Does it pay to give gifts to clients and customers?
In some industries, your customer might expect a gift based on custom and past experiences. So sending something unique will give you a better chance of making a lasting impression. And it pays to stick with the accepted customs, if you want to generate other leads from your customers.
But don't count on referred business just because you sent a corporate gift. Statistics show that referral business needs to be cultivated. You need to make follow up calls, and also ask for the referral. i-gifts™ provide you with a reoccurring reason to touch base with your customers. If you're lucky, maybe they'll have you over to sample some of the wares!
If your industry doesn't usually send gifts, you'll have a distinct advantage by surprising your clients. Showing your appreciation for their business is always appropriate and well received. And building relationships is key if you want a client to recommend you. What better way to build a strong relationship than to send a fun gift and you will know that your gift will be appreciated on a regular basis.
Why do some companies give gifts to their suppliers?
If your supplier really goes out of the way for you, or does an outstanding job, it's a good idea to recognize their efforts and performance. They aren't your employees, but don't loose sight of the chance to reinforce great service. If you fail to acknowledge their hard work and responsiveness, you might not get it the next time.
Sometimes you can encourage outstanding work and dedication to your goals by taking the initiative to recognize a personal event, a productive suggestion, a creative solution, working overtime, or on a holiday, etc. That's when the power of repetitive reinforcement in our i-gifts™ program really pays off!
Should gifts ever be given to your boss?
There really are no set rules of thumb that could apply to all working environments. And remember that your peers may interpret your actions in different ways. Often, a group of employees will pool funds to purchase a 12-shipment i-gifts™ program.
You're boss or associate will appreciate being remembered on their birthday or being recognized for a job well done. Everyone feels good when they are acknowledged. And reminding your boss of your consideration every month can't hurt. We'll send out a gift announcement and you will have the opportunity to personalize it with your own comments.
Another way to give your boss a gift is to purchase the entire department, including your boss, an i-gifts™ program, celebrating professional achievement and teamwork. Consider sending a program that alternates lines e.g. beer the first month, wine the second, cigars the third and so forth. This strategy also makes sure that your boss notices the great job your department is doing each month.
When is it appropriate to give a gift to your employees?
Giving a gift to an employee needs to be associated with performance so that others don't think you're showing preferential treatment. In fact, an optimum way to handle employee motivation is to create incentive programs with very clear goals and well-defined rewards. When your employees earn i-gifts™, we'll customize each recognition award that accompanies the incentive memberships.
There are times when a team or department is responsible for some unexpected event that warrants celebration... like landing a new account that everyone expected your competition to get. When you send them i-gifts™, you repeatedly acknowledge their heroic efforts and that builds confidence, can-do attitudes and greater productivity.
Gifts which recognize occasions that are more personal in nature, such as a birthday, a birth of a child, wedding, or promotion, could be sent by a group of peers which may include their manager.