The only Staples I know is the office supply business. What can you tell me about Staples Promotional Products (SPP)?
Staples Promotional Products is an independent business-to-business division of Staples, Inc. and is operated separate from its office supply business. SPP is a direct marketing company that specializes in the sales of imprinted promotional products, recognition gifts, identity products, and awards. SPP is the largest and among the most respected promotional product distributors in the industry, bringing economies of scale that drive prices down, a manufacturer certification processes that ensures product quality, and exceptional customer service standards that delivers a high level of professionalism to United Ways and our valued corporate partners. SPP currently manages branded product programs for many of the world's leading brand and now operates www.unitedwaystore.com.
I notice that SPP offers branded products, but do not see the content focused products like Born Learning – where can I find those products?
Most content focused and educational products are now offered directly through United Way Worldwide at www.uwwproducts.com . On this site you will find Born Learning tools and publications. This site is operated by United Way Worldwide.
Can United Ways still purchase branded products from local vendors?
Yes. United Ways may purchase from local vendors as long as the vendors become licensed by UWW and honor the licensing agreement. United Ways are always encouraged to open a dialogue with SPP for all of their branded promotional product needs as its pricing, service levels, and experience working with the United Way brand make them an exceptional source.
Are the licenses held by SPP and local vendors different?
Yes. SPP is a preferred provider vendor and the official network source for United Way branded products. SPP is licensed to sell products bearing either the United Way master brand or localized brand marks on products. Additionally, SPP may use the brand marks in marketing, receives network communication support through United Way Worldwide, and is invited to actively participate in the United Way Worldwide conference circuit. As the official network source for branded products, SPP communicates, promotes, and markets itself as United Way Store inside the network and among United Way’s corporate partners.
The alternative vendor licenses authorize local vendors to provide promotional products bearing localized brand marks. The license provides a very limited ability to market, authorizing only a brief statement that can be used on vendor marketing materials. The alternative vendor license is designed as a way for vendors that have established United Way relationships on their own, to be able to service those accounts. It was not meant to be a business development tool for vendors.
What exactly are branded promotional products?
A promotional product is the broad term given to products carrying an imprint or message. They generally include products that carry a logo, trademark, trade name or message that is used to advertise, promote, recognize, or otherwise identify a brand. Other terms commonly associated with this group of products include -
- - Advertising specialties - Branded products
- - Identification products - Incentives
- - Awards - Swag
Some specific examples of products that fall into the promotional product category include t-shirts, apparel, water bottles, lapel pins, plaques, awards, bags, banners, signs, stickers, calendars, and electronics.
What about printed collateral materials like brochures, posters, and other print materials – are they promotional products?
The category of paper-based materials generally referred to as collateral or communication materials is not considered promotional products, nor are the categories of video, multimedia, or architectural signage.
Some specific examples of products that fall into the above categories include letterhead and stationery items, brochures, annual reports, posters, pledge cards, postcards, websites, social media, video, PSAs, and permanent building signage. United Ways may use non-licensed vendors to provide these products.
Why is there a brand licensing policy at United Way Worldwide?
The brand licensing policy was adopted to better protect the visual identity of the United Way brand on promotional products. The system is similar to the way many worldwide brands operate with regard to trademark use on products.
How can my company become a licensed vendor?
To have your company considered for a license, please –
1 - Complete & submit the Online Application - Click here for the Application
2 - Once the Application is submitted you will receive a Licensing Agreement for electronic signature
3 - Once the Application is submitted you will receive a Credit Card Authorization in order to process the $100.00 registration fee.
Please note that neither your inquiry, our request for information, nor your reply to the request for information constitute an offer to contract with United Way Worldwide or a solicitation by United Way Worldwide to offer a contract to your company.
Once all of the above items have been completed and returned, your application will be considered. Should there be any questions during the process, we will contact you. The approval notification process generally takes one to two weeks from the date we receive the above materials.
Upon approval, you will receive a signed license agreement, a user name and password that grants you access to brand guidelines and resources, and a Licensed Vendor Certificate. Once you have received these items, you are free to sell United Way branded products to United Way and corporate organizations.
What are the costs and main requirements to become a United Way Worldwide licensed vendor?
There will be an initial $100.00 registration fee. Your license expires at the end of December, three years after your effective date. Vendors selling promotional products branded with United Way names or trademarks will need to remit an 8% royalty United Way Worldwide. Sales reporting and royalty remittance are due quarterly.
What about collateral materials like brochures, posters, and other print materials – are they promotional products?
The category of paper-based materials generally referred to as collateral or print materials is not considered promotional products, nor are the categories of video, multimedia, or architectural signage.
Some specific examples of products that fall into the above categories include letterhead and stationery items, brochures, annual reports, posters, pledge cards, postcards, websites, social media, video, PSAs, and permanent building signage. Vendors may provide these materials to United Ways without the need for a license.
Once approved, will a full listing of all the Local United Way locations as well as contact information be made available to be able to contact them directly?
The Alternative Vendor Trademark License Agreement affords all approved licensees the permission to sell products bearing localized United Way trademarks to United Ways and organizations. Vendors licensed under this agreement do not receive any marketing or selling assistance with the exception of being added as an approved vendor to the United Way intranet.
Are there any restrictions to Alternative (local) Vendors when marketing United Way branded products?
Yes. Although alternative vendors may use the trademarks on products as provided for in the license, they are not permitted to use the United Way name or trademarks (including LIVE UNITED) for advertising, marketing, or conducting other promotional campaigns. An exception to this rule is the ability to use the below language that states a licensed alternative vendor’s authorization to use the trademarks on products–
"ABC Company is licensed by United Way Worldwide to sell products bearing localized United Way and LIVE UNITED trademarks. Please inquire to learn more.”
Once approved, what types of resources will be made available?
Once a vendor is approved they will be given access to resources such as brand guidelines, product style sheets, localization templates, art files, royalty payment templates, and a marketing protocol document. Additional resources will be made available as necessary.