This post is brought to you by Yellow Octopus.
The corporate world has come a long way since the days of sending your secretary out to buy your gifts for you. Today, gift recipients expect personalised, thoughtful, quality gifts. And so they should! Buying corporate gifts has never been easier with the seemingly endless amount of products available at your fingertips online.
With that said, don’t let the ease of today’s online shopping deter you from choosing the right gifts. Whether it is to say thank you or Merry Christmas, if you are in a corporate gift buying rut, you have stumbled on the perfect article. Read on to learn the top 6 things to consider when buying corporate gifts.
1) The Gender Factor
We are all for equal pay and treatment between men and women in the workplace. However, don’t let this equality fool you into buying bulk gifts that don’t apply to everyone at the office. I am pretty sure the Senior Executive wouldn’t appreciate a new necktie. When choosing gifts, take into account appropriate gifts for men and gifts for women.
2) Company Compliance
Before purchasing corporate gifts, be sure to read up on company policy. Often companies have restricted per gift dollar amounts or even prohibited gifts. If you need some guidance, ask your Human Resources department for the policy. You don’t want to go out and purchase fancy wine for everyone only to find out alcohol is a no-no!
3) Determine Wants
If you are banging your head against the wall trying to figure out a personal, gender appropriate, compliant gift, we recommend taking a moment to ask some questions. Get in touch with the gift recipient, or someone who knows him/her well, and inquire about hobbies, tastes and preferences. Tailor the gift to the recipient to ensure the gift appears authentic rather than just to boost business relations.
4) Cultural Differences
A culturally appropriate, or inappropriate gift, can really make or break a corporate relationship. Be sure to do your research if you are buying a gift for a person or company of a different culture. For example, in China, you cannot present a gift wrapped in white as that is the symbol of death! Surefire way to kill a business deal.
5) Quality
Take the time to find gifts that are high-quality without breaking the bank. Smaller high quality items are preferred and more appreciated than something flashy but cheap. Corporate gifts reflect the image of the company giving the gift. Keep that in mind as you shop around and if you can afford it, spending a few more bucks will go a long way in how well received the gifts are.
6) Personal Touch
Lastly, add these two elements of a personal touch from the gift giver. Hand write the card, and deliver the gift personally. These two extra efforts will go a long way in showing the authenticity of the gift.
Buying a corporate gift is unlike buying any other gift. There are so many other elements and factors to consider when choosing the perfect corporate gift. A corporate gift reflects your business and your brand, and can really enhance business relationships when done correctly.
Taking time to choose, wrap and deliver corporate gifts is just as important as the gift itself. Hopefully, the six tips in this article help ease the stress of gift buying so you can free up space for creativity and that perfect personal touch!
