An enquiry often starts with a budget. Sometimes it’s an idea: something for the desk, a culinary treat or a gift from Berlin. Before I start my research, I like to understand the background.
Who is the gift for?
A job title on its own doesn’t tell me much. What’s more interesting is how you’ve got on with the person. What do they enjoy? What have you done together? Is there anything they specifically don’t like? You don’t need to fill in a long questionnaire for this. Often, the clues emerge during the conversation.
What would you like to say?
A thank-you after a project feels different from a birthday present. When saying goodbye, a shared memory might take centre stage. When extending an invitation, a small token of appreciation might be appropriate. I’d like to know what the occasion means to you.
How is the gift presented?
A gift that you present in person may be packaged differently from one that spends several days in the post. At events, I also ask how the guests are getting home. A beautiful item is of little use if it doesn’t fit in hand luggage.
What are the established parameters?
Depending on the brief, packaging, personalisation and postage will be added to the product budget. My fee is agreed separately. We’ll clarify at an early stage when the gift is required and what approvals are needed on your end.
You don’t need to have all your answers ready for the initial consultation. Just tell me what you already know. We’ll use that to draw up a brief, and then we can start the search.
Diana Hoge