If you read our previous blog on the basics of corporate gifting, you’ll be happy to know that we’re back with our second article. The first article discussed why corporate gifting is important – from the reasons why you should gift to the value of gifting. In this article, we’re covering the essentials of when to give corporate gifts. While it’s not unusual for businesses to send gifts throughout the year, timing is key. And it’s important to know that the timing of gifts differs for employees and clients. That said, it’s also crucial to understand when not to send a gift. This article unpacks it all so you can plan your corporate gifting strategy to a T.
When Should Your Business Send Gifts?
Our calendars are jam-packed with occasions. But unfortunately gifting on every occasion simply isn’t sustainable for a business’s budget. That’s why it can be helpful to narrow down occasions that suit your budget and brand. If your brand focuses on sustainability a beautiful plant could be an impactful client gift on Earth Day. However, if you are a female-owned business you might prefer sending internal gifts to your staff on Women’s Day. At the end of the day you can decide when you want to send gifts, and the type of message your gift carries. Our list of gifting occasions will also come in handy if you need suggestions for when to gift.
Gifting Clients
Client gifting can do wonders for your business if you gift strategically throughout the customer journey. For new clients, a memorable welcome gift like a snack hamper will make a great first impression. It shows that you’re appreciative of their support and don’t see them as just another number (Pusateri, 2022). Similarly, if your business works with service contracts, surprise your clients with gifts before the contract is up for renewal. This communicates that you value their loyalty and that you’re eager to continue working with them.
That said, you don’t only have to stick to the customer journey. If your business has built personal relationships with clients, then celebrate all the small wins. A professional milestone like doing business together for five or ten years is always worth gifting. By sending gifts on these occasions you solidify the deeper connection that you’ve built with a client (Pusateri, 2022). Another option is to send a gift, just because. Client gifts don’t have to be tied to occasions, and it’s perfectly acceptable to appreciate them just because of their loyalty and support.
Gifting Employees
Sending employee gifts can be just as valuable for your business. It’s standard practice to send tokens of appreciation at least once a year (Pilon, 2018). Many businesses do this before the festive season, as it ends the year on a high note. But you can also surprise employees with thank you gifts throughout the year. Valuing employees in this way proves to be very beneficial for businesses. It increases productivity and employee retention, creates a happier workplace culture, and boosts morale within the team (Boitnott, 2022).
As with clients, you can also send personal gifts to employees. Celebrating special occasions like birthdays or weddings is very important because it shows that your business is invested in people and not just productivity. It’s also acceptable to show support with a sympathy gift when your employee has lost a loved one. Furthermore, in times when you can’t afford salary increases, a small gift like a pen or personalised mug is a meaningful way to express gratitude.
Times When Your Business Shouldn’t Send Gifts
Now that we’ve discussed when to give corporate gifts it’s important to consider when not to give corporate gifts. Unethical gifting can seriously damage your business’s reputation. That’s why you should always keep corporate gifting policies in mind. Government sectors that offer public services often adopt a no-gift policy (Schoeman, n.d.). Therefore, always familiarise yourself with a potential stakeholder or partner’s gifting policy. If they can’t accept corporate gifts, don’t send any. Going against their policy is not only offensive, but it can also jeopardize your business relationship.
If your business is tendering for a contract, gifting is a no-go. The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act defines this as bribery and corruption (Schoeman, n.d.). Monetary gifts and gifts given to gain a business favour are also not acceptable. Setting up your own gift policy could prevent this from happening in your business (Heathfield, 2020). Outline which gifts are acceptable or unacceptable, who can accept gifts, and that gifting should be declared and recorded by both the sender and receiver.
Know When To Gift
Corporate gifting is generally a harmless and meaningful way to express gratitude. As we’ve discussed, it can benefit your relationships with clients and employees. However, you should always be aware of gifting policies and when not to gift a partner, client, or contractor. Knowing when to give corporate gifts will allow you to choose important occasions and milestones for the year, and plan your gifting calendar accordingly. After all, gifting will always be part of the business world, and, when done right it can be very impactful! Chat to our corporate team at corporate@netflorist.co.za if you need help with placing gift orders for an upcoming occasion.
References:
Boitnott, J. (2022). 5 Reasons Why You Should Give Gifts To Employees Any Time Of The Year. Available at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/5-reasons-why-you-should-give-gifts-to-employees-any-time/414645 (Accessed 4 October 2022).
Heathfield, S. M. (2020). Why You Need an Employee Gift Policy With a Sample Policy. Available at: https://www.liveabout.com/gift-policy-1918897 (Accessed 5 October 2022).
Pilon, A. (2018). When To Give Business Gifts And Who To Give Them To. Available at: https://smallbiztrends.com/2014/09/when-to-give-business-gifts.html (Accessed 4 October 2022).
Pusateri, R. (2022). 11 Client Gifting Use Cases to Elevate the Customer Experience. Available at: https://www.postal.com/blog/client-gifting-use-cases (Accessed 5 October 2022).
Schoeman, C. (n.d.). Corporate Gifts: Acceptable Practise vs Corruption. Available at: https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/corporate-gifts-acceptable-practice-vs-corruption/ (Accessed 5 October 2022).
