Why is chocolate a good gift for business?

Believe me when I say the customer is always right. Our business customers have used chocolate bars for such unique purposes that would never have crossed my mind. Our first business customer wanted some for an art exhibition and actually had her artwork on the wrappers. Another was as business cards. Another customer needed them at a food fair.

One thing that helps me to believe in my product is its natural benefit. We probably may not know all the benefits at present but we do know that it is good for the heart helping to reduce stress levels in as little as two weeks! Chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a class of antioxidants found in cocoa. The benefits of which are yet to be fully discovered.

Our advice? Look for chocolates with a high cocoa content such as our dark chocolates and share them with your clients. This way you know they’ll never ‘give up’ on you.

Can I put my message on chocolate?

Yes you can. There are quite a number of reputable companies online that specialise in putting messages on chocolate. You name it and they can do it – menu cards, company logos etc. There are however some important points worth considering before you decide to order:

1. Quantity: Is there a minimum order quantity requirement? Will it work for what you plan to use them for? If you plan to share them at a fair, would there be 500 people to hand them out to if the minimum order requirement was 500? Would they still be fresh – make sure to check the Best Before date.

2. Customisation: Be sure to check that there’s no hidden cost for transferring your logo to the chocolate bar. Ask for a breakdown of cost.

3.  Mix & Match: If the company offers more than one type of chocolate, ask if you can mix dark, white and milk bars. It looks nicer when there’s a pot pourri to choose from.

4. Presentation: Find out about what sort of packaging the bars come in. This will ensure you are prepared with maybe a bin at your stall for wrappers or if your plan is to send a few to each client, you would have shopped round for presentation boxes.

Hope this has at least set you thinking. If you’d like t find out more simply give us a call on 020 3286 2243 or email info@chocolatatoi.com

Yes you can! Choose the Perfect Valentine Gift

It’s easy. You’ve done it for years and this year should be no different. When picking the perfect valentine’s gift you should always bear the following in mind (as you’ve done over the years):

1. Is it eco-friendly? In simple terms, is it be re-usable? Does it serve any useful purpose including decorative? Avoid things that cause clutter. Yes, she loves shoes but would another pair fit in her hanging shoe rack or send you on a trip to the loft?

2. Is it affordable? Don’t go overboard at Valentine’s. It shouldn’t be the only time of year you choose to express your love. You are only just recovering from Xmas shopping and the Sales.  A token should do. It shouldn’t be a mean gift though. Add these gorgeous roses or a box of chocolates and it looks more generous. Besides, I’m sure she’d rather be wined and dined regularly or what does she say? You have anniversary and possibly a birthday ahead. My husband can’t afford to overspend as my birthday is 10 days after but he does get me lovely things and once made a lovely card.

3. Is it Easy to use? A valentine’s gift shouldn’t take forever to discover so that it robs you of time together. If you could avoid a gadget or anything that needs assembling, you’ve redeemed quality time you two can spend together. Just think of a gift that won’t be such a distraction he’d be stuck on it all evening rather than on you!

4. Is it ‘presentable’? Remember, she might be getting gifts from other competitive sources. How does yours look? Make the effort. Be on the look out for posh valentine packaging with tags.

5. Is it personalised? Can it be if it isn’t? I came across gorgeous personalised valentine towels here. And today, I’ve seen some gorgeous valentine photo gifts. Of course remember to add a few of our personalised chocolates as well for a retro/traditional touch. Still unsure? Leave a comment for some assistance.

Every ‘eggstra’ helps

I posted an article link on Twitter regarding supermarkets like Tesco who are already stocking Easter Eggs and have had very interesting responses. Certain feel it’s ok but more people feel it’s wrong especially so soon after Christmas. However, according to a report by The Telegraph, Tesco is only stocking them in response to consumer demand.

Realistically, we wouldn’t expect them to be folding their arms at this time of year as concerns Easter, yet in a way I believe they could be a bit more strategic, maybe stocking them in mid-January. At least, Easter is celebrated at the same time everywhere. Who are these consumers stocking eggs that are not half-priced on New Year’s Day? In defence, Tesco noted though that they would be launching their own Easter range nearer the season.

It’s easy to criticise Tesco but how about all the Fashion stores who have launched their Spring collection? We are not even sure it wont snow in Spring. I think Tesco’s timing is wrong but they are certainly not alone in this Early Bird competition. I have already started designing Mother’s Day wrappers and plan to upload our designs before the month’s end. It’s all about planning ahead for me I cant speak on behalf of others.

Everything you need to know about ordering personalised chocolate favours

You will either be asked about where and how to order chocolate favours or need some at a point. Whatever it is, this information will come in more than handy one day soon!

1) Budget: How much do you plan to spend? How many guests will you have? How much are you willing to spend?

Now, please halt for a moment. Read the other points below then come back to point 1. Can you afford what you are after? Where can you cut costs to afford what you are after? Reduce quantity per head? Is the supplier willing to hold the offer for you till when you need them? If you buy now, will the favours still be in their best condition when you need them?

2) Type: What sort of favours are you planning to get? Dragees? Mints? Chocolates?

3) Presentation: Will your favours be scattered over the table or will you put them in boxes? Or would you rather they are presented as name cards or menu cards? Better yet, would you like to give a fore-taste of the event by sending them out as a Save the Date or Invitation Card?

4) Theme: Do you plan to let your favours match the theme of the event or party? Will you match the colour scheme, your flowers or the ambience theme – Rock n Roll, Hawaiian, Heart shapes?

Did I miss out anything? If you’ve ordered favours for an event what, in your opinion, is another critical consideration?

12 days of Xmas

Hi

We’ve just launched our BT Tradespace shop and to promote it we are doing a Xmas Advent give-away! Simply keep up to date with our Tradespace News Posts from December 12 till Xmas Eve to save on essential personalised chocolate needs in 2010.

Personalised Wedding Chocolate Favours

Wedding favours are something that a lot of couples ask whether they should have or not. I personally think it’s a nice gesture to give your guests a keepsake of the day, but I also know that they can end up being ignored or forgotten about and consequently can feel like a waste of money. This is why I often recommend clients opt for something edible – guests love having something to nibble on after dinner, or they’ll tuck it away to munch on their way home later!

So today I’m delighted to welcome Tola Popoola from Chocolat a Toi. Tola specialises in creating personalised chocolate wedding favours… Continue

Corporate Gifting for every budget

When you place an order this month for chocolate business cards in any size, you get free gift boxes in any colour of your choice, tied up with a pretty ribbon. We can arrange delivery to your clients or we can deliver the boxes to you to send out yourself.

We can suit any budget from as little as £3 a box. Contact us for a quote on any of our 3 sizes. We have a lead time of 2 weeks so enough to finalise designs and send them out to clients this holiday.

Personalised Corporate Xmas Chocolates

How many dark chocolate mints can fit into this box?

This offer is also available for private gifting. Contact us for terms and conditions. Both offers are valid till December 1, 2009.

Promotional Chocolate for Xmas

www.chocolatatoi.com
info@chocolatatoi.com
01932230968
07932763455

Xmas Offer Competition

How many boxes can you see?

Thanks for dropping by to take part in our Xmas competition.

To enter

1) Subscribe to our blog so you can be informed about winning! Use the link on the left.

2) Tweet about the competition. See the tool below.

Next, simply count how many photos there are in the collage above, from the options below – count but you may take a random guess.

The ‘first closest’ answer wins a box of personalised chocolates gift-wrapped and delivered to any address of their choice.

Offer closes on November 30, 2009

Good Luck!

There are:

1) 23 photos

2) 25 photos

3) 21 photos

Note: Only UK residents are eligible.

A few words from Chocolat a Toi

A review from Kitty and Polly.