Client gift-giving: The good and the gaffes

"As the song goes, it's 'the most wonderful time of the year,' but for many the holiday season is also the most stressful. If you're a freelancer, you might spend more time racking your brain for client gift ideas than roasting chestnuts over an open fire. While shopping for family and friends can happily be postponed, coming up with the perfect way to say "thank-you" to your customers - especially on a budget - is a challenge that requires planning."

So begins the article, Client gift-giving: The good and the gaffes on The Creative Group eZine. TCG eZine interviewed author and marketing mentor Ilise Benun, and yours truly, about client (and vendor) gift ideas for the piece that was originally posted a few years ago. The advice holds true today as the holiday season quickly sneaks up on us all.

© 2006 Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

3 comments:

Kristen King, Inkthinker said...

Jeff, let me get your opinion on something. What's an appropriate way to let clients know that you appreciate them even though you're not sending a Christmas/New Year/Whatever card? For folks who don't celebrate holidays and don't want to be mistaken for doing so, this is a tricky time of year.

Kristen

Jeff Fisher LogoMotives said...

Kristen -

I usually make some type of gesture after the first of the year as a "thank you for your business in the previous year" and "good luck in the new year" gift. Accidently offending someone can be avoided by doing so.

- J.

Kristen King, Inkthinker said...

That's great advice. "Thanks for your business in 2006. I look forward to continuing our relationship in 2007." But not sucky. :]

Kristen