Gift giving is an essential part of running a successful business; the right gift will go a long way to solidifying business relationships while the wrong gift may do more harm than good.
Businesses give corporate gifts to employees and customers for many reasons, including job well done, thank you, congratulations and we're sorry. Gift baskets are a fantastic choice as they can be customized to any value, tastes and occasions. Corporate gift baskets usually contain wine and gourmet food items such as olives, crackers, cheese, biscuits, chutneys and relishes but can also be themed to reflect the recipient’s interests such as golf or fishing. The more you know about the recipient and the more thought you put into it the better the gift will be. Your gift can also be displayed with your logo and finished with a bow and ribbon featuring your corporate colours.
Corporate gift baskets are also popular gifts with real estate agents, builders and car dealers as handover gifts. Finance companies, banks and hotels have long been sending gifts to aid business relationships. Gift giving should be embraced by all companies as a marketing tool, gifts can be as small as a box of chocolates and a card, a gift doesn't need to be extravagant, but it does need to reflect the occasion. For example a mechanic or gardener can get away with giving a box of chocolates where as a gift given for the purchase of a million dollar home will need to be larger, much larger.
While Christmas is the most popular time to give gift basket and hampers to clients it may not be the best option for your business, people can receive many gifts around this time which may take the shine away from yours especially if it isn't as nice as some of the other gifts received. Sending a gift basket "out of the blue" just to say thank you may have a much more profound effect.
Here are a few rules to adhere to when sending a corporate gift basket
1. Choose the gift basket with the recipient in mind. It’s not about what you like. It's about the recipient and building a relationship with them.
2. While wine and beer hampers are very popular be aware that alcohol is prohibited by some religions. This may also be the case for some meat and dairy products.
3. Find out as much information about the recipient as possible to avoid any embarrassment. If you are unable to do so send a fruit basket, fruit bouquet or even a cookie gift.
4. Do not make a gift basket yourself unless you have the right fillings and skills. While it may save you a few dollars, the result maybe less than pleasing. Let a professional handle your gift giving needs.
5. If possible deliver the gift basket yourself. If the recipient is out of town or interstate ask your gift basket provider questions about your gift delivery. Do they outsource the work or deliver themselves. What is the policy if no one is home? Do they call prior to delivery?
Remember these rules and your corporate gift baskets will always have the right impact.
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