Consider This: Branding Cloth Face Masks

branded face masks foxywareRecently, the CDC recommended the use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The wearing of masks is likely going to be our new reality for the next few months—even after the quarantine period ends—so bar and restaurant owners may want to consider how this new accessory fits into their uniforms.

Foxyware, a major supplier of custom logo apparel and accessories, has rolled out branded face masks with these owners in mind.

Our 3-ply masks are made specifically to show off a bar or brand logo in full color if needed at no additional cost,” says Foxyware Owner Wayne Cimperman.

Foxyware’s masks are made from polyester with a layer of cotton in between and are machine washable. Bar and restaurant owners simply send in a high-res image of their logo or graphic, and Foxyware sends back a virtual proof for review and approval. The masks are available in a minimum order of 100, with prices as low as $2.50 each for large quantities. There is a one-time set-up fee of $25.00 per logo, but no set-up fee for repeat orders.

Aside from the obvious safety and health benefits, Cimperman says owners should also consider the branding benefits. “A branded mask is a walking billboard for your bar! This has become one of the best ways to advertise. Customers and employees will be wearing this everywhere promoting your bar/brand,” he says. “It’s better advertising than a T-shirt by far. This is eye level and used everyday and everywhere a customer goes!”

branded face mask foxyware

While branding a mask with a bar/restaurant logo is the most popular option, Cimperman says some establishments are also ordering masks printed with specials. These can include everything from “half-price appetizers every Monday 5-9” to masks for bartenders advertising a drink special.

In addition to supplying bar staff with masks, Cimperman also recommends offering them as giveaways to customers on certain days or when a customer reaches a certain check size. “Giving these away not only shows you care but also provides enormous advertising value,” says Cimperman.

Other bars/restaurants plan to offer the masks as a combination of giveaways and for resale. “I think this is the best approach,” says Cimperman. “Give away the ones with your logo on a selective basis and also offer them for sale. In addition, we create some funny ones that customers will also purchase such as our beer-filled mask, beard mask, etc. We can produce them with any graphic or sayings. For these fun ones, we suggest printing your logo small on the side, which still promotes your brand.”

Although Foxyware just started to promote the masks, they’re already seeing great branded face maskfeedback and interest. “Restaurants want employees to wear these, hotels want these, delivery services, bar owners, and especially liquor brands see the enormous potential of having reusable branded masks,” says Cimperman. “We have a couple liquor companies and distributors that are ordering lots of these to give away to all bartenders in their area, which is great marketing on their part. There are some really cool marketing ideas from bar owners that are working on deals with liquor companies, if they want their bartenders to wear a specific alcohol-branded mask.”

By Ashley Bray
Photos: Foxyware