Smartfish Group - Case Studies

Case Study: Save the Date, Save the Day

Oct 26

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived va...

Case Study: Time for a Rebrand

Aug 15

Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had prev...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Aug 7

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company's year-e...

Case Study: Too Hot to Jot

May 11

Objective: Department managers wanted their new employees to have an easy way to take notes during the onboarding process. They wanted to incorporate company branding to keep their image consiste...

Case Study: Welcome New Hires!

Apr 4

Objective A small business owner wanted an easy way to present important paperwork to new employees to help them stay organized in their first few months with the company. They wanted to instill p...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

Mar 20

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out at...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Feb 4

Objective: The city was celebrating National Public Works Week with a community event. The event provided education for community members, as well as games for entertainment. Event planners wante...

Case Study: Pillow Box

Jan 20

Objective A children's hospital wanted to send a thank you gift package to donors. They wanted patients to be able to add a personalized touch to the gift to connect donors better to the cause. P...

Case Study: It's in the Bag

Dec 14, 2025

Description Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry Bookstore What it was purchased for A large Metropolitan Community College Bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag to the students w...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Dec 6, 2025

Objective: A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry, but they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Oct 8, 2025

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions ...

Industry Mini Dive: Legal Industry

Sep 16, 2025

Is your law firm or legal aid service in need of promotional items to distribute to your clients? No matter the specialty - corporate, family, real estate, or tax law - all legal professionals c...

Case Study: Write to Paradise!

Aug 24, 2025

A 5 Star Resort wanted to ensure its guests received the best experience. To encourage feedback on services provided, guests were offered a coupon for use at their next visit in return for com...

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Jul 4, 2025

Description: Spoon Mug Industry: Advertising What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How it was distributed: The spoon mug...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

May 8, 2025

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Apr 10, 2025

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...

Case Study: Take a Map!

Mar 27, 2025

Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...

Case Study: Safety First

Dec 31, 2024

Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a bra...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Dec 10, 2024

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: P...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

Dec 2, 2024

Description: Foldable Chair Industry: Education/Sports What it was purchased for: A high school wanted to purchase an item they could resell to the parents in the spirit shop for fundraising doll...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Nov 18, 2024

The "Golden Lanyard" to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traffic to Trade ...

Case Study: Paw-se and Appreciate the Little Things

Nov 3, 2024

Description: Big Paw Bear Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A senior living community was looking for holiday gifts for their residents. How it was distributed: W...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Oct 20, 2024

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank ...

Case Study: Keep it Sweet

Oct 13, 2024

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Employee Appreciation Promotion: A nationally known hotel chain gifted their staff the Everyday Sweet and Savory Gourmet Carry Caddy for Employee Appreci...

Case Study: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Oct 6, 2024

Item: Landscape Mesh Tote Purpose: Fundraising Gala gift bag Audience: Kids in Need Foundation supporters The Kids in Need Foundation Gala is one of the organization's largest fundraising eve...

Case Study: Lunchtime Appreciation

Sep 28, 2024

Description: ID Lunch Bag Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A hospital wanted a unisex item to give out for Nurses Week. Since most of the nursing staff brought th...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Sep 21, 2024

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Recognition

Sep 7, 2024

Item: JAFFA® Wave Award Purpose: Welcome gift for incentive winners Audience: Software company sales representatives A software company held a sales incentive contest for reps to win a trip t...

Case Study: Attract New Customers

Aug 23, 2024

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health clu...

Case Study: The Weather is Snow Joke

Jul 26, 2024

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. ...

Case Study: Zip It Up

May 21, 2024

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How ...

Case Study: Staying Safe for Back-to-School

May 7, 2024

A private school held an online meeting to outline plans for returning to school safely during the Coronavirus pandemic. As a follow-up, the school sent information packets to students' parents. Ea...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Apr 1, 2024

Objective: A general contracting company was looking for a fun way to provide "before and after" photos to their clients after a remodeling project was complete. Product: Double-Sided Portrait F...

Case Study: Celebrate Milestones

Feb 10, 2024

A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this ...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Feb 2, 2024

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships....

Case Study: Thank You for Spooning

Jan 4, 2024

Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers...

Case Study: Let Them Eat Cake!

Dec 28, 2023

Objective A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry. But they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Pro...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Dec 21, 2023

Guess the Flavor Lip Balm Organization Health Insurance Organization Product Featured Lip Balm Lip Balm Sleeve Goal of Promotion Generating positive reinforcement with sales reps ...

Case Study: A

Sep 23, 2023

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give ou...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Sep 15, 2023

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch Ful...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Aug 24, 2023

Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their...

Case Study: Info in a Flash

Aug 9, 2023

Item: 8GB Custom USB 2.0 Flash Drive Purpose: Provide information about the school and programs Audience: Students and prospective students A community college was looking for a unique way to...

Case Study: "Single Use" Pens for COVID-19

Aug 2, 2023

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, a financial institution decided to provide single-use pens in all their locations and for drive thru banking. This idea was intended to help stop the spre...

Case Study: YUKON 17 oz. Double Wall Party Cup for the Sustainability Win

Jul 26, 2023

Surf-inspired activewear brands like ROXY® are stoked with our YUKON design-fondly known as The Party Cup™. It's double-wall insulated, so it keeps refreshments cool on the beach while the talent...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Jul 18, 2023

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...

Case Study: A Comforting Friend

May 6, 2023

This ambulance service is very active in its local community. They use this plush Saint Bernard for children faced with the trauma of when an ambulance is needed. They consider their Saint Bernard ...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Apr 21, 2023

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use ...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Apr 14, 2023

Objective: A local insurance agent wanted a way to connect with her customers and capture new leads with a useful promotional item that would also boost her personal branding and promote her serv...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Mar 23, 2023

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Mar 16, 2023

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography s...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

Mar 2, 2023

Products Javalina Splash® Pen Industry Technology Application Contest An internet company created a branded website for a promotion called "Where has your pen been?" and selected ...

Case Study: Hay, Where'd You Get That Tote?

Jan 11, 2023

Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Jan 4, 2023

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided ...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

Dec 5, 2022

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo® Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participating ...

Case Study: Don't Bottle It Up

Nov 20, 2022

An oil gas company was building employee gift packages that would appeal to their entire workforce during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With employees working both at home and continuing to w...

Case Study: Employee Appreciation Gift

Oct 21, 2022

A company with many sales representatives needed an item for their top sales performers. Since their sales staff has both men and women, they needed an item that could be used by either gender. The...

Case Study: Spec-Tacular Promotions

Sep 22, 2022

Description: CUSTOM Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: The end user wanted to give something away at this year's Spring Break in Jamaica for an MTV event th...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Sep 6, 2022

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...

Case Study: Roaming Free with the YUMA Clear Freedom Bottle

Aug 22, 2022

What do outdoor gear brands like Marmot® and Teva® have in common? Their target customers, high-value brand partners, and pretty much all of their employees are thirsty for adventure in the mount...

Case Study: Success on Campus

Jul 31, 2022

A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most stud...

Case Study: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions

Jul 24, 2022

Clever Meets Subtle: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions Organization: Department Store Product Featured: Lanyard with Vinyl Pouch Goal of Promotion: Promoting Store Sales Description of Case ...

Case Study: Stick to the Schedule

Jul 9, 2022

Industry: Hospitality Personalization: A small sandwich shop wanted to increase their business during lunch hour. Their target market was people who worked near their restaurant. Method of Distri...

Case Study: Back in Business

Jul 2, 2022

A behavioral health practice was preparing to reopen when shelter-in-place orders were lifted. However, they needed a way to communicate the enhanced safety protocols they put in place to patients ...

Case Study: I've Got You Covered

Jun 2, 2022

Description: Chenille Blanket Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A local hospital needed blankets to hand out to children who were currently patients that they coul...

Case Study: Insuring Happy Employees

May 26, 2022

Item: JAFFA® Round Zinc Coaster Purpose: End of year gifts for employees Audience: Insurance firm employees An insurance firm had a particularly prosperous year and wanted to give employees end ...

Case Study: A Wedded Keepsake

Apr 11, 2022

Item: JAFFA® Scalloped Edge Vase Purpose: Gift vase for use during wedding ceremonies Audience: Engaged couples A church wanted an elegant and useful gift for couples who chose their venue for t...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Mar 27, 2022

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...

Case Study: Getting Bent out of Shape for More Business

Feb 19, 2022

Product: Gel Stress Toy Client: Health Food Store What it was purchased for: As a gift to reward customers for spending over a certain amount. Why it worked: The gel stress toy which, unlike the...

Case Study: Custom Caps with a Budget Cap

Jan 21, 2022

Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. ...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Dec 29, 2021

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their n...

Case Study: A Race to Remember

Dec 7, 2021

Item: Sport Bottle with Metallic Ring - 28 oz. Purpose: Race day giveaway Audience: Breast cancer survivors and race participants A regional race supporting breast cancer research added an initi...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Oct 11, 2021

Market: School Objective: A school's athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The schoo...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

Sep 5, 2021

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Neoprene Bracelet Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets ...

Case Study: Create Your Own Reality

Aug 29, 2021

Description: Custom Cardboard Virtual Reality v2 Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A leave behind for Field Marketing Account Managers to help convert business from the...

Case Study: A Hole in One Promotion

Aug 22, 2021

Product: Jumbo Cooler Bag Industry: Agriculture What it was purchased for: These bags were given out to participants in a company golf tournament. How it was distributed: All participants receiv...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Jul 23, 2021

An insurance company signed up to be the "hydration" sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun-filled even...

Case Study: Recycle, Reuse, Read a Book!

Jul 16, 2021

Product: Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry: Bookstore What it was purchased for: A large college bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag for students. The goal was to get the studen...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Jul 1, 2021

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when...

Case Study: A StuPENdous Promotion

May 26, 2021

Description: Dart Pen Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A data storage company wanted an item they could put on their company store website in which branches or divisions could purc...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

May 19, 2021

Description: Custom Wave Cap Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: The client was looking for a signature cap that would be unique, high-quality, and something that the recipient wo...

Case Study: Jamming Out

May 12, 2021

A shopping mall was holding a summer promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex were given a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for st...