Corporate gift giving has been a tradition that’s already been here long before digital greeting cards existed. As part of a well-structured marketing strategy, it can help further establish critical relationships and become a cost-effective way to increase brand awareness.
As a corporate gift supplier in Singapore, we describe in this article the many issues that concern business corporate gifts.
What is Corporate Gift Giving?
In most cases, the recipients of business gifts are the major clients followed by employees, third-party providers, and sometimes prospective clients. The recipients are as varied as the reasons for gift giving which could be a way to thank long-time customers and recognise valued employees for working beyond expectations. But, in summary, it all boils down to affirming relationships and strengthen the personal connection between the giver and the recipient.
Gifts, on the other hand, can also differ in form. These days, we see most of them in the form of trinkets which could be anything from pens, shirts, baseball caps, customised mugs and anything that could bear a business’s company logo.
The Difference Between Gifts and Incentives
For you to understand what branded corporate gifts are, it helps to understand what they aren’t. For this matter, a gift is different from an incentive program. Although both are a form of reward, they greatly differ in terms of strategies and level of practicality. While incentives are recognition for achieving something great, gifts are rather less spontaneous and are given within the sender’s discretion. From the recipient’s point of view, on the other hand, receiving an incentive can somehow be anticipated, which is in contrast to receiving gifts.
The Etiquette of Gift Giving
In addition to the rules surrounding gift-giving in the business industry, there’s more to learn in the etiquette of gift-giving. Here, having finesse matters when you want to get the most out of your gift-giving strategy.
Appropriateness. First things first, determining whether the gift is appropriate to your business relationships matters. That said, never get too personal with the gift, neither go too lavish. In the same manner, restrict your giving to holidays and other special occasions otherwise, you might give the impression that you’re bribing the recipient.
Personality. Even branded corporate gifts can do with a touch of personality. But, as mentioned, do not go overboard. Does the gift reflect the interests and personality of the recipient? Keep these things into consideration, because when you do, it will leave the impression that you know and care about the person and that you took the time to understand their taste.
Timing. We’ve mentioned it earlier but we’d like to stress that timing is equally important just as appropriateness does. Besides holidays such as Christmas and New Year, gifts during birthdays are also sure to impress - just as work anniversaries, promotions, and success of a project. Otherwise, gifting during an untimely occasion may seem slightly intrusive.
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