PressMediaWire.com (Press Release Distribution) – Sep 12,2012 –

A new survey conducted by Leighmans.com has revealed the latest psychology and buying habits prevalent in the incentives sector. The corporate gifts specialist polled companies and found that 75% of companies are now investing more money than ever in their corporate gifts and rewards.

The poll took in the views of over 1,000 people and revealed that 6 out of every 10 companies currently invest more in incentives and gifts than previously. Of these companies, 40% said that their expenditure on incentives and gifts has increased by more than 20%.

Leighmans.com reports that its range of personalised gifts has become more and more popular with customers in recent times, as the poll revealed – 45% of respondents said they now prefer customised gifts over standard ones. Leighmans.com has seen increased demand for items such as printed and personalised ceramic mugs with branding and deluxe printed travel wallets.

Dr Ashley Weinberg, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Salford, said: “In sales ‘we buy from people we like’ and so, at a very basic level, some potential consumers may well feel a little emotional boost from an organisation offering them something without charge.”

“Even for those who decline the offer of a gift or hospitality, there is some perception that the organisation who offered it is one that we’re likely to be more open to in future.”

“In this case, we have created our own unwritten understanding – or psychological contract – that raises our expectations of the organisation and means we may be more positively disposed to them.”

Leighmans.com gives customers a wide range of items to choose from, with gifts available ranging from tags for golf bags through to laptop cases. The company’s survey reported that UK companies have spent more on incentives and gifts during 2012 than they did in 2011.

Leighmans.com founder, Darren Leigh, commented: “Far from the pre-conceived notion that marketing and entertainment are the first things to be cut when the going gets tough, it actually appears  businesses are investing more into the development and maintenance of relationships through entertainment and effective promotions.”

“Building business relationships is vital. It can be done through meetings and entertaining and also through carefully selected gifts to existing or potential new business leads. It’s appreciated because it not only represents a financial investment, but also shows empathy and the fact you have invested time into trying to get into the other person’s head to give them something they want. That helps to create and build relationships, which are vital for ongoing business.”

Speaking of human behaviour, Dr Weinberg said: “Perhaps somewhere in between feeling really positive and just as negative, is the vague notion that we might feel indebted, as this organisation has already given us something which is of value. It is not quite an obligation, but it can certainly affect that psychological contract when we come to deciding where to buy from.”

Leighmans.com offers customers a wide range of high-quality, marketing and promotional gifts. The company’s customer base includes leading blue-chip companies such as Deutsche Bank.

For further information, please visit www.leighmans.com.
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Media contact:
Lucy Wray or Ellie O’Connell at Peppermint PR
T: 0161 941 4252
E: lucy@peppermintpr.com  or ellie@peppermintpr.com

Notes to editors:
• Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Leighmans.com was established by Darren Leigh, a serial entrepreneur with over 17 years of experience in business.
• Leighmans has worked with a range of clients, from major blue-chip companies including Deutsche Bank, to household names.
• Product lines include wireless laptop mice, 3D paperweights, clothing, speakers, headphones, portable chargers and many more.