The Definitive Guide to Promotional Tote Bags

What is the history of tote bags?

In some ways you’d be right if you said tote bags have been at their peak over the last twenty-five to thirty years, but the truth is that their history stretches back much further. Tote bag roots originate with outdoor / recreational equipment retailer LL Bean of Maine, which produced a canvas bag in the 1940s which could be used as a carrier to transport ice from ice trucks into homes. As technology advanced and domestic fridges and freezers became much more widespread, the need to transport a large bag of ice around lessened considerably.

Why are tote bags called tote bags?

The word ‘tote’ is a verb which means ‘to carry’ using the shoulder. Like many of the most attractive words and phrases in our language, there are overseas connections in the origins of the name ‘tote bag’. The African word ‘tota’ means ‘to pick up’. The German word ‘tute’ means ‘bag’. So, it’s highly plausible that the name ‘tote bag’ has been derived from both at the same time.

When did tote bags become a trend?

The tote’s popularity decreased as refrigeration technology advanced, though it was eventually reintroduced as more of a functional and fashionable item in the 1960s. Again, in the 1990s it became a popular item for bands on tour to offer their fans – go to just about any concert you can think of these days, and you’ll find tote bags at the merch desk.

Design changes have been minimal over the decades as the humble tote was already perfect as it was. The design of tote bags is perfect for their intended purpose. They can be carried comfortably on one shoulder because the handles are straplike and long so there is plenty of room to put them up your arm and over your shoulder. Undoubtedly this is a huge contributory factor to the popularity of tote bags over other types of small carrying bag (including carriers).

In the modern era the tote bag has big marketing benefits, too. it’s a great shape and size for printing a logo onto - and to this day customers can be ‘cool’ with just the right tote.

Why are tote bags popular now?

It’s very simple. All tote bags are reusable, washable, sturdy, and highly convenient (cotton totes can even be folded down and kept in a pocket). The lifespan of a tote is impressive, though will depend on the material, weight, and use. Totes made from stronger materials will last for at least a year of heavy use, if not longer, and the more lightweight versions are also longer lasting even when used consistently and constantly. The tote bag is an excellent product from the consumer’s point of view, and they are also a fantastic marketing opportunity when looking from the business perspective.

Are there different types of tote bags?

There are different types of tote bag available in both the material used to make the bag, and the finished look. The material most commonly used to make tote bags is cotton, which is lightweight and durable, including recycled cotton which is a great eco-friendly alternative to normal cotton tote bags.

There are other options too: canvas, polyester, nylon, and jute. Each of these materials has its own strength (for instance, canvas tote bags are particularly strong, polyester totes allow for brighter colors, nylon totes are moisture resistant and jute totes are the perfect eco-friendly choice, being completely biodegradable when the moment comes to say goodbye and get a new one. The most eco-effective aspect of tote bags stems from the reusability. In effect tote bags can be used to replace the harmful plastic bags in supermarkets and stores. Choosing the type of tote bag to suit your requirements can be a matter of personal or economic choice.

In terms of looks and functionality, there are various options. It’s possible to get metallic tote bags. These are a great way to draw attention to your branding as they are very eye-catching. Crossbody bags can be held by the handles or worn across the body or shoulders, rather than just hanging down off one shoulder. Other features available to elevate the humble tote bag are zippers, insulated bags, and cooler totes.

How big are tote bags?

The most usual size of tote bag is the smallest version, which is approximately 12” x 12” or just over. This size of tote is extremely popular with brands looking to brand up some bags with their logo and contact details. It is also, therefore, the perfect item for record shops to sell as a branded souvenir and has found particular favor with collectors of vinyl records as it perfectly matches the size of the LP and can carry a few at a time. If you run a store of any kind, including groceries, it’s a good idea to offer the purchase of branded tote bags as an alternative to single-use bags.

Other sizes of tote bag are available, too. Large tote bags can be around 22” wide, 15” high and 8” deep – these carry-all’s are, in effect, huge and not that common. They’re great for things like carrying your gear so you can make an outfit change between work and the gym. A medium tote bag is usually approximately 16” wide, 15” high and 5” inches deep and is more akin to a large handbag. It can carry a fair amount of stuff and be dressed up or down to achieve a fashionable accessory look.

What are the benefits of tote bags?

In a commercial sense, tote bags are most often used as a promotional tool so the main benefit is that they will raise brand awareness exponentially. There is a short term ‘hit’ when bags are first given away or sold, and there is a longer-term effect too, as they are likely to be used over and again. Consumers are happy to receive (or buy) branded tote bags, with more than 70% of respondents to a study by PPAI stating that they own and use promotional bags. Promoting a brand using tote bags is an effective strategy in any marketing campaign.

A study by ASI revealed that in 2019 a single custom tote bag is likely to gain your brand approximately 3,000 ‘impressions’ when used in public. In other words, you are getting a high level of walking advertisement simply from your investment in the humble tote bag which customers then walk around using in public.

Promotional tote bags are excellent for distributing at tradeshows or any other type of event where brand activities and giveaways take place. Tote bags are also a great gift to give to customers, friends, and employees, or for using as part of promotional bundles for certain products, events, or services. The best branded tote bags will do your business proud.

Sources:

• Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)
• Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
• Wikipedia – “History of Tote Bags”
• The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)