Corporate Gifting Etiquette in India: Do’s & Don’ts

Companies are grappling with the current market uncertainties to ensure sustainable growth while weathering the economic slowdown. They are seeking innovative tactics to enhance their presence in the industry. One of the potential business strategies that emerged is corporate gifting.

Corporate gifting can be used to make both employees and customers feel special and valued. It essentially involves giving employees or customers a tangible present that will impact your relationship positively. In recent times, we have seen businesses engaging in corporate gifting trends in India to build positive associations and a feeling of trust and loyalty.

Gifting has been a part of our culture since time immemorial. We have been presenting each other with material objects to express our affection and their importance. The same has been replicated in the business world with the inception of corporate gifting trends in India.

At the heart of the corporate gifting practice lies a business strategy with a desired outcome - invoking goodwill. Therefore, it can’t be random and must follow proper etiquette to maximize its benefits.

In this article, we will discuss the common do’s and don’ts that you must follow to ensure a successful corporate gifting program.

Do’s of Corporate Gifting

Learn about the interests and preferences of recipients

When you are following a corporate gifting trend in India, do proper research into what the person likes, dislikes, and interests. This will make it easy for you to pick a gift that the recipient will like and connect with. Considering their preferences will show that your corporate gifting strategy isn’t a mere formality

Pick a thoughtful and appropriate gift

This may not be true when you are giving a present to your friend, but in corporate gifting, this is how it goes: Gifts represent the value you give to the relationship. Always pick a good-quality and professional item that shows that you have put in thought and effort in choosing the gift. It helps the recipient feel special and acknowledged.

Personalize gifts to ensure lasting impact

Personalization is the most important corporate gifting trend in India. Adding a handwritten note, adding a company logo or motto, and writing an engraved message are some of the ways you can personalize the gift.

Factor in sensitivities around culture and religion

Corporate gifting in India - or any other country - could be tricky if you ignore to consider regional sensitivities. Any unintentional mistake could backfire severely and end up straining your relationship instead of demonstrating your respect.

Comply with company policies

It is easy to get carried away when following the corporate gifting trend in India. Thankfully, every company has a policy or guidelines for employees to follow when planning a corporate gifting program. Adhering to these rules will keep the expenses within the set budget.

Don'ts of Corporate Gifting:

Never gift anything personal or intimate

Corporate gifting is a professional activity and must be handled similarly. You must take care that your gift doesn’t create awkwardness or an unpleasant feeling for the recipient. To that effect, you must avoid gifting anything personal or intimate. Corporate gifting has one thumb rule - it must exude appreciation and respect.

Refrain from picking controversial items

Corporate gifting must create a positive vibe and encourage inclusivity. To that effect, you must avoid anything that could create tension, a difference of opinion, or outright offend the recipient. Picking neutral or universally acceptable items as present is a safe option.

Corporate gifting is not a means of bribery

The corporate gifting trend in India doesn’t give you a means to offer bribery or curry favors from the recipient. It should be conducted as an ethical business practice to strengthen your relationship. Exploiting the practice for unfair advantage compromises your integrity and damages your business reputation.

Follow the latest corporate gifting trends in India with eYantra

Corporate gifting could give your business a competitive edge by allowing you to foster good relations with customers and employees faster. However, like any other business strategy, following the corporate gifting trend in India must be handled with care and thought. It is critical to follow the do’s and don’ts of gifting to avoid negative consequences. If you are unsure about how to get your corporate gifting strategy started, you can get in touch with eYantra, India’s largest corporate gifting organization.

Learn more about eYantra here.