Closed a deal with a top client and want to send a corporate gift their way? Superb idea! Corporate gifts are great ways to boost your company’s growth and show appreciation for client base and employee efforts, creating positive and long-term business connections.
A gift is only as effective as its psychological impact on the recipient. Don’t we all love a well-thought-out surprise or treat? A gift creates a sense of belonging, affects reciprocity attitudes, and builds trust. You can observe this effect in several scenarios of corporate gift-giving and marketing.
This article addresses some do’s and don’ts to help your corporate gifting spree.
What are Corporate Gifts?
Most often, corporate gifts are high-value gifts that are given to express gratitude. The gifts increase brand loyalty and promote positive interactions with the brand.
In the marketing world, gift-giving has been one of the most effective ways to build relationships with clients and prospects and express gratitude for their patronage.
Corporate gifts from your company can keep your brand top-of-mind while increasing customer retention and a positive return on investment, reducing churn, and boosting brand reputation in the long run.
Do’s and don’ts of Corporate Gifting
To make sure you create a warm and lasting impression on your clients or employees, here are some of the do’s and don’ts of corporate gifting to follow:
1. Do: Check the Gifting Policy
When you are giving gifts to your clients, it’s a good idea to check out the gifting policies beforehand.
Keep in mind any legal restrictions on corporate gifting in your industry or the industry your clients work in. Several governments and big business organizations have policies in place to avoid unethical behavior when gift exchanges are made. If you are unsure about the corporate gift policies that address both giving and receiving, consult the company handbook or reach out to HR.
Consider learning about the gifting traditions of your company and the preferences of your client or employees before sending a corporate gift. Business relationships can be strengthened significantly by sending a culture-appropriate gift.
Also read: Boost Your Company’s Morale with Corporate Gifting
2. Do: Plan in Advance
There is a lot going on during specific times of the year, especially during the holiday season and the fourth quarter. It takes ample time for sourcing, so planning ahead is the best way to execute a successful gifting strategy.
It is important to select and purchase all corporate gifts at least a month or two ahead of time. Here are some things to remember while planning, such as the shortage of inventory during the holiday season or collecting details of clients. Psst! With Eva’s gifting assistant, you don’t have to worry about either of these.
You might also consider gifting outside the holiday season, such as after big milestones or deal closes, especially for clients.
Also read: How to Procure and Manage Bulk Corporate Gifts Easily?
3. Do: Personalize the Gifting Experience
Even though you are sending corporate gifts, it is important to think about the preferences of your clients, business partners, or employees. Gifts that are personalized create a lasting impression in the minds of recipients. They create a connection and acknowledge the business relationship. Discover what they like and some of their interests.
Since Eva’s AI-curated gifts are based on recipients’ preferences, the gifts have a 95% acceptance rate. First, Eva analyzes their interests and hobbies in a short conversation. Based on data-driven predictions, Eva then selects the best gifts from a catalog of handpicked gifts they are likely to enjoy.
The bottom line is to send meaningful gifts, and those extra efforts you make to personalize them will surely be noticed and appreciated.
Most of the time, a little personal touch does the work, such as a handwritten note by the employer attached to the gift. For instance, gifts with name engravings appeal to most people.
4. Don’t: Bring Promotional Aspects into the Picture
Don’t give someone a gift that you would normally give away at an event, as this creates confusion between marketing tools and actual gifts. As opposed to being viewed as thoughtful, it can be perceived as insulting and generic.
In essence, corporate gifting is intended to thank your employees and show your appreciation. Generally, promotional gifts are used as giveaways in large quantities in conjunction with advertising campaigns. Do not use them as a promotional tool.
Also read: Why “Overbranding” Your Corporate Gifts Is a Bad Idea
5. Don’t: Compromise on the Quality
Choosing a budget is an important step in planning corporate gifts. It’s always good to have a budget sorted before sending out gifts to avoid overspending. Budget limitations are okay but compromising on the quality is not. The gifts you give your employees have a direct impact on your company’s reputation and choosing the right gifts matter.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could set a budget and let your employees choose within that budget what they prefer, and then have it delivered to their homes with a handwritten note from you? Eva Gifting Assistant helps you do exactly so!
Eva is an end-to-end automated gifting assistant that can manage the entire gifting process independently. Schedule a meeting or view Eva’s Gift catalog to know more.
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