Why is Custom Bar Mats Better?

A bar mat is an effective, budget-friendly method of beverage promotion designed to cover your bar surface while improving custom conversion at point of purchase. These customized counter covers can carry your brand’s unique logo and designs to differentiate your brand from competitor drink products in any setting.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Silipi Technology.

Bar mats have steadily become one of our most popular products when designing promo merchandise for developing and established brands in the soft and alcoholic beverage sector. Our broad selection of bar mats has been refined and added to over the years. It offers you the freedom to find and customize perfect mats that match your every promotional specification and need.

However, finding the right mat without understanding your promotional needs and goals when placing an order can be challenging. This is where we step in with ideation, design and creative commentary, to blurring the lines between promotional merchandise products and related services. Sit back and enjoy this guide on how to better order your next All in One Merchandise bar mat. We’ve got you covered!

Types stocked and specifications

Customizing a bar mat from scratch to fit your brand and beverages can be tricky and time consuming. But don’t be discouraged. Our creative team and easy-to-navigate online design system is here to streamline this process and give you an easy buying experience.

Browse our bar mat breakdown below for an overview of our available bar mat styles, product specifications and customization options as well as relative creative services at your disposal during your design journey. 

Custom-molded PVC (Polyvinyl) bar mats

Our custom injection-molded polyvinyl bar mats can be uniquely custom-shaped and sized to fit your needs. They offer a strong and non-slip surface designed to promote your brand visibly to customers. Custom-molded mats protect counters and surfaces from spills (greatest spill absorbtion) and stains and help bar staff not waste time wiping up. Proudly made in the USA from quality PVC, these mats are renowned for being the thickest and most durable in our assortment, while offering unmatched flexibility.
These mats offer more resistance to wear and tear than rubber or silicone alternatives. Easily cleaned using just water and a damp cloth, these mats are low maintenance and built to last.

We can customize yours with your logo or design, even with LED backlit elements, in a colors and quantities of your choice. When you choose this mat, you choose the mat that is built to last so youwill enjoy longer return on investment.

Pros and cons of custom molded bar mats

A client “value for money” favourite, custom molded bar mats have a number of pros and cons. Consider the following when chosing your custom bar mat:

Pros:

• Has the greatest spill absorption out of all mats available.
• Eye-catching and impactful appearance.
• Can be flexibly custom-shaped to fit your needs.
• Made in the USA (except LED backlit).
• Optional LED lighting integration for brighter brand appearance.
• Easy to clean.
• Durable for low maintenance bar work.

Cons:

• Photorealistic print is unavailable.
• Thickness and weight can raise shipping costs.
• Higher setup fees (Approximately $150 to $350 per order. One time).

Full-color printed nitrile rubber bar mats

Our custom nitrile rubber bar mats offer a unique, photo-realistic full-color printed finish. A truly select custom bar accessory, our streamline production is well suited to small batch orders. Order from as little as 20 units, and enjoy a speedy ETA of only seven days (approximately).  Ditch pixelation issues and enjoying print patterns, logos and even photos of your choice in high resolution. Proudly custom-made in the USA from quality nitrile rubber, these bar mats offer a more defined, sleek and matte finish.

Nitrile rubber bar mats offer a thinner more premium feel compared with bulky rubber and silicone variants. These mats also offer a refined and sophisticated look and feel you cannot quite match with thicker PVC and more affordable entry-level materials. Flexible and lightweight, nitrile mats boast superior durability and are resistant to most oils, chemicals and temperature changes (ideal for establishments serving your beverages alongside hot foods and surfaces).

Pros and cons of full-color printed nitrile rubber bar mats

Nitrile rubber bar mats are a select, low-volume product, with a number of unique pros and cons. As brand promoters, consider the following before deciding on a rubberized nitrile design and finish.

Pros:

• Low minimum ordering quantity (MOQ 20).
• Photo-realistic full-color print.
• Shiny print and surface feel.
• Made in the USA.
• No setup fees.
• Quick production time (manufacturing takes around seven days).

Cons:

• Standardized shape and sizing.
• Less impactful than custom-molded mats.
• Absorbs less spillage.
• No optional LED lighting integration

Browse custom full-color nitrile rubber bar mats here:

Full color printed counter mat
Full color printed bar runner mat

Needle-punch polyester (printed) bar mats

Our printed needle-punch polyester bar mats have a soft material feel. Their texture resembles a mousepad and they can be customized in full-color photo-realistic print with your brand’s high resolution promotional pictures, logos or designs. Proudly custom-made in the USA, this mat is our category best seller, containing densely interlocked quality polyester fibres. Flexible, thin and compact, this mat offers ease of packaging to greatly cut your shipping and courier costs (ideal for geographically distant brands and businesses in isolated regions).

These mats are lightweight, extremely absorbent and have a frizzy flat woolen appearance. They are softer and more flexible than our PVC variety and are not liquid repellent like our nitrile range. More eco-friendly with a cushioned feel under hand or elbow, these mats are an excellent choice for beverage brands marketing on comfort and hospitality of establishments with sit-down customers interacting with these mats for lengthy periods.

Pros and cons of needle-punch polyester (printed) bar mats

Needle-punch polyester bar mats are a familiar go-to bar mat favored by the vast majority of beverage brands when promoting beverages using mats on bar counters. With a number of no-brainer pros, we’ve taken the liberty to list some cons to help you make an informed merchandising decision:

Pros:

• Full-color photo-realistic print
• Soft material feel, resembles mouse pad
• Low minimum ordering quantity (starts at 40)
• Made in the USA
• Affordable shipping and order delivery.
• Rapid production and order turnaround times (around seven days)

Cons:

• The outer layer retains dirt and stains (regular manual hand washing advised)
• Color saturation may fade over time
• Less absorbent.

You can order this product here:

Bordered promo bar runner

Finding your right fit

Now that you’ve explored the options for customizable bar mats, it’s time to narrow down your choices based on a few key variables. Here are some important considerations to help you find the perfect fit:

Photorealistic print

If you need a photorealistic bar mat to display your beautiful bottle or a well-known view that customers will recognize, opt for mats that support high-quality, full-color printing.

Recommended options:

• Full-color printed nitrile rubber bar mats: These mats offer vibrant, photorealistic prints.
• Needle-punch polyester bar mats: These also provide excellent full-color prints on a surface that resembles a mouse pad, offering a unique texture and feel.

Illumination requirement

If you want your bar mat to be illuminated, there are specific mats designed to catch the eye in low-light settings.

Recommended option:

For more information, please visit Bar Counter Mats.

• Custom-molded PVC bar mats: These mats not only allow for illumination but are also highly durable.

Longevity and durability

If you want your bar mat to be a long-term fixture kept by bar staff, durability is key.

Recommended option:

• Custom-molded PVC bar mats: Favored by bar staff for their durability and long-lasting nature.

Design process recommendations

Creating an eye-catching and effective bar mat design is crucial. Here are our recommendations to ensure your bar mat stands out from the competition:

Invest time in the design phase

• Don’t rush: It’s tempting to just place your logo on a black background and call it done. However, consider how your mat will compete with others on the bar.
• Think competitively: Your design should make your bar mat the most attractive and noticeable among others

Leverage your brand elements

• Incorporate branding: Look at your product and brand colors. Think about how these can be transferred to your custom bar mat.
• Use interesting backgrounds: Consider incorporating shapes associated with your brand, brand colors, location images, or anything else that attracts attention.

Design for visibility

• Attract the eye: Brighter colors and unusual shapes naturally draw attention. Utilize this knowledge to make your mat stand out.
• Understand perception: Good design takes advantage of how our brains are wired to notice standout features in our environment. Ensure your mat is designed to be noticed with a clear “call to action”.

Utilize expert help

• Get professional assistance: Over the years, we’ve handled hundreds, if not thousands, of custom bar mat projects at All In One Merchandise UK. Our team knows what works and what doesn’t.
• Free design support: If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our in-house designers are always ready to assist you in creating the perfect bar mat.

Closing considerations

Designing a custom bar mat may initially seem overwhelming, so understanding your needs and ultimate vision is a valuable starting point. The insights provided in this guide aim to help you create a bar mat that not only enhances your brand’s visibility but also boosts your return on investment. By narrowing down your choices based on your initial ideas, you’re now ready to move forward and confidently bring your concept to life.

Already have a concept and just need a designer’s touch? We can help with that to. Contact the All In One Merchandise team. We can be as involved as you like, leaving you in control, while helping bring your design to life.

To customize yours, give us a call today. Good luck with your brand’s bar mat project!

Vitalijus GlotovasVitalijus Glotovas is a visionary in the world of promotional products and custom-printed merchandise. With his deep understanding of brand development, he has the unique ability to create captivating articles and implement comprehensive strategies that connect with a wide range of audiences. Vitalijus has a proven track record of successful brand launches, meticulous market analysis, and a forward-thinking mindset. As the driving force behind All In One Merchandise LLC, he is constantly pushing the boundaries of corporate branding, leading the company to new heights of success and innovation.

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist from Pexels

When diving into the ultimate guide for custom bar mats, it's clear that these promotional tools are more than just functional accessories for bars and restaurants. Their strategic use can significantly enhance brand visibility and create lasting impressions on customers. Custom bar mats are designed to do much more than keep your bar area clean and organized; they serve as powerful marketing tools that can elevate your brand presence.

Bars, restaurants, and pubs are bustling environments where patrons are constantly interacting with the bar surface. By incorporating your logo and branding elements into a custom bar mat, you can seamlessly integrate your brand into the customer's experience. So, let's delve into the seven compelling reasons why custom bar mats are a must-have for effective brand promotion.

Increased Brand Visibility: Constant Exposure

One of the primary benefits of custom bar mats is the constant exposure they provide. Positioned on bar counters, they are in direct sight of patrons throughout their visit. This constant visual presence helps reinforce brand recognition, making your brand familiar to returning customers.

Custom bar mats consistently place your logo and brand message in front of customers, subtly embedding your brand in their minds. This continuous exposure is a simple yet effective way to increase brand awareness and recall.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal: Professional Appearance

A well-designed custom bar mat adds a touch of professionalism and style to any bar setting. These mats can be customized to match the color scheme and design aesthetics of your establishment, creating a cohesive and visually appealing environment. This not only enhances the overall ambiance but also leaves a positive impression on customers.

The aesthetic appeal of custom bar mats can make a significant difference in how your establishment is perceived. A clean, branded bar mat reflects attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining a high standard, which can translate into a positive perception of your brand.

Practical Functionality: Spill Control and Cleanliness

Beyond their branding benefits, custom bar mats offer practical functionality by helping to control spills and maintain cleanliness. Bars are prone to liquid spills, and having branded mats can absorb these spills, keeping the bar surface clean and reducing the risk of accidents. This practical aspect ensures that the mats are not just decorative but also functional.

A clean and well-maintained bar area is crucial for customer satisfaction. Custom bar mats help achieve this by providing an easy-to-clean surface that absorbs spills and prevents them from spreading, thereby maintaining a tidy environment that enhances the customer experience.

Durability and Longevity: High-Quality Materials

Custom bar mats are typically made from durable materials such as rubber or silicone, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of daily use in a busy bar environment. This durability means that your investment in custom bar mats will last for a long time, providing ongoing promotional benefits.

The longevity of custom bar mats makes them a cost-effective promotional tool. Unlike disposable promotional items, these mats offer sustained brand exposure over an extended period, maximizing your return on investment.

Versatile Marketing Tool: Multi-Purpose Usage

Custom bar mats are not limited to just bars and restaurants. They can be used in a variety of settings, including promotional events, trade shows, and corporate gatherings. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for businesses looking to expand their brand presence across different venues and occasions.

By using custom bar mats in various settings, you can reach a broader audience and create consistent brand messaging. This versatility enhances the overall impact of your marketing efforts, ensuring your brand is recognized in multiple contexts.

Targeted Advertising: Specific Audience Engagement

Bars and restaurants often have a specific target audience, and custom bar mats allow you to tailor your marketing efforts to this audience. By understanding the preferences and behaviors of your customers, you can design bar mats that resonate with them, effectively communicating your brand message.

Custom bar mats provide an opportunity to engage with your target audience in a meaningful way. Whether it's through creative designs, catchy slogans, or special promotions, these mats can be customized to capture the attention and interest of your patrons.

Cost-Effective Promotion: Affordable Branding Solution

Compared to other forms of advertising, custom bar mats are a cost-effective branding solution. They offer a high return on investment due to their durability and continuous exposure to customers. This affordability makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their marketing budget.

Investing in custom bar mats provides ongoing promotional benefits without the recurring costs associated with other advertising methods. This cost-effectiveness allows businesses to achieve their branding goals without compromising on quality or effectiveness.

Conclusion

The strategic use of custom bar mats can significantly boost your branding efforts, making them an essential component of any comprehensive marketing strategy. Custom bar mats are indispensable tools for effective brand promotion. They offer increased brand visibility, enhance the aesthetic appeal of your establishment, provide practical functionality, and are highly durable. Their versatility allows for multi-purpose usage, targeted advertising, and cost-effective promotion. Integrating custom bar mats into your marketing strategy can create a lasting impression on your customers and elevate your brand presence.