It’s not always easy making sure your clients know you appreciate them. While exchanging products and services is mutually beneficial, you can show your appreciation in other ways beyond everyday business. 

Gift giving is a universally recognized way of saying thank you, and you may have the perfect gifts in mind. However, before you visit your client with a gift in hand, take a moment to decide when the right time would be. Your presents may be especially well-received if you deliver them in some of the following situations: \

After a Project

Gifts can be a good way to celebrate the completion of an important project that everyone in both your businesses worked hard to finish. For example, as part of a creative design studio, you might have provided website development services, and the site is finally finished. When everyone is already impressed by the successful conclusion, you have the perfect opportunity to make the moment extra special with a gift. 

At Christmas

After many months of working hard, receiving a gift from someone you work with can be an excellent way to finish the year. In the lead-up to Christmas, organize corporate gifts for clients so that you can play the role of Santa. 

Organize products with your branding, such as reusable coffee mugs and candy jars, and wrap them up beautifully for delivery as everyone’s getting ready to bid farewell to the year that’s been. 

When You Close a Deal

When a customer spends more money with you or refreshes their contract for another year, this can be a perfect opportunity to provide them with a gift. When you visit to go over the paperwork, bring something with you to show them how much you appreciate them. Gift baskets, branded gifts, and even luxury hampers are respectable options that are generally well-received by all. 

When You’ve Made a Mistake

Everyone makes mistakes, and some are bigger than others. You might be able to make up for an error with a simple apology, but other mistakes may require something more meaningful, such as a thoughtful and practical corporate gift. 

You may not gain someone’s trust back right away, even with a gift, but it can be an excellent way to start the bridge-mending process and ensure your businesses can still work together in the future. 

During a First Meeting

Building client relationships can be challenging, and it can take several months from when you meet someone to when you begin working with them in an official capacity. 

Don’t turn up to your first meeting empty-handed. Instead, accelerate the trust-building process by turning up with an ice-breaker gift like coffee mugs, pens, or eco-friendly notebooks. Even if they’re thoughtful and relevant, gifts are not a sure-fire way to gain a potential client’s trust and business. However, they will set a positive tone and get the conversation flowing. 

When You’re Trying to Upsell

The goal of any salesperson is to upsell and encourage current customers to purchase more than they currently do. After all, it’s a well-known fact that it’s easier to keep existing customers than acquire new ones. While you’re trying to get a client to spend more on your products and services, consider a softer approach with gifts rather than the ‘hard sell’ with pressure. For example, you can gift clients a sample of your new product, giving them a taste that will likely make them want to order more. 

Sending gifts to clients can be an effective way to maintain hard-won relationships. If you’re unsure when the right time is to start sending them, consider any of the situations above. Your timing should then be perfect.