Coordinate timing with the account team
The end of implementation may be a suitable moment, or the client may prefer to complete an internal review first. Discuss the timing with the relationship owner rather than sending something when its purpose could be unclear. Check that the gesture fits the recipient organisation’s procedures. If its gift-acceptance policy is uncertain, ask the contact to review it. This is an organisational planning step, not a replacement for the company’s own procedures or any specialised review it requires.
Write about the actual cooperation
Name the aspect of the relationship being appreciated without revealing project information that has not been approved for sharing. A short, specific message can mean more than repeated praise. Avoid inserting a new purchase request or unagreed meeting expectation into the card, which can make thanks feel conditional. For bilingual wording, review meaning and tone in both versions and confirm the recipient’s name, title and the person or team signing the message.
Choose for the recipient’s likely use
The gift may be personal or shared by a team, but those formats have different handover requirements. Consider where the item will be used and how it will be carried, instead of inferring preferences solely from a job title. Verify spelling for any name personalisation. A practical product with restrained branding may suit an ongoing relationship, but that is a contextual choice rather than a universal rule that stronger branding is always inappropriate or less refined.
A hypothetical completed design project
Imagine an agency thanking the client team that reviewed materials and supported implementation. The account owner discusses whether the gift should go to named individuals or a shared workspace, then chooses a message about cooperation without exposing internal details. The next commercial conversation remains separate from the thank-you card. This example does not claim that a gift secures a contract renewal; it shows how the purpose can remain clear and respectful of the existing working relationship.
Keep approval and delivery proportionate
Retain the approved recipient list, wording and receiving contact, and check personalisation before production begins. Do not make a public post or photograph a condition of receiving thanks. Brandkom can organise product, branding and packaging alternatives, while the free Studio supports comparison and a PDF for the account team. Specifications, availability, personalisation, charges and production timing require confirmation within the paid order according to the actual project and delivery circumstances.
Before you move forward
- A project-specific reason for thanks.
- Timing agreed with the account owner.
- Approved recipients and wording.
- Respectful delivery follow-up.
Common questions
Should the gift include another commercial offer?
A separate message or agreed meeting can carry the commercial discussion. Keeping the purposes distinct helps the recipient understand that the thanks relate to the completed cooperation.
Should the recipient be one person or the whole team?
Review who contributed and how the client handles gifts. A shared item may suit some situations, while others need named recipients approved by the relationship owner.
Ready to turn the brief into a shortlist? Explore the catalogue or start a project in Brandkom’s free Gift Design Studio.