Corporate gifts for clients are a must for any company that wants to remain relevant. For companies considering corporate gifts for clients, there are seven considerations they should take into account.
1. Sign-Off from Managers and Bosses
It’s important that anyone tasked with giving a corporate gift gets sign-off from work managers and/or bosses. If part of a larger corporate structure, that sign-off might also have to come from another location. Ample time should be given to ensure corporate compliance.
Failure to follow corporate guidelines could backfire. Furthermore, the federal government and states have specific regulations on gift value limits. These limits must be followed, or severe penalties could result. There also are tax deductions a company can take.
2. Appropriate of Not
While religious beliefs and observations are definite cultural issues to consider, other considerations should be taken into account, too. Companies must also be certain not to offend gift receivers in relation to sexual orientation and gender.
Cultural appropriateness is very important. If companies give gifts that are not appropriate, they could subject themselves to losing clients and if too offensive, possible legal action.
3. Budget
Just because it costs a lot does not mean clients will love a gift. Sometimes a small investment actually has a big impact. Companies should have a set-aside budget for client gifts, and they should not stray from that budget.
It is also important that companies remember not all clients have to receive the same gift. Clients that spend more money and that have been clients for longer periods of time can receive more expensive gifts than first-year clients. Companies just have to be careful to not let anyone and everyone know about the gifts they are giving.
4. Potential Food and Drink Issues
It is very important to remember that food and drink gifts are not one-type fits all approaches to giving gifts that all clients will enjoy. In fact, clients might not be able to enjoy food and drink gifts.
What is a client who has a nut allergy, is diabetic or has to follow a strict diet? If food and drink gifts are being insisted upon, it is wise to check with someone associated with the client to ensure that the food and drink gift will be able to be enjoyed by all or at least by as many as possible.
5. Personalization and Corporate Branding
When able companies should try to personalize gifts. Personalized gifts will be even more special, and clients will appreciate that someone made the extra effort to get their gift personalized. They will feel their business is even more appreciated.
Corporate branding should also be worked into the gift. Adding a company logo to a gift will remind clients of who gave them their gift and help further build loyalty.
6. Packaging and Presentation Counts
If shipping a gift it is important to make sure that packaging will protect the gift. This is very important for food and drinks and breakable, fragile items.
The presentation is important, too. Company colors and branding should be incorporated and a signature card should always be included. Companies should personally deliver gifts to clients when able.
7. When to Give
There are different occasions that warrant giving a gift to clients. Many businesses only give gifts during the holidays or at the end of the year.
Other times that client gifts are appropriate are anniversaries, birthdays, promotions and new product roll-outs. Anyone loves to receive a gift, and companies should always be on the lookout for ways to acknowledge clients with gifts if budget permits.