Thursday, December 24, 2015

Farewell 2015

2015 has been a great year for our business, we've been moving from strength to strength and have also been deepening our commitment to quality, ethical trade and the environment.

We have renewed our partnership with Fairtrade by extending our licence to 2017 and have increased our support in our 2 primary regions - Australia and the UK.  Consumers in both these regions are strong supporters of Fairtrade and we continue to meet the high standards set at a global level by Fairtrade.

We have reinvigorated our UK operation with new key staff and an expanded sales and marketing effort.  This has quickly turned a success for everyone.  UK businesses love our products, especially the speed of information flow due to our use of manufacturing centres and how we use our Direct Model to benefit everyone.

To support our sales expansion, we have increased production capacity within our manufacturing base.  Procurement and Product Management functions have been consolidated in our Sydney Office to ensure a single channel of communication within our company which allows faster and more accurate communication flow to our factories (based in China and India) and to our customers.

At it's core, our business has an unwavering commitment to Ethical Sourcing and the Environment.

Our challenge is continuing our good work in the future.  We live by the philosophy *Walk the Talk* and we challenge you to ask you suppliers the same.

2016 is just moments away and we have some bigger plans afoot.  We'll have an introduction to 2016 in January... after Christmas and the New Year has passed.

Stay well and be safe.



Tuesday, December 15, 2015

What Fabric to Use for Reusable?

Reusable Bags have been in our lives for a while now.

It all started with the Classic Supermarket Bag.  You know the one - this is made from Non-woven Polypropylene (also known as NWPP).

NWPP is a polymer (plastic) which is incredibly durable, light-weight, strong and low cost to produce.  For these 4 reasons it has been the perfect fabric to make reusable bags from.

Plus, it has 2 brilliant features.  It's non-absorbent and anti-bacterial.  Making it a great option for cold products, wetter climates and food products.

Although our introduction to reusable has been through NWPP, there are a variety of other fabrics that can be used for low-cost reusable bags.

Our fabric guides have a whole lot more information.  Get to the website to find out more.

www.bagpeople.co.uk/pages/fabric-guides


Monday, December 7, 2015

Last Minute Christmas Orders

With 14 business days until Christmas, there's still time to get bags sorted for you event, staff party or customer gifts.

We've got a range of pre-printed bags available that could suit your needs.

We can also custom-print bags with your logo/artwork.

Email Us with your needs.


Tuesday, November 24, 2015

1 MONTH TO GO

Not much more than a reminder that The Big Red Guy is burning the midnight oil getting ready for his once only annual show.

He's got everyone working overtime to make sure everything is sorted.

ARE YOU SORTED YET?


Thursday, November 19, 2015

UK Bag Tax - still confused

Start - 5th October, 2015.  5p charge for a single-use carrier bag in the UK.

If you're still confused, here the break down directly from the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs :: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/single-use-plastic-carrier-bags-why-were-introducing-the-charge/carrier-bags-why-theres-a-5p-charge

Which shops charge for single-use plastic bags?
Large retailers with 250+ employees. The employee limit applies to the whole company not just an individual branch.

Can I avoid the Bag Tax?
Yes - bring your own bag.

What bags are exempt from the Bag Tax?
 - paper bags
 - shops in airports, or on board trains, aeroplanes or ships
 - bags for certain items (unwrapped food, raw meat and fish), prescription medicines, uncovered blades, seeds, bulbs and flowers, or live fish

Are biodegradable bags exempt?
No - but this is under continual review.


Friday, November 13, 2015

Ethical Sourcing - Walk the Talk

So - tell me about the working conditions of the factory your last bag order was made in.

Fire Exits?
Toilet facilities?
Heating / cooling?
Lighting?  Is it adequate for the task of cutting & sewing
Ventilation?

If your supplier cannot answer these questions & show you photographs of your bags being printed/sewn/packed then there's a few questions YOU need to ask.

Our Product Manager will make "surprise inspections" to all our facilities & manufacturing partners.  Turning up - unannounced - & demanding to personally QC the production of Job XYZ.

It's amazing how some producers react & how they need to "scramble" to get to the actual job in production.

We have immediately stopped working with certain partners due to the working conditions they provide.

Whilst we know it's a drop-in-the-ocean.  We cannot sit idly by & see it happening within factories we're working with.

Sure, there are additional cost but it's certainly worthwhile to know you're making a positive impact rather than perpetuating the troubles.

What do you think?  Let us know on our Facebook Page.


Friday, November 6, 2015

The Value of Quality

In almost all marketing surveys, the average person believes that PRICE is greatest determiner of QUALITY.

Think about your own experiences, when offered seemingly identical products - what 'usually' drives your purchasing decision.

First, it will be delivering on your basic physiological needs of "how does it make you feel?", but running a very close second as the price of the item & where it sits in your perception of quality.

An example that recently came to my attention is a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti shorts, available from Saks Fifth Avenue for AUD $3897.67.

For some, this represents value; however, for most of us I would not estimate that this pair of shorts is over 30 times better quality that a pair you can get for AUD $129.00.

The same can be said for bags.

Yes - there are the really cheap & nasty ones that are no better than single-use plastic; certainly beware of a bag you can get printed & delivered for 35p / 85c each.

You do need to lift your sights a little higher than that, but not too far.

You can get an extraordinary bag with an excellent print for not much more than 80p / $1.80 or so.

Contact Bag People to see what we can do for you.


Thursday, October 29, 2015

Christmas Stock is Arriving Soon

Before you know it, it's going to be a few days before the Christmas cut-off for orders.

You'll be sitting at your desk saying "my goodness, that's come around quickly again".

If you're in our office... there'll be a whole load more expletives in there - for sure.

Anyway, let's not get caught AGAIN this year as we always seem to do every year.

Get in early, start planning & thinking about what you'll need in a couple of months from now.


Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Time to Market

How did you interpret the heading of this post?

1)  it's time you got your act together and did some promotion/marketing for your business

2)  how long will to take to get my products or services to my customers

Your interpretation is simply a reflection of the stage you (and your business) are in at the moment.

Are you just getting started or do you want to reach more customers and retain existing ones?

No matter what stage you're in, you can always do more.

The question is what mix of online and offline activities do you need to do?

Online  ::  Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest... and the list goes on.

Offline  ::  packaging, retail presence, static advertising, customer experience... and many more.

We're not selling anything in this post.  Just planting the seeds of what you need to do next.



Tuesday, October 13, 2015

UK Expansion Success

The UK operation with Tim at the helm is moving from strength to strength.

In just a couple of short months since the end of July (with the long summer break thrown in too), the UK has supplied to a number of customers in the UK aswell as neighbouring countries.

From the very large... thousands of bags for major Hospitals and Government Departments.

To the very small... a few hundred bags for local businesses and charitable concerns.

Your first question is whether bags will be suitable for you  --  Tim can help.
What fabric option will fit your branding  --  Tim can help.
How big do my bags need to be  --  Tim can help.
What about delivery  --  Tim can help.

I think you're seeing the pattern here.

It's simple... contact Tim :
 - 01978 511 344
 - tim@bagpeople.co.uk


Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Stuck for Gift Ideas?

 Customer Printed Bags from Planet Eco Bags
We all know someone who is impossible to buy for.

Our sister company - Planet Eco Bags - has solved that for you.


Everyone needs a bag, now we can produce a single custom printed bag for you.

Give your loved ones something that is 100% theirs.

Printed and delivered in a couple of weeks.

Monday, September 28, 2015

Save Money and Improve Quality


HOW?  You might ask.

EASY.  Go Direct.

Bag People have been using The Direct Model for many years.

Let's save time in typing and reading and have a look at this picture, it shows it all.

How many people can be involved?

Do you really what people playing Chinese Whispers / Telephone with your personal and company information aswell as the specifications for your products?

Contact Bag People to make is simple.


Monday, September 21, 2015

Zero Cost - High Value

There are plenty of things that can be done to make a creative, attractive and desirable bag.

Some things are very high cost, but add little value.

Others are low - sometimes zero - additional cost, but add a huge amount of value.

Printing
Print if perhaps the single biggest factor that can create an awesome bag or a shocking thing of tragic hideousness.

Simple print that is easily identifiable is a great start.  A messy unrecognisable print is the 1st element of disaster.

Fabric Choice
Making sure the fabric choice matches the desired effect, your target user and the task at hand.

Put simply, if your desired result is sharp, clinical, hygienic and crisp; you'd select Gloss Laminated Non-woven Fabric.


Whereas if you're after the rustic, organic, earthy image; Jute or Juco are your options.

Add Contrast
Tone-on-Tone.  Contrast Features.  Multi-Colour.  2 Tone.

Call it what you like.

If you add together the right colours, you've hit a winner.

Here's a few very simple and low cost additions to your bags that will delight your customers aswell as the Bean Counters.

Gold Museum = Winner
Yellow = the Gold
Brown = the Earth
Pink with Contrast Handles and Gussets
Rochdale
Matching the colours of one of their marketing campaigns
Allyu Spa
Contrast Brown Bags
with
Brown Print to match
Genius!!!

So, there's plenty we can work with.

Just ask the question : info@bagpeople.com


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Not long until Christmas

The years are storming past and time seems to be speeding up each year... or maybe that's just me?

Anyway, there's still time to get your orders in for delivery before Christmas.

Although we do have warehouse stock to get you out of a tight spot within 2 weeks.

I'm talking about getting your order custom-made in our factory and still having time for delivery before Christmas.

You've still got a little time to get your orders in for factory direct production.  There's not much time, so don't wait too much longer.

Contact Us today to be sure you can get what you need in time.


Tuesday, September 8, 2015

T-Minus 4 weeks for the Bag Tax

4 weeks and counting until the UK begins charging for single-use plastic bags.

Make sure you stay ahead of the change by contacting Bag People for unbelievably low cost eco-bags.

Design your Perfect Bag :
    • have the COLOUR SCHEME of your choice
    • get the BAG STYLE that suits your needs
    • use a CUSTOM PRINT that delivers your message
Whatever you need - we make it.

Stay-ahead-of-the-game and contact Bag People today.

Call 01978 511 344 or email info@bagpeople.co.uk.


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Awesome vs Average

A bag design can be simple without being boring or ordinary, or even worse; just plain bad.

Make sure you don't waste you money, time and effort on something that is not going to work for you  or you brand.

We're not going to show you any of the shockers out there... we've had a few, but we will show you the simple techniques that = AWESOME.

The best think about this range of designs is there is no additional cost for artwork or printing.

Exceptional designs are not difficult, but some effort is needed.  be sure to select a supplier that will make the extra effort.

Contact Us to find out more.







Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Dyed Jute

Jute Bags made to the colours you need.  Ask us now.

Here's a few jobs we've had over the years.




Monday, August 17, 2015

Big Budget vs Small Budget

bags used by Harper Collins
Not many of us have the budgeted to take on marketing across various platforms.

At Bag People we're here to help everyone.

bus stop advertising by Harper Collins
Big Budget Example : Harper Collins recently launched a new book by Jonathan Franzen.  Big budget for a massive splash.  Promotion via Billboards, Buses, Bus Stops and they choose Bags too.

Yes - big budget does go a long way, but have a little thin about how much all this actually costs; it's mind blowing when you think about it.

bottle carrier for Jennings Plumbing
Small Budget Example : Jennings Plumbing is your local business.  Great service, honest opinions and reasonable prices.  No nonsense attitude to just about everything.

They rewards their loyal customers with a bottle of "something" every now and again.

The simplest and most cost effective way to get the right message out to their customers is a low-cost reusable bag.  500 bags takes them through a couple of years and they've been back to Bag People time after time.

Our ethos is the same, great service, honest opinions and reasonable prices.

A simple equation that has served us well since 1993.


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

More about PP

Polypropylene (also known as PP) is a man-made fibre and manufactured using light-weight polymers which are very strong, durable and easy to work with.

PP can be formed in to many different products.  We take PP and turn it to fabric.

Non-woven PP
this is where the polymer is rolled flat into a single sheet (much like paper) and can then be cut and sewn in the same way that regular fabric is treated.

Woven PP
comprises of strands of PP that are woven on a loom in the conventional method of weaving fabric - identical to what you'd expect from Cotton or Canvas.

Historically, PP has been one of the lowest cost alternatives for Reusable Bags, but it has gotten a "bad-wrap" because it is viewed as just another plastic.

Yes - PP is a polymer produced from a petrochemical base.  As with anything that is man-made, if it not treat properly it can have detrimental result.

However, PP which is used and worked with in the proper manner is a brilliant alternative to single-use plastic bags.

PP is one of the strongest, most durable, colourful and vibrant, non-absorbent, antibacterial fabrics currently available.

Plus, PP is RECYCLABLE - it's a Type 5 Polymer.

Lastly, our PP contains 30% Recycled Content.

In closing, you should at least have a think about PP as an option for your Reusable Bags.


Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Decide on your Bags

OK - you've got an idea of what you'd like your bags to do for you, so what next?

Here's the easy steps to getting the right bags for the job :

1.  Usage  --  what do you want your bags users to do with the bags you give them?  Are they shopping bags, conference bags, swimming bags, pure give-away's or somethings else

2.  Fabric  --  once you've decided how on the proposed Usage, then we move to the fabric type.  This is where you get to decide the fabric based on potential wear and tear, longevity and the impact on your brand.  For brand impact, think about your own image; chic, rustic, clinical, fun, etc

3.  Size and Shape  --  usage has the biggest impact on size and shape.  Is your bag made for carrying massive bags of dog food, or petite little jewellery gifts?

4.  Budget  --  how much are you looking at spending?  At Bag People we have a variety of fabric options that can fit all 3 factors above + fit in to your budget.

5.  Quantity  --  not hard to guess what this one is... how many do you think you'll need?

6.  Delivery Dead-line  --  the time available to make delivery has a big impact on price.  The longer you've got, the cheaper things become.

The decision process is pretty simple, but there are a number of factors that can go wrong and cost a lot, or we can get right for you and save a whole load of money.

Contact Bag People to find out what we cam do for you.


Saturday, July 25, 2015

UK BAG TAX - 5th October, 2015

From 5th October this year, large stores in the UK will all be charging for single-use plastic bags.

When this was introduced in Wales, bag usage fell 82%.... and reusable eco-bags, branded by local retailers, filled the gap.

UK businesses can get ahead of the change by contacting Bag People for unbelievably low cost eco-bags.

Design your Perfect Bag :
    • have the COLOUR SCHEME of your choice
    • get the BAG STYLE that suits your needs
    • use a CUSTOM PRINT that delivers your message
Whatever you need - we make it.

As low as 58p per bag for an order of 1,000 bags; even less if you order more.

The run-up to Christmas is critical - start planning now.

Call 01978 511 344 or email info@bagpeople.co.uk.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Bespoke Manufacturing

How about bags that are made exact how you want them?

  • Fabric Colour
  • Bag Size
  • Handle Length
  • Material
  • Print Options

It's not too good to be true; Bag People make it real.

Check our website now.


Thursday, July 16, 2015

Supporting Fairtrade since 2010

Since March, 2010 Bag People have held the Licence to supply Fairtrade products.

Download our Fairtrade Certificate.

We are continually evolving to maintaining industry leadership position and our involvement in Fairtrade is further confirmation.

We firmly believe in protecting and preserving all the world's resources.

Remembering that resources go beyond soil and water - People are the most value resource.

The Fairtrade focus on providing better standards for people is inline with our company values and the policies we operate within.

Contact Us for more details about Fairtrade Cotton Bags.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Our Environmental Policy

We try not to take ourselves very seriously, we have a bit of fun, we work hard and make reasonable charitable donation regularly.

However, we do take some things very seriously.

The environment is a serious matter.  You may have seen our pervious post about what is happening to the world and here's our Environmental Policy to back it up.



In this statement us / we /our / Bag People means Bag People.

Our preferred suppliers shall, as a minimum, comply with all applicable laws and regulations relating to the environmental impact of their business.

They shall maintain procedures for notifying local authorities in the event of an accident or incident which may adversely affect the environment as a result of their operation.

Supplier compliance with environmental law shall include any international or applicable local laws affecting the source of materials and processes used to manufacture products.

Detailed performance standards are a matter for suppliers, but should address at least the following :

Waste Management
Waste is minimised and items recycled wherever practicable. Effective controls of waste in respect of ground, air, and water pollution must be adopted. In the case of hazardous materials, emergency response plans must be put in place.

Packaging and Paper
Undue and unnecessary use of materials shall be avoided, and recycled materials should be used wherever appropriate.

Conservation
Processes and activities shall be monitored and modified as necessary to ensure conservation of scarce resources, including water, flora and fauna and productive land in certain situations.

Energy Use
All production and delivery processes, including the use of heating, ventilation, lighting, IT systems and transportation, must be based on maximising efficient energy use and minimising harmful emissions.

Product Selection
Proactively work with and provide assistance to Bag People in selecting products which are environmentally beneficial.



Thursday, July 2, 2015

A World of Colour


Brilliant Colours are our speciality.

Scroll down for our list of Standard Non-woven Fabric Colours.

But if you can't find your perfect colour from our standards, send us your PMS (Pantone) Colour and we can match it for you.

Contact Us for more info.


PMS 7519C
Deep Dark
Brown


PMS 7499C
Natural



PMS 7488C
Bright Green



PMS 3308C
Dark Green



PMS 2645C
Mauve



PMS 2623C
Plum



PMS 2597U
Purple



White




PMS 729U
Sand



PMS 728C
Tan



PMS 637U
Sky Blue



PMS 539C
Charcoal



PMS 477C
Dark Brown



PMS 431U
Grey



PMS 367C
Lime



PMS 361C
Pale Green



PMS 348C
Light Green



PMS 342C
Dark Green



PMS 337U
Turquoise



PMS 300C
Light Blue



PMS 295U
Navy Blue



PMS 286U
Royal Blue



PMS 225U
Pink



PMS 222C
Burgundy



PMS 219C
Hot Pink



PMS 202C
Brown



PMS 189C
Light Pink



PMS 185C
Red



PMS 172C
Light Red



PMS 152U
Light Orange



PMS 116C
Yellow



PMS 021U
Orange



PMS 7C
Black



Black