Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Corporate Gift Giving Guidelines – Part I

Giving corporate or business gifts can be highly effective and is a common practice. However, if you mess up and give something that is not appropriate your intent may be misunderstood, you may ruin a business relationship or you may never get your foot in the door with a prospect.

Part I of Corporate Gift Giving Guidelines covers what to avoid when giving a business gift. See below for basic, yet very critical, guidelines:

  • Not too extravagant. You don’t want the recipient to feel uncomfortable accepting the gift or feel obligated to you in any way. Also, many companies have limits on the value of a gift that their employees can accept.
  • No religious items unless you know the person very well. These items are very personal and you don’t want to offend anyone by giving them something that goes against their beliefs.
  • No bath or spa products unless given by a female to a female. In any other circumstance, these items are just too personal for a business gift and may be misconstrued.
  • No items with a heart motif or anything representing love.
  • No risqué calendars or printed items. Many companies have policies banning this type of thing from the work place. Actually, all companies should have this policy because displaying items like this in the work place can be viewed as sexual harassment and could get a company in a heap of legal trouble.
  • No apparel or logo items with obscene motifs or wording.
  • No apparel or logo items that can be construed as racist.
  • No alcohol unless you know what the recipient likes and you know it doesn’t go against any company policy. Many companies have “no alcohol” policies and will not allow it on their premises or at any company events.

Following the above guidelines will help you ensure that your business gifts are not misconstrued and that they are business appropriate. See ‘Part II’ of Corporate Gift Giving Guidelines for a list of business gifts that always make good choices.

Authored by Kimberly Yow, owner of Gifted Lady Gift Baskets. Kimberly has spent years helping her clients market their businesses through the use of gift baskets. She not only offers her clients advice on appropriate business gifts she also helps them select “WOW” gifts that leave a lasting impression. To start using gift baskets as an effective marketing tool, contact Kimberly today at GiftedLady.com.

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