Many US companies use gifts as a marketing technique, especially at holiday season. But like any gift, it is important that these are given in the right spirit. Cheap branded products such as throwaway pens or calendars can be seen as a cynical attempt to curry favor and could do more damage than good to brand image. But it is possible to buy corporate gifts in bulk that have the personalized touch and deliver a marketing message and are genuinely useful and appreciated. Even better, these personalized corporate gifts do not have to come with a hefty price tag.
Bulk gifts that stand out
Decades ago, US businesses would simply go to a local printer and have a few hundred branded calendars printed. But today, it pays to go a step further. Websites like LucasGift have sections dedicated to corporate gifting and offer interesting but cost-effective gift ideas that can be purchased in bulk.
There are dozens of gift ideas to choose from, but just to give a few examples, you might consider keychains, tote bags, refillable pens, lanyards or money clips. These are all the type of items that clients, customers or business partners will use every day, and with the right personalization, they will think of you and your business in a positive light every time they do so.
Personalization is key with corporate gifts
These are challenging economic times for US businesses. None of the gifts suggested above will break the bank. For example, a pack of 100 leather keychains is likely to cost between $200 and $600 depending on the type. However, even that is a business expense that needs to be justified in the current climate, so it is important that the gifts deliver the right message. That means a message that will strengthen relationships and ultimately be good for business in the medium to long term.
That can be achieved with the choice of inscription. In some cases, simply adding your brand or logo is enough. This certainly makes sense with small gifts like lanyards. A keychain might have a little more space, so you could consider adding a web address or telephone number.
However, avoid going over the top. Remember what we mentioned earlier about those calendars. If you send a gift that looks like little more than a glorified business card, it will be seen for what it is and is unlikely to win you either friends or business.
Gifts with a conscience
Your choice of gift can send out messages about your values, so make sure that message is a positive one that corresponds with your business ethos. For example, we mentioned pens and keychains earlier. Ensure these are made from renewable materials, for example wood pens or leather keychains, as opposed to plastic.
Also, choose manufacturers and suppliers who use responsible manufacturing processes. Where possible, sourcing gifts from local businesses or small independent manufacturers sends out a strong message about your business and its values.
Gifting is not just for holiday season
Gift-giving is an end-of-year tradition that began long before people started celebrating Christmas. Today, US culture tends to talk about “holiday season” to include all cultures and beliefs, but whatever name you give it, the fact remains than November and December encompass peak gift-giving season.
That means that like the pair of socks from your well-meaning aunt, those carefully chosen corporate gifts can be lost in the melee of the festive season. Thinking outside the box is never a bad idea when it comes to marketing, so consider giving corporate gifts at some other time of year.
For example, you might choose to send out gifts to commemorate the anniversary of your business’s launch, or perhaps some special event in the town or city where you are based. This latter option can have the extra benefit of strengthening ties with the local community and enhancing brand image.
