Reflector Guide

A good and useful promotional gift

A high quality reflector is a much appreciated promotional gift by its receiver. It shows the receiver that others care about their safety and well being. It doesn’t get old and it's easy to keep. The donators company logo or message can be easily printed on it.

A reflector is a cheap purchase, but it’s value is over 1 million dollars, that is as much as a human life to the society in some statistics. It is a product that has improved and improves traffic safety and saves lives. It is necessary to everyone. It is not a useless object.

When reflectors are used, they have great impact on the society, job communities, families and individuals. A small, cheap reflector can save your ability to work, health, living standard, well being and luck. It has a great social VIESTIARVO.

Visibility is the most important purchase criterion

When purchasing a reflector, it is good to remember that it is a Personal Protective Equipment. Shape, design or price ARE NOT primary purchasing criterions. FUNCTIONALITY a.k.a. visibility in the traffic is MOST IMPORTANT. Usually inexpensive prices tell that it has a shoddy soft reflector membrane, or a hard reflector is poorly shaped.

The best way to avoid a pitfall is to acquire a specific model test document by the EN13356 (contains a rapport of the tests made). Usually manufacturers do not have this. Europes standard requires that the package also contains enough information about testing, use and product liability. Only a CE or EN13356 marking is not enough.

Notice that the reflectors maximum thickness can be 10 millimeters, so it flashes when it spins. Stuffed animals ARE NOT reflectors.

The whole manufacturer-donator-store or promotional company is responsible for the sold reflector and that it sets the requirements needed. Be accurate.

Different reflectors

Do not resale stuffed animals as reflectors.

Reflectors have a lot of differences! A hard reflector is good only if the mold is made with care, it is maintained regularly and the products are monitored. Noticing the difference between a good and bad reflector is hard to see with a bare eye, but a flashlight test helps (see More). The best hard reflectors reflect over 3000 CIL, but on average they reflect 1600 CIL. The molds of hard reflectors are expensive and this is why they are converted by pressing. They are better for pressing than soft reflectors and new pressing materials are very cheap. Own molds are made only in high amounts (100 000 pcs.). A good mold is expensive because it has lots of prisms made on it. This guarantees good quality reflective values.

The quality of soft reflectors depend on the quality of the reflective membrane used. A good membrane can be ruined by a too powerful plastic seam (e.g. complicated shapes or flattening). The best soft reflectors reflect about 2000 CIL, which is according to the reflectors size. On average they reflect about 700 CIL. The molds of soft reflectors cost a couple hundred euros. The cheap price is because the prisms belong on the feedstock PVC membrane.

The benefit of hanging reflectors are their movement, flashing and visibility. They can be seen from far away, from the front, back and sides. Slap-wraps are a good option when they are used on both sides (e.g. on your wrists). One slap-wrap is not enough to guarantee your visibility from every direction.

Objects with TOO SHORT ATTACHMENTS that may reflect well, are NOT REFLECTORS. Key chain reflectors don’t work as well as reflectors should work = they don’t work. Avoid these. The attachment mechanism should be at least 10cm long, so they can move freely enough.

What forms the price?

You can affect on the prices of your purchases. First think about importance. The price is formed from the chosen reflector + the amount of color used to print on it + chosen attachment mechanism + package and volume. Ponder if you really need a new shape and mold. You can do the same with less than 100 euros!

The price of each reflector is cheaper when you purchase them for many promotional occasions, fairs, seminars, clients, in the lobby of your company and staff. A reflector doesn’t become oxidized or get old on a shelf. Especially producing hard reflectors is fully automatic and that explains the impact on volume. Volume pricing starts to show in orders over 5000pcs. Packages meant for promotional sales are in lighter bags. Spiky blister packages are used in retail sales, and also a table or floor stand if needed. Always remember that in the EU, users have to get the products packed by fulfilling the EN13356 standard. The retailer is responsible for the protective equipments suitability.

There are many differences in attachment mechanisms. The cheapest and best choice for volume donating is still a safety pin and string. People think this is retro. The attachment mechanism (e.g. a colorful spiral or ball chain) can have a great impact on the look of the reflector. Choose a attachment mechanism you think the receiver likes. In retail sales, the chosen attachment mechanism is extremely important.