I saw a blurb on marketing for photographers (one of the PhotoVision DVD previews) that showed a packaged gift box as an alternative to the traditional gift certificate. I've seen the idea before, but this time the idea really clicked.

What was shown was a clear box covered with a decorative ribbon, with the certificate and other things in the box. I'm curious what other things would be appropriate to include.

I've heard of other photographers giving gifts of candy (chocolate!) or perfume samples (courtesy your local Mary Kay Rep who you're networking with?) to their client. It's supposed to bring in the other senses (taste and smell) that help stimulate the buyer. OK, this may work for a female photographer or maybe even a female saleswoman working for a male photographer, but as the "Jack of all trades" in my business, I'm awkward giving gifts of candy or perfume, especially when the gift box may be given to a male.

So I'm pretty opinionated about what not to include, but clueless what else to include. Now, if the candy or perfume thing has worked for you, I'm willing to reconsider.

I just want to have something a little more upscale than a slip of paper printed on my laser printer, or postcard printed through Overnight Prints or others.

Thanks,

I have seen a great gift box done by Inspired Art. They have a white gift box and inside has a packet of candy in their business colours (white and blue) and a little blue photo frame keychain. I have seen it posted on their blog too inspiredartportraits.typepad.com

It seems to go above and beyond a traditional gift certificate, while being non gender specific.

Thanks jessie2001. The whole package looks pretty cool:



More food for thought. Another idea I had was to include a calendar.

I have seen a really cool calender done in a cd case - with 5x5 calender pages inside. the cd case opens all the way up and flips around (so the cover is now flat against the floor)....anyway bad description...but I love the way inspired art does it. It really is a gift package.