Wang Solutions

Getting Down to the Business of Gifting: The Basics of Giving Clients Presents

Whether it’s Christmas, or just a pleasant day in June, sending gifts to clients is one way to build and maintain professional relationships. Beyond that, it’s always nice to give and receive. And beyond that, you can deduct up to $25 for business gifts you give directly or indirectly to each person during your tax year, with some special rules of course. Here are tips for making gift-giving to your clients as stress-free as it should be.

Clients can range from all over the place, and ordering online is one of the easiest way to ship gifts far and wide. That way, you don’t have to worry about handling all the boxes, bubble wrap, and stamps yourself. The only problem is that shipping costs can start to add up, and you might start wishing you sent everyone an e-book.

Actually, e-books aren’t a bad gift idea, but if you really want to send something tangible in a cost-effective way, every year thousands of online retailers take part in Free Shipping Day. Taking place a few days before Christmas, on Free Shipping Day you get – you guessed it – free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas Eve. However, even if you miss this one-day event, many online merchants offer free shipping periodically, so be patient and diligent in Googling for free shipping coupon codes.

As a rule of thumb, if you don’t know a client too well, play it safe when sending them a gift. Although items like gift cards, gift baskets, and vanilla candles won’t be winning a “Most Innovative” award, their recipients will probably be pleased. These items are also a good idea for bulk orders if you have too many recipients to keep track of. Time is money, but it’s worth it to also search for deals if you have a bunch of clients on your list. The internet makes it a lot easier nowadays to compare prices, so don’t click “Add 100 to Cart” on the first item you spot.

If you’re catering to a smaller group, and you know a client better, don’t be afraid to imbue their present with a more personal, professional touch – it’s a good way to show that you’re keeping their preferences in mind. For example, if you know that your accountant enjoys collecting paperweights in their spare time, send them a colorful paperweight (with free shipping, of course).

All that being said, don’t forget that not everyone can accept gifts, and not everyone celebrates the same holidays. Again, if you’re unsure, stick to generalities in the accompanying card. Also, avoid giving business clients gifts that you think they would like – you want to people to know that you recognize their importance, not alienate them. Above all, keep your gift giving simple; it should be fun for you, and should seal the deal with the person you’re giving to.

In Loving Memory of Jasmine

You may laugh at me and label me as the “Crazy Cat Lady.”  But Jasmine was a loyal companion, reliable, honest, no arguments, no disagreements, no surprises, minimum requirements for care with maximum love and affections guaranteed. Pets are hands-down the best candidate for a life partner. So, before you disregard another’s love and grief for his/her pet, perhaps you should adopt one and see what the fuzz is all about…

I met her when she was only 7 weeks old. She was a beautiful girl with long black and white hair, with extra toes for each of her front paw! I fell in love with her right away. She was very sweet and protective of me, following me everywhere around the house. Wherever I was, she wasn’t far behind, almost always within arm’s reach.

Every day, she was the first one to greet me in the morning, and the first one to welcome me when I got home from work. She hardly ever complained, just wanted her food and a visit to the patio for some sun and greens. She was not a picky eater by any means; however, she did have a bit of a stomach problem, poor girl.

She was very vigilant, and followed visitors everywhere, letting them know who was in charge of the house with her watchful eyes. She was not a big fan of the female species, but learned to tolerate them over time.

She adored the patio. She loved the greenery, the sunshine, and the birds. Once in a while, she caught a bug here and there for a snack. And how she loved to harass her little brother, Ripley, by chasing him around, showing him who was boss!

She was very light on her feet. She loved high places and loved to give me a heart attack when she was perched high above the stairs.

She loved to be petted all the time, and her purrs were like a running stream from a mountain brook, the smoothest sound I ever heard. How I miss that sound, and her soft fur, her beautiful big eyes and her sweet, sweet nature. And how she loved watching TV with me, sitting right in front of the TV and blocking part of my screen with her head going back and forth following the programs.  I miss my best little girl, my companion for over 12 years. How I loved her, my gentle Jasmine, gone too soon and all too sudden.

Now she’s resting in a beautiful cedar box, in a big pot with a lovely flowering plant, sitting in her favorite spot on the patio, catching those sun rays every day. Oh, how I miss my Jasmine. Your little brother sure misses cuddling with you too, Jasmine.

Love always,

Mommy

(Jasmine lost the battle to cancer on Saturday, December 20th, 2014.)

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