9 Tips for getting it right this Christmas.

Thinking about corporate gift giving this holiday season but unsure of how to get started? Consider the following tips to help you get your gifting right every time…

1. Set a budget

Before you even think about brainstorming ideas or scrolling through gifting websites you should figure out how many gifts you need & how much you are willing to spend - it will save you time. Getting this budget formally written & signed off can also be helpful in the long run so there is no confusion or questioning of your spending down the track.

In this budget you should factor in the price of the products, any customization & delivery.

2. Find out companies gift giving policies

When considering gifting clients, it is essential that you check their company gift policies. There is nothing worse than buying & customizing a whole lot of gifts only to have them returned as the company was not permitted to accept them. If you don’t do your research, this could be the case.

Some companies are actually barred from accepting any gifts while others are only allowed to accept things up to a certain dollar value. Find out this information before you waste your money & cause yourself some serious embarrassment.

3. Avoid buying lavish gifts

Lavish or expensive gifts may have the best intentions behind them, although when you are sending them to a business that you rely on for income, this may be seen as a bribe & could actually damage the relationship rather than strengthening it.

Furthermore, if you are sending expensive gifts to the company representative you deal with, they could get reprimanded as a result, which is definitely not something you want. Gift giving should instead be treated as long term process of solidifying a positive relationship.

4. Be sincere

If at all possible, take the time write a personal handwritten card - this will show your care & sincerity.

You must also remember that when it comes to gift giving, marketing is not the aim of the game, therefore sending things that are covered with your branding may come across as insincere. That’s not to say that you can’t include your branding, just try to make it discrete or at least refrain from making it the main design feature.

5. Customize gifts

Customizing a gift to reflect the recipients brand is sure to be appreciated as it shows you took the time to make something just for them & that you truly appreciate them as a client.

Alternatively, customizing gifts to include your own business branding may help the business to remember your business. Again, this can be a nice touch if it is done discreetly.

6. Provide the best quality possible

Gifting something that falls apart within a couple of days will not only be a let down to the recipient, but it may also reflect negatively on your brand, showing that you weren’t willing to fork out for something that would last.

This lack of quality may then be associated with your company & services, so if you’re going to bother gifting, don’t just go for the cheapest option - choose quality even if it means you give gifts to fewer companies.

7. Give them something they will use

There is no point in giving a gift that will remain unused in the back of a draw - or even worse end up in a bin. This is a waste of money for your company & a let down for the recipient who may then assume that you either don’t know their business well, or don’t really care that much.

Do your research & ensure what you are sending is going to be used & appreciated.

8. Be aware of cultural differences

Sending gifts can be a great way to bridge gaps with overseas clients, however, it is important to research the cultural gift giving etiquette of that country to avoid any sticky faux pas.

For example, in China, white is often a colour used at funerals so wrapping gifts in white paper should be avoided.

9. Get your timing right

If you are getting products delivered make sure they are set to arrive on time. There is no point sending a Christmas gift to a company that is already on holiday.

Plan at least a month in advance & confirm realistic time frames with your supplier. Remember, bulk orders could take a significant amount of time to prepare & send, so get started on your planning as soon as possible.

To discuss corporate gifting & branding options, please contact us on 9555 7707 or [email protected].

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