| As a retired manager in a multi-country company, I | | | | message to the recipient that she or he is important |
| have found that buying the right corporate gift for | | | | to you. A gift with poor packaging on the other hand |
| employee reward programs, customers or for | | | | will tell the recipient that the item inside is not that |
| corporate celebrations in general, can become a | | | | important, or worse, the recipient may think that she |
| challenging task. Giving it is worse since you have the | | | | or he is not important. So regardless of the price of |
| intention to gain business ties, connect with clients, | | | | the gift inside, it is inevitable that a corporate gift |
| and send your message of giving thanks. Although | | | | should be packed appropriately. |
| there are no definitive rules, knowing the following | | | | Make sure you check company policies on corporate |
| corporate gift buying basics will increase your chances | | | | gifts to employees and clients or customers. Some |
| of attaining your goals. | | | | companies prohibit gift giving at all; some have dollar |
| Ask this: "What particular office item does he or she | | | | limits on the gift item; while other don't have limits at |
| lack?" Any person would appreciate when he or she | | | | all. By checking your company's policies on this matter |
| receives something that sparks his or her interest. | | | | you will know how much you have to spend on a |
| For example, your boss or your business partner | | | | particular gift item to avoid your gift being sent back |
| loves cigars. Think of something that he or she can | | | | to you. If the gift if for a client, it pays to find out |
| use together with his or her cigar. It can be a cigar | | | | their policy as well. It will be a short call that saves |
| lighter, leather cigar case, or a box of cigar from the | | | | you a lot of potential hassle. |
| best brand you can find. For someone who likes to | | | | If you are giving gifts to selected few, be discreet. If |
| collect watches, you can consider a leather watch | | | | in case you only plan to give gifts to a chosen few |
| case or another watch to add his or her collection. | | | | like your assistant, few clerks, and the receptionists, |
| Avoid gender discrimination. Obviously, you will | | | | do not tell everyone about your plan. Keep it silent |
| choose your gift according to gender but make sure | | | | and hand your gifts when no one else who can see; |
| that you treat each of them equally. Do not buy a | | | | it may be out of the office. You can be charged with |
| $50-gift for men and a $10 gift for women. Keep it | | | | favoritism if you are not careful enough. |
| equal. Better yet, choose an item that will suit both | | | | Buying a corporate gift can sometimes become a |
| men and women and give it to all. | | | | daunting task, but with experience, common sense |
| Corporate gift packaging is important. This can make | | | | and by following corporate gift buying essentials will |
| it or break it when it comes to the first impression to | | | | increase your chances of a successful and rewarding |
| the receiver. An appropriate packaging will send a | | | | experience for all parties. |