Gift Baskets: Reasons Business Owners Might Market With Them
As a business owner, you’re well versed in managing budgets. And you probably know how hard it is to meet that budget in a tough economic climate. You may have considered allocating some funds to gift baskets for your clients, but gift baskets are expensive. Spending money on something that does not have a tangible return might be difficult to justify.
Then again, gift baskets make great marketing tools. They also have the added benefit of a personal touch, which is a must in any small business. With the right platform and motivation, funneling some of your advertising budget on client gift baskets may actually provide you with new sources of revenue.
Consider these business reasons to give gift baskets for your clients:
1. To market products and services to new potential clients.
This is a good strategy if you already have a client list. Send the gift baskets to clients you want to have, including in the basket free product samples and discount coupons.
2. Remind past clients of your services.
If your client database includes customers you have not seen in awhile, send gift baskets to remind them of your business. That reminder coupled with the personal touch might be all you need to get them back through your door.
3. Upsell your past or current customers.
If you fulfill an order for a customer you believe might be one who can afford to purchase more — an upsell — a thank you gift basket thanking them for their purchase might be a good thing to consider. In the gift basket, make sure you include literature or samples of products that might be of interest to the client.
4. Advertise to customers about new products or services.
Send a gift basket to some of your better clients to inform them of some new products or services. Clients who have been happy with your products and services in the past are more likely to try out your new services.
5. To keep your customers loyal and tell their friends.
Word-of-mouth advertising is both free and priceless, and loyal customers love to tell their friends about good business relationships they have. Making sure your current clients are happy with you is one way to bring in reliable new business.
With any marketing plan, you need to make sure you are advertising your products and services to the right people. For small businesses offering items that are highly personal, then giving gift baskets might be the right marketing move for you. Consider checking your business plan with the reasons listed above. If you any of the reasons listed apply to you, then consider giving gift baskets and watch your business grow!
