Business Etiquette for Gift Giving
Etiquette for gift-giving varies tremendously around the world and by company or jurisdiction. Generally, it is considered a kind gesture to provide a small gift during certain times. Business gifts should reflect the interest of the individual without being extremely personal.
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Function
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Corporate gifts often serve the purpose of solidifying a business relationship or showing a client or business partner that he or she is personally valuable to the gift-giving company. In some countries and cultures, corporate gifts are also given during the holiday season at the end of the year. It is considered polite and appropriate in many circumstances to give and receive a small corporate gift.
Benefits
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Offering a business associate a gift is a polite way of reminding him or her that you and your services are available. Some individuals and corporations offer gifts such as ceramic mugs that include a discrete corporate logo to keep the company's name in the mind of the business partner.
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Value
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American money If the gift is given within the company (such as a Pollyanna or "secret Santa" gift exchange), all participants should remember to participate after signing up. Participants should also remain within the established limit. If the gift is from one business partner to another, the value of the gift may vary depending on the type of relationship and the culture of the recipient. In the United States, the general standard amount is $25.
Types
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Appropriate gifts include gift cards (cards to companies such as book stores are safe and generous), flowers, photo frames, and fruit. Some individuals choose to gift alcohol or meat, especially around the holidays, but it's important to make sure the recipient approves of these gifts. You would not want to provide alcohol to an alcoholic or non-kosher meat to a person keeping kosher or a vegetarian.
Time Frame
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American companies often exchange cards and corporate gifts during the holiday season (mid to late December), both with other companies and within a company. It is not uncommon for the company to provide employees with a holiday bonus or a gift. In other countries, the exchange of gifts solidifies a business relationship.
Warning
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It is never appropriate to give extremely personal gifts as business gifts. This can include awkward gag gifts, anything referencing poor job performance or excrement, lingerie, or any potentially embarrassing item. Consider a secular message during the holiday season, such as "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays" to include people of all faiths, especially if you do not know the faith of the gift recipient.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Kasia Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Jeff Belmonte
