50 Great Reasons to Give a Gift (#11-20)

#11 – It’s your client’s birthday.  No matter how old we get, everyone feels special on their big day.  If you remember your client’s birthday every year, there is no way they will forget you.  Even if you send a card, they will appreciate that you remembered.

#12 – If  your client is retiring.  They’ve given you so much business over the years and now they are off to a life of leisure.  What’s their favorite thing to do in their downtime?  If it’s camping, send them camping gear.  If they will be traveling, luggage and other travel-related items would be perfect.  Don’t forget that they will advise whoever fills their position that they should do business with you.

#13 – Your client has reached a company milestone, 10 years, 25 years, etc. with the company.  Their company will recognize their loyalty, but you will shine if you remember them too.  Think about: vases, watches, specially etched champagne bottles, or a celebration-themed basket of assorted goodies.

#14 – Your client is injured or ill and needs some cheering up.  An inspirational book would lift their spirits.  How about a necklace that says, ‘Courage’, ‘Hope’, or ‘Survivor’?  A tea cup, sent along with some specialty teas could be sent with your “warm wishes”. 

#15 – Your client got a new pet.  Leashes, pet snacks, dishes and the like come to mind.  But you can also be a little different by sending a doggy t-shirt imprinted with the new puppy’s name and date he/she arrived.

#16 – It’s the anniversary of your client’s product or invention.  Send a book or calendar featuring famous inventors and predict your client’s own fame in the future.

#17 – Your client is taking the trip of a lifetime.  They’re excited.  Be excited for them and show it by sending them a book about their destination.  Other ideas: logoed flip flops or towels.

#18 – Your client earns a vacation for excellent sales performance.  Take him/her out to dinner and present them with your own award.  Or give them a CD with music from their destination.

#19 – Your team hits a company goal or complets an important project.  Salespeople usually don’t earn their successes on their own.  Reward everyone who helps out, from the company receptionist to the sales assistant, to the customer service reps.

#20 – Your client raises money for a charity, or creates an alliance with a charitable organization.  Why not send them a gift of appreciation for their helping your community.  A bobble head of them as a superhero comes to mind.  Also make a donation yourself to their cause.

50 Great Reasons to Give a Gift (#21-30)

#21 – Your product is bought or your offer is accepted by the first 10, 15, or 25 people.  Whatever number you choose, be sure to let everyone know beforehand that the first to respond will get a special gift.  Think Gift Cards, food baskets, spa gifts.

#22 – Your client or his company is honored with an award. 

#23 – Give a gift to your client for a lesser known holiday (like Thanksgiving, New Year’s or Flag Day).

#24 – For green-minded clients, plant a tree on Earth Day or Arbor Day and send them a card with the details.

#25 – Dignitaries or other important people are visiting the company.  You want them to have the best impression of your company and to spread the word.

#26 – Your client celebrates a milestone wedding anniversary.  A set of crystal flutes, engraved with their names and the wedding date would be lovely and appreciated.

#27 – Your client introduces a new product or service.  Some ideas include a dollar sign key chain; or something that will highlight the “launch” of their new product. 

#28 – If your client enjoys a sport or hobby during a particular time of year, such as the start of winter for an avid skier or the beginning of growing season for a gardener.

#29 – Your client’s child graduates from high school or college.  Send a gift the whole family can enjoy.  Food baskets or candy usually works for everyone.

#30 – Your client gets married, remarried or has a commitment ceremony.  If it’s appropriate, how about a gift for a breakup or divorce?  This should be a humorous gift, after all laughter is the best stress reliever.  It all depends on how well you know the person.

50 Great Reasons to Give a Gift (#31-40)

#31 – If you know your client is obsessed with a particular sport, send them a gift related to that sport.  A stadium cushion or tailgating mug with their favorite team’s logo on it would be ideal.

#32 – Bring a thank you gift (or send a thank you card) to your doctor or dentist’s receptionist or office staff.  They are some of the most underappreciated but important people in your life.

#33 – Send a “just because” gift or card to someone you do business with, just to let them know you appreciate them.

#34 – Send a “What’s Up?” gift or card to a client you haven’t heard from in a while.  Let’s face it: everyone’s living in the fast lane these days.  A present or card from you will force them to slow down for a moment and remember you’re there to help.

#35 – Give a gift or send a card to commemorate a deal between two companies. A client appreciates when you pay continuing attention to what’s happening on their end, not only when you’re looking for an order from them.

#36 – Give a gift (or send a card) on the anniversary of your client’s first order with you.  There are all kinds of anniversaries you can celebrate with your client — choose one and celebrate it.

#37 – Give an “I’m sorry” gift or card to your client if you mess up an order.  Another reason to give a gift or send a card is when a client has been gracious after an order or a deal goes wrong.

#38 – Send a gift or card to your client when they open up new sales contracts for you at their company.  This should be something they would personally enjoy.  After all, they made the effort to get you more business and likely will again.

#39 – Leave a gift when you visit your client’s business.  You’d bring a gift to a friend’s house if you were visiting their home, wouldn’t you?  Why should your client, who is hosting you also, be any different?  A logoed desk accessory would make a perfect gift.

 #40 – Give a gift or send a card to clients when your own company crosses a milestone.