740 – Corporate Gift-Giving
Michelle: Why did I get stuck with buying corporate gifts for our clients this year? Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I’m good at buying gifts.
Rafiq: It’s not because you’re a woman. It’s because you’re the most junior employee of the company. I had the job three years ago when I started working here.
Michelle: Oh, so you know the drill. I was thinking of sending food baskets to McQ Corp.
Rafiq: I wouldn’t advise doing that. We’re bidding on a new contract with their company and the gift could be misconstrued as a bribe. You’ll want to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
Michelle: Then I shouldn’t send anything at all?
Rafiq: You could send a charitable donation in the company’s name. This way, we show our appreciation for their business, and they get recognition for the contribution to a worthy cause, without seeming like we’re trying to influence their decision.
Michelle: That seems like a good way to go. What about the other companies we’re doing business with?
Rafiq: A food basket would be fine for those companies. Just make sure there’s nothing perishable in them and send a hand-written note. That adds a nice touch.
Michelle: I was also thinking of sending our smaller clients calendars and t-shirts with our company logo. What do you think?
Rafiq: I think they’d like gift certificates to stores or restaurants better.
Michelle: What about a bottle of wine? Wouldn’t that be a good gift?
Rafiq: You never know how a client feels about alcohol, so stick to something safer, like the food baskets or gift certificates.
Michelle: You have all the answers. You’re an expert at corporate gift-giving!
Rafiq: Shh, don’t say that too loudly. If the powers that be hear about it, I might get stuck with the job – permanently!
Michelle: Your secret is safe with me.