Small business gifts, better known as Corporate Gifts if given to colleagues and clients in a heartfelt way can do wonders to business relationships and send across positive messages to clients. Here are a few tips to help you select quality business gifts for your clients:
Know about Corporate Gifting Policies
Some companies have corporate gifting policies, some don't. Be careful while giving corporate gifts to companies that do not have such policies as your gifts might be returned back to you.
Keeping track of our Clients
Make sure you give the right corporate gifts to your clients. Keep track of their needs and wants and choose an item that suits best to their personality. One more thing! Don't end up sending gifts on the wrong addresses. Keep track of your clients address. Make sure that you update your records every time he makes a move to a different residence.
Making Timely Deliveries
Make sure that your corporate gifts are delivered at an appropriate time. You need to know when the organisation is going to close for the festivals. Make sure that your gifts reach well in time, i.e. at least 2-3 days before your clients go on leave. A lot depends on the kind of gifts you are planning on. Stuff like eatables and wine bottles need to be delivered well before time as they can be used in upcoming festivities. Alternatively you can make use of an appropriate gift supplier and steer clear of all the stress that you might get into. While using gift suppliers, you might have to take out time earlier than usual as most of them will expect you to be ready with your lists at least two months in advance.
Corporate Gifts vs. Sales Pitches
It's the festival season! Though the purpose of such gifts is to make and maintain cordial business relationships with your clients, please make sure that you do use this time as an opportunity to do business and make sales pitches. This can often become a perfect display of rudeness and immaturity. Give out 'clean' gifts! Avoid putting your company names and logos on them.
Personalising the Gifts
Well, you may not be able to do this if you have too many clients to entertain. But small organisations with a few clients can go ahead and personalise their gifts. There's nothing much to it. All you'll need to do is put a printed, framed note of appreciation to let them know how much you value their presence and how much you appreciate doing business with them.
In Times of Unfamiliarity
If you are unfamiliar with some of the people in your clients' staff, we recommend that you stick to the basics, i.e. fruit baskets, wine hampers or food gifts. Lastly, stay away from expensive items as they often carry wrong messages, messages that spell 'favour'!
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