‘Tis the season of giving but, as a business, you have to be very strategic in the type of gifts you bestow upon your clients during this holiday season. If you still are unsure about how to approach shopping for your client list, here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.
Do make sure its ethical
Before coming up with an extravagant list, first, make sure it’s even ok to give the gifts. Contact your HR department for approval and then reach out to the client to verify that they can receive gifts. Depending on the industry there could be a limit on the amount and some ban gifts altogether.
Don’t reveal what you gave other clients
We love our clients all the same, at least that what we tell them. A client finding out our gift giving says otherwise could create some tension during that next meeting and no one wants that. So unless it is the same gift, it is best that you don’t let them know how you thanked another client.
Do make a budget and stick to it
If you work for a company where price is no option, then you can disregard this one, but for the majority of business owners out there, setting a spending limit for gifts will save you a lot of hassle. Establish a total budget also will help. If you know you only have $1,000 to spend it will force you to find cost-effective gifts, if you have a long list, or reduce the list if you want to purchase more extravagant items.
Don’t force it
It’s endearing to want to purchase a gift for everyone you work with, but that doesn’t mean force it either. If this a brand new client or there were some ups and downs during the year, it would be more genuine to not spend as much on their gift, if you give them one at all. This is also why it is so important to not “gift and tell.”
Do add a personal touch
Even if you’ve decided to give gift cards to everyone, add a unique flair to the presentation. Putting it in a Christmas card signed by all the employees or surrounding it with company swag in a coffee mug lets the client know that you put some thought into it.
Don’t overthink it
Most people appreciate receiving something unexpected so don’t over-extend yourself trying to find the perfect item. The best way to remove any stress in the gift giving process is to K.I.S.S. (keep it small & simple.) If this is your first year playing corporate Santa put a gift card in a company-themed Christmas card and build from there.