Will cheaper gifts for clients look bad this Christmas?

Dear Aunty B,

We always pride ourselves on giving extravagant gifts to clients at Christmas. This year we can’t afford the annual largess.

However I don’t want our clients to think our business is in trouble. Is there any way to do this? Or should we cut somewhere else and make sure clients get the same as last year? (Ouch)

Simon,
Adelaide

Dear Simon,

Cut! Then go environmental. Buy them a tree, wrap it in cardboard and string and hold the whole thing together with a twig. Then send them a wonderful card pointing out how they are contributing, in these difficult times, to saving the planet. (Better be email.)

Look, this is a back to basics Christmas. I think anyone who is extravagant will look foolish and be frowned upon. Personal, thoughtful and imaginative gifts are the go.

The Melbourne Cup will kick the Christmas season off with a more modest affair, which will continue well into 2010.

So by the time Christmas rolls around everyone will be in the zone. Everyone has had a decade of excess. So focus on the business and keeping those costs down!

Good luck,

Your Aunty B.