Tips for Buying Client Holiday Gifts
Client holiday gifts. We need client holiday gift ideas. These are the two things we are hearing from corporate staff teams right now.
The holidays are the absolute worst time to start thinking of the best client holiday gifts! This is even more true in 2020!
After more than nineteen years of helping people choose the best gifts to brand their business and say thank you to valued customers or staff, we've learned a thing or two about how to avoid the disaster holiday gift buying can become.
And you can avoid them, too...if you know the tips and tricks.
Avoid Gift Buying Problems You Never Saw Coming
Hit the site. Choose the gift. Confirm your order. Boom! Your holiday corporate gift shopping is done!
That's holiday shopping at its best.
We like to make it look just that easy for our customers. But on our side of the screen, there are a lot of moving parts to make that happen.
We know you don't have time to figure out how the promo industry works, so we do that for you. We're more than just a catalog site. We are also marketing consultants dedicated to helping you skip the problems we see all the time.
Here are the problems (and solutions) you don't know about that we see every holiday season. 2020 is no different.
PROBLEM: They weren't impressed last year...we wasted our budget
It happens every year. Some company will make a quick gift decision based on what's cheap and can ship quickly, primarily because they waited too long and availability is limited.
Don't worry! It isn't your fault. A lot of companies get rushed right down to the wire and make a quick decision to get it done.
But we want to ask: If you've sold enough products or services to say thank you for the business, or you're marketing something that requires a significant financial outlay on your customer's part, how does it reflect on your company to thank them with a super cheap gift?
Yes, a little tough love is called for if it keeps you from being embarrassed. We've got your back.
SOLUTION: Match the gift to the level of the client, or higher
The holidays are the perfect time to help your company shine. When you wow them with a spectacular gift that says, "You matter to us!" people are impressed.
I can't think of a better way to use your budget than to be outstanding in the eyes of your customers.
So if you want to avoid a yawn when they receive your gift, or far worse, the possibility you offended them with a cheap show of appreciation that's far below their level of their worth to your company, match the gift to the level of the client.
PROBLEM: The gift isn't appropriate
A few months ago we told you a story about a boss who awarded his stellar employees expensive gift certificates to the best steak house in town.
His employees were vegetarians.
A common problem is choosing gifts you think have big value, but may not be a great match for your customers or employees.
And it's important that those gifts support your brand, too.
SOLUTION: Know the client or staff member you're buying for
Your gifts have to hit a few targets:
- Keep them appropriate and valuable to the recipient
- Choose quality gifts
- Opt for gifts that get used often and stay visible
- Match them to your company brand
Your gift choice should reflect your brand. Having an idea of who will receive the gifts shows that you are invested in the people, not just hoping to win their business or support with a generic gift.
PROBLEM: Hot items are already out of stock
Some of the most popular items sell out as early as late summer and early fall. Sure, some are restocked, but much of that is pre-sold before it leaves customs.
SOLUTION: Order early
Something doesn't feel quite right when stores hang Christmas decorations before Halloween. It dilutes the fun of gift buying in crisp air, with a roaring fire, and the aroma of cinnamon and evergreen trees.
It doesn't evoke the same level of excitement.
Talking about holiday gifts in October is right up there with Santa competing for floor space with bats and skeletons, we get it.
Before you select a gift, let us check availability.
Or better yet, start shopping early or late while we still have those cool tech items you have your eye on. Yes, we said late. Ignore the holidays 2020 and send your gift in January welcoming in 2021. To thank staff or clients in January for business or work they did in 2020 makes lots of sense.
PROBLEM: Delayed Shipping
In past years, shipping delays began as early as the third quarter due to problems at a national hub. The increase in volume and staffing also trigger chaos during the holidays, causing shipping delays we can't predict. Throw in the weather and you've got a recipe for delays.
It's a moving part we have no control over. It's a bigger challenge in 2020 as volume increased from the start of the pandemic and continues breaking records.
SOLUTION: Start now!
We have trusted suppliers from coast to coast. If you order early and our supplier on your side of the country still has product, there are fewer delays.
Double check that list: make sure if we're drop shipping your client's gifts to their homes (or businesses) that you have correct addresses. Delays are not what you want when ordering the best holiday gifts!
PROBLEM: No time to research which products are hot!
What sells? What moves out fast? And which of those gifts will my customers love?
You don't have time to do research.
SOLUTION: We've got resources to help you choose quickly.
We monitor RETAIL TRENDS. Why? What's happening in retail drives what happens on the promo side of things. Our clients want the best holiday client gift ideas and that means being aware of what's unique and what's trending.
We know which gifts sell and why. We deal with clients across the USA as well as international customers! We see what's trending. And we share it with our customers.
What Are The Best Client Holiday Gifts 2020?
Ideas for the best client holiday gifts? We've got them!
Self care is the top trend we are seeing. Almost every inquiry or client holiday gift order we're currently putting together is in this category. Think journals and pen sets, adult coloring book set, soft throws/blankets, games, drinkware, specifically ones that are insulated and food gifts.
What about tech gifts? Still on the radar in 2020.
Specifically, tech items that make life easier and more fun will still score points.
Mobile power chargers or power banks, whatever you call them, continue to be sought after company gifts - but be sure to know what sets one apart from the other. (Hint: Type C + 10W is where it's at!)
Rockin' on in 2020 are all things audio. Having some fun is key. The bluetooth speakers are very popular. Ask the owner about the bluetooth speaker she's testing in her shower. Seriously.
Don't see what you had in mind on our website? No problem! Email us at holidays at PROMOrx dot com or call 888.553.9569 extension 1 or extension 3. We have lots of ideas for client holiday gifts that are not on our website. (you know, insider info!)
Don't wait until even one of our best insider tips can't help.
Start planning today. Who needs any more stress this year? Not us! And not you!
