Three Helpful Hints For Holiday Shopping

Yes, it IS that time of year once again… Halloween is this week and the holidays are coming on fast. If you aren’t already, you’ll soon be seeing decorations in every retail establishment you visit. Cooking and baking will soon be underway and then there’s the shopping… lots of shopping.
While we can’t help you much with you personal gift giving, we have put together some hints on holiday business gift giving. Start by…
1. Plan: just like the big guy up north, a list is vital when it comes to planning for the holidays and the business gifts you’ll need. Your list will likely include customer (or prospect) types, possibly employees who have been with you for a set amount of time. Now’s the time to check the gifting policy of those you plan to buy for. Think too about how you’ll deliver the gifts. Whatever number you come up with, round up a bit, so you have a few extras in case you need them.
As part of your planning, keep in mind that this year, UPS expects this shipping season to be busier (volume up 8% from 2012) than ever… so allow yourself enough time to choose the right item, and have it arrive at your door. Two weeks at a minimum.
2. Budget: set a dollar spending limit, just as you do with personal gifts, and stay as close to that amount as you can. The good news for every business is that promotional products are a truly affordable way to put your name and number in front of lots of pairs of eyes for a good long time. These gifts really give back.
Once you know who you’re giving to and what you have to spend, the next step is thinking about the types of holiday gifts that might work. A gift that ties to your business is ideal, quality is essential as this reflects directly on the value you place on the relationship… just as in your personal life. And just like the gifts you buy family and friend, business gifts don’t need to be costly to have that “wow” factor that ensures your gift will get attention, be remembered.
3. Get help: The choices are simply amazing… dizzying… and it’s hard to know where to start, much like it is at the mall on a weekend. (Warning: shameless plug ahead) That’s where a personal shopper (or in this case promotions specialist) who knows what’s out there, what’s worked before and who can guide your selection process is a tremendous asset. Not every company out there has people taking orders with the level of experience you get here at bigpromtions — we’ve always put our focus on helping businesses of all sizes get the perfect holiday gift.
You may choose to buy the same item at different quality levels, or get something simple (a coffee mug or glassware, for example) and fill it with homemade goodies or candy. Another excellent gift idea is a 2014 calendar — an office (or home) essential that get’s noticed every day of the year. Whatever you choose, let us help you find the perfect holiday business gift for you.
A gift to you can be proud to give and everyone’s glad to get.