The 5 Ws of Business Gift Giving Etiquette
Written by Heather King
Giving business gifts is a great way to build relationships, thank customers, and recognize employees. However, it can also be a source of confusion and stress for you, the business owner. With so many guidelines and rules to follow, it’s no surprise to ask yourself, “What is the proper etiquette for giving business gifts?” Here, we’ll explore the who, what, when, where, and why of business gift etiquette to help you navigate this difficult but common aspect of modern business.
Who to Give Business Gifts To
When it comes to giving business gifts, it’s essential to have documented guidelines, and perhaps even company policies, of who should receive gifts and who should not. Generally speaking, gifts should be given to customers, clients, and vendors who have helped your business in some way. You may also consider giving gifts to your employees or business partners.
If you do business with government officials or industries that are heavily regulated, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of what is and isn’t allowed or choose to avoid giving gifts to anyone who could be seen as receiving a bribe.
What to Give as Business Gifts
Selecting the perfect business gift can be complicated, as it depends on the recipient’s tastes and preferences and the closeness of your relationship with the receiver. Many companies have policies that detail the amount that should be spent on each recipient based on their contribution to the company, and it might be helpful to determine in advance at your place of business.
For large-scale gifts that might be going from your business to another as a company-wide gift, food and beverages, whether in the form of catered meals or gift baskets, are almost universally appreciated.
Individual gifts to a specific person could also include consumable items in addition to office decor or gift cards to popular retailers. If you’re unsure of what to give, a handwritten note or card expressing your gratitude, along with a small token of appreciation, is always an excellent start.
When to Give Business Gifts
Business gifts are often given during the holiday season. Still, they can also be given throughout the year, such as on a client’s birthday or company anniversary, to recognize a significant milestone or achievement.
The timing of your gift should depend on your specific business relationship with the recipient. It also pays to be mindful of religious beliefs and to keep holiday-related items as secular as appropriate for the occasion.
Where to Give Business Gifts
Depending on the type of gift and the relationship with the recipient, gifts can be given in person or delivered/shipped directly to the recipient’s office or home. Be sure to include a personalized note or card expressing your appreciation for the relationship and explaining why you chose the gift.
Why Give Business Gifts
Business gifts serve various purposes, from thanking customers for their patronage to recognizing employees for their hard work. Ultimately, giving a business gift aims to strengthen the relationship between the gift giver and recipient. By choosing a thoughtful gift and expressing your gratitude, you can create a positive impression and foster long-term business relationships.
With proper understanding and consideration, business gift-giving can be a powerful and thoughtful tool for building relationships and giving genuine thanks for supporting your business throughout the year.
By considering the who, what, when, where, and why of business gift-giving etiquette, you can quickly and confidently navigate this essential aspect of modern business.
Give Cache Toffee this Year!
Once you’ve determined your gift-giving strategy, consider presenting a deliciously handmade collection of Cache Toffee to your clients. We offer choices ranging from ⅓ of a pound to 2 pounds in the beautiful Sampler Box with six toffees or individual flavors–including our limited-edition Pizazz to celebrate festive winter holidays. And if you are concerned about clients with nut allergies, Key is the perfect choice.
You might also love to gift a toffee of the month (or quarter) to keep your clients delighted throughout the year.
Finally, to make your gifting as easy as possible, we can add custom bands to each toffee selection that are personalized with your sentiments. We’ll also take care of shipping and handling if desired and can enclose a greeting card with your logo and message as well.
Your gifting options are as endless as our rich, buttery flavors.
To start your customized and delicious corporate gift orders, contact us today to learn about bulk discounts. Happy gifting!