Blog

October 27, 2021
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
It’s the word you’ve probably heard a thousand times over the last eighteen months… Kitting. Although a new concept for a lot of distributors and their buyers, it’s nothing new to the team here at Maple Ridge Farms.  We love when we get to explore really creative and unique ideas – often utilizing other promotional products sent to us to kit with our tasty treats. Let’s start with a fun case history of a project that really embraced holiday gift-giving in a way that celebrated the company’s culture.  Then we’ll share some tips and tricks to create custom kitted gourmet gifts!
July 29, 2021
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
Every year at about this time, we all get super excited at the Farm!  It’s when we get to start sharing new products and ideas with our customers!  When we are developing new gifts, we go into the process thinking about what we have heard from our distributor partners and their buyers in regards to their needs, wants, and desired promotional solutions. When chatting about a new product, we hear, “This would be perfect for…” or “I can see my customer using this for…” and they are situations we may not have originally envisioned.  Better yet is when those same concepts come to fruition and we get to see the gifts in action! This was the case recently with one of our latest roll-outs… our new Gourmet Cylinders.  Each cylinder is filled with two tasty treats to share—or keep all to themselves.  And because they lend themselves to so many types of projects, we made sure that there are plenty of warm-weather-shippable treats on offer as well.  Add in the fact that each cylinder is complete with a custom full-color sleeve, and it’s a winner for every lucky recipient! Read on for recent case studies showing the power of these new fully-custom imprinted dual-packed treats:
May 11, 2021
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
You’ve probably heard it a hundred times (or more): “Samples Sell!”  That’s because it’s true! Putting a physical sample in your customer’s hands can create excitement, increasing your level of customer service while building trust.  It also allows your buyers to feel confident and exhilarated by how they are spending their marketing budget.  As consumers, many of us are more likely to purchase something we have tried first.  This means you are more likely to convert a discussion about promotional products into a sale if the customer has been able to sample the goods. Read on for two case studies, showing the power of sampling:
March 25, 2021
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
Over the past year, we have all seen an increase in virtual events.  Chances are that many events will most likely remain virtual (at least for a while). The ease and convenience of virtual gatherings make them an optimal choice for companies trying to share a message or experience with a large group of people – while reducing travel, extended gatherings, and often expense. One of the downfalls of virtual events?  It takes creativity to build and deliver an experience that will be remembered long after going offline when the event has ended. Looking for a way to provide that experience?  Charcuterie gifts remain a hot commodity and a great option when looking to send virtual event attendees a gift to truly generate excitement.  They offer a wide variety of price points and tasty treats to make any recipient ready to dig in.  With branded cutting boards, there is a built-in reminder of an experience shared with friends, colleagues, or customers! Read on for a few recent case studies, showing the power of gourmet charcuterie gifts for virtual event promo:
February 12, 2021
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
Like so many of us, I found myself a part of this amazing industry of promotional products by sheer happenstance.  Before starting my journey with Maple Ridge Farms over 12 years ago, I didn’t understand or acknowledge the existence of an industry that used actual products to promote or market brands, companies, and organizations, or events.  Sure, I had received imprinted pens, t-shirts, and the like, but I never gave much thought to where they came from.  I never stopped to think about someone choosing that product, the imprint placement, or the actual impact it was intended to have.  What was the “reason” it existed to begin with?  Who was their intended recipient?  What were they trying to accomplish with it?
September 10, 2020
Maple Ridge Farms Team
The world is an ever-changing place. Fads go in and out, companies adapt, and nothing stays the same for very long. Gourmet food gifts are no different. Customers are less inclined to simply make decisions based on price alone. Instead, they’re looking for an experience, a way to interact with the product beyond consuming it and being done with it. You might be wondering, “How can I accomplish that?” Well, an easy way to do it is with kitting and other custom-designed gifts from Maple Ridge Farms!
October 11, 2017
Molly Neises, MAS, Sales
Like it or not, your clients are being inundated with catalogs from Harry & David, Hickory Farms, Mrs. Fields and other direct-sellers.  These companies easily sell more business food gifts each year than the whole promotional products industry combined, so it is important to know how to compete with them effectively.  What’s the easiest way to convince your customer to avoid large online and mail-order companies for their holiday food gifts?  Remind them of the benefits of buying from you!
March 22, 2017
In 2016 US Companies spent 70.65 billion on continuing education and the typical US worker receives 53.8 hours of training per year. Continuing education keeps employee’s up to date, skills fresh, and the company marketable. At these events, you see promo swag galore. Why? We know the power of promotional products and how one tangible item will create a more memorable moment for the attendee, and a lasting reminder of the event.
March 16, 2017
It’s one of our favorite times of the year – March Madness! Sports fans or not, this is when office talk turns to brackets and analytics, match-ups and history, school pride and underdogs. As a business owner or manager, don’t grumble about lost productivity. Embrace the spirit of March Madness to improve morale, increase productivity and build comradery among your team.

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