How to impress clients with the perfect gift

Good clients are worth their weight in gold. Keeping them happy and devoted is an essential part of what makes a business successful. When clients like the way you operate, they’ll spread the word. 

Sending gifts is a message of thanks to your clients for being loyal. The trouble is, getting it right can be tricky. Is your gift too personal? Not personal enough? Is it going to make them smile with delight, or will it end up in the corporate swag drawer?  

In this article, we’re sharing a few tips on how to impress your clients with a thoughtful gift. But first, let’s start with the `why’. 

Why send gifts to clients? 

The idea isn’t new. Prehistoric humans gave each other gifts as a way to strengthen social bonds and build alliances. Gifting makes the recipient feel good, and it taps into our natural instinct to connect with others.  

The gifts may have evolved, but the underlying motivations have stayed the same, and they’re the foundations of a strong business relationship — gratitude, trust and loyalty. 

When you send a gift to a client, you’re not just standing out from the competition. You are also: 

• Building trust, because the relationship goes beyond a business transaction.

• Engaging emotionally and creating positive feelings about your brand.

• Showing thoughtfulness. A well-chosen gift demonstrates care and attention.

In short, gifting makes good business sense. When clients feel appreciated, they’ll remember your name. 

When a gift is unexpected, it makes a powerful impact. Your brand becomes memorable.

The message behind the gift

Before hitting the high street (or, more likely Google) in search of a client gift, take a step back. What’s your relationship with its recipient? And what’s the purpose of the gift? For example, you could be: 

• Thanking your client for a referral

• Celebrating the completion of a successful project 

• Marking a milestone in your business partnership

• Rekindling a lapsed business relationship 

• Helping your business stand out ahead of a contract renewal  

Once you have an understanding of the gift’s intended impact, you’ll find it easier to pick something which aligns with the message you want to send. 

Who is the recipient? 

When you’re choosing the right gift, it’s important to consider the circumstances of the person who’s receiving it. For example, many people work flexibly these days. Does your recipient work within a large office environment, at home, or a blend of both? 

If the location is a large office building, try and avoid anything perishable. There’s always a risk that your carefully chosen gift of, say, artisan cheese, will get left in the post room for several days. 

Is your gift for a large team, or an individual? If it’s a team, go for something shareable. It could be a shared experience — a crafting or cooking activity — or something they can enjoy together, like a coffee lover’s gift hamper. 

Unless you know your client well, try to steer clear of anything too personal. You don’t want to make them feel awkward. Also, beware of  gifts which may contravene their lifestyle. For instance, a bottle of top-quality wine is an obvious choice for a senior decision-maker — but if this individual doesn’t drink, your gift might go down like a lead balloon at a children’s party. 

When to send a client gift

Christmas is a popular time for sending client gifts. There’s nothing wrong with this, but you’ll be competing for attention. Your thoughtful gesture can easily get lost and forgotten in the festive crowd. 

Sending gifts at other times of the year helps you stand out. When a gift is unexpected, it makes a powerful impact. Your brand becomes memorable.  

Having said that, do make sure that the timing doesn’t come across as a bribe. For example, if you’re looking to get positive attention ahead of a contract renewal, be careful when the gift is sent — and make it clear that there are no expectations in return. 

Sending an afternoon tea thank you gift hamper after the contract is signed may be the better option. A gift of appreciation goes a long way in business. 

Include a personalised message 

When you’ve spent time and effort finding the perfect gift, remember to include a personalised message telling your client why it’s being sent.  

You don’t have to write a long essay, just a short note. The key to making your client feel special is specific personalisation — so rather than a generic `Thank you for your custom’, try something like `Thanks to working with you, we’ve been able to achieve… ’ . You can also say why you’ve chosen this particular gift to send that message. 

A personalised note shows that you genuinely care about the business relationship. It speaks to them as an individual.  

Would you like some more ideas? For some inspiration, check out our luxury corporate hampers. Sending a gift hamper is a caring, thoughtful gesture which will be appreciated by anyone, especially your clients.