Why Client Gifts are Essential for Business Success
Are you considering whether or not to give your clients a gift this holiday season? Let us make it clear that you should. Showing your clients that you care can go a long way in building a stronger relationship with them. It is important to view client gifts as an opportunity to invest in your relationship with your clients, rather than simply as a promotional tool or a way to bring in more sales.
Choosing the perfect gift, however, can be a challenge. In this article, we will provide you with some gift ideas to steer clear of this holiday season and offer some helpful alternatives.
Gifts to Avoid at All Costs
Promotional Items
Promotional items such as notepads, t-shirts, and pens with your company logo stamped across them are a big “no-no.” These types of gifts come off as insincere, cheap, and quite frankly, tacky. They are marketing tools that should be given out throughout the year for free. Your clients will not be impressed with a grab bag of company-logo-branded items. Even a bottle of wine as a gift can turn into one of the worst holiday client gifts as soon as you stick a label with your company logo on it.
What you can do instead:
Gift your clients with something exclusive, such as a sneak peek of one of your products or services that have not hit the market yet.
Unique Idea Gifts
If you are trying to find an exclusive gift for your loved one, consider buying a star online. This is surely going to be a unique and excellent gift that will make your loved one feel important and appreciated. Many companies offer a star registration facility online, making it easier to buy this type of gift.
Generic Gift Cards
Sending a generic gift card can make your clients feel like you do not know them very well. You want your clients to feel appreciated and valued, not overlooked and unimportant.
What you can do instead:
Do some research and find out what your client’s favorite local restaurant or coffee shop is. Then, send them a gift card or certificate there. They will appreciate that you remembered their favorite place or that you took the time to find out.
A Meal Out…With You
No offense to you, but when it comes to the gift of a meal, your clients probably do not want it to be a networking or sales pitch event. Even if the meal is over dinner or lunch, it is best to avoid this type of gift as it might not be what your clients are interested in.
What you can do instead:
Arrange a client appreciation night that is not all about networking. Clients will enjoy the opportunity to meet and socialize with one another without the pressure of business. Alternatively, organize a holiday party for their kids to make their families feel valued.
Canned Greeting Cards
Pre-printed and impersonal holiday greeting cards can seem like a lack of effort and thoughtfulness. You want to make your clients feel appreciated, and canned greeting cards do not convey that message.
What you can do instead:
If you are on a tight budget but still want to let your clients know you are thinking of them this holiday season, send them a holiday greeting card. However, make sure to personalize it. A photo card with a handwritten note can go a long way. Personalizing is key to crafting the perfect client gift.
The Bottom Line – Don’t Miss the Point
Recipients who report receiving a memorable gift are 33 percent more likely to state that they feel connected to the brand and 20 percent more likely to alter their behavior as a result, according to research by Laura Jennings, CEO of Knack for Entrepreneur.com. Client gifts can be memorable and personalized without breaking the bank. Remember that gifts should be about the clients, not about you or your business. Keep in mind that while your price point for client gifts should be consistent, all clients don’t have to receive the same gift. Give gifts relative to what they have contributed to your business and personalize the gifts to each client’s interests. It may take some extra effort, but the extra work will be worth it.
Conclusion
Client gifts are not only an opportunity to show your appreciation but to strengthen your relationship with your clients. Avoid the gift-giving mistakes mentioned in this article, and opt instead for more thoughtful and personalized gifts. Remember that the purpose of gift-giving is to make your clients feel valued, appreciated, and acknowledged.