Client relationships

Is it the best way to maintain client relationships?

Personally I would prefer to get a decent service from a business that knows me and goes the extra mile to make sure I'm satisfied with their service, than get a free pen.

But I suppose if I already get that from my suppliers, a free pen would be nice.

Just opened a new business account with Lloyds and got a pen and a mousemat Time will tell if they go the extra mile for service...

We tried pens, whistles, badges, hats, umbrellas and all sorts of rubbish years ago. It's expensive, but is ok if you are doing things like trade shows and need some give aways.

But agree with scentral, I'd concentrate on a quality service rather than gimmicks.

Calendars, datebooks, pencils, and pens at one level are gifts that are blatant advertising but completely acceptable and other lever are the gifts with whom you have an ongoing and somewhat personal relationship: wine and liquor, more pricey datebooks, desk accessories, and food baskets.

It's quality service all the way! Giving away free gifts will in no way make up for a substandard service to clients.
If you're exhibiting at trade fairs then having some gifts such as pens, etc as well as corporate literature may be worthwhile I'd say.

Why not use both? I mean people are always going to want free stuff of some sort, so backing that up with awesome customer service seems like a winning strategy to me.

I mean, you can't give a client a pen when they are asking you about serious account problems...(they might just hurt you with it )

We sent hampers at Christmas to clients. I think it is a nice thing to do.

Blimey thats quite impressive! Must be well paying clients

I remember whilst working for a company back in the 80s the boss and his side kick would visit every local council office where they had a contract with brown paper bags stuffed with cash and bottles of booze. I prefer to give nothing away and that way I don't expect anything. Although recently I have done around