Corporate Gift Cards - The Do's and Don'ts

Giving corporate gifts requires careful balance; you don’t want to give gifts that are too personal or familiar, nor do you want to give those that are completely lifeless and neutral.  Somewhere in the middle is the perfect territory for corporate gifts, and gift cards can be found there.  One of the problems that accompany gift cards is that they tend to be impersonal.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does help if you boost the card’s appearance.  You can do this in a few different ways:

• Do upload a company image onto a gift card but make it a subtle part of the background or select a background that is easy to identify with your corporate image and identity.
• Don’t use every inch of space and make your name or logo overbearing.  Again, go for subtle and unobtrusive.  The recipients will remember who gave it to them without you screaming it at them.
• Do spell your recipients’ names correctly.  Whether you are giving the gift card as a corporate holiday gift to an employee or client, it sends a terrible message to them if you misspell something as vital as the name.  It’s hard to believe the “you’re valuable to us” line if you can’t be bothered to check this essential detail!

Another area of concern is the amount that is to given via the card.  Whether you are choosing a Visa or MasterCard cash card or a gift card to an area restaurant or shop, it is important to make the gift large enough to show appreciation but not so large as to be embarrassing.  Again, balance is key. 

The amounts will differ based on who is receiving the card and for which occasion, but you really don’t want to give anything below $25. 

If you are using the cards in place of things like year-end bonuses, be more generous.  If you are giving a “hey, nice job on that project” type of thank you gift, a $30 gift card to an area restaurant is a nice thought.

Here are some other do’s and don’ts:

• Do make sure that the gift cards can be redeemed easily and conveniently for the recipients.
• Don’t choose cards that charge fees or have expiration dates.
• Do choose customizable cards.  There are a variety of services that allow you to upload your own images or messages. 
• Do use gift cards for employee incentive and promotional uses.
• Do provide choice.  Prepaid cash cards are best; restaurant cards and gas cards can be excellent as well, but for big gifts, allow for the gift of choice.
• Don’t just hand these out in a plain envelope with an impersonal message.
• Do take a little time to work on your presentation.  Get a card box and write a personal message.  Handwritten messages are much more thoughtful than mass-produced notes.  Again, though, make sure to get the names right!

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Giving corporate gift cards as holiday gifts can appeal to a broad range of people; you can make any occasion, from a holiday to a promotion, much more special for clients, employees, and associates.

Be sure to follow some rules of etiquette to make it even more special to the recipient.