“End-to-end” gifting platform

Covid-19 will never deter us from giving gifts to our loved or favored ones. Customarily though, gift giving is occasion-driven. While a few have religious significance (like Christmas, baptism, etc.) and some are driven by personal milestones (like birthdays, weddings, etc.), others are mere creations of the retail industry players to entice buyers to spend.  So that, today, we give gifts on Valentine’s day, mother’s day, father’s day, etc.  Gifts are even given on occasions the millennials fondly referred to as “monthsaries.”

Notably, apart from person-to-person gifts, corporations or proprietors are also handing out giveaways on their anniversaries and during holiday seasons. Traditionally, apart from their personalized giveaways, they are gifting clients and employees with cakes, pastries, chocolates, hams, etc. 

In the United Kingdom of Great Britain, the “gifting market” is, likewise, huge. While buying cards, flowers and chocolates are still among the most preferred, restaurants are likewise making a killing as families and lovers throw in dinner as part of their celebration.  For Valentine’s Day alone (as part of the huge gifting market), the British Retail Consortium said sales volume could exceed £1.3bn.

Today, however, the gifting market has widened a bit. Apart from these traditional presents, personalized gifts are in and are certainly on the rise. The research study by Technavio (a leading technology research and advisory company with a global coverage and focuses on emerging technology trends that can shape the market) on the global personalized gifts market for 2017-2021 “provides detailed industry analysis based on skill and technology (hand decoration, embroidery, engraving, printing, and carving), product (photo and non-photo personalized gifts), retail format (in-store and online), and geography (the Americas, Europe, APAC, and MEA).”

It also says in its report that as it gets to as far as a compound annual growth rate or CAGR of 8.5% (by 2021), the “global personalized gifts market size is expected to reach US$ 31.63 billion by 2021.” It further said that “the Americas is predicted to be the leading regional segment, generating both highest revenue and maximum incremental growth through the forecast period.”

Technavio analysts singled out at least three key factors that are contributing to the growth of the global personalized gifts market.  “These are growing gifting culture and increasing demand for seasonal decorations; innovative gifting solutions and advancements in technology; and the expanding online retail, kiosks, and online distribution channels.”

Indeed, apart from product innovations, the online distribution channels have contributed a lot in its surge. Yes, the likes of Amazon, Alibaba, Shopee and Lazada had something to do with that. One thing though that we should know is that several outfits have started differentiating themselves from these “online giants” by establishing “end-to-end” gifting platforms. One of these fast rising companies is Sendoso. It is a US company that has “developed a popular gifting platform that allows businesses to send presents to their clients and staff.” 

Certainly, this platform helps build relationship between businesses and their clients.  Using this platform, the subscriber (the business) can create the “perfect sending strategy that is fully integrated with its existing programs and campaigns.” Sending options can come in custom boxes, swag, food and wine, eGifts, etc. and at the same time ensure that these are timely, relevant, and completely customized or personalized to its recipients.

For one, the subscriber or user can specify how the gift shall be packaged. Shall it be in a box, wrapped with a crinkle paper and with a handwritten note? They simply do entirely what they are instructed to do. On the other hand, if the subscriber decides to send an eGift, it lands in the recipient’s inbox at once.

Then, the subscriber can easily connect with the recipients as soon as packages or eGifts are received as the “Send Tracker” will show the progress every step of the way. 

Indeed, for it to grow, a business must establish good relationships with its clients and their staff. Personalized gifting is one way of doing it. And doing it through a platform like this will make the goal easily achievable. It is a no-brainer.

Notably too, the manufacture of personalized gifts like couple’s shirts, personalized mugs, etc. are so prevalent in the country and are definitely on the rise. All we need to do is to develop an “end-to-end” gifting platform (like Sendoso) that can bridge the manufacturers, the gift givers and the recipients.