When Is It Appropriate To Give Business Gifts?

Timing is everything! There are different occasions where it is appropriate to give gifts. For instance, when a client or staff member does a good job on a difficult project, or when you want to strengthen your business relationship with a client, it is suitable to give a business gift. Other proper gifting times are if you’re celebrating a business associate or employee’s promotion or retirement, if you’re celebrating a personal event of an employee (such as marriage or a child’s birth), or for a holiday.

So when it is inappropriate to give a gift? In general it is considered inappropriate to give a gift if the gift could be seen as a bribe, if you’re trying to obtain a new client’s business, or if there are contract talks.

It’s smart to educate yourself. Just because you think it’s an appropriate occasion to give a present it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear to go shopping. You need to do some research to find out things about your recipient. You can call his or her company to find out whether it allows employees to accept gifts or if it places a dollar-value limitation on gifts received. Ask if religious or personal issues prohibit him or her from receiving holiday gifts. Learn what items he or she likes. Is he or she allergic to certain foods or flowers? If you don’t know, don’t be afraid to just directly ask the person as a last resort.

So how much should you spend? It seems that the larger and more established companies have a price range when gifting business gifts. If your company has no policy, consider the occasion and your relationship with the gift recipient. Some situations, such as recognition for a job well done, may call for small tokens of appreciation. Other occasions, such as retirement or personal events, may necessitate larger gifts. If you’re not sure, just ask a few key people in the office what they think of your idea, follow these tips and go from there!