Shopping List

Here’s what hit my inbox this week; note that most are still playing that “blink and you’ll miss it” game, with offers expiring on Monday 10/27/08:

Epson Clearance Center
Epson.com > Clearance Center
Save an additional 15% on items already marked 40% off. Granted, most of what you’ll see are refurbished items, but might be a good time to replace an all-in-one or grab a good scanner at a rock bottom prices. Check out the R2400 if you’re thinking about stepping up your in-house print operation. Use coupon code 8XTCASE. Offer expires Monday, 10/27/08.

Impact Images
clearbags.com
For those of you using Impact Images’ 4×6 or 5×7 crystal clear cellophane sleeves or photo boxes (think: acetate boxes for imprintables or photo cards), they’re offering 5% off both the list and bulk prices. Use coupon code 577896. Offer ends 11/15/08.

Total Training
totaltraining.com
These are the go-to folks for training on any Adobe product, and in the spirit of helping folks out during tight times, they have three offers running:

CS3 training: Now that CS4 has shipped (yippee! yippee!), all CS3 training packages are on sale-—pick up DVD titles for $99 or less -or- multi-program bundles at 25% off. No coupon code is necessary, no expiration date listed.

All training, including CS4: Save $20 off your entire DVD purchase (coupon code: save20weekend). If you’re looking for CS3, be sure to compare this against the above offer to see which fits your specific order best. Offer ends at midnight, Monday, 10/27/08.

Online training: Go green with a one-year subscription to the Total Training library. Titles are constantly updated, which makes this a great option for stores bringing in the Creative Suite for the first time or those who have several enployees who need training. Currently, no CS4 titles appear, but one has to believe they’ll be added soon. To get 30% off your first year, enter coupon code “save30online” during checkout. Offer ends at midnight on Monday, 10/27/08.

Lucky Onion
luckyonion.com
303.877.9585
Their new holiday album is out, and available for $139 ($60 off). Their book is unique, covering more than just the winter holidays. In addition to providing personalized options, stores may also order boxed or bulk for off-the-shelf sales. Album quantity is limited, so don’t sit on this for long. Contact Lucky Onion for a link to the online preview. Offer ends on Thanksgiving or when albums run out.

And since you’ve been working so hard this week, here’s a bonus tip:

Wholesale Crafts
wholesalecrafts.com
If you haven’t found this site yet, take a look. Whether you have an upscale boutique or an Americana store, there’s a treasure trove of handmade gifts and jewelry here to be plucked from. Since this site is for legitimate retailers only, you’ll need to complete an online registration that includes either photos of your storefront or documentation proving you’re the real deal (truth be told, it’s harder to get into this site than it is to get into some of the trade shows). Once you’re in, though, it’s worth it-—especially if you’re looking for high end jewelry that won’t show up in the store next door.

Happy deal pouncing!

{ 0 comments }

A lot of special offers and dealer benefits land in my email box. Rather than horde, I’ll periodically post them here for your use.*

The grand plan was to save them up for a simple end-of-the-week list. Imagine my surprise this morning when, upon reading the fine print, I found that four of them-—four-—were only valid for 48 hours. A gnat’s lifespan is longer than that. Sheesh.

The “Don’t blink or you’ll miss it” approach is a sign of nervous vendors who don’t want to give anything away. Well, get over it. We’re all going to have give something away if we want to make it to January. Retailers aren’t going to jump at impulse purchases while counting the change under their desk to make payroll. You’ve got to give them time to process the idea, then fit it into their budget.

That said, only two offers extended beyond the 48-hour window:

Marsupial Press
Tel: 425.251.8558
Fax: 425.251.8998
marsupialpapers.com/holiday.htm
Offer: Through Oct. 31st, buy any holiday product or custom holiday invite and receive 15% off the total. Must fax in a copy of the email (contact me and I’ll forward it to you). As long as you’re at it, give ‘em a poke about the typo (“i before e,” except in a promo?).

The online Epson Store
Last “stock up on supplies” special of the year-—10% off ink and paper. Use code 8ZTCASE to get the deal. True, it’s not big, but every penny counts, especially if you’re a stationer heavy into in-house printing. Their ink carts have a pretty long life span, unlike HP carts. To go straight to the ink carts page, click here. Offer ends 10/15/08.

If there are other vendors out there who’d like me to spread the word, drop me a line with the offer included. I’ll do my best to help you out.

*Obviously, many of these are limited to current dealers. If you don’t carry the lines, take a look anyway. Might be a good time to add fresh product to your lineup.

{ 0 comments }