Token of Gratitude

Gift giving is an art. Make a lasting impression, and show the recipient you’re thinking of them. Give the Tune Squad T-shirt to your best friend, who recognizes the Seal version of “Fly Like an Eagle” in two notes and constantly asks if you’ll watch Space Jam with him, so he can embrace his inner Michael Jordan.

The right gift is a powerful thing. Yes, it may encourage a few alley-oop and baseline dunk attempts, but it also becomes associated with the giver.

For incentive programs, complete with gifts and luxury brand items, the distributor and end-buyer can use well-placed imprints, effective packaging and well-selected products to strengthen this association. Keep these seven concepts in mind when you’re matching your client with a product for a slam-dunk incentive program.

1. Creative thinking

Oftentimes, end-buyers stick with traditional items for gift orders because they don’t know the full spectrum of their ­options. “They may not think of a new type of product as being a viable gift until you show them the potential,” said Eileen Lucky, promotional sales supervisor of Moorpark, California-based Picnic Time. She recommended suggesting a couple of items the client wouldn’t expect but are applicable to their end goals to show them you understand their mission.

“Consider what type of item you would select if given those reward dollars,” Lucky said. “Would you pick the laminated plaque, or would you rather have a tool set for the new house you’ve just moved into?”

2. Budget flexibility

When we think about luxury goods, words like lavish, decadent and extravagant swirl in our heads. Yes, expensive also comes to mind, but incentive promotions don’t need to break the bank to be effective. “Consumer confidence and the business environment play a very real role in determining the kinds of products and the order quantities clients will agree to,” said Brian Padian, senior vice president of sales at Logomark, Tustin, Calif.