Business Gift Giving: 7 Ways To Save
 By Terry M. Blair

Times might be tough for your small company. But even business owners feeling the financial crunch can share some joy during the holiday season.

Whether you want to give gifts to employees, clients or colleagues, here are seven ways to save money while spreading holiday cheer.

1. Make your list now
Don’t procrastinate. Make a list of your gift recipients and think about the type of gift you want to give each person.

2. Set your budget
Take a look at your gift-giving budget from last year. That will give you a starting place for determining this holiday’s budget.

You may decide to spend more this year. Or you may decide to spend less. Whichever way you go, you’ll have to match your budget with your list of gift recipients.

3. Consider alternatives
Too many presents to buy and not enough budget to go around? Look for low-cost or no-cost gift alternatives.

For example, instead of buying presents for your employees, give them a Friday afternoon off with full pay. Everyone needs more hours during the holidays, so your workers will appreciate the extra personal time.

Can’t afford the perfect gifts for all of your clients? Then earmark most of your money for your very best customers. Give them the big-ticket gifts.

But don’t neglect your second-tier customers. You can send them a sincere, heartfelt holiday card that expresses your gratitude for their business. The cost to you? Your time and a 42 cent first-class stamp.

If your clients are local, an inexpensive face-to-face treat can replace a high-cost gift. Offer to take your customers to a fun, local coffee shop. Buy them a cup of java, then spring for a half-pound of specially-roasted coffee beans as a gift. Total cost? About $10 and an hour of your time.

4. Start shopping now
With your list and your budget in hand, get shopping.

By shopping early, you alleviate the risk of stores running out of the gifts you want. And you give yourself more time to find the perfect present at the perfect price.

5. Compare prices online
Don’t jump at the first offer you see. Compare prices by searching a variety of stores and their prices online. Your goal is to purchase the gift you want at the best price possible.

6. Bundle items
As you shop and compare, consider the money-saving possibility of buying multiple gifts at the same online outlet. Doing so could help you meet the free-shipping minimum. And free-shipping could save you a bundle.

7. Ship early
Once you’ve got all of your gifts bought and wrapped, don’t delay on shipping.

Shipping early means you can often choose the slowest—and lowest cost—option. Yet your important package will still arrive in time.

Bonus tip!
Holiday savings with AFS
AFS can help you save on all of your holiday gift needs. Check out these and other benefits.

• 1-800-flowers.com
  AFS Members enjoy a 15-percent discount and can choose from an impressive range of thoughtful gifts including extraordinary gift baskets, delicious gourmet snacks and treats, unique giftware, and of course the most beautiful flowers and plants in the world.
• Discount Movie Tickets
  You can purchase valuable movie tickets accepted nationwide (except on select movies during premier weeks) at AMC Theaters and Regal Entertainment. Perfect gifts for employees, clients and colleagues.

(Posted November 2009)

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