Why buy corporate gifts?

Corporate gifts have been a long tradition for not only companies in the east, but also companies in the west. Although in Asia, there are indeed more occasions for corporate gifting. For a major and international city like Singapore, corporate gifts can be seen on traditional western holidays like the new year and Christmas, as well as Chinese holidays like the lunar new year. Other than the major holidays, companies in different industries also send out corporate gifts on related holidays or occasions.

Okay, so everyone is doing it. But why should I?

Doing something just because everyone is doing it is never a good idea, however, if everyone is doing it, you might want to take some time to see why. Here are a couple common reasons:

 

Because they are gifts

First of all, corporate gifts, by nature, are gifts. And no matter how you look at it, everybody likes gifts.  This might seem overly obvious, but it’s the key point to keep in mind when and if you decide to start giving out corporate gifts. As this is commonly overshadowed by other reasons behind corporate gifts.

When doing business or maintaining a business relationship, it is always better to have a happy and enjoyable relationship. And every now and then some small gifts could just be the perfect reminder of how you care more than just business and can often bring people closer. Your customers might be used to interacting with you in a professional manner, but at the end of the day, business is done by people. The human factor in any business relationship is still a key to many success as well as failure.

 

The perfect reminder

A unique or practical gift can stay on the recipient’s desk or everyday life for a long time. This is the reason why most if not all corporate gifts often come with a logo of the gifting company. Seeing your logo even when they are not in need of your service can put the image of your logo in the back of their mind, and when they do need your service, they are more likely to get in touch with vendors that they already know and remember. Even in the world of business, there is still some truth to the saying “out of sight, out of mind.” – So if you are not going to hang around on a daily basis, why not give out a little something to do exactly just that for you?

 

Related (The Three Standards of Corporate Gifts Giving )

 

A subtle marketing tool

Technically, anything with a company logo on it but not a product is considered a marketing material. Corporate gifts might not be as aggressive as flyers or advertisements, they still play a role in the marketing of your brand or company. As previously mentioned, it is a perfect reminder for your customers to keep you in mind. Choosing gifts that are somewhat related to your service or products can take that to the next level and further strengthen your customers’ impression on you. For example, if you are offering IT service, consider giving out USB thumb drives. If you are selling printing supplies, consider giving out unique pens or other stationary.

Furthermore, this is also an opportunity to show your customers who you are as a company. A sophisticatedly designed and executed gift says “We pay attention to details and care about everything we do.”. A simple, but practical gift says “We are not about nonsense and focus on getting the job done.”

And remember, the more your gift is being used or displayed, the more exposure it gets. This makes it a subtle advertisement for your brand and company.

 

Let your customers know that you are thinking of them

Just because the exchange of corporate gifts is between two parties or individuals that have a business relationship or potential business relationship, doesn’t mean it has to be all business. Think about why you get your friends and family presents on major holidays and special occasion. To make them smile? If so, the thought of wanting to make them smile itself is a proof of having them in mind the first place. Now, think about how pleasant it is to receive holiday greetings or just an unexpected postcard from friends in overseas. That’s how great it feels to know that someone is thinking of you. Now, through corporate gifts, you have the power to make your customers and potential customers to feel the same way, why waste it? When they know you are thinking of them, sometimes down the road, they will be thinking of you, too!