6 Gift Ideas That Are Client Appropriate  

Showing customer appreciation can increase client loyalty and lifetime value. But how much appreciation is too much? In order to make your clients and customers feel special, but not like they’re being courted by a clingy boyfriend, here are six ideas for gifts to show them, in a suitable way, that you care.

Give Them Something Personal
If you own a small business and/or you have developed personal relationships with your clients, use your knowledge about them to select a gift that will be meaningful. For example, if you know a customer likes to golf, send a pair of golf passes with a note about why you thought he/she would appreciate them. If you took customers to a restaurant they loved, mail them a gift card to that restaurant and include a message about wanting them to get a second helping of their favorite dish. You can often buy gift cards online at a discount, so it doesn’t have to break your budget to purchase one each client might like. Your thoughtful present will differentiate you from the competition because of its personalized touch. It’ll also help you stay top-of-mind for your client.

Send Sweets
Sending a present that is too expensive or that makes your client feel indebted to you is not a good idea. That’s why food baskets are a fantastic option; they’re thoughtful without feeling over the top. You can put together a basket with wine, cheeses, crackers, and spreads or, for something a little more casual, fill a basket with a variety of candy. However, if you have many clients, this type of gift can become expensive. To keep it affordable while impressing clients, you can buy from a bulk candy company. That way, you can choose from a variety of cost-saving candy in large quantities, making your investment go further.

Think of a Practical Gift
Ordering mouse pads, phone chargers, pens, notepads, and other often-used items in bulk is a smart idea. You can give them out at trade shows and send them in gift baskets to clients and customers. The quality is key here. Don’t go for small, cheaply made items that your client will quickly discard. Choose unique designs and middle- to high-end items to make the best impression.

Order Flowers
Flowers never go out of style. They’ve been a go-to for birthdays, Mother’s Day, holidays, and apologies for decades. Sending a fresh arrangement is always meaningful and never feels too extreme. Depending on how well you know your customers, you can order flowers that match their offices or select those that go with your own branding. If you do business with out-of-state clients, there are plenty of affordable online florists from which to choose, or you could even consider sending an edible arrangement to those who have a healthy appetite.

Give Them an Incentive
If your business sells merchandise, you can consider giving your clients and customers a sample of your inventory for free—as a gift. For instance, if your company sells software, you can send an extended trial or add-on feature for them to enjoy. Or, if you sell merchandise like clothing, accessories, or beauty supplies, you might try sending them one of your best-selling items. Your thoughtfulness might lead to increased sales of that particular item!

Send Something That Can Be Shared
You’re probably trying to impress the one with the purse strings–the boss–but that doesn’t mean you should leave the rest of the employees out. Think of a gift that can be shared by an entire company, like a catered lunch or a basket of coffees and teas for the office kitchen. Getting in with the CEO is important, but so is getting the support of his/her employees.

When you want to make a client feel special, but don’t want to send a gift, you can always write a good old-fashioned thank you note to show them you care. Personalize the note by including a point you discussed in a recent conversation, bringing up a goal your client is striving to hit, or mentioning something personal (like sending your well wishes to his wife and two kids). Thank you notes are also easily scalable, so whether you have 20 solid clients or thousands of customers, you can send notes as gifts of good will.

The upcoming holidays are a perfect time to send your customers and clients gifts without seeming too forward. However, if you follow this guide, you can send presents to your patrons any day of the year. These gifts are sure to be well-received while making a statement and elevating your brand in the eyes of your customers.