As the song goes, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” It’s the season for
holiday parties, gift-giving and ringing out the old year while welcoming in the new. For agents, it’s time for the yearly dilemma of choosing holiday gifts for clients. The holiday gift should focus on the connection you have with your clients, be given without obligation and show your appreciation for their business.
Can Insurance Agents Give Gifts? Tips for Choosing Holiday Gifts Clients Will Appreciate
It is important to remember that most organizations have established gift sending and receiving policies that should be respected. The policies will state the value of the gifts their employees are permitted to receive. Keep this in mind when you are choosing the most appropriate client gifts.
To help you decide how to buy holiday gifts for clients this season, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Set a Budget: Set a budget for holiday gifts for clients and stick to it. The budget is the framework for building the gift list. By setting up a budget up front, you are less likely to overspend. The spend amount for gift giving will depend on how many recipients are on your gift list, who they are and their relationship to your company.
- Keep the Gifts Professional: Even though the holiday season is a time of fun and you might know some of your insured on a personal level, it is recommended to keep corporate holiday gifts on the professional level.
- Customize the Gift for the Client: Personalize gifts whenever possible, especially if your client list is smaller. This is a great way to show appreciation and understanding of each individual client. Remember to cater your gift-giving to your client’s preferences, not yours. For example, do not send a wine basket if they do not drink.
- Do Not Send Promotional Items: Do not send your agency’s promotional item for a client holiday gift. It is impersonal and can be considered tacky to gift a client your company’s marketing items.
- There is No Set Gift Value: There is no generalized dollar range for gifts. Many businesses start with a $20-$50 range. It is best to avoid very expensive gifts, except in rare instances, as they could embarrass the recipients. Additionally, many businesses have rules regarding accepting gifts over a certain amount.
- Send a Greeting Card: Instead of gifts, some businesses choose to send greeting cards. Before December 25, you can send a “Season’s Greetings” card or after January 1 send a “Best Wishes for the New Year” card. Some companies are beginning to send “Thank You” cards around Thanksgiving to thank their clients, vendors and customers in place of traditional Christmas cards.
- Send the Gift On Time: If you are sending holiday gifts, make sure to send them from late November to early January so they will be delivered in a timely manner. The best time to send holiday gifts is early December.
- Make Your List and Check It Twice: Make sure you have the correct name and address for your client gift, including the correct spelling of their name.
Holiday Gifts for Service Providers
The same consideration that you show for client holiday gifts, should be given to service providers or vendors. If you decide to send gifts to these partners, make sure they do not have a restriction on the amount of the gift they can receive. Personalizing the gifts to the service provider preferences is also important and shows that you value the partnership.
Creative Holiday Gift Ideas for Clients
Be creative and don’t let seasonal gift-giving become stressful. There are so many great holiday gift ideas for clients or vendors that you can choose from, such as a customized calendar, plants, coffee or tea packages, gourmet food baskets or simply a handwritten note. Remember, you don’t have to break your budget to show your appreciation for your clients.
At AmTrust, we appreciate our agents throughout the year and wish you a wonderful holiday season! For more information
growing your book of business with our
small business insurance options for your valued clients, please
contact us today.
This material is for informational purposes only and is not legal or business advice. Neither AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. nor any of its subsidiaries or affiliates represents or warrants that the information contained herein is appropriate or suitable for any specific business or legal purpose. Readers seeking resolution of specific questions should consult their business and/or legal advisors. Coverages may vary by location. Contact your local RSM for more information. ​