your clients and employees. They want to know they are being thought of and that they are appreciated. 

For many businesses, planning the annual corporate gifting program can be stressful. There are many things to consider such as budget, the gift itself, and even the logistics of how gifts will be delivered, particularly since the workforce may be remote this year.

But it’s important to remember that in corporate gifting, the gift itself is never the principal message. Rather the gift is a tangible asset that helps communicate the message of appreciation, thoughtfulness and connection. It’s not surprising to hear that when recipients note a business gift as memorable, the gift’s return on investment increases by 40 percent! 

As we enter this gift-giving season, we want to share 7 habits of thoughtful gift-givers to help your company stand out from the crowd:

Plan ahead.

Simply put, don’t wait until the last minute to plan and execute your corporate gifting program. There are two main benefits to planning ahead: you have more gift options to choose from and you save on budget by not having to utilize rush shipping. If you haven’t gotten started on your gifting program this year, begin now.

Don’t focus on the cost.

Consider how much you routinely spend taking a client out for a nice meal or entertainment. Yet, when it comes to gifts, businesses tend to figure out how little they can spend. Particularly since many companies are forgoing large holiday gatherings this year, use that budget toward “first-class” gifts for your employees and VIP clients.

Consider the usefulness of the gift.

A practical gift is one that shows thoughtfulness because it can be used year-round. Our best advice: Avoid poor-quality items that can easily break or one-time use products and your gift will be repurposed throughout the year! 

Make it personal.

If you prefer not to put your company logo front and center on a product, you can still offer a gentle reminder of who the gift came from by adding your logo on a subtle location on the gift. Another way to personalize and make the recipient feel special is by printing the recipient’s name or family name on the product. Personalization shows that you took time to personally think of the recipient and that gift is not part of mass distribution.

Think about the presentation.

Creating a memorable unboxing experience shows that you put thought into the gift from beginning to end. How the gift is presented to your recipient is just as important as the gift itself. Many components go into the presentation of a gift, from the packaging to gift wrap and even a personal greeting or tag.

Make it easy to receive.

Because many in the workforce are still working from home, getting a pleasant surprise in the mailbox or on the doorstep can make a person’s day. Using a shipping partner to deliver your gift directly to the recipient pays off as it shows consideration and thoughtfulness. 

Enjoy the gift of gift-giving.

A thoughtful gift giver does not think about what he or she will get in return. Gift-giving is about showing that you thought about them enough to take time and money to purchase a gift. You do it because you want to show your gratitude and not because you expect something in return.

For ideas on our highly-rated business gifts for 2020, visit our Corporate Gifting site at www.fusionofideas.com/gifting.

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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.