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Gift Giving Etiquette
It can be a challenge to find the perfect gift for a colleague or client while keeping track of business gift-giving protocols. Use the tips below to pinpoint a gift that will be appropriate, appreciated, and remembered.
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Find something that makes a lasting impression
The gift you give is a direct reflection of your business. Give gifts that set your business apart and make your customers remember who gave it to them. Try to find something unusual or distinctive. Consider a "gift of the month" plan that continually reminds your clients that you care.
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Target a client’s interests
Try to find gifts that fit with your clients' interests. Do they follow certain sports teams? Like a specific kind of music? Enjoy a particular artist? Have a special hobby? These are things you may pick up over the course of doing business together. If you don't know what someone enjoys, ask. You can also contact his/her assistant to find out about likes and dislikes.
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Observe corporate guidelines
Before sending a corporate gift, be sure to check the recipient’s policy on gift giving. Some companies have strict guidelines on what their employees can and cannot receive. For instance, many companies place restrictions on the value of a gift or on the situations in which gifts can be accepted. This is particularly true for Fortune 1000-type companies, public utilities, and government agencies. Ask clients directly if they have any such restrictions, or contact their personnel departments to determine guidelines.
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Watch your budget
It's not how much you spend that makes a gift appreciated, but the thought and care you put into choosing it. A gift that is too expensive may embarrass, shock, or alienate your client. Be generous, but don’t go overboard.
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Give a Gift Certificate
Giving cash to a client can appear like you're offering a bribe. Don't put yourself in this awkward position. If you're unsure what to give, or want to give the client the choice of what to buy, consider a gift certificate or Gift Cheques like those offered by American Express. Click here to look at your Gift Cheque options.
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Be appropriate
There are many situations where a seemingly innocent gift can be taken the wrong way. If you're giving a gift to a member of the opposite sex, avoid anything that can be construed as too intimate. Handle gifts of liquor very carefully – a nice bottle of wine will be appreciated by a connoisseur, but would be offensive to a teetotaler. The same is true for dietary restrictions; a vegetarian probably won't appreciate a basket of smoked meats. In the same vein, avoid humorous gifts when dealing with people of other cultures – what you may think is funny, your client may interpret as an insult.
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Don’t use your logo
While giving gifts can be an effective way to market, don’t turn your gifts into obvious marketing ploys. There’s no need to embellish your gifts with a bold presentation of your company logo, which can make them seem more of a company give-away than a gift. If you must include your logo, keep it small and subtle, or use it on the packaging, not the gift.
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Consider charitable contributions
The holidays are considered a time of giving, and a donation to a charity in a customer's name can be considered quite generous. If your customer is involved in a specific cause or group, give to that charity. Otherwise, it's best to stay with mainstream groups that are not politically sensitive and stay away from a controversial point of view. Also, it's not necessary to let recipients know how much you contributed. Keep your message to a simple "a donation has been made on your behalf …" rather than directly stating the amount.
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Give every gift a personal touch
Make sure every gift you give is wrapped. Taking a moment to include a hand-written note shows you care, and adds warmth and sincerity to your holiday gift.
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Click here to return to the Holiday Center
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