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Creativity is
necessary when the budget is low. An
inexpensive gift can be given an elegant
touch with gift wrap, a spectacular bow, or
even an unusual box or container.
-
Tailor your
gift to the recipient. Build a
personal relationship with your customers,
if at all possible, and learn what they
enjoy doing in their spare time. A
woodworking fanatic may like a gift
certificate to a hardware store while a
football fan may be entralled with a pair of
tickets to his/her favorite team's game.
-
Think
quality, quality, quality. Stay away
from gifts that look cheap.
Inexpensive gifts can be quality gifts.
-
Avoid
alcohol. This used to be the "gift to
give" but is now considered inappropriate by
many. There are those who don't drink
and also those who shouldn't drink.
-
A gift that
is functional, but that the recipients may
not buy for themselves, is always
appreciated.
-
If giving to
an international client, be aware of gift
protocols and taboos for their particular
culture.
-
When choosing
a gift think of preceived value, not actual
value. Unless you send the receipt
(which would be incredibly tacky), they'll
never know how much or how little you spent.
See suggestion #1 for ideas to increase the
preceived value of a gift.
-
Even though
you may not know the customer very well,
make the gift personal by writing a note to
go with it. The fact that you took the
time to sit down and write can mean a lot.
-
When choosing
large-volume corporate gifts, consider a
gift that reflects your company's spirit and
brand. But be sensitive about using
your company logo on all your
gifts--particularly those which will be used
in the home. Would you entertain with
coasters or cups that had a company's logo
imprinted on them?
-
Chocolates
make great gifts but, once they're eaten,
they're gone and the box is usually
discarded. If giving chocolates,
consider combining them with a gift that
will be kept such as a crystal bowl.
-
Just as
chocolates are forgotten as soon as they are
eaten, so are gift cards forgotten as soon
as they are spent. If giving a gift
card, combine it with something else that
will be memorable.
-
If the gifts
are for employees, give gifts that they will
enjoy on their off time rather than work
related gifts. A picnic basket, game,
or even a gift basket that reflects their
personal interest are some suggestions.
-
Gag gifts are
tacky.
-
If your
budget is too low for even a small gift,
send a gorgeous card that you selected along
with a personal note telling the recipient
how much he/she is appreciated.
-
A gift that
represents your own unique region of the
country is usually appreciated.
-
This
shouldn't have to be said, but avoid any
gifts that are political, sexual, or
religious in nature.
-
Don't just
think holidays. Create occasions for
gift giving that are unexpected. Some
reasons to give a gift include
congratulations, celebrations, motivation,
promotion, thank you, cheer up, and
apologies.
-
If your
company has a predictable gift that you want
to give, transform it into an exciting gift.
For example, a silver picture frame could
include a message just from you inserted in
the frame. Or a coffee mug could
include some gourmet coffee and cookies.
A glass candy jar could be filled with
gourmet candies or cookies.
-
Take time to
gift wrap a gift. This conveys the
message that you care.
-
Think about
the recipient's taste and style, rather than
yours, when choosing a gift. Perhaps
you're country-western while the recipient
is sophisticated. Choose a gift that
would appeal to him or her.
-
Avoid overly
expensive or ostentatious gifts. They
seem to shout that "I want to buy your
business."
-
Some
corporations and government agencies have
limits on the value of a gift that is given
to their employees. Others may not
allow gifts at all. Check these
policies to avoid embarrassments.
-
Corporate
gifts are business tools to strengthen
relationships. Make sure that the gift
reflects positively on you and your company.
-
Keep a few
carefully-chosen gifts on hand so that you
can show your appreciation on the spur of
the moment.
-
Most
important of all is to be sincere when you
give a gift. Enjoy the spirit of
giving.
