11/ 19/ 2004
by Karen J. Bannan
In a perfect world, you’d order all your holiday business gifts before Oct. 15 and get a 10 percent discount for being an early bird. In the real world, however, that doesn’t always happen. Deadlines loom, clients call, and before you know it, it’s mid-December. But for those who don’t have their holiday shopping for clients done by Thanksgiving, all hope is not lost. Here’s a guide to last-minute options that won’t leave you feeling like Scrooge. Still behind schedule? Consider sending New Year’s gifts, which can be ordered after the fact and provide clients a much-needed post-holiday lift.
Merchant: Regal Entertainment Group
Type of gifts: Movie tickets--complete with money for popcorn
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery: Dec. 23
Shipping charges: $8 UPS Ground, $20 for UPS Overnight
Contact information:http://www.regalcinemas.com or (800) 784-8477
Merchant: Edible Arrangements
Type of gifts: Fruit arrangements that look like bouquets
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery: Varies, but some local retailers can handle Dec. 24 orders
Shipping charges: $8 to $15 per arrangement
Contact information:http://www.ediblearrangements.com or (800) 236-7101
Merchant: Zippo
Type of gifts: Various items imprinted with company logo. (Must be purchased in 50-item lots)
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery: Dec. 10 for imprinted items, Dec. 18 for all others
Shipping charges: Charges vary based on customer location
Contact information:http://www.zippoppd.com or (800) 773-5518
Merchant: Starbucks Coffee Co.
Type of gifts: Starbucks gift cards
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery:Dec. 20
Shipping charges: Free shipping before Dec. 10
Contact information:http://www.starbucks.com/business/bizgifts.asp or (800) 611-1669
Merchant: Mission Orchards
Type of gifts: Fruit, gift baskets and desserts
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery: Dec. 23 at noon
Shipping charges: Shipping starts at $5.95, depending on order total
Contact information:http://www.missionorchards.com or (800) 333-1448
Merchant: GiftCertificates.com
Type of gifts: You name it. The electronic certificate can be redeemed at more than 100 online and offline retailers.
Last order date for Dec. 24 delivery: Dec. 24
Shipping charges: None. Certificates are e-mailed
Contact information:http://www.giftcertificates.com or (800) 773-7368
Taking Cover
It never fails. The rental car company always asks the same question: Do you want to purchase the optional insurance? And most customers have the same answer: No, thanks. But that’s not always best, says William Mitchell, author of Hassle-Free Business Travel. If you’re not covered by your personal auto insurance policy or a credit card (which often offers coverage for rental cars), then declining the rental company’s coverage could be wrong. The key is to check before you go on your trip so you don’t hastily make a decision at the rental car counter. “The benefit of the insurance offered by the rental company is that it requires very little paperwork or follow-up -- no claims to file or checks to wait for,” Mitchell says. The same rules apply to your employees. Unless your business has an agreement with the rental company, Mitchell says, the person renting the car will be responsible for all damages.
