Can you afford NOT to send holiday gifts this year?

The corporate gifting tradition was started by leaders who understood that, when done right, this gesture will enhance the company's image and set the pace for success in the year to come. Giving corporate holiday gifts is a technique that has been tested & proven to increase loyalty and retain valued customers and employees. This plan of action is also far less expensive than the cost to go out and win new ones!

In a time of reduced budgets, the key to participating is to be a savvy buyer. Here are 6 tips to help you spend less, get more and create a gift program that will drive sales in 2010.

1. Include Everyone. Your biggest customers are not the only ones who deserve to be recognized this holiday season. Instead of picking and choosing who you think is worthy, send something to everyone who touches your business. Include clients (large & small), wish-list customers, partners & employees.

2. Be Relevant. Make sure your gifts are appropriate for those who will receive them. When sending a gift to a company rather than an individual, you should choose a gift that will cover many tastes and can easily be shared. A gift basket with a variety of food items is perfect for this circumstance. On the flip side, a gift for your employees should be more intimate. Consider taking advantage of the many personalization options available.

3. Get Bang for Every Buck! You don't have to spend a lot of money to give a gift that looks like you did. There are many items with a higher perceived value than their price tag suggests. Ask your promotional products distributor to make suggestions on the best value for your money.

4. Split Recipients into Groups. All recipients are not created equal. You can save a lot of money by splitting everyone into groups, creating a budget for each, and ordering different products that fit within the respective price ranges.

5. Spend Less by Planning Ahead. Ordering at the last minute is the number one reason people pay too much for holiday gifts. By simply planning ahead and making a decision early, you can avoid paying unnecessary rush charges and expedited shipping.

6. Take Advantage of Professionals. Instead of doing your own search online, consult a promotional products distributor who offers 1-on-1 personal attention. These experts at buying gifts can save you a lot of time by offering you insider information. They see new products as soon as they hit the market, receive discount offers on a daily basis and know what gifts have been most effective for other companies & can point you towards proven winners.

The holidays are the perfect time to show others your appreciation. Follow these easy tips and you will create a gift-giving program that will drive your success for the next 12 months.