Ladies and gentlemen, to choose a business gift is not an easy task during the Chinese New Year, right? Let’s check the following tips that may help you choose an appropriate present in business environment.
1. Keep the goal in mind
Business gift giving is to show appreciation, to remind people of you for business, also a good chance to show gratitude to those who supported you before.
2. Respect corporate guidance
Some companies have very strict policies about what kinds of gifts their employees can receive. If you are not sure if they can accept, check with the HR department first.
3. Evaluate the cost
An extravagant gift can be embarrassing and an inexpensive gift can make you look cheap. Check both side policies about gift standard.
4. Informational due-diligences
You can know your receiver (personality, interests, hobbies, family, etc.) from your previous meetings, for example by previous project or the dialogues during business lunch.
5. Know your receiver’s expectations
You need to know the receiver’s interests, for example what kind of sports or food they like. Thus the gifts you send shall meet their valued standards. You can get help from their assistants if you don’t know them well. If you know them very well, you can send unique presents to impress them.
6. Choose specific gift
Avoid too personal or taboo gifts. Business gift is different from daily gifts, which is more office or work related. Try to avoid perfume, personal beauty products, especially to the opposite gender. Also pay special attention to religion and certain cultural meanings, like yellow rose in Europe or clock in China. You can’t be wrong with sweets, flower, wine, local specialty etc.
Red rose is not suitable in Business occasions
7. Appropriate Presentation
Wrap and display your present in a nice festive way. Meanwhile the logo is understated enough to avoid looking like blatant marketing piece. The package should also contain a wish card with your signature.
8. Be generous about group gifts
When sending group gifts, make sure there is enough for everyone. The New-year season is not the time for complaints.
9. Re-gift with caution
Traditionally re-gifting was not accepted, it’s better not to do it. But if you do it, make sure any original information is removed and the item itself couldn’t be unique. After receiving gifts from others, it’s always better to arrange another gift as well.
10. Say thank you
Don’t forget to thank the person who give you present, either oral, handwritten letters or via email. Handwritten letter in an envelope show better sincerity.
Dear all, do you have any other opinion about business gifting? Welcome to share with us!
