Buying corporate gifts in Singapore is no easy task. You may have several different ideas, only to find that each of them is completely inappropriate for the business environment. This can be extremely stressful and turn the idea of gift-giving into a chore, rather than something that should be enjoyed. Buying the right gift can bring with it several benefits, however choosing the wrong one can result in a disaster. It can place your client in an awkward situation, in which they have to either return the gift as it’s not appropriate or simply straight-up decline it. This can damage your business relationship and in the long run, even lose you a client. So what exactly should you choose when it comes to corporate gifts?
It’s important that the gift you choose is as personal as possible, especially if it’s for a client you have a long lasting working relationship with. Make sure it’s both something that your client will enjoy and something that will remind them of you. The more they will use the gift throughout their life, the more likely they will remember you throughout their day to day operations. In order to get these desired results, here are some of the top gifts you should avoid buying your clients at all costs.
Improper Gift Cards
When done correctly, a gift card can be a great present. It will allow your client to buy what they want, when they need it the most. However, buying an improper gift card can have the opposite impact. But what exactly is an improper gift card? An improper gift card is one that can’t actually be used to buy an item. For example, if you gift a client a $40 gift card and the cheapest item at a shop is $60, then they can’t actually buy anything with it. While the $40 can still go towards a gift, the client is significantly less likely to associate the gift with you and in fact, may actually see you as cheap. Consequently, the gift may actually have the opposite impact that you believed it would.
The Wrong Size Branded Polo Shirt
Buying a polo shirt is always a great idea. The brand itself will appeal to your client (especially if it’s a brand you know they often wear). However, buying a polo shirt can go very wrong if you choose the wrong size. If a client is a medium and you buy them a large, well… you can imagine how well that will go down. At the same time, it can also be quite embarrassing for a client if they have to squeeze into a shirt that is simply too small. While it’s a nice gesture, make sure you know the definite size before making a purchase!
A Company Logo Calendar
If an individual uses a calendar, it is likely they have already bought themselves one. They will often buy this in advance when they see it on offer. As a result, buying them a calendar with your logo on is not the best idea. In fact, it may likely end up in the trash. You can always use a calendar to compliment another corporate gift you have bought, however, it cannot be used as a standalone gift. This will simply not go down very well at all.
A Mouse Pad
In the past (when computers were not yet the norm in the workplace) buying a mouse pad as a gift wouldn’t have been a bad idea. However, it’s now 2020 and just about everyone works digitally. Therefore, they will already have a mouse pad (or they will work using a laptop). Consequently, mouse pads are very rarely used and therefore your gift will be redundant.
A Company Logo Stress Ball
Out of all the presents available, a company logo stress ball is one of the worst you can buy. Firstly, the individual will begin to associate their stress with your business logo- not a good idea at all. Secondly, no individual likes to feel stress, in fact, they want to avoid stress at all costs. Therefore, it’s important to simply avoid a stress ball altogether. If someone wants a stress ball, they will buy it themselves.
It’s Not All Doom And Gloom
Luckily, there are many corporate gifts in Singapore that you can choose for your clients to enjoy. With many options to choose from, all of which can be tailored to your client, it’s never been easier to find the right corporate gifts. To get the best possible gift, be on the lookout throughout the year (rather than leaving your shopping to the last minute!). If you see something you know your client would like in May, just buy it at the time and give it to them as a gift later!