What “dings” and then is followed by clapping?
Posted by: queensboro on: March 11, 2010
Guest Blogger: Thera, the New Kid on the Block
On my first day at my new job here at Queensboro Shirt Company, I was sitting in training when all of a sudden a pleasant “ding!” sound interrupted the usual white noise of the embroidery machines hard at work, keyboards click-clacking and customer service representatives speaking sweetly into their headsets.
The “ding!” noise was followed by clapping that filled the air and died back down quickly.
“What was that all about?!” I asked the gal next to me, as she finished up her cheerleader-style clapping.
She said, “Oh, whenever an order is placed for over $1,000.00, the customer service rep who placed the order gets to ring the bell… and then we all clap!”
I felt the overall mood shift and the atmosphere become a little lighter within our large open-floorplan office space. (I think collective clapping always generally boosts the mood in any atmosphere.)
I assumed that I’d be hearing the bell ding all day every day. I mean, aren’t $1,000.00 orders pretty common for big corporate businesses?
Surprisingly, that is not the case. In fact, I’ve been here for almost a month now and I’ve only heard the bell ding sporadically.
That’s because Queensboro Shirt Company does not cater to or seek out business from large corporate companies. Our “bread and butter” clients only order a small handful of items. I was surprised to do some digging and find out that our average order is less than $200 each! And hundreds of orders are placed every day!
Queensboro embraces the fact that we’ve carved ourselves into the niche market of providing quality embroidered apparel for small businesses, families, teams, organizations, family reunions, wedding parties, small staffs at restaurants and pubs… you name it. We cater to the little guys. We don’t make our customers order a large quantity in order to get a discount. The discounts start at the 4 piece minimum.
So, although we technically would love to hear that bell ring more often, we are quite happy to work with the individuals who are the backbone of America – the little guys who drive our economy and do their research to find the best possible value for their dollar.
In fact, the bell didn’t just ring, but I think I’ll stand up and clap in honor of our favorite customers, the little guys, right now.
Action Shot!
Sucker For Customization?
Posted by: queensboro on: March 10, 2010
Guest Blogger: Thera (our newest employee)
Like the title of the post says, I’m truly a sucker for customization.
That’s why I was stoked to get hired as a marketing coordinator for Queensboro Shirt Company – an internet biz based out of Wilmington, NC where small companies (or organizations, individuals, teams, etc.) can order all types of polos, shirts, bags, towels, etc. with their own design embroidered or digitally printed on them.
I have definitely been privvy to how technology has allowed companies to increase customer-personalization capabilities. When Queensboro started in 1982, they were the only apparel company in the industry who provided customizable embroidery service. Now you can throw a rock and hit several companies all doing the same thing… well, maybe not embroidery, but definitely customizable products.
Over the past few years I have designed my own books online, have personalized greeting cards online with my own handwriting font, have ordered personalized license plates and even designed my very own pair of running shoes with my name stitched on the side. I love it! When I got married I cared more about ordering cute promotional-style favors than I did about choosing a wedding cake.
The only problem with customization is that it’s pretty pricey.
Queensboro’s difference really lies in their 4 piece minimum. Most embroidery outfits want you to order a large amount to get a lower price. They have the lowest prices you can find here, and you only have to order at least 4 pieces (and they can all be different – tee shirt, bag and polo) with the same logo. Another cool thing is that they have a 10-year guarantee on all of their products. If you don’t feel like the quality is still there in 10 years, you can return the product no questions asked.
My goal with this experience is to explore and observe this company through the eyes of the “new kid on the block.” I’m not here to promote sales on polos or to write press releases. I’m here to write candidly on my experience here. What I learn about the inner workings of customization software and technology. What I observe about the people here. You know, that sorta thing.
-NKOTB
Over 500 shirts, jackets, hats and towels are donated to earthquake victims
Posted by: queensboro on: February 11, 2010
The employees of Queensboro Shirt Company gathered around today to fulfill a rather large shipment of apparel. This may not seem out of the ordinary for this Wilmington-based Internet company, except that this order was NOT for a customer.
Instead, the employees gathered to fold and stuff over 500 items which translates into 435 pounds of quality clothing, mostly shirts, in boxes to send to victims of the Haiti earthquake. Fred Meyers, Queensboro’s President and Founder was moved by the news of the earthquake this past January and took a moment to research different ways his company could help. He found an organization called Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation, Inc. and got to work. Fred says, “We are just doing our small part to aid survivors in the best way we know how… We have an ample supply of quality shirts, jackets and towels to donate. “
Fashion Delivers’ mission is to unify the men’s and women’s apparel and home industries by donating new product to aid victims of disasters throughout the year.
About Fashion Delivers HERE
Local Customers: Enter Today to Win Chocolate Show Tickets!!
Posted by: queensboro on: February 3, 2010
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What goes well with cold and winter and New Year’s Resolutions? CHOCOLATE! That’s right. I’m writing to you to give you an opportunity to officially give up giving up sweets and win two tickets to the Wilmington Chocolate Festival, which is open to the public February 6 & 7, JUST in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’re stuck on what to get your sweetie, this is a great place for ideas. Additionally, with your ticket, you get the opportunity to sample chocolate
creations from some of Wilmington’s finest.
Here’s how to win two tickets to the show!
Simply visit the Queensboro Out and About page and answer this question:
My Queensboro gear is SWEET because ___Click Here____________
We’ll pick a winner randomly from all of the entries contributed. Be sure to leave your entry no later than February 3rd for your chance to win!
Even if you don’t win, you’re still going to want to attend the Chocolate Show, Here are the details:
Wilmington Chocolate Show
Be Sweet - Support Seniors
February 6th & 7th
at the New Hanover Center Senior Center
Tickets $8 in advance at Harris Teeter or Senior Center $10 day of show.
Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Prepare to feast on chocolate for a good cause. All chocolate festival proceeds benefit the Senior Center programs. See you there!
Help for Haiti
Posted by: queensboro on: January 20, 2010
The magnitude of destruction in Haiti is almost inconceivable. Especially if you’re not there. I’m, obviously, not there, and I practically burst into tears every time I turn on the news and they have coverage of the disaster. It is easy to feel helpless and powerless in the face such devastation. Many organizations are collecting money for relief. That’s something nearly everyone can give a little of.
At Queensboro, we have shirts. Lots and lots of shirts.
Whenever you run an embroidery or printing company, you’re going to have damages. You’ll embroider the wrong colors. The shirt will fall off the machine. The logo will print crooked. We try to keep our damages to a minimum, but we still have them, every day.
Generally, local charitable organizations pick up our damages and distribute them to people who need clothes. This week and next week, we’re saving our damages and shipping them to FashionDelivers.org They’re a great organization that is set up to handing donations of NEW, never-worn clothing, and send it to organizations that can effectively distribute.
If you’re in the apparel business, and you have remainders, damages, and other fully-functional, and never-worn clothing items, check them out. They’re a reputable way to help.
Holiday Haiku Winners!
Posted by: queensboro on: January 14, 2010
Over the holidays, Queensboro hosted a Holiday Haiku contest. It provided seasonal fun and merriment for Queensboro staff and customers, alike. Out of over 400 Haiku received, we have two winners to announce today!
People’s Choice Winner
This entry was submitted by Paul Slusser of TC3
Thread and print DECLARE
Queensboro gives YOUR logo flair.
Gear, you’ll want to WEAR!
President’s Choice Winner
This entry was submitted by KC Holmes of #1 Paintball
Not even Mama
Can put a smile on my face
Like Queensboro can!
Each of our winners will receive a $75 Queensboro Gift Certificate. Thank you to everyone who participated! It was lots of fun for everyone.
Stay tuned for our next contest: Caption a Picture of Fred
[Disclaimer: During voting, and after posting the winner, people have emailed us, tweeted at us and written to us in various other forms to tell us that the People's Choice winner had 8 syllables in one line. Well, with the HUGE volume of submissions, and the fairly relaxed rules, we did not count every haiku syllable. The only hard and fast rule was that the haiku be related to Queensboro in some way.
The People's Choice was voted on by our customers. The President's choice was chosen by Fred. It is all in the spirit of good fun, and we hope you can understand.]
New Pima Polo for Petite Package Pushers
Posted by: queensboro on: January 13, 2010
Queensboro has a new polo, and it is particularly precious. Our Women’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo ( style 1456), is a slim-cut women’s polo, similar to our Men’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo (Style 1450). The ladies polo has a ribbed collar, while the men’s version has a self-fabric collar-that is one major difference.
Overall, because the collar of the Women’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo has a button placket, rather than a v-neck johnny collar (like our other popular women’s polo, the Women’s Two-Ply Pima Jersey Polo, style 1446), this new polo makes it possible to provide men and women working at the same company with a very nearly identical look.
Below, are the collars of the Women’s Two-Ply Pima Jersey Polo (Burgundy shirt) and the Women’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo (Black shirt), for comparison.
[PLEASE NOTE REGARDING THE COLORS: The burgundy is a true burgundy, and black is black, but Kate's camera and lighting leaves something to be desired. The pictures are for size and style comparison, more than color comparison!]
One thing to note, if you are a frequent buyer of our style 1446, the Women’s Two-Ply Pima Jersey Polo, is that our new polo, the style 1456 Women’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo, is cut much slimmer. Below, is a photo of two smalls from each type, for size comparison. The new shirt (black) is much smaller and fitted.
The neck and bottom vent taping on the black shirt are light blue, but Kate’s camera isn’t the best, so the taping looks white. The blue taping on the black shirt is quite stylish, if the shirt is worn un-tucked.
Shirt Jargon
This post does contain a fair amount of shirt jargon. I guess the “proof is in the picture.” I wanted to take some pictures, even though I’m an un-sophisticated photographer, to let you compare them side-by-side. If you’re interested in wearing either shirt, here are links to them on the Queensboro website. They’re both super-comfortable; you’ll love either one. I promise!
Women’s Fine Pima Jersey Polo, Style 1456 (new shirt, black in picture above)
Women’s Two-Ply Pima Jersey Polo, Style 1446 ( burgundy in picture above)
What is worrying you?
Posted by: queensboro on: January 13, 2010
Well, normally, the Queensboro blog is cheery, happy and sunny. But, what with the earthquake in Haiti, and economic pressures, and a crazily cold January, how about digging into your innermost neurosis and letting them go out into the wind, in an anonymous forum. Nobody knows who you are, so this will be like writing a worry on a piece of paper and sticking it in the campfire, and letting the sparks carry it out into the wind.
As small business owners, especially, this period of uncertainty provides much to be concerned about, and much to be grateful for. We wanted to put our ears to the floor and see how you’re feeling.
Snuggle Up with Something Sweet
Posted by: queensboro on: January 12, 2010
Looking to take the chill out of your bones after venturing outdoors on blustery cold January days? While a rich cup of hot chocolate is certainly an ideal solution, many of us don’t have time to indulge in this tasty treat during a busy work day.
There are, however, other chocolate combinations that just might do the trick.
The adventurous folks at Vosages chocolates offer a few chocolate bars with sizzle. Their Red Hot Exotic Candy Bar combines dark chocolate with Mexican ancho & chipotle chiles and a touch of Ceylon cinnamon for a burst of sweet warmth.
Those of you who prefer something a bit more exotic might want to consider their Black Pearl bar. The Black Pearl blends dark chocolate with the warmth of ginger, menthol nuanced wasabi and black sesame seeds for a sensation that you’re sure to remember for a long time.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in body warming chocolate candies, I’d recommend wandering down to Austin, Texas to visit the Fat Turkey Chocolate Company. These are the people who created the Habanero Anejo Truffle. Presently not restricted by any nuclear proliferation treaty, this intense treat wraps a dark chocolate skin around a core of habanero pepper and a fine anejo tequila ganache. Then, to add a dash of adventure, they garnish the ball with a soothing chipotle seasoning.
Then again, if you’re looking for a tasty combination that will warm the cockles of your heart without packing on any additional pounds or assaulting your tastebuds, today’s featured product fits the bill. Our brand new Inner Harbor Full Zip Fleece Jacket will keep you cozy and warm as a mug of your favorite melted chocolate treat.
For your convenience, our low order minimum only requires you to purchase four items. In most cases, you can mix and match from many of the great items we sell. Check the product descriptions for restrictions. (You will need to order four items from the fleece category.) As always, each and every item you purchase is covered by our Industry-Unique Unconditional Ten-Year Guarantee.
Best Wishes-
PS: Incredible chocolate sensations can be found at the Wilmington Chocolate Festival February 6 and 7.
300,000 Eyeballs
Posted by: Fred on: January 7, 2010
The first week of 2010 is drawing to a close. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably already spent a lot of time thinking about how you’re going to promote your business this year.
I’d like to recommend Queensboro shirts with your embroidered logo.
Since I just happen to sell some pretty fine t-shirts that can be enhanced with your embroidered logo, this suggestion might, at first glance, seem a bit self-serving. While there is no denying the fact that your t-shirt purchase from us would benefit my business, there is solid evidence that it will also help your business.
A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute determined that logo shirts are one of the most cost effective ways to advertise. A solid 84% of people who receive a promotional shirt with a logo can identify the advertiser’s name months after receiving the gift and a healthy 62% of recipients ended up doing business with the company that gave them the gift.
Best of all, when people wear your shirts, they build your brand recognition. When folks know your brand, they are far more willing to send business your way.
The Advertising Specialty Institute’s study determined that one logo shirt, on average, makes 365 unique impressions a month; that’s 4,380 unique impressions a year. That’s just one shirt. If you distribute just three dozen shirts at a convention, trade show, or other event, your logo has the potential to be seen by over 150,000 pairs of eyes in the course of year. Imagine the possibilities.
Best wishes,
