You are probably familiar with the traditional fruit baskets and flower settings used as business gifts in today’s modern corporate world. But a new trend is developing in corporate gift giving that adds a whole new dimension to business relationships – the business wine gift.
As it is customary for business associates to exchange gifts on occasion, an alcoholic gift has been frowned upon in the business scene. But as business relationships become closer and on a more personal level, a wine gift is becoming much more acceptable.
Is a Corporate Wine Gift Appropriate?
Because of business teachings, the mixing of work and alcohol has never really been accepted as an appropriate practice. Of course, the endorsement of intoxicated employees at any corporate level is never a good or practical idea. But as business relationships have changed over time, from short term arrangements to longer-term partnerships, the view of the appropriate gift has also changed.
The European business community has been of different opinion merely due to cultural differences. A glass of wine at a business lunch is an everyday occurrence and an acceptable practice. The European business lunch is treated very similarly to an American business dinner.
Therefore, a business wine gift is considered to be an appropriate and personal display of gratitude between business associates. This philosophy is permeating the American business scene and is now becoming a “chic” way to make a favourable impression on clients and customers.
When Should You Send a Business Wine Gift?
There are really no hard and fast rules when it comes to sending wine as a gift. An attractive wine gift basket can be given for almost any occasion:
- Launch of a New Product
- Signing of New Clients
- Completion of a Business Deal
- Recognition of Special Customers
- Performance Awards
- Recognition of a Major Vendor
- What Type of Corporate Wine Gift Should You Send?
The wine gift doesn’t need to be in the form of a gift basket either. It can be given as a wine gift box or collection, a personalized wine gift (with a special message on the wine bottle sleeve or label), or a wine of the month gift club membership.
Today’s attractive corporate wine gift can be tailored to your business partner’s likes and preferences. A red, white, or blush wine and specific countries of origin are common requests that can easily be handled by the wine gift merchants.
So, if you want to encourage a long term corporate relationship with your special partners, clients and customers – send wine! They will be very appreciative of your business wine gift and you will have strengthened and solidified a valuable business relationship.