Leighmans.com Survey Shines Light on Corporate Gift Giving Habits

Online, September 11, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The latest poll carried out by leading corporate gifts supplier Leighmans.com has revealed that three-quarters of companies are investing more than ever in corporate hospitality and gifts - despite the continuing economic recession.

The company's poll gathered the views of more than 1,000 people, and also discovered that six out of 10 companies now spend more money on marketing and promotional gifts. Out of that 60% of companies, 37% say that they now spend in excess of 20% more than they did in 2011.

45% of companies are now choosing personalised gifts over standard ones according to the Leighmans.com research. The company says that its customers are choosing gifts like customised promotional sports bottles and its choice of personalised printed Shanghai pens.

Dr Ashley Weinberg, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, said: "In sales 'we buy from people we like' and so, at a very basic level, some potential consumers may well feel a little emotional boost from an organisation offering them something without charge.

"Even for those who decline the offer of a gift or hospitality, there is some perception that the organisation who offered it is one that we're likely to be more open to in future.

"In this case, we have created our own unwritten understanding - or psychological contract - that raises our expectations of the organisation and means we may be more positively disposed to them."

The poll was carried out by Leighmans.com, the leading promotional gifts provider - the company provides the latest in personalised custom 15mm lanyards and much more. Leighmans.com reports that companies have spent more in the last year versus what they did in 2011.

Leighmans.com founder, Darren Leigh, commented: "Far from the pre-conceived notion that marketing and entertainment are the first things to be cut when the going gets tough, it actually appears businesses are investing more into the development and maintenance of relationships through entertainment and effective promotions.

"Building business relationships is vital. It can be done through meetings and entertaining and also through carefully selected gifts to existing or potential new business leads. It's appreciated because it not only represents a financial investment, but also shows empathy and the fact you have invested time into trying to get into the other person's head to give them something they want. That helps to create and build relationships, which are vital for ongoing business."

Speaking of human behaviour, Dr Weinberg said: "Perhaps somewhere in between feeling really positive and just as negative, is the vague notion that we might feel indebted, as this organisation has already given us something which is of value. It is not quite an obligation, but it can certainly affect that psychological contract when we come to deciding where to buy from."

Leighmans.com offers customers a huge choice of high-end gifts and works with hundreds of top clients, including major blue-chip companies like Deutsche Bank.

For further information, please visit www.leighmans.com.
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Media contact:
Lucy Wray or Ellie O'Connell at Peppermint PR
T: 0161 941 4252
E: lucy@peppermintpr.com or ellie@peppermintpr.com

Notes to editors:
• Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Leighmans.com was established by Darren Leigh, a serial entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in business.

• Leighmans has worked with a range of clients, from major blue-chip companies including Deutsche Bank, to household names.

• Product lines include wireless laptop mice, 3D paperweights, clothing, speakers, headphones, portable chargers and many more.