We’re just weeks away from the busiest time of the year for most businesses and, the busiest gift giving season of the year. You may be wondering what, if anything, to give your clients this Christmas or, at any time? If you’re not sure how to approach business gift-giving, here are a few tips to help you get through the crazy season with your reputation and budget intact.’
The Answer Is Yes
If you’re wondering whether or not you should give your clients gifts, let me clear up any doubt: you should. It’s always a good idea to show clients your gratitude. Yes, you’ve provided great value to them but, a nice token of appreciation can really help demonstrate that you care about them personally, and their business. If your question is, “Should I?” The answer is yes.
Do Make It Personal
You don’t want your generosity to backfire and you certainly don’t want your gifts to fall short because they appear to be generic and impersonal. You also don’t want your gifts to scream desperate or tacky. You want your gesture to be thoughtful and personal. One of our client’s best customers was a hard core foodie, he loves to cook and he loves to entertain so imagine how he felt when he received a high quality wine knife and a precision piece of cutlery both subtly branded by our client. Talk about personal. Both gifts often become conversation pieces when guests visit.
Make It Subtle
Most companies send clients gifts that contain their name and logo. That’s okay but not if its shouts your brand in a way that makes the recipient uncomfortable using it amongst friends, family or colleagues. Always remember that gifts are for the user and you want them to use it and retain it for many years to come so think about how you brand it.
Don’t Be Cheap
Corporate gifts are more about suitability and perceived value than actual price (cost). If the gift is something the recipient can and will use, the price is almost irrelevant (large or small). Equally, it’s about perceived value over actual value. We’ve created personalised corporate gifts that have very high perceived value and are cherished by the receiver but they were actually very reasonable to produce – winning.
Again, the Answer is Always YES
Acknowledging clients and staff regularly with thoughtful branded gifts is a great way to get the best from both. Show them how much you appreciate their business, or the effort they put into yours, and give them something they’ll cherish and use for years to come
Think of the times throughout your working life when you‘ve been given a gift from a supplier or an employer that truly warmed your heart – those moments are what you’re aiming for.