The sweet taste of chocolate rewards

It’s the candy that shows up at every holiday. It’s a reward for a job well done, or a comfort when things are stressful. Add to that research showing that consuming chocolate is good for our health, and you have the perfect treat for every occasion.

Chocolate is also an inexpensive and effective tool to motivate and reward employees, and to attract the attention of new customers. The addition of affordable themed wrappers, custom-molded chocolates or personalized candy jar labels instantly turns a delicious candy into a powerful way send a targeted  message to clients, customers, prospects and employees. 

Connecting with existing clients and customers

It’s said that the very best customer is the one you already have. Promotional chocolates as business holiday gifts are a proven way to let your existing customers know you appreciate their business. Unlike traditional giveaways or cheap marketing ideas such as key chains or imprinted pens, chocolate carries with it a perception of indulgence and good times.

Offering shoppers, patrons or special clients themed chocolate bars or even custom made chocolates imprinted with your company name or logo gives your business a proven edge over similar businesses offering coupons or other intangible rewards. And the unit cost for chocolates is typically far lower than the dollar value of a coupon or discount. You save money, while increasing customer loyalty.

Luxurious chocolates for special clients

When the clients are exceptional, or the employees are outstanding, you want your business holiday gifts to deliver that special level of gratitude. While there are dozens of choices for company Christmas gifts, one item stands out year after year as a recipient favorite: chocolate. Market research shows that clothing imprinted with a company name will seldom be worn, and there are only so many thermal mugs and car cups anyone needs.

But chocolate is always welcome at the holidays. It can be shared at the office, or serve as a special treat at home.  And if you select a custom-molded chocolate with your company’s name or logo right in the chocolate, you will take all the branding opportunity of clothing or cups and transfer it into an unique gift any client would be delighted to receive.

Catching the eye – and sweet tooth – of prospective customers

Whether it’s a trade show, mall kiosk, community festival or charity event, offering attendees a bar of themed chocolate is an easy, inexpensive and effective way to catch the attention of prospects. Here are some tips for creating a chocolate bar promotional giveaway that gets results:

• Tie your company’s name or product to the sweet treat you’re offering. For example, a travel planner might select a themed bar reading, “Your business means the world to us.” A home builder might opt for offering holiday themed candies under a banner reading, “Let us build your Home Sweet Home.” Choose the theme and build a message that speaks to your target audience.
• Be sure to include a business card with each bar. If people take your chocolates home to eat later (often the case at trade shows and conventions), you want them to remember who gave them the treats.
• Choose a chocolate gift that’s the right size for the customer. Sometimes a standard-sized bar is the right choice. But sometime a larger bar or a candy box is a better way to connect with your clients or an outstanding employee.  Make the gift fit the potential of the customer.
• Select quality chocolates. You wouldn’t want a potential customer’s first “taste” of your business to be stale, waxy or discolored chocolates. Remember, this is all about image, and the chocolate is carrying that message to future customers and clients.

Building employee morale, one chocolate at a time

Chocolate employee gifts are wonderful way to increase employee morale and boost engagement. Give employees seasonal chocolate bars with their holiday cards, for an instant boost in morale.

After the holidays are over, keep a supply of bars wrapped with a message for on-the-spot rewards when an employee does something special or goes the extra mile. A chocolate that offers a cheerful thanks, welcome or congratulations right on the wrapper will be remembered and appreciated far longer than a certificate or a pat on the back.

Chocolates and the holidays

Chocolate is a welcome treat any time of the year, but it’s especially welcome when the holiday season approaches. Sending or giving out promotional chocolates is an inexpensive way to share both good wishes and your company name with everyone who keeps your business going all year long.

Use holiday themed chocolate bars  to thank customers for their patronage, to offer messages of appreciation to loyal employees, and to extend an invitation for prospective employees to check out your services or products in the coming year.

Promotional chocolates have always been  a low-cost, effective way to carry your message. But in today’s challenging and stressful times, they are also certain to be a favorite with each and every lucky recipient.

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