Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Industry Related Gifting Ideas


From time to time I get industry related gifting ideas questions.

This is a response to a client who is looking for low cost gifts for the catering industry.

When I was in charge of functions at some of the previous companies that I worked at, I found that it was very difficult to differentiate between caterers.

If you find a good graphic designer or copy writer you can put together a fabulous brochure that can blow anyone’s mind. But I looked for over all presentation, whether the caterer was on time for the appointment (as this would be an indication of whether they would meet deadlines) and of course taste. But these days it is difficult to taste unless the caterer has an open day. So her are a few gifting suggestions for caterers.

For introductory appointments I would suggest:


Branded ribbon, beautiful boxes and tissue paper. Then make up a batch of your signature cookies, pastries etc and place in the beautiful box. I am personally going to make up these boxes for me as many of my clients already have it all. A few years back I was at an exhibition and I had a taste tester at one of the caterer’s stands and I was sold.

Try to make your gifts representative of your industry.

Waiter’s friends are a lovely industry gifts. For the uninformed who are reading this response, a waiter’s friend is a wine bottle opener.


Shopping bags are also a good idea. But remember to add a message in the shopping bag. For example, we only use the freshest ingredients in our dishes. Here something for you when you are stocking up on fresh ingredients.

Coasters can be purchased in sets, but handed our individually. You get a coaster that is a puzzle. Take one piece of the puzzle out and send it to your client with a message. “A good caterer takes care of all the little details that make a prefect function. This piece represents you, we take care of the rest. Then drop off the rest of it and inspire your client.

You have to communicate the relevance of the gifts to your clients. It will elevate your message and your reputation as a creative caterer and event coordinator.

For more gift ideas visit our online catalogue on our website.

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