Consider Offering Clients “Employee of the Month” Baskets

January 5, 2009 · Filed Under Corporate Sales

Many businesses are either starting an “employee of the month” program or upgrading one already in place.

This monthly event is popular worldwide for two reasons.

1. Downsizing lowers morale, so employees still on the job desire motivation as they watch good people leave.

2. Such programs, which are generally managed by human resource departments, are easy to create and maintain.

I was reminded about “employee of the month” programs when reading this short article in MarionStar.com about an Ohio-based board of education that rewarded an employee with a gift basket.

You can suggest such a program to clients, but keep several things in mind if this type of corporate account interests you.

1. Other products compete with gift baskets, so when you encourage clients to consider a program, they may start one with gifts you do not sell. Remind clients about other tasteful gifts that you create to gain this new account.

2. Get paid upfront. No longer can you count on a firm to pay you within 30 days. Get cash, check, or credit card payment for each order.

3. Offer a discount if a full year’s gift baskets are purchased at once. A 5 or 10 percent reduction may clinch the deal. Try not to offer a discount beyond 12 percent. You deserve to profit no matter how many gift baskets are ordered.

One of my first clients ordered baskets on a monthly basis for her employees. I got the account in a way that too many of us overlook. How did you get your first “every month” account, or what steps are you taking to get your first client?

Share and Enjoy: