It's the little things that make a big difference, especially in business. Workers, bosses, and clients want to know that they are appreciated. It is for this reason that American businesses spend billions of dollars each year on corporate gifts. According to a recent survey conducted by American Express Open Small Business Holiday Monitor, 44 percent of managers said that they intend to send their best clients gifts.
What do they give?
The single most popular corporate gift is the food basket. Around 13 percent of managers responded that they always send their best clients food baskets over the holidays. These baskets can be filled with a variety of foods and beverages, from fruit to caviar and wine. Their purpose is to communicate to customers that they matter, which is why most managers send unique gifts these days.
Instead of the perfunctory fruit basket, they send sports tickets, vacation packages, or trips to the spa. These unique gifts help set companies apart from their competitors and may actually improve customer loyalty. Of course, they can be quite expensive. According to the aforementioned survey, the average manager spends over $700 on each corporate gift.
What is a small business to do?
The reason they call them corporate gifts is that only corporations can afford to give them. No, just kidding. But it is true that most small businesses cannot compete with larger firms when it comes to holiday expenditures. They simply don't have the cash to pay for cruises or tickets to the opera. That is why they often settle for plain, pedestrian gifts, like fruit baskets.
As your mother told you, it truly is the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. A unique gift does not have to be expensive or ostentatious. It simply has to be a bit different. Small business owners should take their time and shop around before they buy anything. The internet gives them the option of getting more for less. They can save time and money if they order online.
Gift Ideas?
It isn't easy to find an inexpensive gift that is also original, which is why most folks settle for predictable presents. There's nothing wrong with a fruit basket or even a fruit cake, but don't expect a stack of thank-you cards in the mail. These are gifts that let clients know that you need their business. They don't convey any other message. If you truly want to make an impression, you'll have to think outside of the box.
Don't worry, you can still save money. According to Packaged Facts, a market research firm, food baskets are still the most popular gift. About 2.7 billion bucks worth of food was presented as corporate gifts in 2009. Most of this food is gourmet quality. As we mentioned, many of these baskets contain caviar and wines, as well as expensive cheeses and chocolates.
While it is not a traditional gift basket ingredient, chocolatiers have created their own kind of holiday basket that can be sent as a corporate gift. Unlike the familiar fruit basket, these arrangements will not spoil in a week or two. They can be enjoyed for months without worry. And honestly, who doesn't like chocolate?
Most major holidays include some form of candy, including Christmas and Hanukkah. And chocolate is easily the most popular flavor. Americans consume about 12 pounds of it each year! A chocolate basket, bucket, or box makes the perfect corporate gift.
What do they contain?
Chocolate boxes feature an assortment of hand-crafted chocolates. They can be sent to individuals or as an office gift. If you are shopping for the entire office, make sure you get enough for everyone. A single box may not suffice. Most online candy sellers have their own corporate gift section where they sell larger chocolate boxes with several levels.
Chocolate buckets resemble popcorn buckets and are filled with chocolate bars and treats. Some sellers include other popular candies in their buckets. They need not necessarily all be chocolates. The shopper can choose which sweet treats he wants in the arrangement.
A chocolate basket is pretty much what you might expect. It is a large basket filled with an array of chocolates in various forms. There are chocolate bars, chocolate covered foods, and small items that can be consumed by the handful. Since it complements the flavor of the candy, some of the more high-end chocolate baskets also include a bottle of champagne.
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