Banners, Banners, Banners!

The Twitter Tee Banner is finally done and up!!




If you need banners, signs, vehicle lettering, sidewalk signs or even a twitter t-shirt with your @username on it. Stop in and see us. We can help you with that!

Stimulus Package From Buffalo Graphix!

How about a T-Shirt Sale?!?

Check it out!


We've got a sale for you!

50 white t-shirts, one color, one location $5.00ea
100 white t-shirts, one color, one location $4.50ea

100% cotton 6.1oz Gildan t-shirts.
Must be ordered in lots of 50 or 100

Sale ends April 30th at 5pm!


More sale stuff for you!

Corporate Challenge T-shirts!

White T-Shirts full color printing in one location $7.50ea
Pricing effects quantities from one to 35pcs. (call for larger quantity pricing)

100% cotton 6.1oz Gildan t-shirts.


Sale ends May 15th at 5pm!
Delivery date: May 29th.

Twitter T-Shirts!

Are you using Twitter? Need more followers? #followfriday not doing enough for you?

How about wearing your very own Twitter Tee? Get yourself out there, and get yourself see, maybe even followed.

We are offering exclusive pricing to all our Newsletter subscribers! $10ea...but only if you are on our list! How do you get on our list? Add your email to the newsletter button on the left hand side of this page.

Otherwise these t's sell for $13.97ea

We should have these up on the website soon and you will be able to order online. Otherwise, come on in or give me a call to order your Twitter tees!

No minimums! Made to order without any extra fees! (well except tax, but I don't have any control over that)

"Are You Following Me?" (Front)



"Are You Following Me?" (Back)




"Tweet Me Baby" Blue Bird




"Tweet Me Baby" Navy print

Getting Noticed on the Internet!

Hi everyone, this is Mike, the other half of Buffalo Graphix.

I rarely do endorsements but I’m making an exception in this case. If you have any interest in Internet marketing and want to learn how to create your own website and learn how to promote it, Michelle MacPhearson is the one to teach you how.

She is one of the most respected and successful people in the Internet marketing world so she knows what she is talking about. Michelle has created Crowd Mountain and it is amazing!

She’ll teach you how to find a profitable niche, how to create a site, populate it with great content, make money with the site, get the search engines loving your site and how to network your site.

So click on the Crowd Mountain logo and let Michelle explain it to you in her own words. You won’t be sorry!

Contest for the Irish, and Irish Pretenders!

Here it is!

Come up with your favorite or cleverist(is that a word)saying and send thru the comments or via Twitter. They will all be voted on and the most popular win themselves a free shirt!

Find me on twitter
@buffalographix
and Mike
@mikew1948

.....Have fun!

Lots of New Stuff

Wow, Ive been ignoring this blog the last few months! Lots is happening here at Buffalo Graphix. New blogs, upgraded websites, events, and new fundraising programs are all in place.

So, I'll start with the new blogs!

Funky Shirts World
Funky Fundraising
Create Your Own T-Shirt Blog
Buffalo Business Networking

Guess Who Else Started a Blog

My husband has jumped on the band wagon and has started his own blog. Check it out here It's called Create Your Own T-Shirt Blog!!

Valpak Coupons

I have very mixed feelings about valpak coupons. Years ago, the very first carpet cleaner I hired was because of a valpak coupon. I used this particular company's service for years until I moved to Buffalo. Here I've used the Bob & John's coupons but that's about it.

I have a carpet cleaner I found thru networking. She has used valpak, but those coupons never made it to my house. She hasn't had much success with them.

I understand using the coupons to gain new customers and hopefully retain them. It's a great idea when it works for your company.

Here is what has me a bit irked. Ok not a bit, ALOT!!

Yesterday I received my valpak and inside was a coupon for $1.00 off ground shipping with UPS. I want to know WHY I need a coupon to save!?!?!?!?! Why not just lift the fuel surcharges that don't apply anymore because the fuel cost has dropped drastically? Hmmm? Is business so bad that UPS has to offer coupons? I certainly don't get the impression that UPS is offering coupons to get more customers, and then retain them with customer service.

I'd love to hear what the reasoning was behind that marketing plan.

Personalized Gifts

Have you thought about personalized gifts for Christmas?

Here are a few thoughts for you....

An apron for a new bride with great gramma's favorite shortbread recipe on it. We can even print the actual recipe from the original card. Just scan it and send it to us.

Or....how about all those hockey and football jerseys that need lettering or names put on them. I don't know about you, but Id be pretty ticked if my favorite player left my favorite team, and I'm stuck with an outdated jersey that cost me a mini fortune. So....why not get your favorite jersey printed with YOUR name!!! Even your number if you want. Yes we can do that. Just bring it in.

Coasters!!
We can print mouse pad coasters, and the thirsty stone type coasters. If you have favorite sayings you want on them we can do that. If you are an artist we can even put your art work on the coasters. Everything from fine pen/pencil art to photos. The best part....if you just want one.....we can do that!!

Nightshirts for gramma with a photo of all her grand kids on the front!

T-shirts, sweats, and hoodies with pretty much anything you want on them. Just come on in and we will be happy to work with you.

Would you rather not come in and do everything online, then click on over to our designer and you can do it all yourself.

Don't forget our mitten tree.....bring in your warm weather gear to hang on our tree. All will be donated to local agencies in need.

How 'bout that!

Have you been out shopping this morning? Bright and early to get the best deals? I was, but here's the thing....many places had great deals, extra discounts but only with mail in rebates? What's with that. I don't drag my butt out of bed at 3:30am to get coupons for a mail in rebate!!!!!

Perceived Value

I just had to post about this. It still irks me!!! When you are doing some fundraising for whatever organization, make sure the product you are selling at the very least looks like it is worth what you are selling it for.

I recently purchased some chocolates to help with a school fundraiser. Good, Great!! The bag was $8.00. Ok. I received the bag and let me tell you I was thoroughly disgusted with the price of the product I received. First the chocolate wasnt even good, and I sort of expected it to come in packaging that was suitable for gift giving.

No.....basically it came in a resealable generic type bag. $8.00!!!!!!

Tell me something.....with the way the economy is now, are you going to fork over $8.00 for a crummy bag of chocolates for a school fundraiser? You might, but I know I won't. If Im paying $8.00 for something even though I know its for the kids, I expect to feel like Ive received $8.00 worth of goods.

This has turned into a little lesson learned for me. Ive been procrastinating about getting my fundraising packages together. This just pushed me to move into action.

Watch for Buffalo Graphix fundraising packages that offer products that are worth the $$ you pay for them!

Rant over.........thank you very much!

Gee.....Ive never seen your shop, where is it?

Is this happening to you? You may be located on a busy street, but you aren't being seen?

Here is an example that happened to me last week. I have been up and down this particular street thousands of times. Ive been past this business probably hundreds of times. Until last wednesday, I had never seen it!!

Think about that. What does that tell you? It tells you that the many thousands of dollars spent on the sign that needed to be erected isnt being noticed. There you have thousands of dollars wasted!

Here is the clincher....this business is located right on a corner with a stop light. I should be sitting there at the stop light reading about all they have to offer. Instead Im looking at a very unassuming building that doesnt look like it even has a business inside of it. Why? Because the sign is too high up in the sky!!!! Unless Im looking for it (which I was) it isnt going to get seen by those people sitting at the light waiting for it to change colors.

Remember.....keep your informational signs at "eye level". You want people to see them! If you need to get seen by folks driving by in a car....remember the eye level rule. Sidewalk signs & monument type signage instead of skyhigh signage. Remember to add something that moves that catches peoples eyes. You can opt for bold colors as well for promos. How about something on the windows telling people what you offer.

When it comes to window lettering, less is more. You do not want a grocery list on your windows, you want to state the facts and not get into every single thing you offer. That is where your selling skills come in when they walk into the shop.

If you need help with your store signage, give your sign company a call....this should be a free service from them. They will be able to help you get noticed.


If you want to do up your own signage, know what you want but dont know where to get it, go to the designer at Buffalo Graphix and you can do it all yourself. Just click on the "What's New" button.

Times seem to be getting tougher for alot of businesses. Bumping up your marketing efforts will make a big difference. You want to stand out from the rest of them. Make it easier for them to find you.

The Mitten Tree!!

Have you Heard...

of the Mitten Tree?

Every year we have been in business with a store front location we have tried to do something to help give back to the community.

Several years ago we did the Mitten Tree! It was a wonderful success!

The original idea of the tree was for folks who knit to bring in their new knitted mittens. But as word spread we received new knitted mittens, fleece mittens, thinsulate mittens and assorted scarves and warm fuzzy socks!

Please drop off your new winter warming mittens, scarves and socks or slippers to Buffalo Graphix @ 1742 Hertel Ave (next to Marco's) and we will hang them all on the tree.

If you plan to see Mike or I at an event or networking meeting, bring them with you and we will bring them back to the shop and put them on the tree.....saving you a trip.

All warm winter wear will be donated to Shelters in need.

Spread the Warmth

Buffalo Graphix
1742 Hertel Ave
Buffalo, NY

Making the Most of Your Marketing Dollars.

There is an old saying ....
"Do what you have always done, and you will get what you've always gotten."
Is this working for you? Are you looking for new ideas to get yourself noticed without breaking the bank?

We are all in the same boat. The market is scaring alot of people. (turn cnn off!!) Then go out and make your business work for you.

Now is not the time to be putting your marketing dollars on hold. If you cannot afford what you've always done, then take a look around the corner and see what else is out there.

Let people know you are here and available. When this ecomonic dip has passed, you want to be one of the ones left standing. You also want folks to remember you. You want folks to know you are open for business.

Some ideas to keep your image in front of the public...

1. Our 2nd biggest marketing success has been "Networking". It works, it's cheap and it gets you off the couch in the evenings. Even out of bed before the rooster crows! Where else can you go, spend $20.00 and add usually over 30 new contacts to your list?

2. Our biggest marketing success has been our signage. We change it often....and I can tell you if it was an expensive thing to do we wouldn't do it. We have our Buffalo Graphix lettering on the window. That doesn't change. The banners however change quite often, the sidewalk signs change every few weeks.

Try this.....get your customer list out, yes all of them. Mark each customer with a letter signifying how they became your customer. You want customers not contacts.

Networking customer = N
Walk-in customer = W
Internet/Website customer = IW
Vehicle advertising = V
Newspaper advertising = NP
Add more to suit your business...

Tally up the totals. What is getting you the most customers? What exactly is it that brought them to you? Ask them! When someone contacts you, or walks into your shop, ask them how they heard about you. This will tell you what is working.

Think about this.....I just did a google check on newspaper rates for one of our local business papers. Advertising in this paper will cost you $300 a week for 6 weeks, and this will give you a 2 coloumn by 2 inch ad. I won't get into the circulation numbers and whatnot.....what is most important is how many customers will you get off that ad.

Now for less than 2 weeks worth of "ads" at this paper, you can have your vehicle lettered with your company logo and information. Lasting potentially up to 5 years!! How many people are going to see your vehicle over that time span? How many customers will this type of advertising bring in? How fast will the lettering pay for itself? Ask anyone who has their vehicle lettered. Having a vehicle lettered is seen and remembered for much less than what a 6 week run of newspaper ads that end up in the recycling bin.

3. Our next best marketing tool is keeping in touch with our customers and contacts. Send out emails, or even visit with past customers just to catch up. There is no need to go in and sell, just go in to say hi. When you see them in the grocery store, stop and chat. I love seeing customers out and about!

4. Keep your postcards/newsletters/flyers etc. fresh! This is something else that can be done very inexpensively. When you have a new promotion, have some postcards done up and hand them out at your networking events and to everyone that comes into your shop. You can even hand them out with your business cards. Make sure you havent had them in your purse for too long and they start to look a bit ragged (I'm guilty of this myself)

Exclusive Sale!

We are offering an exclusive sale to all our newsletter subscribers! Get yourself added by 3pm today to receive the email.
T-shirts.......not by the 100's Sale!! Mark downs from 1-50 quantities. But you have to be on the list to qualify!

Have you heard yet? Online Designer is LIVE!!

Our online designer is finally live!!!

You can go and design your own t-shirts, magnets, sidewalk signs, banners, window lettering and even interior decor lettering.

Go check it out, play with it....and please leave a comment and let me know how you liked it.

We are still working out the kinks and bugs, but it's up and running! Click here and it will take you there!

Window Lettering!

We did this for Adam Lippes who is coming to buffalo for the holiday season!! You will be able to find his shop on Main in Williamsville. Pretty much right across from the starbucks! Have a look!

This was all arranged thru phone calls and emails. We received a call from New York city.....and that set the wheels in motion. The store opened last saturday, and we got the lettering up the day before.

If you need window lettering, we can take care of it. If you are in Idaho, or San Diego....it doesn't matter. We can get your window lettering to you, with complete instructions on how to apply it. We'll even send you an application tool to get the job done right. If you need lettering done here in the buffalo area, we'll be more than happy to install it for you.

T-Shirt Sale!! (ok Im a little slow at getting this up)

Here it is!!! It's New!!

We're Having a T-Shirt Sale!!


100 Assorted Sized T-shirts from $4.52ea


100 T-shirts!!!

Assorted Sizes!!!
Take advantage now!

100 white t's 5.4oz weight.
One color printing only
One location
$4.52ea
$5.21ea for color t's

100 white t's 6.1oz weight.
One color printing only
One location
$4.75ea
$5.56ea for color t's

Additional locations add $1.50ea

No set up fees
&
No screen fees


All graphics must be camera ready. Design charges may apply if work needs to be done on graphics.

Sale ends 11/30/08
Can only be ordered in lots of 100

This offer is not available to our wholesale customers.

How's that?!?!! Give me a call or drop me an email if you are interested!

T-Shirt Sale!!

Watch this space for a new t-shirt sale that starts tomorrow!!

Signs! Do You Use Them?

Signs......are you putting your signage to good use?
Are you afraid of walking into a sign shop?
Do you think you are going to have to mortage your house to get your signage?

Signage shouldn't be scary! Walking into a sign shop shouldn't be scary. I actually had some women recently admit that they didn't want to go into a sign shop because they thought it was dirty, and full of smelly, hairy men! Ha! Ive been in a few sign shops and yes there are some that fit that description. But many more that don't!

........and yes signage can be expensive. BUT....if you tell your sign maker what you want, and give them your budget they should be able to help you acheive the effects you are going for. You do have to be realistic, don't walk into a sign shop, tell them you have a $100 budget and want channel lettering. That's not going to happen.

Here is a sample of what we can do for you. Unfortunately the photo does NOT due it justice. It is done in beautiful purple and pinks. It is printed on foam core. Foam core is paper mounted on a thin foam middle to keep it rigid. Great for tradeshows, booths or even window displays. Something like this to have printed up would cost approx $40.00. I plan to use this at the Women's Leadership Conference next month. Part of my display. Would $40.00 fit into your budget?


Take a look at what your signage says about you. Just like dressing for success, we need to portray the same type of image for our businesses. No, it doesn't have to cost you thousands of dollars to get your image out there.

Stop in and see us and we would be more than happy to help out. Drop me an email if you are out of town....we ship anywhere in the U.S.

How are You Marketing Your Small Business?

Are you sitting there thinking how can I get myself noticed. Maybe you have a brick and mortar location, and maybe you don't. Whether you are working out of an office or out of one of your spare bedrooms, this type of advertising will help people find you!

How?

Vehicle Magnets! This set of magnets we did for Lisa Lundy, Author of "The Super Allergy Cook Book".



Lisa came in and wanted magnets for her vehicle. It was fun putting together such a fun looking project. Lisa supplied me with the graphics, I put it all together for her, and this is the result we came up with. So, if know someone with allergies that would benefit from having a cookbook from someone how understands....give her a call! Most folks who don't have to deal with allergies on a daily basis don't really understand. Myself, I've actually had people suggest I eat around the nuts in a muffin. Order your book from a mom who knows, and has been there!

.........got off track didn't I?! I love Lisa's product and I understand her passion for it.

Ok, so maybe you are working out of your spare bedroom, your dining room table is part of your office and your thinking.....I don't have a location, but I need folks to find me to bring in more business. Maybe you want to buy a filing cabinet for all that junk on the dining room table??

Vehicle magnets! They come off when you want to go out on the town and don't want to be recognized. If you plan on your car sitting in a parking lot for a few hours at the mall....slap those babies on there and park right at an entrance/exit so that everyone coming and going will see it! If you are running errands or running the kids all over town, make sure you have your magnets on your car. You turn your vehicle into a moving billboard.

Do you notice magnets? I do! I also notice the folks that need new ones. When you are sitting at a stop light, do you read the magnets or vehicle lettering on the car next to you? Of course you do, what else is there to do at a stop light?!

Never be afraid to add a bit of splash to your magnets. Just like the banners.......go for color!! Like Lisa's magnets they turned out beautiful! We even die cut the flowers out of the edges to make them a bit different. You don't have to have plain rectangle magnets. You don't have to have plain white magnets with plain ole lettering. Jazz it up and get noticed. That is something we can help you with.

Give us a call!

Next on my wish list.....

is an automatic open heat press!!!

Im currently working on 450 tote bags for the Canisius College Women's Leadership Conference. Each and every bag needs to be pressed with quite a bit of force to flatten out the wrinkles. Then is gets one pressing for each side. Dontcha think an auto open press would be a wonderful thing?!?!?! I missed my opportunity to get a good deal at the Indy show. I really dont want to wait until next year to get what Im hoping for. Ha! Ive waited 2 yrs already lol

We are getting back into the swing of things here in the shop. Back to our networking meetings, and planning the up coming seasons marketing plan. Are you all ready? What are you working on? I know a good sign guy!!

Happy pressing!

The Wrap Class!

I had an amazing time, and learned so much!! I attended the Indianapolis NBM Wrap Hands On class this past week. I spent the first day with 100 other people getting my hands on vinyl and sticking it to cars. It was fun!!

We Made it to Indy!

We made it!! Left good and early, got here in plenty of time and found my way around. Here is the circle in the middle of downtown. Its very impressive!! The center is very pedestrian friendly.


Look what else we found.......



This is our favourite spot for supper when we get to Indianapolis!



Tomorrow morning starts my wrap class! Im looking forward to it and hopefully I'll have more pictures to share.

Banners and Shirts in Action!

Wow!! It was crazy busy here in the shop just before the Taste of Buffalo, and The Italian Festival!! Im proud to say I kept up with the flow, everything got done and out of the shop ontime! (then I took a 4 day weekend)

Key Bank Banner and T-Shirts



Pasta Peddler Banner



Filippo's T-Shirts hard at work.


As a side note, I have to give a huge plug to Filippo's!! They needed their t-shirt supply replenished almost daily and we were able to get the shirts done and out so that their staff could wear the shirts for the festival. They treated us to dinner last week and it was delicious! I stayed pretty safe with the chicken parmesean, we had the calamari for appetizers, and the bread was fresh made that day. Was it a do-again? Most definitely! (fish next time for me) I have to also comment on the sauce.....it was absolutely delicious!! If there is such a thing as freshly picked sauce....that's what this tastes like! Fresh Picked Sauce!!

How to Take Care of Your Vehicle Magnets

Clean vehicle surface and both sides of your magnet with mild detergent before applying.

Remove and clean magnet weekly. As well as the location on the vehicle.

Do not apply magnets around car mouldings.

Remove magnet by lifting entire magnet from the surface. Do not pull or stretch the magnet across the surface.

Store magnets by laying flat when not in use.

Ensure that entire magnet is laying flat against the vehicle surface before driving away.

Inexpensive vehicle magnets do wonders to get your business noticed!

New T-shirt Styles!

I've been working on some new t-shirt styles, and they are available thru the blog or come in personally and save the shipping.

This is the first of several new designs in the works.

If you are a transplanted Buffalonian....we can help you keep your heart here.

The Anniversary Event

......is this Saturday!!!

If you are on our mailing list, you should have received the door busting sale information!!

If you didnt receive it, drop me a line and I'll send it off to you. Or sign up for our newsletter on the right hand sidebar. You won't miss a thing that way!

Ive been getting ready (sort of) Ive done some tidying up, got quite a bit organized that was getting wayyyyy out of control. I'll go get my shopping done probably tomorrow night. Then Saturday morning I'll be here bright and early!! See you here!

It's Been a Whole Year!!

Can you believe it? It has been a whole year in our brick and mortar location.

Being located next to Marco's Italian Deli has been amazing for business. We have even incorporated gift certificates to Marco's as part of our customer appreciate efforts. Many of our new customers came in and browsed while waiting for their sangwich's to be made (no thats not a typo). We are very thankful for our great neighbour...and the stop light!!! Gotta love those captive audiences waiting for the light to change!!

Well, when we took this place over it was in need of some serious TLC. Here are a few before photos





There was a fire upstairs a few years ago, and because of that there was alot of water damage in the back room. Which is what these photos are of.






When we first took over this shop, we thought the space was huge!! Well, we filled it up pretty quick!

....and after





these next photos are of the front show room area, right after we opened





...and these were taken just the other day of the front showroom and my work table. Things certainly have changed!!




got shirts?

We are planning an anniversay party. But it will be by invitation only and only those subscribed to our newsletter will receive an invite.

So if you want to get in on the event that will include awesome t-shirt deals, banner discounts like none you have seen before, great food supplied by some of our customers, and give aways for the kids, get yourself signed up.

Vehicle Graphics

Our most recent vehicle graphic installation was for Jay Park. Owner of Park Place Installations. You can find him here.











like the pencil behind the ear?? I dont remember when I started doing that, but when Ive my pencil behind my ear...Mike knows Im WORKIN'! Besides, my ears seem to be big enough to hold onto it!! Where else am I going to put it??

As I've mentioned before...graphics on your vehicle is a perfect way to advertise your company. Everyone who sees you, sees your company. There is nothing cooler than sitting at a traffic light, and the guy behind you calls. We have had that happen personally quite a few times. If you are on a budget, I recommend getting the back end of your vehicle done. That is what we call "The Money Shot". That is where you have a captive audience!

Does your banner look like all the OTHERS?

Banners are everywhere, but think about the ones you remember. Where they a different funky color, did they have some cool graphics on them, did they stand out from all the others?

I understand that cost is a factor many times in choosing a banner. But if a full color banner, or different background color is going to cost you not more than approx $20 total....why wouldn't you go for it? Isn't standing out from the crowd worth a few more dollars? In today's market, you need a hook to get them to move towards you and away from everyone else.

Most of all I highly suggest you stay away from the plain white banners if you are looking to get noticed. Everyone has a nice white banner.

Have you seen our lovely lime green banner in front of the shop? This banner gets alot of attention!! It also brings in alot of people who have seen it. (which is the whole point right?!)



How about the purple banner we had up for quite a while...

Believe it or not, someone googled "big purple banner hertel ave" and found this blog!


Jennifer of American Tomboy attended an event this past week and she asked us to do her banner for her. It was such a pleasure to work with Jennifer!! If you haven't taken a moment to check out her clothing line, please do so. www.americantomboy.com



Jennifer had told me that many people had seen her banner from across the way, and came over to see what American Tomboy is all about. I'm so thrilled that we were able to do a banner for her that got her noticed. The black stood out well from the green curtain behind the table. When putting her banner together, I took into consideration the clothing I had seen of hers that made an impression on me.

If you take a look at the sign next to American Tomboy's, you will see just how well she stood out. Jennifer told me that the small signs were supplied by the organizers.



Thank you very much Jennifer for sending the images of your booth!!

The whole point of your signage is to get you noticed. When it works, I absolutely love my job!

Making the Kingdom Krump Banner

I didn't have a clue what Krumping was! (It's a type of dance) But one of our first customers after opening our location on Hertel Ave has kept us informed. "In the know" so to speak!! His name is Peaze and it is always nice to see him come in the door. Always a smile on his face, and always has good news as to what he is doing next. Along with a dance troupe, check out his myspace page, Peaze has also opened a clothing shop called "Central Park Fashions" and it is located at 2171 Fillmore Ave. If you go to his myspace page, you can see many of the t-shirts we have printed for him.

We just completed a 3 x 10 banner for Peaze, and here are a few pictures to give you an idea about how it is done.

Here is the first layer...



The second layer...



The final product...



We are going to have to get a photo of the banner in action! Do you think it will get noticed?? I'm thinking it will!

Paper or Plastic?

Paper or Plastic?

By the end of June we will no longer offer plastic bags!!!!!

Sign shops generate a lot of waste with masking tape, vinyl backing and unused vinyl that is weeded away from the lettering that is ordered. Many times we can reuse the masking tape, especially if I am using it for the heat press. I prefer it reused. It becomes less sticky, and it makes it easier to get off the fabric.

Extra vinyl is kept in piles for the kids to make their own stickers. They love the extra magnet that is left behind after an order. I have some very creative magnets on my fridge.

These stock piles of “craft goodies” gets quite large, and my daughter cannot possibly use all of it. If you could use some of this for your daily craft creations drop me a line at robin@buffalographix.com and I’ll let you know what I have and how you can collect it.

Recycling the left over bits is one small thing we can do to help.

Getting rid of the plastic bags is another!! Any products picked up from Buffalo Graphix by the end of June will be in either paper bags (stating the companies that you have impacted by buying locally) or recycled boxes, and plastic bags that have been given to us by other companies. We want everyone to reuse this plastic stuff that stays in the landfills forever. Lets do our best to reuse it all over and over again.

Remember your grandmother keeping all those bags, and washing out the ziplocks to resuse? I think she was onto something, and didn’t even know it!

Best of all…..bring your own bag.

Getting Noticed with Buffalo Graphix: The Newsletter

Getting Noticed with Buffalo Graphix: The Newsletter

The Newsletter

It's been a while since I posted here. It has been difficult keeping up with everything that is going on.

We are going to be celebrating our 1 year anniversary in our Brick and Mortar location on June 1st!! We are very excited about this, and we are planning a One Day Super Sale just for you! Sale information will only be available thru the newsletter. So sign yourself up and you wont miss an event or sale.

The actual anniversary party is tentatively scheduled for June 14th.

What is new since my last posting over a month ago?

The Newsletter is new!! Im very excited about finally getting it started. Our first one went out to a very small group (68) to test it out. Then we sent out a large emailing about our mother's day sale. It has all been very successful, and Im thrilled with the response. I want to thank our customers, and all our contacts for your feedback, and positive comments on everything. It makes all the hard work that much easier.

Also new....as of today we have acquired a source for 100% biodegradable travel mugs!! These mugs will decompose within approx. 1 year in a managed landfill. How cool is that?!?!?!?!? Know what else???? They are also 100% made in the USA!! We dont usually do imprintable "stuff" other than fabrics, t-shirts, totes, etc and anyone looking for pens, mugs, etc. we usually send them to Erin Rouse of IDAmerica or Mr. Mugs and they take good care of our customers. But this was just too cool to pass up!

More new stuff....we now do full color printed banners! If you are looking for something a little bit more jazzy, we can take care of it. Full color, without extra charges for extra colors.

Remember if you want to keep up with what we are doing, sign up for our newsletter. The sign up box is in the right hand column!

It Was a Success!

What a great night we had!!
Last night we celebrated Cabin Fever Day, with wine, chocolate, pottery painting, and learning how to apply wall words.

We started off the night at Buffalo Graphix. Everyone had a chance to taste test the wine offered by Carl of Chateau Buffalo. Carl was kind enough to follow the ladies on to Jenny's Clay House when we where done here. Everyone left with their own Chateau Buffalo wine glass. It was a pleasure having Carl here, and I would highly recommend him for your own wine tasting event. You can find him at www.chateaubuffalo.com

After Carl got everyone started, we started applying words to my walls. Everyone received a folder with information about our company, and instructions on how to apply wall words. But last night, they got hands on instructions, and were able to practise on my walls first. Everyone had a chance to get their fingers sticky. Then placed their wall words order, and got ready to head down the street. You can check us out on 2 websites, www.buffalographix.com and one that is not done, but you can browse what is finished www.buffalofx.com

At a little after 8pm, everyone headed down to Jenny's Clay House, enjoyed a bit more wine tasting, and got started on their inside out painting techniques. There were mugs all around, and it looked like everyone was having a wonderful time! It was nice to see everyone get creative. Jenny doesnt have her website up yet....but soon!!

I want to Thank everyone that came out to play with us last night. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I hope that you did as well!!

I also want to Thank Jenny and Carl for joining me in this event. I dont think it would have been nearly as fun without them!! Thank You so much!!

We would love to do another event like this one, and I would love to hear your thoughts on last night. What would you change if anything? What would you like to see us do instead or as an add on? Please post your comments, Myself, Jenny, and Carl would love to hear them.

Next time I'll remember to breakout the camera!

Getting Yourself Noticed

Whether it's business or simply a matter of personal expression. Getting noticed is the first necessary step.

Have you ever sat there and thought to yourself....I don't have a brick and mortar location, I work for someone else, but I need to attract business to myself?

It doesn't matter if you are working for a big company or working for yourself. You start by promoting "you".

Like that old saying
"you have to take care of yourself, because no-one else will."

There are many experts on this topic, many books you can buy, many folks you can hire as consultants, or google for hours on the topic.

I can tell you that 4 of the main keys that are consistent in getting noticed, were in most if not all of the articles I have read, and experienced myself. These have been the most consistent, and what has worked for us!!

1. The Power of Freebies!
Everyone loves freebies! Popular items are kept and used, sometimes even worn. When the customer uses that item, it puts you back in there mind, and you are again remembered. You are remembered for why you gave it to them, or how they earned it. Your logo, name or brand should always be on these giveaways. You want that customer to see it, and you want anyone else who comes into contact with that person to see it.

2. Brand Image
If you are working for a company that already has a logo and a brand, then start marketing yourself! Brand yourself! Why not use your own name as a brand. If you are in the Buffalo area, and are familiar with that famous HUGE car guy, then you know Billy Fuccillo wears his name as a brand. If you are in the market for real estate, or even noticed the same consistent name on the Hunt real estate signs, you know Matt Quagliano also has turned his name into a brand. If either of these fellas move companies, it isn't the company you are going to remember, it's their names. Which is what you want! You want your own name associated with what you do, not who you do it for.

Someone that everyone might recognize would be Madonna, when you see her name on something, you know its her. I was in Barnes and Noble a while ago, and picked up a childrens book that I thought looked interesting. I looked at the author, and it was Madonna!! I hadnt a clue she wrote childrens books. But there was her name, and I knew it was her.

3. Use Your Vehicle As A Moving Billboard



Your car is a beautiful blank canvass. You don't have to have it wrapped, or tricked out to look like a carnival car. But done tastefully, and with the help of your sign person, it will get you noticed! Can you think of some vehicles that you have seen and remember? Have you ever sat at a traffic light and written down the info on the vehicle in front of you? Have you ever thought, hey, that's a good idea? It really isn't that expensive to do, and if you already know what you want, its cheaper still. Save more money, and install it yourself! We have classes on how to do that! I have to tell you, it's a really cool feeling when you hand someone your card, and they say "Hey I've seen your truck around." Because they recognized the logo!

4. Promote During Your Leisure Activities

Wear your company logo or your own brand when you are out and about. Why not have it on your jackets, workout clothing, or sweats and t's? This puts your business back into the minds of the folks around you. People you see maybe weekly or daily. Wearing your logo and name, makes you more approachable and less of a stranger to some folks. It helps people remember you, and what you do.

Now we can help you with all of these things. If you want to have a few shirts done up or a jacket or 2, we can do that. The best part is, we do not have any minimums or set up fees. We can take care of that one person who only wants 1 sweater, or one jacket. Even 2 or 3 if you want! You don't have to order 12 or 24, of the something you don't need. Of course if you are looking for something in the 100's to give away as freebies, we can do that too.

Everything listed above, has worked for us. Worked very very well. The last thing that didn't make it to the popular list was #5.

5. Networking
Networking will help you grow your business tremendously. Get involved in several networking groups around your area. A good place to start looking is in the business section of your paper. Usually there are quite a few listed in there. From there, you can ask around once you are in a group, and see if there are any more you might be interested in. Referrals are like gold, and always always be thankful for the ones sent your way. When they start coming in, it means you are doing something right, and you have earned some one's trust.


"Life begins at the end of your Comfort Zone" Neale Donald Walsch

The Record Baron has T-Shirts!

Wow, it is wonderfully bright outside today!!! I left my sunglasses in the car, so getting to the car was quite a feat this morning. But wow, Im going to make sure I get some of that sunshine on my face today...and do what my dad used to tell us when we were kids...."go blow the stink off yourselves." Nothing beats the smell of fresh air on your clothes and in your hair!

Things around the shop have been busy in big bursts, then quiet for a few days. We are putting together another coaster order, this one about 250 for SABAH, and a few other things. Other orders pending and waiting either for approval, or deposits.

A couple weeks ago I did a big t-shirt order for the Record Baron. He had black t's made up with his logo and info on the back, and a nice small logo on the front. We added the "super silver" disk to give a bit of pop. We loved the way they turned out!! You can buy these really cool t's at The Record Baron, 3048 Delaware Ave. Kenmore. 716-871-8722

(when I figure out how to get the video inside this posting, I'll give it another try)

More news!! We are working on another website. It is specifically for those of you that want to order t-shirts and wall quotes online. We are very very excited about this, it will include a design program for you to design your own wall words, and place your order. I will keep you posted.

Enjoy the sunshine today!!

We Are On Buffalo Rising.com

How cool is that!?!

Elena from Buffalo Rising called me last week after receiving an invitation from Jenny Faber of Jenny's Clay House. I gave her the scoop on what we were doing, and she wrote a wonderful article about our National Cabin Fever Day. If you want to check out the article go here Thank you so much Elena!! I dont think we have ever been featured anywhere. If we have, Ive missed it.

Michelle Bailey of FNS Design Studio, stopped in today and picked up her t-shirts for the home show. She is going to be involved in the "make & take". Im so excited for her, this is an amazing opportunity to get her business out there for everyone to see. Plus she has really cool t-shirts to wear!! You can find her here

We have had plans to go to the Buffalo Home Show, but now with so many folks involved that we know, it will be great to get some feedback on how the home show builds their businesses

Printing Coasters with the Brother GT-541

This was a really fun job! A very nice lady came in looking for something for her soup group. We came up with coasters, she sent me her soup logo, and this was the final product.

Printing with the brother is wonderful!! The coasters needed to come down on the platen to "E", printed from the template I had made in corel. Once printed, they needed to be heat set at 365F for 30 seconds. I like to put a piece of parchment ontop of the coasters before I close the top platen. That way any residue that may be left on the platen will not transfer over to the coaster. (it doesnt come out)

We can print 100's or a personalized set just for you.

Things have been fairly busy this week. First I caught some sort of bug, now it's Mike's turn. So between the 2 of us, being here and not being here, we have managed to get out several t-shirt orders, a few signs, and a set and a half of magnets. (I just realized I forgot to take pictures of the magnets)

Bikram Yoga Williamsville Sign

Becky from Bikram Yoga Williamsville hired us to do her sign for her new studio. She will be located on the corner of Main & Los Robles in Williamsville. You can find her website here.

These photos show the process of putting the sign together. It was a fun sign to do, and I am very pleased with the way it turned out.







Things have been quite busy at the shop this week. Hopefully within the next couple days I will be able to get the coaster video loaded, and the Record Baron's t-shirt video.

National Cabin Fever Day

Get out of your "Cabin" and
Celebrate National Cabin Fever Day

Thursday, March 6th @ 7pm
$35.00 per person

Space is limited!! Reserve your space by February 20th!!

We will be starting at...

Buffalo Graphix @ 7pm
1742 Hertel Ave.
Learn hands on the art of Vinyl Lettering Application.
Take home your own wall words to put up in your home or office!

then its off to...

Jenny's Clayhouse @ 8pm
1599 Hertel Ave (just 2 short blocks away)
Learn the "inside out" stencil technique, and take home your very own handpainted pottery mug masterpiece you created yourself!!

while you are here...

Chateau Buffalo
1209 Hertel Ave.
Will be conducting wine tastings at both locations throughout the evening.

Lite fare (and chocolate) will also be provided at both
Buffalo Graphix & Jenny's Clayhouse.

We hope you will join us for this evening of fun and learning!!

Call Robin, Jenny or Carl for reservations
Visa/Mastercard and personal checks will be accepted to reserve your seat.

Remember tho.....space is limited and the deadline to reserve is February 20th.

Contact one of us to reserve your spot.

Robin at, 830-7043
Jenny at 835-4386
Carl at 873-0074

A Big Purple Banner

A BIG Purple Banner!!! With ugly lime green lettering. That's what it says. Is it getting attention? It sure is!! I had a call from someone who was sitting at the intersection of Hertel and Starin, call and ask what was on that big purple banner. Why? Because they weren't close enough to read it. But the point is....they seen it. Another fella, pulled right up in front of the shop, and came in wanting his banner in an hour. (We are good, but not that good)

So what are you going to do to get yourself noticed? When things quiet down for alot of businesses this time of year, right now is the time to put yourself out there. It doesn't have to cost alot. Sometimes it is just a matter of a fresh new banner in some funky color out front, or some new window lettering, even a freshened up sidewalk sign. Make your changes, and make yourself seen.

To help you out, we are having a banner sale right now. If you want more information, give us a call, or stop in and talk to us. Come and see the BIG Purple Banner in person!! We'll be here too!

T-Shirt Sale!

We are having a T-Shirt Sale!! I received an email from one of our suppliers today, and they are offering us a great deal we thought we would pass on to everyone else.

The kicker is, you have to have your order placed by December 14th, by 2pm.

Give Robin a call @ 716-830-7043

Buffalo Graphix Holiday Open House

Buffalo Graphix had a wonderful night, and I want to Thank everyone that came to help make Friday night a success. Thank You!

Many people came, tasted the wines, drank coffee & cider, ate buttertart squares & cookies. Everyone learned how to apply vinyl lettering to their own walls, and vehicles. Many were able to watch t-shirts being printed and pressed in under 40 seconds. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come and learn what we do, and how we do it. It also gave everyone a chance to meet with other business owners, and neighbourhood folks.

Some of the folks that were there include Susan Krystaf of www.priorityconnection.net if you were one of folks that received an invitation in the mail, and you liked it, Susan is the one to talk to. She always says, "Women think they can do it all" and we can right?!? Of course we can, but it is so nice to have someone like Susan who understands that, no, we cant do it all, and its ok. She took all the worry and stress out of that part of my planning. She was wonderful! AND she did a beautiful job! Thank You Susan!

Donna Scalfaro of Carpet Care Services was also on hand, to lend a hand. Her wonderful son took many of the pictures you see here. You can find Donna at www.carpetcareservices.net

Paul Jones supplied our coffee. Wasn't it delicious!?!! It is roasted, ground and packaged locally. Paul's business is Coffee Thank You. He took care of everything, I didn't have to worry about a thing. Thank You Paul!

Amanda Twentyfive was on hand for wine tasting. She does home wine tasting parties with Travelling Vineyard. All of the wines that were tasted Friday night, were purchased thru her company. So if you enjoyed them or want to have your own wine tasting party, give her a call.

Another big hit were the buttertart squares. I have to admit, they are terribly good, and terribly bad for you. So here is the recipe. Warning: Calories and Carbs are off the charts for this one.

Buttertart Squares

Base:
1/2 cup butter
2tbsp icing sugar
2tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 cups flour

Filling:
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 tbsp vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup raisins (optional)

1. Base...cream butter and sugars, blend in flour until crumbly. Pour base into a 9" foil lined and pammed pan. Firmly press down and bake for 5 min @ 350.
2. Filling...mix all filling ingredients in a bowl and blend well with electric mixer. Don't worry about sugar clumps if they are small. Break apart larger clumps with a fork. Pour over base.
3. Bake @350 for 30min or just until the filling is set. You don't want the middle to jiggle.

Makes 16 squares, if you double the recipe add 10min to baking time.

This is the cheater recipe for butter tarts. Much less work but still very tastey!! Enjoy!

I would like to know however, how my husband Mike, and Susan managed to keep away from the camera. I suspect they dodged every chance they got!!

All in all it was a wonderful night, and for that I am truly Thankful!

Buffalo Graphix has Entered the 21st Century!!

We now take Visa & Mastercard!!! Its only taken 6yrs, but we're hooked up now!

Getting Ready For Our Open House

Its been a bit hectic, but it's finally all coming together. I'm sure however that I am forgetting something.

Friday, December 7th is our 1st Annual Holiday Open House. We plan to have demonstrations on "How to Apply Your Lettering", and Direct to Garment printing. It will be an evening of networking and inside information. ....what inside information you may ask? You have to come and see for yourself!

Wine tasting by Amanda Twentyfive from The Travelling Vineyard, chocolate, cider, coffee by Coffee Thank You and of course buttertart squares for those who are expecting them!

We will have prizes and give aways, from Buffalo Graphix, Priority Connection, Carpet Care Services, Coffee Thank You, and Primerica. Be sure to bring lots of business cards for networking, and ideas for Christmas presents you want to give to your loved ones.

I hope to see you there