All but a handful of businesses continue to feel the pinch of the current economic downturn. So much so, that marketing budgets are often the first to be scaled down or cut completely, until recovery is assured. Yet at times like these it’s more important than ever to remind your loyal customers and hardworking staff that they’re valued. Below we outline the key reasons why a small, well-chosen gift of luxury chocolates can pay dividends in terms of customer and staff retention.
1 – To Reinforce The Value Of Your Brand
Personalised chocolate gifts are an effective and economical way to demonstrate to your customers, clients or employees that you’re proud of your brand. However, it’s entirely possible to create the wrong impression if the gifts that carry your logo are low quality. So before making a decision about your corporate chocolate boxes, ask yourself whether they are worthy of representing your company’s brand.
2 – To Keep In Touch With Your Customers
Most people are delighted to receive corporate chocolate gifts. So why not take the opportunity to include a marketing message about your company or brand? Perhaps you’ve launched a new product, service or website, or intend to exhibit your products at an upcoming trade fair. We don’t recommend printing the chocolates themselves, because once they’re eaten the message is gone. By including with your gift a high quality gift card, printed in full colour with your logo and message, you’re offering your customers vital information in a format that they can easily retain.
3 – To Raise Your Company Profile
In difficult economic times it’s understandable that many companies choose to cut their marketing budgets. But in doing so, there’s a danger that your customers can forget you, or move their business to a competitor. Sending your clients branded chocolate boxes – however small – is a cost-effective way to ensure that out of sight is not out of mind.
4 – To Thank Your Customers For Their Business
It’s a proven fact that acquiring a new customer is far more costly than retaining an existing one, so it goes without saying that it’s worth thanking your customers for giving you their business. However, many companies now have strict guidelines preventing employees from accepting high value gifts. That’s why chocolates are the perfect choice, because as a small-ticket item, they usually fall within acceptable gift value limits.
5 – To Thank Employees For A Job Well Done
We all like to be appreciated, and it doesn’t have to cost the earth to thank your staff for their hard work. A run of the mill gift, found in any supermarket, is unlikely to convey the messge that the company cares. Consider how much happier staff would be to receive an exclusive box of luxury chocolates, especially at Christmas. Small gifts for employees aren’t only about saying ‘thank you’, however; they’re also a reminder of why your company is a great place to work. Employees are, potentially, fantastic ambassadors for your brand and a small gift is just one way to reinforce that there’s no better place to work than right here!
