Are you considering holiday gifts for your organization this year? Here's why you should prioritize this task immediately, rather than delaying until November or December.
With 14 years of experience as a Promotional Products Professional, I've seen it all, including the last-minute rush of clients who remember in late November that they haven't yet arranged gifts for their employees or customers.
Even though you can shop for holiday gifts at your local mall right up until December 24th, the corporate gifting for larger quantities of items is not the same.
Procrastination is a recipe for disaster. Here are 7 reasons to act now:
In the Promotional Products Industry, October through December are the busiest months of the year. This is the time that many organizations look to gift their employees or clients as they close out the year. Starting your holiday gifting plans in August or September ensures the best selection and availability, helping you avoid the disappointment of unavailable stock later in the season, or longer-than-normal production lead times.
Factories face a significant increase in orders during these months, straining production capabilities and extending lead times. As the holidays approach, production timelines inevitably lengthen and can impact your in-hands date. This blog post from USC Consulting Group digs deeper into the specific challenges manufacturers face around the holidays.
Factories prioritize early orders and in years past, have actually stopped accepting new ones with requests for delivery by year-end as early as November. If you are just starting to think about holiday gifting around the same time you’re planning your Thanksgiving dinner, you may be too late.
Delaying your order may lead to rush fees or expedited shipping costs—if the factory can accommodate your order at all. Planning early, ideally around August/September can lead to better pricing and more creative, thoughtful gift options.
Planning ahead provides time to address and resolve such problems. It allows a buffer for unexpected delays or issues, such as damaged goods.
Shipping during the holiday season is fraught with delays due to weather and high volume, making timely delivery less reliable. This blog post outlines the 5 most common shipping challenges around the holidays and how to overcome them (well….aside from just simply *planning ahead*).
The holiday season can be stressful as it is; planning your corporate gifting early can alleviate some of that stress and ensure a smoother experience.
To avoid these pitfalls and ensure your holiday gifting is memorable and stress-free, contact Ideation today and let us make you look like a ROCK STAR this holiday season.