BOLTAGE - INCENTIVES

Incentives

On this page you will find the resources needed to order a variety of incentive items that will enable you to provide frequent, immediate recognition to the kids.

Please note that these suppliers are independent of Boltage, and we have no financial relationship with them. We are providing links to them for your convenience only - you are free to use other suppliers if you want. Please let us know how these suppliers perform, or if you know of others.

A few technical notes:

As with most "brands" we have established some graphic standards for Boltage. By using the artwork and colors provided here, you can maintain a consistent "look and feel" across your program.
If you want to modify any of the design or colors to fit into your school's program, you may do so - however we suggest you proceed carefully. Consider trying to integrate the Boltage design and colors in such a way that you can use these materials without modification - that way as we add new items and improve the program you can take advantage of the improvements without setting yourself up for additional work.
The color names used in connection with each item correspond to the names used by that particular supplier. In most cases, we have selected standard colors to avoid additional costs associated with exact color matching. So be sure to use these names - even though they may sound different, they are the closest matches to the Boltage color palette.
Please let us know if any of these links don't work correctly, or if we can improve the instructions.

ART FILES: When ordering some of the items, you will need to upload an art file to the supplier when ordering. We have provided a way for you to download an appropriate file to your computer via a link. Unfortunately, different computers and browsers may handle these files in different ways. The following are some pointers:

Your objective is to get a file (with the same name as is shown on the link) saved on your computer in a place you can find it during the online ordering process.
We have attempted to cause your browser to ask you what to do with the file after it is downloaded. If this happens, simply pick a location - like your download folder or desktop - and save the file.
Unfortunately, some computers will try to outsmart us, and they will automatically open the file with an application. It's hard for us to predict which application this might be - it depends on what software you have installed and how you have your preferences set. If this happens, use the application to "save as" to your desired location.
If your internet browser opens the file, you will see the image in a new browser window or tab. In this case, right-click the image and "save picture as" or "save image as" to your desired location. If you are on a Mac, you will need to option-click and "save to disk" , or drag the image to your desktop.
If you can't get this to work, send us an email and tell us which file you need and we will email it back to you.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: This file boltagedesignelements.eps contains a number of design elements and a CMYK color palette that you may use in designing materials for local programs. If you need different file formats or other resources, we will try to help - just send us an email.

Wrist Bands

These are silicone rubber wristbands, like the yellow Lance Armstrong "LiveStrong" bracelets. We have picked 3 standard colors that fit with the Boltage branding, and that fit into the incentive scheme we have developed. So if you plan on using the Boltage scheme, you need to order the appropriate colors according to the number of awards you anticipate.

The wristband scheme uses the following levels (trips) and corresponding colors:

10, 20 and 30 trip milestones - green
40, 60 and 80 trip milestones - blue
100, 120, 140 and 160 trip milestones - orange

As you would expect, you will need far more green wristbands than orange. Our experience with testing the wristband program suggests that the mix is something like: 60% green; 30% blue; 10% orange. However, this mix depends a lot on your local situation. You can start out with a small order, however there is usually a significant price break at 1000 wristbands, so it may make sense to order a bunch and then order smaller quantities if necessary. When we last ordered, the price for 1000 wristbands was about $150 plus $30 shipping. The vendor says they have a low price gurantee, so you should be able to get good pricing. Of course, you are free to use wristbands for any incentive scheme you dream up, and you can add your school name if you would like.

Supplier: www.wrist-band.com (order via this link)

How to order: Debossed Silicone Wristbands

Step 1 - Style: Debossed
Step 2 - Type: Solid
Step 3 - Color & Quantity: enter "Youth Qty" numbers under each color - DO NOT ORDER EACH COLOR SEPARATELY OR YOU WILL NOT GET VOLUME PRICING! Youth size might be a bit tight on some adults, but fit younger kids without falling off - order some in adult size if desired. For colors, enter PMS numbers for custom colors: green (PMS 802), blue (PMS 801), orange (PMS 804).
Step 4 - Message: Front Message: BOLTAGE (all caps) Add spaces and/or dash then school or local program name if desired.
No back or internal message.
Font: Arial Bold
No clipart.
Step 5 - Extra Options: None (unless desired)
Step 6 - Delivery & Production: as desired.
Add to cart, review order, and proceed to checkout.

Hand Stamp

The hand stamp is like one of those stamps you might get at a special event or concert. These work great when you need just a little something for the kids - maybe to reward kids who walk or ride on a cold or rainy day, or for when they sign up or make their first trip. These are inexpensive (about $17) - so you may want to get a few.

ART FILE: boltagestamp1.jpg. (download this before you start the ordering process)

Supplier: Rubber Stamp Champ (order via this link)

How to order: Trodat Printy 46019 Self-Inking Round Stamp, 3/4" diameter

Enter Quantity - click "Add & Customize"
Click "Choose File" and browse to the art file you just downloaded (boltagestamp1.jpg). Select it and click "Update & Preview" - you should see a preview image of the Boltage Bunny in a circle.
Make sure "Black" ink is selected (if that is what you want) - do not enter any custom text - and click "No" for "Would you like a round border" (the circle is already in our art file). Click "Add to Cart" and follow the checkout procedure.

Stickers

These are 1.5" diameter round stickers with the Boltage Bunny, suitable for bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. Kids really love these things - think about using different colors for special awards.

The minimum order is 500 stickers - about $100 with shipping for black & white, which is considered a one color job. 1000 is a much better deal (about $125). The supplier will give you a 10% discount if you tell them you are with Boltage. If you would like a color background, there is an additional charge of $60-70 to add a second color (the sticker stock is white; black is the first color; a colored background is considered a second color).

ART FILES: (download the file for desired color before you start the ordering process; color names shown refer to supplier color names)

Black & White: boltagestickerblack.eps (black #1)
Blue: boltagestickerblue.eps (black #1 and light-blue #7)
Green: boltagestickergreen.eps (black #1 and light-green #13)
Orange: boltagestickerorange.eps (black #1 and orange #9)
Yellow: boltagestickeryellow.eps (black #1 and yellow #2)
Purple: boltagestickerpurple.eps (black #1 and purple #5)

Supplier: Sticker Giant (order via this link)

How to order: Quick Sticker, 1.5" Circle, White Vinyl Stock

Upload your artwork (the file you downloaded).
After the artwork uploads, enter how many stickers you are interested in.
Next enter how quickly you need them.
Next click on "outdoor" (so kids can use them on their bikes).
Next click on "circle."
Next click on "1 1/2 X 1 1/2".
Next enter your contact information, and Sticker Giant will get back to you to finish up your order. We have worked with a guy named Tom Witting (303-848-8089) who is familiar with Boltage. You may want to put his name in the "comments" section when you complete your contact info - be sure to tell them you are with a non-profit to get your 10% discount.

Sticker Giant will look at the artwork file, and should suggest "quick roll; 1.5" circle; 2mill white vinyl with 1mill lamination". Our art file is built on Sticker Giants template and includes their color numbers, so they should have no problem understanding what you want. They will follow up with the payment process.

Tattoos

These are kid-safe FDA approved temporary tattoos that look very similar to the stickers. They are easily applied by holding them against the skin with a wet towel for about 60 seconds. (Application instructions are printed on the back of each tattoo.) They last 5 - 7 days, even with daily exposure to swimming and showers, and can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol. 1000 tattoos cost about $125 with shipping. Unlike the printed stickers, colors do not cost extra.

ART FILES: (download the file for desired color before you start the ordering process - please note that these files are different than the sticker files)

Black & White: boltagetattooblack.eps
Blue: boltagetattooblue.eps
Green: boltagetattoogreen.eps
Orange: boltagetattooorange.eps
Yellow: boltagetattooyellow.eps
Purple: boltagetattoopurple.eps

Supplier: TattooFun.com (order via this link)

How to order: Custom Temporary Tattoo, 1.5" X 1.5"

Click "start online order."
Choose size 1.5" X 1.5".
Choose quantity desired, and click "order."
Go through checkout process.
Next you will be asked to upload your artwork - just follow the instructions.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to specify "flood white"and note "flood white behind circle area only" on all versions - including those with color backgrounds. Because these go on skin and are not printed on white paper, they have to "print" a white background so the background in the circle on the black & white version is white - and "printing" white behind the color backgrounds will make the color brighter.

Posters

This is an example of a poster designed to track the whole school's progress toward a group goal - in this case, the school is "traveling" from home in Minneapolis to visit a number of National Parks. As miles are accumulated, the yellow bar is colored in with a marker signifying the schools progress (sort of like those United Way thermometers). The idea is to hang the poster in a prominent location in the school - such as in the cafeteria or main hallway. Teachers can talk about the places they "visit" in class and the principal can make weekly announcements on their progress.

Click here for a full size PDF that is easier to read.

You can create and customize your own poster with your school name and the destinations you would like by downloading one of the art files below. You will need to decide how long you want it to take the kids to complete the challenge. For example, if you average 50 kids walking/biking a day, and they travel an average of 0.6 miles each way they will accumulate 1200 miles in a month. After you decide on how many miles you want the challenge to be, you can pick a theme or final destination.

This web site, www.gmap-pedometer.com, is a great tool for figuring out the mileage to intermediate destinations. Just click on "draw route manually (straight lines)" then click "start recording", then double-click on your home town, then double-click anywhere on the map to see the distance. As you double-click on additional points on the map, it will give you the cumulative distance of your route.

The poster is 96" wide by 14" tall, so it needs to be printed on a printer that handles roll paper, or on a plotter. Kinkos can print them, but they are rather expensive (over $70). Often the school, or the school district, may have a large format printer that you can use. Or you may be able to find a parent with access to a suitable printer - often architects and engineers can print these in their offices.

ART FILES:

boltageposter96x14template.pdf (printer ready PDF; fill in your school name and destinations with a marker after printing)

boltageposter96x14example.eps (editable EPS file - you will need a graphics application like Adobe Illustrator to open and edit this file)

Weekly Winner (Formerly Green Gear)

Some of our schools hand out a weekly incentive to one randomly selected student who walked or rode to school every single day the previous week. Historically, the incentive was called a Green Gear, but schools have also used other names. The incentive at each school varies, from simple recognition on a bulletin board at the school to a gift certificate to a local business or other prize.

Our web site has a Weekly Winner tool that picks a winner for those schools that want to use the Weekly Winner incentive. The tool can pick a winner for any time period that you set. So, for instance, you could generate a winner based only on kids who have walked/rode on one particular day, every day for a week, or even every day for an entire month. Only kids who have rung in every single day during the time period will be eligible to win.

Here is how to find and use the tool:

Log in to the web site www.boltage.org. You should be on the page that shows your school name and a list of the tag numbers and registered kids, and the number of trips each has made. If you are on a different page (the "Your Family" page, for instance), then in the upper right hand corner is a drop down menu that says "School." Click on that and pick your school from the list.
On the school-specific page, there are two different links related to the Weekly Winner. In the upper right-hand corner of the large white text box, you will see "Weekly Winner" - this is where you go to select a winner. The other link is a found in the drop-down menu named "Wheel Tools More" in the upper right-hand corner of the white text box. The "Weekly Winners" option lists all previous random prize winners for your school that were selected using this tool. If your school has never given a random prize, then the list will be blank.
Click on "Choose Weekly Winner."
Set the parameters for the winner selection. There are five values you can set:
1. First day - the start date of the period for which you want to generate a prize.
2. Last day - last day for period. The period will include the final day you choose, so if you want a winner for the week of March 1-5, then you would enter March 5 in this box. If you want to do a random selection out of kids who checked in on one day, then enter the same day as the start date.
Check the box next to "Kid must be registered in order to win" if you only want the winner to be selected from children whose parents have registered on the web site. If this box is not checked and the selected winner is not registered on the web site, then you will only have a tag number, with no name or email, which may make it difficult to track down the winner.
Check the box next to "If possible, prior winners are not eligible" to exclude those kids who have previously won a random prize. This tool is a random generator, so you could have a situation where in one given week, there are 10 possible kids who could win the Weekly Winner prize. Let’s say that 9 out of those 10 have previously been a Weekly Winner, but 1 kid hasn’t. With this box checked, if the tool selects one of the 9 who have won previously, it will try again. In this example, the end result would be that the child who hasn’t won before would be selected. Keep in mind that If the possible pool of kids for any given week have all won previously, then the tool cannot pick a kid who hasn’t won before, so it will select one of the previous winners.
Click "OK" to run the program. You will then be taken to the Weekly Winner page, which lists all previous random prize winners for your school. The kid on the top line is the winner for the time period that you selected. You can now track down that child, through email, an announcement at school, etc., to give him or her the Weekly Winner incentive.