The holidays are probably the most expensive time of the year for individuals and families. Parties here and there, visits and vacations, and gift-giving everywhere all add to the list of things to buy, things to do, and places to go that keeps growing.
But people aren't the only ones who spend a lot during the holidays. Businesses also look forward to this time of year to give corporate gifts to their clients and partners as a way to strengthen relationships and say thanks for their support and use of their services or products. But unlike private people, who make each gift special for the person receiving it, businesses often give the same corporate holiday gift to everyone, at least to certain types of businesses.
On the other hand, some businesses give each person a unique corporate holiday gift. All corporate holiday gifts, whether they are personalised or made in large quantities, tend to give a useless gift or insult some of the people who receive them.
So, what are the parts of a good holiday gift for a business?
The three are:
- The right gift given with the right purpose,
- The right present for the right person,
- Timing
Companies don't spend money and give away gifts for no reason. Several things make them do it. They want to thank customers or clients, keep good business relationships with partners, and tell as many people as possible about their business. That's why the right gift should send the right message to the recipient.
A company logo may be placed inconspicuously on a corporate holiday gift that is used for marketing. A clear marketing strategy that puts a big company logo on the gift may leave a different impression, usually a bad one.
For a personal corporate holiday gift, the company should be able to explain its purpose and send it along with the gift.
What is the best present for the right person? Maybe a lot of companies have trouble answering this question. But the simple rules for giving gifts should always be followed: know the person well, including his likes and dislikes, interests, favourite brands, cultural background and traditions, and personal tastes. For a general holiday gift, the item should be something that most people would like.
No matter how expensive or nice your gift is, if you give it at the wrong time, it will all be for nothing. Of course, someone who knocks on your door in the middle of the night is not giving you a gift. Timing and approach are both very important. If it's a personal gift for a partner, give it when you're in a good mood and the weather is nice. At the busiest time of the day, it would be easy to forget a gift. A gift that is given too late in the day or to someone who is too tired to enjoy it can be left out. Corporate holiday gifts are usually given in the morning or during personal visits and parties.
Whether the timing is right or wrong should, of course, depend on how well the business knows the person receiving the message.
Gifts can be given at any time, but if they are for the holidays, they should be sent during the holiday, not before or after.
