Client Christmas Gifts: Hot or Not?

[petercrocker]

Hi all,

I’m currently writing a Flying Solo newsletter about whether or not giving Christmas gifts to clients and customers is a good idea.

Up until about this time last year I’d always thought a gift (or at least a card) was definitely a good thing.

But after a writing a newsletter called Four unique corporate gift ideas last year I’m not so sure anymore. There were some 75 commenters revealing quite a passionate divide on the subject. Even the seemingly sure-fire winner of getting a charitable gift drew criticism.

So this year I’m just not sure anymore. Where do you stand on giving gifts and/or cards to clients?

I would love to hear your thoughts and I’ll get back to you with more in my newsletter on November 24th.

[Burgo]

I read you article last year ( is it that time already) and I can remeber a couple of my previous employers giving gifts at Christmas time. I personally am not in favour of this gift giving, its more like a bribe or suck up to a customer or client. If you really like this customer or client then why not give a gift through out the year and not just at Christmas.
When I was a Fashion buyer an elderly rep use to pop into my office during my lunch break and leave a block of delicious chocolate on my desk. I never looked upon this as abribe or suck up just a good relationship, other manufacturers would want to take you to lunch or dinner or send lavish gifts around Christmas and quite frankly it didnt impress me.

A Christmas card is more than adequate, it really should be your customer giving you the gifts in appreciation of your quality work and or fantastic service

Would I make a good scrouge?

[Elizabeth Ball]

Hi Peter,
I write birthday cards to my clients but don't send Christmas gifts (there's too many of them)!

I'm doing a Christmas gifts survey on this very topic at http://tinyurl.com/nbmuva - please take a minute to have your say!

I'm asking what people think of Kris Kringles and how much they'd spend on colleagues and so far, the answer is: not much!

A Christmas card would be fine (if you don't make huge revenue from your clients) but a modest yet thoughtful gift would be a gift card to one of the major online book retailers. Whether they use it for business books or something for the beach, you couldn't really go wrong and you can always discuss the book in your next meeting.

Cheers,
Elizabeth

[LeelaCosgrove]

This year we've decided that instead of sending out gifts we're going to have a Christmas party ... doesn't work so well for clients interstate - but hey! At least we'll enjoy ourselves!

[copywriter]

I think referral gifts make more sense than christmas gifts. Rather than giving a gift because its a holiday, they are more likely to refer again and think of you next time when the opporunity comes up if you send a small gift and a thank-you card on a non-holiday.

[vstacy]

A Christmas card is enough for me.

Birthday cards and gift are even better !

Not saying that I'm not ungrateful for any gifts given to me ... it's just that what if I don't like the gift ? Even gift cards are.. well.. a bit so so esp. because they now have all these limitations on them (unlike in the "good ol days" when it was just like having the cash - no so complicated).

Also.. this is the question that I was thinking about in re my clients... whilst I know their animals well (as I would aim the gift towards their animals not them)... a standard gift that is given to everyone regardless is not suitable DUE to how each dog, cat, rat, bird, etc is different. Plus... I'm not doing Christmas cards even because.. to be honest.. my being available and service is the best gift I can give them (as they can then enjoy their holiday with "peace of mind" that their animals are in good hands).


Tho' the whole "referral gift" is a good idea... depends on your customers/clients tho' IMO ... and what's the "gift" that you are giving?

[BB]

I send Christmas cards - handwritten by me, and with a personal note to each and every one. I've already started and they'll be sent by the first week in December.

It's a great way to personally thank each client for being a part of our mission. And, not only does it remind them not to get too caught up in the hype and spend too much money - it also lets them know that we're here to help afterwards if they need some support (if their bank balances have been seriously damaged.)

I get many calls after the cards have been sent out - to book appointments for the new year. It seems that lots of people want to start their new year on the right foot and a financial health check is part of that plan.

If you value your clients - it's worth taking some time to reflect that without them you'd have no business at all. A kind thought will always be appreciated!

cheers,

B.B.

[petercrocker]

Still a few very different schools of thought on this one I see :)

• Personal cards
• Referral gifts
• Throw a party
• Chocolate

Interestingly no-one really jumping in behind the 'give a fabulous gift' approach?!?

[Adam Randall]

Peter if you would like to test it out on me, I would like a polar watch.

I will let you know if the gift giving thing works:)

One of the companies I used to work for used to give bigger and bigger christmas presents for both staff and clients the longer they had been there.

So every year would be better than the one before.

[Platy]

I don't bother at Christmas as my business is very busy during this time, usually a phone call is enough or a quick email.

Depending on the industry and style of business the gift will change.

I have seen some give gifts at christmas but these are of a corporate nature with your company's logo laser engraved, upmarket style marketing, but given as a gift because it is a useable item. If the client is big usually there is a swap of corporate identity goodies, some managers then give these to their special staff though, the greedy ones put them all up in their office to collect dust or snavel them to take home to their collection in the den or to give away.

Others have given things like a nice platter of cheese, biscuits and assorted edible things for the staff to share. The manager or managers were taken out to lunch or dinner and given maybe a bottle of something.

All sorts of things go on pre-Christmas ;-)