3Sixty Direct - Community Weblog

3Sixty Direct delivers on strategic corporate objectives

Wed, 07 May 2008 01:29:07 GMT

3Sixty Direct through its strategic alliance with Boundless Network, is reinventing the way branded assets are purchased, managed, and fulfilled. Our spend management technology platform connects buyers within and across enterprises to leverage their collective purchasing power for promotional products, on-demand printing, and marketing programs. In addition, buyers connected in the network have access to world-class personalized service, industry best practices, and cutting edge branding tools. By partnering with 3Sixty Direct, customers can align marketing and procurement, protect their brand, and dramatically reduce costs - on average between 20%-40%.

What might connecting all your buyers look like?

For a demonstration of the POWER of our GroupBuy service - contact us at 248.890.4168.

It's going to change how you buy promotional products!

3SixtyDirect's Green & Eco Friendly Promotions

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:41:18 GMT

3SixtyDirect is pleased to support the growing movement of sustainability and earth friendly practices by making available online eco-friendly promotional products. A movement is under way to lessen our carbon footprint, control green house emissions, recycle raw materials and use the earthâ€™s resources more wisely. The merchandise featured covers a wide variety of product categories: apparel, bagns, key chains, liquid powered clocks, pens, desk accesories and apparel to name just a few. The merchandise is either bio-degradable or manufactured from recycled material and/or post consumer recycled material, made from a byproduct of â€œcornâ€ or bamboo the worldâ€™s most renewable resource.

Green promo items are perfect for communicating corporate and/or government initiatives addressing the benefits of conservation and recycling. Itâ€™s a great way to educate employees, consumers and clients that small changes in our behaviors can reap big results when it comes to protecting our environment. Click on any of the links and check out our GreenPromoStore.

In addition to making these eco-friendly products available, 3SixtyDirect feels that the biggest contribution that we as a company can make to the environment is helping our clients use promotional merchandise strategically. All promotional products are technically â€œcreatedâ€ equal â€“ but the delivery and the execution is what ultimately determines return on the promotional dollar spent as well as eliminating waste in the purchasing process (and minimizing what ends up in a landfill one day).

One of our favorite products is the seeded music download card. These digital interactive cards are available with an optional custom landing page that can capture information, offer surveys or promote sweepstakes with your clients, this product is allows for a unique promotion. More than just recycled, the seeded paper comes from 100% post consumer junk mail! When planted and watered, the paper biodegrades away and the seeds are left to germinate into a garden of growth. to see more â€œgreenâ€ promo products or Contact us for a consultation. The 3SixtyDirect Team - is going GREEN.

The 3SixtyDirect Solution: Product Development & Contract Manufacturing Consulting

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 14:49:52 GMT

The Entrepreneurial Dilemma: Moving from Product Concept to Manufacture

Great product concepts are the hallmark of entrepreneurship, but many exceptional products never make it to store shelves or internet sites for lack of cost-effective, quality-assured manufacturing.

3SixtyDirect works with Entrepreneurs on two levels – Product Development, and Contract Manufacturing Consulting.

Product Development

Entrepreneurs frequently come to us with a product concept or rough sketches, and ask for assistance or guidance in bringing their visions to reality. Our work as Product Development Consultants includes:

· Assessing product feasibility and market interest

· Offering design suggestions and alternatives

· Developing production specifications and artist renderings

· Researching tooling costs and manufacturing options

· Access to Patent & Trademark Attorneys, and quality resources for product branding and packaging development

Contract Manufacturing Consulting

Some entrepreneurs are already deep into the process when they come to us – they may have already handled the market research, specifications and renderings, but need assistance in taking their product from the drawing board to the store shelves. Our long-term relationships and experience with product-manufacturing experts throughout Asia allow us to easily locate reputable, quality manufacturers for any project. We have extensive experience with the maze of challenges involved in testing, shipping, billing, and importing. Our Contract Manufacturing services include:

· Development of product specification sheet

· Arrange for quality and feasibility testing of proposed raw materials, and product prototypes

· Quoting and contracting with credible, reliable overseas manufacturers

· Federal and State Government safety and quality standards and customs requirements, including California Prop. 65

· Pre-Production, Top of Production (TOP) and During Production (DURPO) samples

· Managing shipping logistics from the manufacturer to the client’s destination

Contact Denise Mahnick at 248-890-4168 for a free initial consultation or more information.

3SixtyDirect Circling the Globe… Delivering the World

3SixtyDirect Custom/Import Promotional Products

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:49:05 GMT

3Sixty Direct circles the globe for creative and custom-designed premium and promotional merchandise that support strategic and targeted marketing initiatives of Fortune 100 companies. We have access to over 800,000 off-the-shelf products, but that’s only one sector of our business and capabilities.

For those companies that aren’t satisfied with simply imprinting their logo on a standard item and want signature items with value for their large-scale marketing programs, 3Sixty Direct can develop and deliver totally customizable or proprietary items. We work with you to assess future trends, develop product concepts, specifications and renderings, and manage overseas manufacturing and delivery logistics. Our experience includes the development and manufacture of proprietary promotional items to support results-driven programs such as:

· Event Promotions

· New Product Launches

· Direct Mail Programs

· Premiums & Incentives

Do the promotional products you’ve used for years excite your customers and prospects? Are you bored with the same old, off-the-shelf items everyone else distributes?

Contact 3Sixty Direct for something new and inventive! 248-890-4168 or visit our Custom/Import Promo Product Line

3SixtyDirect Circles the Globe...Delivers the World

3SixtyDirect's Custom/Import Projects

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 23:32:41 GMT

Client: GMAC

Problem: Racetrack security standards put into place after September 11, 2001 brought one of GMAC’s promotional programs to a screeching halt. 3Sixty Direct had been manufacturing a unique, convertible backpack/duffel bag used as a hospitality gift for top dealers attending Nextel, Busch and Truck races, but it did not meet the size and material restrictions put in place after 9-11.

Solution: 3Sixty Direct designed a proprietary, branded duffle bag made of clear, flexible plastic that allowed racetrack security personnel to easily view the contents. The package included co-branded pit passes and security-approved lanyards. 3SixtyDirect

worked closely with overseas manufacturers to assure the materials and workmanship met the standards required by racetrack security, U.S. Customs and import regulations, and GMAC branding specifications. GMAC recognized a 40% cost savings in this project.

Client: Budco

Problem: Rising costs were a major consideration in the continuance of Budco’s long-standing “Thank You” gift program for their Cadillac dealers. They came to 3Sixty

Direct with a request for a cost-effective alternative.

Solution: 3SixtyDirect collaborated with the client to re-design the height and weight specifications of the calendar stand, assuring they met with US postal standards. Because re-tooling was required, 3SixtyDirect contracted with a new manufacturer, and managed the overseas manufacturing and delivery process. The modifications had a direct impact on the fulfillment and shipping costs of the item, and resulted in a 33% savings for Budco.

Shop For Products

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:32:25 GMT

A new direction for the Business... from Franchise owner to promotional products creator

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:56:53 GMT

The launching of 3Sixty Direct Marketing & Promotions

After 5 successful years of owning and operating an Adventures in Advertising promotional products franchise I launched 3Sixty Direct Marketing & Promotions this past spring.

3Sixty Direct's focus is helping our client realize significant cost savings through consolidated purchasing utilizing our overseas manufacturing relationships for both off the self products as well as custom promotional merchandise. Our resources open up a world of possibilities - the ability to design and manufacture an item that portrays our client's brand identity and their corporate message in supporting large scale consumer initiatives and direct mail campaigns.

It's an exciting time - and I look forward to exploring a world of possibilities with you! Thank you for your past and continued support!

Denise Mahnick, CEO 3Sixty Direct Marketing & Promotions

Midwest office: 330 E. Maple Rd. #505, Birmingham MI 48009

West coast office: 1043 Stuart Street Suite 100 Lafayette CA 94549

Phone: 866.948.026 Fax: 866.908.8840 www.3SixtyDirect.com

Denise Mahnick, President & CEO, direct dial: 248.890.4168 / email: dmahnick@3sixtydirect.com

Cheryl Cohen, VP & Managing Director West Coast Office, direct dial: 925.283.3352 email: ccohen@3sixtydirect.com

Project Mgr: Julie Hartz, direct dial: 586-948-0526 / email: julie@3Sixtydirect.com

3Sixty Direct awarded 2006 Women Business Enterprise of the Year

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:29:10 GMT

Denise Mahnick, CEO 3Sixty (pictured right) with

Michelle Richards, President of Michigan Women's Business Council

6th Annual MWBC Conference & Expo

The Michigan Women’s Business Council an initiative of CEED (Center for Empowerment and Economic Development) has recognized 3Sixty Direct, a Troy-based promotional merchandise firm, as their 2006 Women Business Enterprise of the Year. Company CEO, Denise Mahnick accepted the award on September 27 at the 6th Annual Michigan Women’s Business Conference and Expo held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan.

3Sixty Direct a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) is being recognized for this honor because the business exemplifies proactive customer service, possesses high professional standards, collaborates with other women entrepreneurs and incorporates best practices in business operations.

“Our success thus far is the result of four key qualities: strong relationships with our clients and suppliers, responsiveness to our clients’ needs, outstanding service and our integrity,” said Mahnick. “I am honored that my business has been selected for this distinction.”

3Sixty Direct specializes in the overseas development and manufacturing of creative, custom designed premium and promotional merchandise to support strategic and targeted marketing initiatives of Fortune 100 companies. 3Sixty Direct circles the globe to bring our clients creative, custom designed premium and promotional merchandise for the greatest price to value relationship. For more information on the products and services available form 3Sixty Direct call, 248.890.4168 or visit www.3SixtyDirect.com.

The Michigan Women’s Business Council serves as a partner with the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) to assist women business owners with opportunities for women’s business certification and access to private and government markets. MWBC is an initiative of The Center for Empowerment & Economic Development (CEED) which provides entrepreneurs and business owners with the administrative, financial, and professional enrichment support services necessary for business success.

About Us

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 20:36:07 GMT

3Sixty Direct circles the globe to bring our clients creative, custom designed premium and promotional merchandise for the greatest price to value relationship.

Contracts an outside agency for inspection of all overseas manufacturing facilities with full consideration of ethical issues – such as child and prison labor, alongside practical ones, such as production and management abilities.

Employs independent inspection laboratories to ensure product safety, quality, and conformance to U.S. customs requirements, consumer product safety and other government standards.

Monitors International Free Trade developments and their effect on importing and exporting.

Requires pre-production samples, T.O.P. (Top of Production) samples and pre-shipment samples on international orders for approval.

Manage logistics and shipment of promotional merchandise – from the overseas factory to final client destination - determining the most economical way to ship the goods and meet the clients required deadlines.

Work with customs brokers to ensure proper documentation of shipment, adherence to US customs protocol and payment of applicable quota, duties, and customs entry.

Looking for promotional products?

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 19:38:22 GMT

Custom Import Options

Import Product Search

3Sixty Direct maintains long-term relationships with Promotional Products Manufactures throughout Asia and, if needed, has the network to quickly locate a reputable manufaturer for almost any project. This model gives us both the ability to procure products spanning the Promotional Products spectrum and the scale to keep cost at a minimum.

Typically, our clients provide us with the specific product they desire. However, we have our pulse on the Promotional market and can suggest new or hot products to fit your project.

Some examples of categories that we specialize in:

Stationery: Sticky Pads, Portfolios, Reminder Notes, Cards, Etc.
Writing Instruments: Pens, Laser Pointers, Ball Point, Disposables, Etc.
Bags: Polypropylene Non-Woven, Tote Bags, Backpacks, Luggage, Etc.
Plastics Key chains, Binoculars, Ponchos, Fans, Cups, Inflatable, Etc.
Lanyards: All Types.
Metals: Pen cases, Figurines, Lapel Pins, Key Chains, Lunch Boxes, Etc.
Electronics: Pedometers, Cameras, Calculators, LED Items, Etc.
Custom Made Products: We can work with you to develop nearly anything your client requires.

Please contact us to let us know what type of product you are interested in and we will promptly respond with the feasibility and cost analysis of the project.

3Sixty Direct

Mon, 27 Feb 2006 18:27:23 GMT

3Sixty Direct is a provider of creative, custom designed premium and promotional merchandise to support strategic and targeted marketing initiatives of Fortune 100 companies. 3Sixty Direct:

Assesses future trends and collaborates with clients to develop proprietary promotional merchandise solutions to meet the client's goals and objectives on large scale marketing initiatives.

Designs product renderings and develop product specifications to reflect our client's brand identity and their target markets.

Utilizes strategic alliances with overseas manufacturing resources to provide custom products - bring our client's vision to reality for the greatest price to value relationship. We have access to manufacturers covering plastics, die cast, ceramics, electronics, textiles and more.

Our experience includes promotional merchandise development and manufacturing to support result driven programs such as:
- Event Promotions
- New Product Launches
- Direct Mail Programs
- Premium & Incentives

3Sixty Direct Awarded 2006 Women Business Enterprise of the Year – Michigan Women's Business Council

Denise Mahnick, 3Sixty Direct CEO (right) pictured with Michelle Richards, MWBC President (left). Press Release