Every once in a while, you will likely want to thank your clients and business partners or congratulate your employees on their success. Corporate gifting is how you will achieve that, by sending a small token of appreciation without any obligation. This is a common practice in the world of business that has been present for decades. But as times change, so do the common etiquettes we might be used to. If you want to learn more about the rules of business gift-giving today, here is a fundamental guide to successful corporate gifting that will answer all of your questions:
What is corporate gifting?
Corporate gifting represents sending individuals presents from your business. The recipient might be a partner, employee, customer, client, vendor, or even families of said people in certain instances. While corporate gifts can be given at any time to show appreciation, the most common occasions for sending them include:
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Professional achievements such as promotions
- Personal achievements such as marriage
- Client appreciation presents
- Welcome gifts for employees and clients
- Work-related anniversary presents for employees and clients
In most cases, corporate gifts aren’t particularly large or grand. They are often smaller and symbolic, like giving an employee a gift card for their birthday or sending a supplier a gift basket to mark the start of a partnership.
Benefits of corporate gifting
Corporate gifts are always an interesting way to celebrate, welcome, and thank people who have helped your company succeed. But they could also be beneficial for your business strategy. For example, presents can make your partners and clients feel more appreciated and valued. This allows you to build strong and lasting business relationships.
Thoughtful gifts could also be good for prospective clients, allowing you to begin a relationship on the right note or stick in the mind of a decision-maker that hasn’t made their choice quite yet. Your employees will appreciate gifts as well. They will make your team feel acknowledged and respected, helping to boost company morale and employee productivity.
Do’s and don’ts of corporate gifting
Like most gift-giving etiquettes, corporate gifting comes with a set of rules as well. For instance, the present should always be appropriate for the occasion and the business environment. Being creative is encouraged, and choosing more personalized gifts that are meaningful to the recipient is always advised.
Even though handwritten notes are good, you should never include promotional material in the gift. The present needs to be a caring gesture, not a promotional act. You should also never compromise on the quality of the gift. Select the best option within your budget to convey professionalism and thoughtfulness.
Choosing the perfect present
When choosing a corporate gift, most individuals will go for the classic, most popular options. These often include flowers, gift cards, gift boxes, and high-quality stationery. While such presents might be safe options, there are many other gifts you could select as a more interesting and imaginative solution.
You can choose an elegant carbon fiber wallet for your business partners and employees, for instance. This is a slim and stylish wallet that easily holds up to twelve cards and some necessary cash. It also offers RFID protection, making it a thoughtful, appropriate, and practical corporate gift.
Avoiding unprofessional gifts
Even the best of gifts can be undermined by a bad move. Regardless of your intentions, there are certain presents you should always avoid when corporate gifting. Presents with a romantic, inappropriate, or otherwise confusing message should never be sent. Always double-check the meaning of a corporate gift before giving it to a business partner.
Unless you are sending a present to a new employee or a loyal consumer, branded material should also be evaded. Company samples and corporate gifting are not the same strategies. Corporate gifts should always be more professional and refined.
Timing the gift appropriately
Timing is nearly as crucial as the present you select. Both aspects should go hand-in-hand when presenting a corporate gift. It can be helpful to take some time to decide on the points of contact when gift-giving would be the most appropriate.
A business-to-consumer example would be celebrating a purchasing milestone or a loyal consumer’s birthday. A business-to-business example would be thanking a potential partner or client for their time, such as a present that arrives a couple of days after you meet with them. This can also be a celebratory gift for your employee, congratulating them on their milestone or promotion.
Presenting a corporate gift
Once you have chosen a great corporate gift and decided on the most appropriate timing, the final step would be to prepare a brilliant presentation. Elegant, formal wrapping combined with a handwritten note is always a great option for presenting corporate gifts. Try to avoid any last-minute issues by creating a gift management procedure in advance.
The best method of delivering corporate presents is always to give them personally. In case you are not able to do that, gift delivery will be essential. Send the present to the recipient’s office address rather than their home address to ensure you remain appropriate. Making sure the gift is delivered during working hours is also quite important for optimal presentation.
Showing continuous appreciation
Special occasions and holiday seasons aren’t the only times you could send a corporate gift. Presents are well-received all year round, especially when they are meant to show gratitude and appreciation. This also includes reaching important milestones, closing big deals, and successfully completing projects.
Try to make these achievements a celebration in your company. It will boost the confidence and the morale of your team, and encourage them to work more efficiently towards their professional goals. Remember that presents are always valued the most when they are least expected.
Corporate gifting is the best approach when showing appreciation to your employees, clients, and business partners. The gift reflects your care while benefiting your company in the process. To ensure you adhere to the proper etiquette and select the best corporate present possible, simply follow the helpful guide mentioned above.
