Incentive - April 2008 - (Page 65) THE INCENTIVE MERCHANDISE BUYER’S HANDBOOK CHAPTER 6 Presenting and Delivering the Awards AWARD FULFILLMENT After making sure that incentive merchandise has been properly selected and presented, take a minute to think about fulfillment; that is, how the award actually gets to the winner. Some programs assume the recipient is “on his own” in acquiring the merchandise. However, any problem or burden in the fulfillment process of a merchandise award lessens its impact and leaves a bad taste in the mouth of your incentive winners, who are your employees, your clients, your customers. Problems could include delays in availability or delivery, or even in the setup of complicated electronics. To make sure award merchandise is readily available and quickly delivered, you may want to work with a reputable incentive or fulfillment house that keeps a warehouse full of the product you’ve selected for the program and can advise you about which scarce products to avoid. Consider delivery as a value add-in. For most simple gifts, Fedex or UPS works fine. But with first-tier awards, “white glove” delivery service makes an impression and lessens the chance for complaints. This could include unpacking and inspecting the merchandise at the recipient's home for any damage and setup. It's up to the sponsoring company to decide whether to fold this service into the cost of the program. But it can be counterproductive to a motivational program if the winner finds himself paying out of pocket for follow-through an awarding company would be wise to cover. A good motto to remember: Allow the recipient to win, walk away, and not owe anything. I ASSISTANCE FOR THIS ARTICLE WAS PROVIDED BY CARLSON MARKETING GROUP IN MINNEAPOLIS, AND CAPITOL SALES COMPANY INC. IN EAGAN, MN. Recognizing the winners for their specific accomplishments as well as everyone who worked towards the program’s success adds additional trophy value to an award and reinforces their actual achievements. Incentive Buyers RESOURCE INCENTIVE BUYERS RESOURCE SEARCHABLE BY: Supplier, Product, or Gift Card Categories THE This year, The Incentive Buyers Resource is more of a RESOURCE than ever before — MORE ACCESSIBLE, SEARCHABLE AND COMPREHENSIVE than any online listing. I I I Easily locate incentive suppliers Target the types of incentives that interest you the most Contact the suppliers directly A MUST HAVE resource of more than 2400 incentive merchandise, travel, and gift card products and services for the incentive buying professional! For instant access to the guide, visit: www.TheIncentiveMarket.com April 2008 | SPECIAL SECTION 65 http://www.TheIncentiveMarket.com http://www.TheIncentiveMarket.com
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