Here, we will discuss counter mats, their history, modern uses, types, and importance for your business.
Picture this: A busy retail store, customers lining up at the checkout counter, and there, beneath their hands, lies a seemingly ordinary mat. But this unassuming surface is more than meets the eye—it’s a counter mat, quietly playing its part in the daily hustle and bustle of commerce.
What is a Counter Mat
Fundamentally, a counter mat is a guardian of surfaces. It nestles atop countertops, desks, and tables, shielding them from scratches, spills, and the wear and tear of everyday life. But don’t be fooled by its core purpose; these mats have a flair for branding and aesthetics. They can also serve as miniature billboards, bearing company logos, promotional messages, or eye-catching designs. Custom counter mats such as lift-top magnet counter mats, multi-window counter mats, PVC counter mat desk mats, and window counter mats are a great way to elevate a store’s ambiance while showcasing the brand to the customers and clients.
History of Counter Mats
In the early and mid-20th century, counter mats became popular in many bars, cocktail lounges, and restaurants all around the world. Made from tough rubber or PVC, desk mats had a textured surface for added grip. After this, people started using the custom counter mats for both promotional and branding purposes. Now, they even serve as mini billboards.
Businesses across multiple industries see creative custom counter mats as a versatile promotional tool in the modern marketing strategy. We will look into these businesses down below.
Interesting Facts About Counter Mats
Now that we are aware of the history and origin of counter mats, it is time to know some interesting facts about them.
- A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) found that 85% of consumers remember the advertiser who gave them a promotional product like counter mats. Additionally, 58% of respondents hold onto promotional products for one to four years.
- According to another ASI study, promotional products, such as counter mats, lead to brand recalls that are 15% to 50% higher than those of other advertising methods.
- Promotional items like counter mats are a budget-friendly way to get your brand noticed. According to ASI, they have a lower cost per impression (CPI) compared to other ads, with an average CPI of just $0.004.
To know more, read: 2020 ASI Global Ad Impressions Study Proves Promo’s Value, Effectiveness, and Affordability
Use Cases Of Counter Mats
Due to versatility and practicality, the counter mats are super useful in several industries, helping out all kinds of customers and making brands stand out more.
1. For Retailers
Counter mats are quite handy in retail stores because they do a great job of promoting services and products and getting the word out about brands. Retailers often use them near their checkout or service desks, showing off new products, deals, or events and catching the eye of customers right before they leave the store.
2. For The Food and Beverage Industry
Counter mats are pretty valuable for restaurants, cafes, and bars, too. They not only look good on tabletops but also do a great job of protecting them from spills, scratches, and heat. It makes dining out a lot more pleasant for customers. Plus, these mats can show off cool designs or messages from the restaurant, helping to build brand loyalty and keep customers coming back for more.
3. For Healthcare Industry
In healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, counter mats prove to be a practical and valuable tool. They not only provide essential information such as health tips, appointment schedules, and prescription services but also serve as an effective communication link between healthcare providers and patients or visitors. These mats offer a suitable way to convey important messages and instructions while individuals wait for appointments or medication pickups.
4. For Automotive Industry
Counter mats have garnered significant popularity within the automotive industry, notably in dealership showrooms and service centers. These mats serve as effective platforms for showcasing various aspects of vehicles, including features, financing options, and service specials. By providing customers with engaging and informative displays, dealerships create an inviting atmosphere that encourages exploration and facilitates well-informed decision-making processes.
Beyond these industries and use cases, counter mats are also relevant in other settings such as:
- Banks
- Hotels
- Educational institutions
- Trade show booths
Banks leverage them to promote financial products and services, while hotels employ them for guest welcome messages or local area insights. Educational institutions utilize counter mats in libraries or student centers to spotlight academic resources and upcoming events. Moreover, trade show exhibitors integrate counter mats into booth displays, effectively attracting visitors and conveying marketing messages.
Types of Counter Mats
Now that we’ve got enough knowledge on counter mats, let’s dive into the different types out there, what they offer, and which one suits your needs best.
1. Lift Top Magnet Counter Mats
These counter mats from Shuiyeung Industrial Limited feature a convenient lift-top design, allowing users to insert or replace customized graphics or posters easily. Equipped with magnets, these mats securely hold the graphics in place, ensuring they stay intact and stable during use. Some of the prominent features of the Lift Top Magnet Counter Mats are:
- Easy to customize: You can easily update the advertising content by lifting the top cover and inserting a new graphic. This flexibility lets you adjust to changing marketing needs with ease.
- Durable: The surface layer can endure wear and tear, guaranteeing longevity even in busy areas.
- Image clarity & vivid colors: The mats offer top-notch image quality, ensuring the advertising catches the eye.
- Customizable: The Lift Top Magnet Counter Mats are available in customized sizes and shapes as per the specific branding requirements.
2. Multi Window Counter Mats
As the name suggests, the Multi Window Counter Mats from Shuiyeung Industrial Limited features two windows. It can also function as Counter Signing Pads and Signature Pads. You can change the promotions and advertisements whenever you want by just changing the insert. Some other key features of Multi Window Counter Mats are:
- Customizable: You can customize the windows according to your needs, with options for different sizes and shapes, including multiple windows and slots for business cards.
- Long-lasting: Crafted with a robust PVC top and a non-slip natural rubber base, these mats are resilient against scratches and built to endure.
- Business Card Window: It has a designated business card window, ensuring customers easy access to clear contact details.
3. PVC Counter Mat Desk Mat
PVC Counter Mat, also referred to as Desk Mat, consists of PVC material laminated with a printed paper layer, enhancing its durability while offering a smooth, vibrant surface for printing. This ensures vibrant colors and a long-lasting promotion product. The other notable features of PVC counter mat from Shuiyeung Industrial Limited are:
- Non-Skid Base: It comes with a stable non-skid open-cell natural rubber base, ensuring stability during use and preventing any slipping or sliding.
- Customizable: PVC desk mats are available in customized sizes, which makes them suitable for any desk or workspace, accommodating different requirements.
- Cost Effective: It offers top-notch quality at an affordable price, delivering exceptional value for the investment.
- Easy to clean: The mats are easy to clean. You can wipe clean the spills, dust, or dirt swiftly with a damp cloth.
4. Window Counter Mat
The Window Counter Mat from Shuiyeung Industrial Limited features a slide-in style design, making it simple to change promotional material as needed. It makes advertising and communication strategies more versatile. The clear PVC top offers visibility and protection for inserted graphics, enhancing their presentation. Other noteworthy features of the Window Counter Mat include:
- Interchangeable: These mats are also known as interchangeable counter mats as they offer the flexibility of inserting and changing the preprinted sheets or promotional material anytime you want.
- Durability: The surface layer is scratch-resistant and can endure any wear and tear. This is important as quality matters.
- Double Side Promotion: The Window Counter Mat allows you to promote your business and brand on both sides, which makes it a more versatile marketing tool. These are very popular among many businesses.
- Customizable: It comes in all shapes and sizes, making it suitable for any desk or environment. This is great as it gives an opportunity to make sure it fits in with its background.
Conclusion
To sum it up, counter mats have come a long way from being just thresholds to becoming fixtures on countertops, flexing to meet our ever-changing demands while staying true to their roots. In a world where every surface counts, counter mats do more than just serve a purpose. Our high-quality mats combine functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal to enhance your in-store experience and promote your brand effectively. They’re like silent narrators, spinning stories of brands, comfort, and utility. Click here to elevate your brand with our custom counter mats.
