Modern Corporate Gifting 101
Vendors who gave were twice as likely to increase their chances of being contacted by recipients as those that didn’t have a gift program. We start with this data found in a survey by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).
With that said...
Who best to speak about your product than your customers? Is that not the single best validation you can have? Better yet, what if it could happen effortlessly and with no strings attached, wouldn’t that be the best press you could have? Welcome to the modern era of corporate gifting, an art in itself that requires careful planning.
To begin with, we should separate the small promotional items commonly given out at events from the actual gifts. Though both may (but don’t have to) be branded with the company logo, there is a clear distinction to be made. Not only is the purpose of both polar opposites, so are their receivers and occasions under which these may take place. The reason why this is so undeniably important to highlight; is that the “type” of item will not suit both audiences. Further to this, it is crucial that proper attention be given to not only the selection of item, but also its supplier.
Here's 5 tips to successful corporate gifting:
- Do your research
In the realm of corporate gifting, there are many things you should look out for, particularly, if it is appropriate or even permitted. A pharmaceutic provider for instance, is so heavily regulated that it may not be permitted to give client gifts. Similarly, a high-end producer of anything will not be interested in a low-quality product; there must be a fit.
- Be consistent
A company’s image is a fragile portrait, one that takes careful cultivation and even more work in maintaining. Once this image has been attained, any potential miscalculation is not worth the downside. If you are planning on pursuing corporate gifting, be extremely careful. If there’s one way to sum it up; stay consistent. The corporate gift is essentially an extension of your core offering, so be consistent, all the way to your gifts and the packaging.
- Deal with a business that has similar values
Rest assured, there is someone out there to sign your contract and promise you the world. You can source from suppliers that will do the bare minimum and charge you low dollar. Or you can find the over-the-top supplier that can slip in you their thousand-client list book. Whatever it is that you are looking for, just remember that you should get the same experience from your gift supplier as you wish to give to your clients. This should be a good way to evaluate the gifting experience.
- Gift something your clients will talk about to others again and again
I’ve seen some companies offer a bottle of wine to their clients. They jump through hoops to get them branded and are very proud to offer them to their clients. But how much PR dollars is that really going to fetch you? Don’t get me wrong, clients will surely appreciate the gesture, and then place it in their cellar for who knows how long. And if you’re lucky they will actually open it. If you’re really lucky, they might do so with 1 or 2 potential clients at dinner. And if you’re really, really lucky; they will like that bottle. And then that’s it. Far from a ripple effect there.
Your company needs something that will get your clients to proudly use in public. Something that inspires others to inquire about. Something that if asked about, your client will tell a story about again and again. In that sense, avoid overusing your logo and company name on these items. A wave like that has real potential value.
- Gift something unique
It’s easy to find something and slap your logo on it. But how good does that logo look on that item at the bottom of a garbage bin? Let’s be serious, who will wear your baseball cap proudly with your logo large and center if your business logo is unknown to most? How many people will use that branded thermos? A pen? A check book? Come on…
Check out our fashionable items for corporate gifting here
We leave you with this interesting piece of data:
Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has conducted surveys of corporate gift givers and recipients. They have shown that vendors who gave were twice as likely to increase their chances of being contacted by recipients as those that didn’t have a gift program. http://www.enterpriseengagement.org
