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Small Tote
Why Jute Tote Bags Are Popular in Marketing
As an entrepreneur I always have a tendency and responsibility to follow marketing and promotional trends, and recently I've looked into reasons why jute bags are popular in marketing. Jute bags started being used in local marketing campaign drives by small businesses a while back. I'm not sure if they knew the exact value of using jute bags specifically, but I would think they already have an idea of at least the practical advantage, which is why they used it in the first place. For those unfamiliar, a jute bag is a tote bag made of jute, a natural material composed of fibers from plants.
First, totes are cheap. Tote bags are very light on the budget, and when ordered in bulk, further discounts may be applicable. When my business was first starting out I always went for the cheapest of everything. As long as they functioned as they were intended to, I was happy. And that's why small businesses use totes, they're very affordable. Not only that, but the material is also affordable. Jute is easy to get and easy to work on, so jute tote bags are cheaper than other bags even. Also, such bags that have wide spaces for promotion and print are ideal as promotional paraphernalia. Unlike other items such as pens or USB drives, a wide tote can accommodate your company brand, your slogan, contact details, and maybe several lines of whatever.
Another reason why jute bags are popular in marketing is because of the nature of the tote bag itself: it's a very useful item and always handy to have around. Almost everyone has a use for a tote-there are even fashionable tote bags used to accessorize. And with the current trend of favoring natural material over plastics, jute as tote bag material is gaining a lot of mileage. And that brings us to the next reason why jute bags are popular in marketing: jute as a natural material.
Ever heard of corporate responsibility? That's big company jargon for engaging in social welfare related activities like feeding hungry children or planting trees. Virtually every large company has its own corporate responsibility drive, or whatever their term for it is. Why? They say it's giving back to the community, society, to Mother Earth, or whatever. Through practical and realistic eyes, it's seen as a way to promote a company brand further. And what's better, a company can get the support of zealous advocates of whatever social or nature-oriented activity they did. For small businesses, the prospect of supporting environmentalism is sort of like toned-down corporate responsibility. Jute bags are popular in marketing because they're made of natural stuff that helps save the Earth. Using them as promotional giveaways then would mean that 1. You think about the welfare of the recipient so you give out something useful, 2. You're putting in more effort than just handing out flyers which only end up being garbage, and to top it all off, 3. You're not just a business, you're a business that helps the environment.
About the Author
DiscountBags is an industry leading supplier of Jute Bags and Tote Bags. You can find a wide selection of Promotional Bags on their website at http://www.discountbags.com.
Which sewing machine do you recommend to make a tote bag?
I'm planning to start a small business of making tote bags, but I would like to know which sewing machine is worth getting that won't be too pricey. Please help! Thanks!!
Kay had some very good points. Industrial machines are great if you can afford them. The are much more powerful than home sewing machines, and typically go faster, so they are for experienced sewers. However, once I learned to use an industrial, it was my favorite.
I don't know much about machine warranties, as I have never really used them. I run my own sewing business with home machines, but most of my stuff is second-hand. The costume shops I have worked in always had a combination of home machines and industrials. In terms of home machines you can opt to buy new, used or factory refurbished.
Selecting a used sewing machine is much like choosing a used car. If you pay bottom dollar, you have no idea how long it will last you. If you buy from a general consignment or second hand shop that does not specialize in sewing machines, there will be no staff support. If you buy from a dealer who deals specifically in used or new and used machines, they are going to have to charge a median price between what they paid the original owner and the price of a comparable new machine, or they make no profit, but they provide better support.. That said, it is often worth it to buy used. You should just consider.
Another option is to seek out a shop/brand that offers upgrade/exchange programs. I know that Husqvarna/Viking shops usually offer this. They are not my favorite machines on the bare bones end, but their computerized models are nice. And you have the option of buying a cheap workhorse at the beginning and trading it in in the first year for a nicer machine, allowing you to upgrade until you are where you want to me. I think Janome shops do the same thing. Bottom of the line Husqvarna's are (or at least were) called "The Blue Jean Machine" because they could sew through thicker layers of material than most bottom of the line machines, but I often found them otherwise frustrating to work with.
[Edit: I was mistaken - Technically Jeans Machines were under the White label, but White and Husqvarna has been owned by the same company since the 80's. Whoever made them, still my least favorite machine ever! ]
Quality: Don't get a Singer unless you get a REALLY old one, like the '60's or before. Old, non-computerized Berninas are awesome - tough, indestructible, reliable, smooth running, easy to maintain, but they often run a little more than other old machines because of their high quality. (I have only heard one review of a computerized Bernina, and it was mediocre, but that is not a good sample set.) New Home also makes Kenmore machines, I have had pretty good luck with mine, very easy to use. Some people like Brother if they want a cheap "beater" machine, but I don't know about it's durability; it just is so inexpensive that you are likely to sew your money's worth even if it doesn't last forever. For computerized machines, Janome and Husquvarna/Viking seem very popular and have great corporate support. I don't have experience with other brands, and I haven't had my Janome long enough to give a reliability review, though it has been awesome so far.
Cole Haan Heritage Weave Logan Small Tote 7707406