This is a collaborative post: A corporate gift is not just a social etiquette but an efficient business tool. It can be used to solve many important business tasks – to improve customer service, strengthen relationships with partners, broadcast the brand’s mission, and draw attention to your products.
If you find it challenging to come up with excellent ideas, first formulate a goal (“Why am I giving a gift?”), then a message (“What idea I want to convey?”), and then select the options from those that come to mind. Below we will show with some examples the main rules of a successful corporate gifting experience.
The gift must have a perceived value
It is important to note that this is not about price: high cost does not guarantee that the recipient will see value in the present.
A personalized item is a good idea. For example, you can order 3D crystals for employees or clients. At first glance, this is not an expensive and non-essential thing, just a souvenir.
But using the ArtPix 3D service, you can order various crystals types and shapes, with any photo and inscription.
Do not limit yourself to just the company logo and a traditional slogan, but come up with a personal message for every recipient and create a unique 3D crystal photo.
It won’t take much time and effort, as you can order crystals online by simply uploading the desired picture. And ArtPix 3D will deliver 3D crystals across the US as soon as possible.
Even if you have business relations, this does not mean that the present should be a formality.
And yet, as you can see, the best gifts don’t have to be expensive. The most important thing is that it is unique and valuable for the particular person you will give it to.
Imagine that you are giving a costly gift-wrapped pen.
And a person either does not know a lot about pens at all and does not know that this pen is being sold at an exorbitant price, or he/she does not care at all which pen to use.
Will such an expensive pen be a good present? No, even if you forget the cashier’s check in the box. This rule also applies to alcohol, edible souvenirs, planners, and more.
The gift must be related to yours or the client’s business
Corporate souvenirs are a great way to convey the values and benefits of your company. Imagine that a present is a communication unit. By the way, once you get your message across, it becomes much easier to come up with a concept.
Choose what you want to tell about your business. It can be one or several messages. Let’s say you want to emphasize the premium nature of your services and leadership in the industry.
Do you think a flash drive and logo cupcakes comply with the idea of premium status? Unlikely. This idea will be much better conveyed by designer glassware sets or interior details made in your company’s corporate style.
Or, let’s say we want to tell the recipient about incredibly caring customer service. Collect and arrange a set called “we care about customers not only during working hours,” and put there a blanket, an umbrella, and a wireless charger for your phone in this set.
What else can you do to emphasize that you are caring and attentive? Maybe add some funny phrases or pictures to the umbrella that cheer you up in rainy weather? Once you have a clear message to get across, the creative process goes much better.
A bonus rule for companies that have some of the most beloved clients:
With the help of a gift, you can tell how well you understand your partner’s business. It could be something related to the business plans for next year or this year’s results.
The gift must be durable
In general, edible souvenirs are a good idea. But in no case, do not give anything perishable, melting, withering, and requiring special storage conditions.
There is a chance that a person will forget the present in the office in the holiday rush, or it will be delivered when the employee has already gone on vacation. Then the consequences will be very unpleasant.
Also, avoid too fragile items that may not survive transportation. If you give a certificate, make sure that the recipient would have at least several months to activate and use it.
The gift should be easy to store and transport
Large bags and boxes, while they look solid, cause more problems than joy. No one wants to deal with souvenirs that take up too much space, and no one wants to worry about getting a gift home.
Always choose something small and easy to transport, as the present’s size itself, the same as its high cost, is unlikely to impress. In any case, the personal approach and uniqueness mentioned above cannot be replaced by quantity and volume.
Checklist for ordering corporate souvenirs
- First of all, decide on the budget for the purchase of presents and their quantity. Do you need to purchase many inexpensive souvenirs or several VIP items?
- When the budget is determined, it is time to choose what you would like to give.
- Calculate how many presents you will need. Find out if the company or shop where you are going to order souvenirs implies a minimum or maximum circulation and if these conditions are suitable for you.
- Decide if the thing needs to be branded. If you want some of the souvenir’s details to contain your company’s symbols or a unique message, please note that some companies allow gifts to be branded for free. Also, find out if you can change the color of some of the items to match your brand identity.
- It is essential to plan the time correctly to deliver gifts without delay. Please note that before Christmas and other popular holidays, delivery times may increase.