Features Business Marketing
Marc’s monthly marketing tips: giving customer gifts

Dec. 3, 2012 — With the holidays just around the corner, now's the time to think about gift giving — to your customers.

A holiday gift is your chance to show you appreciate a customer’s
business and value the relationship you have with them. However,
deciding what to give can be a challenge. Here are five tips that will
make your corporate gift giving plans easier:Group your customers.
Not every customer may deserve the same kind of gift. Placing them into
groups based on purchases, status or other criteria can make gift
buying decisions less stressful and more efficient.

• Don't forget key staff.
  Buying for the owner is great, but don't forget the staff – especially
  those that have a lot of influence in the buying decisions.
• Forget retail.
  Look to a promotional products company for unique self-branded
  merchandise that reflects your style and appeals to your customers.
• Understand your customer's industry. Some
  of your customers may be prohibited from accepting gifts of a certain
  value or any gifts at all. A charitable donation in their name can be a
  thoughtful alternative.
• Avoid giving edibles. With so
  many people having allergies and dietary restrictions, foods such as
  wine, nuts and candy may end up getting tossed or given away to others.

Marc Gordon is a professional speaker and marketing consultant. Get more marketing tips on his website, www.marcgordon.ca and on his online show, www.marctv.net.