Friday, December 23, 2016

Farewell 2016

2016 has been a tough year on a global scale aswell as a local one; most people are pleased it's over and we can move to 2017 with greater optimism.

That said, we always like to reflect on the past year with a view to the future too.

Our core business of custom-made bespoke reusable bags has been moving ahead nicely and we've assisted a number of businesses create a perfect product for their needs.

See our custom made Mini Series.

Growth in Australia has not been our focus this year, we've changed to being more customer centric.

We've put a lot more energy in to customer service.

It's an old fashioned saying, but worth repeating that our customers are the key to our success and making them happy is our mission.

We're not saying the customer is always right (see Optus story) and we'll always add our design and production knowledge – where needed – to every job.

See the Design and Production Disconnect.

We've put our expansion energy in to the UK and Europe.  Our small team based in the UK have excelled at supplying the impossible.  Delivering an amazing result to customers that were asking the impossible.

Once again, customer service has been the focus.  Excellent communication and delivery of information as fast and accurate information has made our customers' business life much easier knowing they can rely on the details they're given.

The UK team has been working double time on the back of the Govt. introduced the Plastic Bag Tax – 5p charged for each single use plastic shopping bag used by a customer.

Our other main focus this year has been our supply chain to ensure we can deliver on every promise.  Thus far we've reshaped a number of factors like shipping companies, warehousing and distribution.  There's a few more pieces to the puzzle to complete in early 2017

Lastly, new products have also made an appearance.  Aprons and Tea Towels.  Contrast Black Juco Bags and Heavy Weight Canvas Tote Bags have all joined our ranks.  Successes are too early to tell on some, but the Contrast Black Bags are doing very well – they've been around the longest, the others are fairly new.

As we fair well 2016 we look forward to 2017.






Saturday, December 17, 2016

Simple Designs

There's no doubt that simple is best.

Ease of use.  Simplicity.  Directness.

No matter what you call it, you want to make sure people get the information they need or the message your sending.

It's the same with design.  Whether you're designing a logo or a physical item, you want it to be simple and to the point.

When you're designing a logo, have a think about what you're trying to say.

Usually a simple, non ambiguous, easy to read (simple font) is a good way to go.

Think of some of the most iconic logo's you know.  While most will use the name of the maker (Ford or Dell), or the name of a single product (Pepsi or Mars), you'll be able to connect with their product or service immediately.

It's this immediate connection that logo designers are seeking.

What are your designs like?  Simple... Complex...

If it's complex, how could you simplify?



Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Fairtrade. 2017 - Passed.

Bag People continues our commitment to ethical sourcing and ensuring equality for everyone.

We've passed our latest Fairtrade Audit.

There was one procedural portion of our supply chain that needed updating which is to include our invoice number on sales reporting to Fairtrade.

This addition will ensure simpler reporting of sales volumes and improve traceability of products if needed.

Our continued efforts working with Fairtrade are paying off and we have a number of customers committed to the cause too.



Sunday, December 4, 2016

DuraPaper

DuraPaper is a brilliant reusable fabric gaining excellent tracking in Europe.

It combines the wonderful finish and feeling of paper with the extra long lasting base of laminated woven PP.


So what's good about DuraPaper?


  • grown on tress
  • super strong (carrying up to 18kg)
  • ethically sourced
  • long-life reusability
  • 98% biodegradable
  • water repellent
See the DuraPaper website for more details.