How To Choose A Mascot Company

If you're considering investing in a mascot, the biggest question you probably have in mind is, what company should I purchase from??? A simple Google search provides endless options for companies that manufacture and sell mascot costumes. Here are some tips for determining which company to choose:

1. Ask if the costume company is the manufacturer of the mascot costumes or if they are just a reseller. It is better to go with a company that manufactures their costumes so you are working directly with the person creating the costume & you'll get exactly what you're looking for.

2. Consider their years of service as well as the range of services they offer. You want to go with a company that has proven itself over the years. Choose a mascot company that has been in the business for a good amount of time. Companies who have been working on costumes for longer have much more experience and you will get a better costume as well as better help and advice.

3. Check their client list. Most reliable mascot companies will have a client list posted on their website. Look for reputable clients and be sure they have an extensive list. Again, the more clients, the more experience. It would also be wise to request referrals to determine that they are a reputable company.

4. Ask if they guarantee satisfaction. A reputable company will. If not, DON'T BUY!! A company that doesn't guarantee satisfaction is obviously hiding something. A good mascot company should be confident enough with their costumes to guarantee your satisfaction!

5. Don't be afraid to ask your own questions! A good mascot company will answer all of the questions you have. They'll make your mascot purchase experience a much better, smoother process!

The mascot company that we have had the best luck with has been in the business for over 30 years. They have an extremely extensive client list of over 15,000 firms and always do an amazing job to accommodate our needs. They manufacture their costumes and they guarantee satisfaction. They even offer custom mascots! Click here to check out their website!

Make Your Mascot Talk!

Typically, mascot performers shouldn't speak while in costume. The main reason for this is because it is very difficult for your voice to be heard. Even when you're speaking loudly, the size of the mascot head and the insulation from the foam, etc will prevent your voice from being heard. However, if you'd like your mascot character to be able to communicate with people, there is a solution! You can invest in a mascot amplification system!

There are some great compact amplification systems that you can get that will make it easy for your mascot character to speak with patrons. They come with a headset including a microphone. But if you choose to purchase an amplification system so your costumed actor can communicate, it would be smart to have them use a special, cartoony voice. If your character just sounds like a regular person, it will be very boring and ruin the illusion of the character. Click here to go to a website that has different amplification options to use with your mascot!

How To Properly Store A Mascot Costume

So you have a mascot but don't know how to store it? This is one of the most important things to think about if you want your mascot costume to last a long time! When not in use, a mascot costume should be stored in some sort of container. If you don't store it in something, the costume will be exposed to dirt, dust, water, etc.

It would be a smart idea to invest in a quality storage container to protect the mascot costume from the elements. There are many different options... The most inexpensive being a canvas bag- but remember, this is not the most protective option! You should seriously consider a more reliable storage container such as a plastic case or hard case. Some of these cases even come with wheels for easy transportation.

Click here to go to a site that offers a wide range of options for mascot storage. You'll be sure to find an option that will fit in your budget. We've had great luck dealing with this company and the cases are great!

Mascot Hydration

It’s officially summer and it is HOT outside! When wearing a mascot costume, it’s ALWAYS important to be well hydrated, but this is especially true when you will be outside during the hot, humid summer months. You should not only hydrate before going out in costume, but also during.

In order to remain hydrated throughout the day, you should create a schedule for your performer. For instance, the performer should have a set amount of time in costume and then get at least a 5-10 minute break to rehydrate. But remember, the performer’s break should occur away from the public. A mascot character should NEVER take off any part of their costume while in front of people. Be sure to have a designated break area where the public doesn’t have access and have plenty of water waiting for them.

There are also mascot cooling systems that hold water and have a tube that leads up to the performer’s mouth so they can drink water while wearing the costume. This will allow your performer to stay in costume for longer periods of time and will also keep your performer happy. Click here to be redirected to a site that offers a great mascot water cooling system.

Posing For Photographs With Mascots

One of the most common activities you will be doing while wearing a mascot costume is having your photograph taken. Children and even adults love to capture a memory with the character. While many would assume this would be a simple job that requires no preparation, they are incorrect. Sure, anyone can wear a mascot costume and simply stand in one spot and have people take photos with them, but that won’t portray any life in the photo.

You never see a Disney character simply standing with their arms at their side for a photograph. They always have some form of ‘movement’ or ‘life’ (ie: arm(s) in the air, foot out to the side, etc). This brings the photo to life and can transfer an emotion or mood through the photo.

Look at the photo we found online... simply waving creates life in the photo, or the mouse on the right has his hand up to his mouth which makes it seem as though the character is laughing!

These costumes can be purchased at this site

Practice different creative poses in front of a mirror and figure out what works best for you!

Communicating in a Mascot Costume

Mascots should never speak! When the person wearing the costume speaks to patrons while wearing the mascot costume, it ruins the illusion for children. When you speak while wearing a mascot costume, your voice will be extremely muffled. Not only will it be hard to hear or understand what you’re saying, but it will also sound like a normal human being.

You must remember, children actually believe that the costume is an actual living character- not a person wearing a costume!! Also, in most cases, the same person will not be wearing the costume every single time. Each person who wears the costume will have a different voice.

Chances are, you will get at least a handful of children who will ask why the character won’t speak to them. If the mascot has a guide (which they should if they are doing a meet and greet!), the guide can give the child any number of answers (ie: his throat is sore from singing earlier that day, he’s saving his voice for the show, he’s shy, etc- be creative!).

It’s a good idea to have a written description of how your character acts. That way, every person who wears the costume will know exactly how they are supposed to act. For example, if your mascot is supposed to have a shy personality, you wouldn’t want one person to be jumping around and being outgoing and the next person in the costume being shy and playing the actual character. Consistency is key!

Mascots Make You Money!!

One of the most common uses for mascot costumes is for high school or college sports teams. However, businesses are using mascot characters more and more in their marketing plans. But why? Because they WORK!

Businesses use mascot costumes for many reasons. First of all, they are a perfect way to promote a company, product, or event. Utilizing a mascot costume creates an association for the public. When they need a product, the memory of the mascot will help bring the marketing campaign back to mind during the purchasing process. According to the article “Use of Mascots” by Amy Nutt, “Many tout mascots as being the best choice for placing funds for marketing. Experts say it will yield the best rate of return for the investment placed in a mascot.”

Mascots can be especially helpful in promoting a new business. If your business is new, you have to set yourself apart from the competition and create an image for yourself. What will you remember more? A company who has a businessman hand you a promotional pen or a mascot character handing you a pen? Chances are, you’ll remember the latter.

Still aren’t convinced you should invest in a mascot costume for your business? Think about all of the successful businesses currently utilizing mascot characters… Disney, Universal Studios, Kellog’s (Tony the Tiger, Toucan Sam, Snap Crackle & Pop, Etc), Sony, Best Buy, etc etc. The list goes on and on! Do you really think so many successful companies would use mascot costumes if they didn’t KNOW that they worked? I don’t think so! So what are you waiting for?! Get a committee together and start brainstorming what mascot character you could use! Not sure which mascot company to trust with this investment? Check out this website! They make amazing costumes and you’ll definitely be happy with the finished product!

Fun Facts About Mascot Costumes

Check out this short article from RealSimple Magazine with some fun facts about mascot costumes! Click here

Custom Mascot Costumes

So your company or organization has decided to look into investing in a mascot costume? What kind of mascot should you get? There are tons of mascot costumes available online, but do none of them fit your company or organization’s image? Did you know you can have CUSTOM mascot costumes created?!

If you currently have a character or logo for your business or organization, you can have that character or logo reproduced as a mascot costume! Only the top mascot costume companies manufacture custom mascot costumes.

It’s important that you don’t just shop around for the cheapest custom costume- be sure to look at images of custom mascot costumes that the company has created for other clients. After all, you want to be sure to get an accurate representation of your character or logo to be properly identified by your audience. Nothing would be worse than to invest in a custom mascot costume only to find that it looks nothing like you imagined and won’t identify with your company or organization.

When purchasing a mascot costume, you should seriously consider going with a custom designed costume. Having a custom costume designed means you will be the ONLY company or organization using it! Sure, you could use a stock mascot, but why not go the extra mile and really set yourself apart from the competition! This mascot company does a great deal of custom mascot business. Check out their client list and you’ll see they’re obviously one of the top in the business! We’ve had custom mascot costumes made by them and they’re amazing!

HAVE fun, don't MAKE fun!

How many of you have had an unpleasant experience with a costumed character or mascot? Did they single you out? Poke fun at you? Embarrass you in front of your friends? This is something you must pay close attention to when wearing a mascot costume.

If your costumed character makes fun of a patron or makes them uncomfortable, it reflects poorly on your business or organization. It is important that the person wearing the costume HAS fun with the patrons rather than MAKING fun of them.

It is also important to be cautious with children while in a mascot costume. If a child is fearful of the character, never force them to meet with or take a photo with the character. Let it be their choice!

Why Should I Use a Mascot??

Whatever product, service, or event you are promoting, the color and excitement provided by a 7-foot "fantasy-come-to-life" character is irresistible. Children and adults adore them. In today's world, the public is bombarded with a multitude of messages, and it has become increasingly difficult for an organization to stand out from the crowd and be noticed. Mascots provide instant attention, recognition and fun! Mascots automatically put the spotlight on YOUR message, product, or organization.

Do you think a mascot will not help promote your business, event, service, or product? Think again! Mascots have been a major component in grabbing the attention of consumers for YEARS! Just look at some examples of mascots used by successful companies and organizations and tell us you think they wouldn't use mascots if it wasn't beneficial!

So what are you waiting for?! Start creating an image for your business, event, product, etc! This costume company is well known for creating custom mascot costumes that will match your logo, product and more! They have created mascots for some of the top businesses in the world!

Mascot and Costume Tip

Mascot tip of the day: It's important to determine what your costumed character will be doing before purchasing. Will the actor be sitting for photos? Will the actor be standing, walking around or running? It's important that you purchase a costume that has leg coverings that will be the appropriate length. For instance, if your mascot will be sitting for photos, you'll want a costume that has longer legs so the actor's ankles don't show. It's important not to ruin the illusion that the mascot IS actually the character!

How To Choose A Mascot

So, you've decided it's time to invest in a mascot. But there are so many different options- where do you start?

First and foremost, you must determine the purpose of the mascot. Are you investing in a college mascot, a business mascot, a special event mascot, a theme park mascot, etc? Does your college, business, or event already have an established logo, symbol, or character attached? If you already have one, you are one step ahead of the game. If you don't, you must first determine a suitable character that will represent your school, company or cause.

A simple internet search results in a plethora of mascot companies. With so many to choose from, many companies are often willing to produce low cost, low quality mascots just to compete with the competition. DO NOT fall into the low cost trap. A mascot is an important, long term investment. You will get what you pay for- so even though the low price tag will be tempting, chances are the costume is not made of quality materials, will not be comfortable for the costumed actor, and will not withstand the day to day wear and tear it will encounter.

Purchasing a higher quality mascot costume will result in a much longer life. Higher quality materials will last longer, look nicer, and reflect on your school, business, etc in a much more professional manner. Remember, your mascot will act as the face of your company or establishment- the quality and image it portrays will reflect the quality and image of your company or establishment in the eye of the public.

We have had tremendous luck with this mascot company. The costumes are top notch- not only in the material and workmanship, but in design as well. They have every kind of mascot costume you could imagine and also do a tremendous job on custom mascot costumes.

When choosing your mascot, it's important to look at all of the options you have. For example, say you're looking for a wolf mascot costume. What types of events will you be using the costume for? Is the mascot supposed to appeal to children? Teens? Adults? Don't simply choose the first wolf costume that you find. If you're looking for a wolf mascot that will be around children, you most certainly wouldn't want to choose a ferocious looking wolf, as it may scare the children. Or, say your football team's mascot is a wolf- would you want a friendly, cuddly wolf costume, or would you want it to portray a more tough, unbeatable attitude?

Don't be afraid to ask the mascot companies questions during your decision process. Remember, they have years of experience working with these specialized costumes and are there to help! The last thing you want is to get stuck with a mascot that will not fulfill your needs! We highly recommend utilizing companies that have a long history in the manufacture of costumed characters-chances are, they know what they're doing!