Gift ideas

[dwinx]

I took over a huge account this past May from another guy in our office. It is one of our largest customers and they account for about 4% (that really doesn't sound like that much now) of our sales. Anyway, the other guys has always given them Christmas gifts and I am looking for ideas. He gave the head honcho a bunch of steaks last year, which was very nice. He gave everyone else (~12 people) $25 gift certificates for pizzas. One of the more prominent people grumbled loudly that this was a shoddy gift for such a big customer. I do not want to spend substantially more this year, but I would like to get them something that they appreciate and do not #@%$ about.

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[alpha69]

Hi Dwinx,

I guess it would depend on what sort of customers they are. I generally go wholesale on a crate or two of fine wine and give mine a bottle each (If they are boxed and gift wrapped nicely too, makes for a very appreciative gift I have found).

For Corporate customers, a 2008 Desk Diary & Pen perhaps?

Or... how about 2 weeks in the sun? ;-) lol

If I think of any more ideas i'll let you know.


Alpha x

[dburt01]

I knew my drinking partner would go down the wine route...hehe!

My suggestion depends on whether you reckon your client is into Turkey for Christmas or not!

One of my 3rd party contractors buys us our turkey every year for Christmas... there's 20 people in my project team so it's quite a few turkeys! But it's a nice touch as you don't have to worry about getting the turkey for Chrimbo!

They send a couple of lads to an amazing organic farm in Lincolnshire and pick up 20 fresh organic free-range turkeys, each weighing around 17-20lb from memory - more turkey than you can shake a stick at, and worth quite a bit if you had to buy them in the shop!

Another 3rd party contractor buys us all our tipple of choice... so for me that's either a vintage port or some top notch red wine... can't beat Chatteauneuf du pape for Christmas baby! Woot!

So a few ideas... hope that helps!

[Titan]

For those I know who do not need the money, I often will donate to a charity of their choice. It is a gift that actually gives to those who truly need it, and it counts as a write off during tax season.

[freelancer]

Originally Posted by alpha69

Hi Dwinx,

I guess it would depend on what sort of customers they are. I generally go wholesale on a crate or two of fine wine and give mine a bottle each (If they are boxed and gift wrapped nicely too, makes for a very appreciative gift I have found).

For Corporate customers, a 2007 Desk Diary & Pen perhaps?

Or... how about 2 weeks in the sun? ;-) lol

If I think of any more ideas i'll let you know.


Alpha x

the wine is a very good idea. maybe even wine and cigars? Romeo y Julieta Churchills are quite nice.

[Tills13]

Wine...though don't weeny out for the cheap stuff...
Cars...(just kidding)
charities are also very nice ideas...they show a lot of character.

[Serov]

I know of some businesses that give a gift of "free car rental" coupons and such. great for the traveling business man or woman.

[Courts45]

lol dont mean to hijack a thread or anything.... just along the same lines..what should i buy for my mother for xmas? i always just get like a card because i cant think of anything other than a lame idea (i.e. yankee candles :/ ) but i want her to know i appreciate her and the cards are getting old lol.....so any ideas for a very broke 17 yr old?

[dwinx]

That is your "not to hijack the thread" comment? What do you think "hijack a thread" means? Get your own, buddy.

[ooojerry]

Dwinx got protective of his thread...I am buying my friend a box of condoms for Christmas just to see the look on his face!

[freelancer]

Originally Posted by ooojerry

Dwinx got protective of his thread...I am buying my friend a box of condoms for Christmas just to see the look on his face!

i didn't know six year olds could buy those these days? lol

[Courts45]

lol jeez dwinx....taking your online posts a little to serious, eh?....i just figured that your might be dieing soon and it was just as easy to keep this alive as it would be to make an entire seperate thread with basically the same meaning.....

[alpha69]

Courts,

looking for ideas on what to get your mother for christmas is completely different to the advice Dwinx is seeking.

To avoid two topics of conversations going on in the same thread, please start your own thread.

If posting here, please stay on topic - thanks.

Alpha x

[Courts45]

what should i get my mother for christmas? me
what should i get my client for christmas? dwinx



seemed similar to me...

anyway i get the point..ill start a new thread