Sending gifts to clients is a great way to show your appreciation for their business, and to keep your company on clients' minds. It's even better when your gift says something about your company and its values that also matches your clients' values.
So how do you choose the right gift to send your client?
- Start by writing down the values you want to project to your clients. Sending a company t-shirt creates a very different impression then sending a vintage bottle of wine. Make sure the gift reinforces your relationship and the values of your company.
- Next write down the values you believe your client holds. Sending any gift will seem like a nice gesture, but sending a gift that aligns with their values will be much more effective; it will demonstrate that you understand their business and their unique needs.
- Compare your client's values to your values and look for gifts that align with both. The overlap of these values is your sweet spot. For example, do you both look for sustainable sources? Then try looking for products that are made sustainably.
- Then, narrow your selection by eliminating items that your client is not likely to use or want. After all, there's a limit to the number of branded t-shirts someone can fit in a dresser! If you're not sure what your client will want or need, then focus on items that are generally useful and have broad base of appeal.
- Determine what you want to spend on each client. Most organizations have a few top clients that they want to spend a little more on, but the majority of corporate gifts fall into a specific price range, often $30 - $60. Think about the most appropriate price range for your industry, too.
No matter what gift you ultimately choose, taking a little extra time to think about your clients' values and the image you want to project will help your gift have more impact.