7 tips for choosing the right gifting platform

Corporate gifting is difficult to manage at scale. If you've ever done it manually, you know balancing customization, inventory, and shipping can quickly become overwhelming — leading to reduced ROI and added stress for your team. Corporate gifting platforms can automate the process, resulting in more efficient and effective gifting management.

But with so many options, how do you pick the right gifting platform? The one you choose can make all the difference in your experience. Here are seven tips to guide you through the selection process.

If you're new to corporate gifting or unfamiliar with gifting platforms, start by researching how other businesses have benefited from such services. Read customer stories and reviews to get an idea of common applications and outcomes. This will help you visualize how a gifting platform can align with your company's goals and objectives.

• SAP increases employee engagement 70%
• Attentive increases response rate 50%
• New Western increases client engagement 50%

Evaluate your company's needs and preferences to find the one that suits your requirements. A big mistake companies make is choosing a cheap platform with limited features and product options. 

Avoid this by considering what you want from a gifting platform, then narrow your options accordingly. Here are some factors to consider:

• The number of employees you have: Determine the scale of your program and the budget you need to allocate. If you have a lot of employees, you may want to consider a platform that offers bulk discounts or customizable packages.
• How often you gift: Choose a platform with a wide variety of high-quality products to keep gifting fresh and interesting.
• The types of products you typically send: Find products that align with your company's values and preferences. For example, if your company values sustainability, look for a platform with eco-friendly products. 

To improve employee and client appreciation efforts, look beyond basic packaging and shipping. A comprehensive suite of services, including sourcing, logistics, and reporting capabilities, can make all the difference in scaling your efforts and achieving your goals. Here are some questions to get you started:

• Can the platform manage a large number of recipients? If you're sending gifts to many employees or clients, find a platform that supports multi-recipient sending to speed up the process without sacrificing quality or accuracy. 
• Does the platform automate gifting for recurring occasions like birthdays or anniversaries? Automating these processes can save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other important tasks while showing appreciation regularly.
• What kind of integrations are available? Integrations with other tools and platforms can streamline your operations and simplify all aspects of your appreciation program.
• What are the data and reporting capabilities? Detailed data and reporting can help measure success and identify areas for improvement. Look for a platform with comprehensive reporting tools that tracks metrics like engagement and gift redemption rates.

Variety is key when it comes to corporate gifting. Look for a wide range of product options to suit different preferences and occasions, including eGifting options for added flexibility. eGifting allows you to quickly send a gift if you're unsure of the recipient's physical address. Some gifting platforms even allow people to choose their own gifts, which can be a great way to guarantee your recipients receive something they truly want and will use.

Researching product variety and flexible gifting options can ensure your efforts are successful and well-received.

Personalization is essential for making your gifts stand out. It's important to pick a platform that lets you easily customize gifts with your logo or design. Research their customization options, including personalized gift items and branded packaging. Added touches make your gifts impactful and memorable.

Determine who should have access to the gifting platform — individual employees or entire teams. It may be beneficial for departments such as marketing or HR to manage a company swag store, budgets, and catalogs instead of depending on a single person. Opting for a gifting platform with varying access levels and flexible permissions can enable multiple departments to manage their programs and streamline employee gifting programs.

Choose one that's user-friendly and easy to navigate. Your ideal service should have clear and intuitive browsing options, easy order placement, and simple delivery tracking. This will make gifting smoother for you and your recipients, who will appreciate a hassle-free experience. 

Selecting the right corporate gifting platform can make a big difference in your gifting initiatives. By following these seven tips and considering features, customization options, and ease of use, you can simplify your corporate gifting process and leave a lasting impression on your recipients.