What is Appropriate for a Corporate Promotional Gift?

Many companies usually use custom promotional items as gifts to their employees, current customers, and even to their prospective clients. Apart from it being a great marketing solution, gifts are given to say thank-you to new business, reward the best employees, welcome new vendors, and more. However, there is a vast array of gift choices on products, both online and in retail. It can, therefore, be challenging to determine the appropriate kind of promotional gift to give. Consider the essentials noted below to help you find the right corporate promotional gifts hampers.

What is Appropriate for a Corporate Promotional Gift?
[ image: pexels by suzy hazelwood ]

• Consider Corporate Policies

Some considerations must be given gift policies in your company and the laws regarding your recipient's gifts. To avoid your recipient having to return it, check the type of gifting allowed by the employer and its monetary value. Remember to check if there are any tax deductions as well. Doing this helps avoid potential implications of unethical behaviour when say, your gift is regarded as bribing.

• Determine Client Preferences

It has always been challenging to know what the interests of your clients or employees lie. You could always check their social profiles, but it is much more complicated if the recipient is a new prospective client. A simple option would be to ask them about their hobbies and favourite things. This will give you an idea of what gift to get them. Make sure to consider the audience your recipient belongs to. For example, an environmentally-conscious client will not appreciate gift packaging in plastic.

• Quality is Key

First, the company should set a budget for the gift season. This will enable them to figure out appropriate quality gifts that won't break their budget. Highly expensive gifts could make the client feel like they are being bought, while cheap options will make your recipients feel undervalued. The gifts should also be wrapped in a presentable way. Ensure the packaging is professionally done. It is important to remember that promotional gifts are a reflection of the company's image.

• Perfect Timing

Random gifting could potentially rub off the wrong way according to the recipient. Most companies and government offices prefer to give out gifts near the end of the year during the holiday season. The gifts should have valid reasons, like celebrating milestones or at the close of a successful deal, not when contract negotiations are still ongoing. It will also add to the fun and the holiday cheer around the workplace.

• Consider Cultural Differences

You do not want your company to look insensitive to other cultures and religions, especially if you are a multi-national company or dealing with a global clientele. Do not give out gift hampers with alcohol included to a Muslim. Or one that has meaty treats for a Hindu. Don't package your gift in white when giving it to a Chinese.

Appropriate quality corporate gifts that are well personalized foster a feeling of being valued by the business. Employees will improve their quality of service and will encourage your clients to become your brand promoters. 

As a result, this will influence prospective clients to take action to pursue your business and buy your products or services. A popular trend is the use of gift-giving programs to improve the brand and increase recognition. Take note of the points above, and the importance of appropriate corporate gifting becomes clear and easier.