A corporate gift including personalisation and shipping costs on average between €5 and €80 per piece, depending on the product chosen, the printing technique and the order size. For standard business gifts with logo printing and standard shipping, you can usually expect €10 to €30 per recipient. The total price is determined by four factors: the product itself, the personalisation costs, the packaging and the logistics. In this article we answer the most frequently asked questions about budgeting, cost breakdown and smart choices for personalised corporate gifts.

What determines the price of a corporate gift?

The price of a corporate gift depends on the product, the quality of the materials, the quantity and the degree of personalisation. The higher the quality and the smaller the run, the higher the cost per piece. These are the four pillars that together determine the total price of a personalised business gift.

Product category: A simple pen costs a fraction of a sustainable water bottle or a luxury gift box. The base price of the item makes up the largest part of the total price.
Choice of material: Eco-friendly or sustainable materials (such as recycled cotton or bio-based plastic) cost a little more, but suit a strong brand image better.
Quantity: The more pieces you order, the lower the cost per piece. For small quantities (under 25 pieces) the unit price is considerably higher.
Packaging: A gift in a personalised box or with tissue paper and a card enhances the experience, but also the cost.

For a realistic budget, it is important to look at all these elements together, not just the recommended price of the product.

How much does personalisation cost per piece on average?

Personalisation costs for a corporate gift are on average between €0.50 and €5 per piece, depending on the technique and the number of colours. For large runs these costs fall considerably. There are also one-off set-up costs for creating a screen or embroidery programme, which are usually between €20 and €80.

The most commonly used personalisation techniques and their cost profile:

Screen printing: Cheap per piece for large quantities, but with set-up costs per colour. Ideal for simple logos in one or two colours.
Digital printing: No set-up costs, suitable for small runs and multiple colours. Slightly more expensive per piece, but more flexible.
Embroidery: Higher set-up costs for digitising the logo, but a premium look. Popular for textiles and caps.
Engraving or laser engraving: A durable result on metal, wood or leather. A one-off artwork cost, then relatively cheap per piece.

For an order of 100 pieces or more, the personalisation costs per piece are often already included in an all-in price. Always ask for a transparent cost breakdown with your quote.

What are the shipping costs for corporate gifts?

Shipping costs for corporate gifts vary widely: from €0 for central delivery to one address to €5 to €12 per parcel for individual shipping to multiple recipients. The logistics choice has a big impact on the total budget, especially for larger campaigns.

There are three commonly used delivery models:

Central delivery: All gifts are sent in one shipment to your company address or warehouse. This is the cheapest option and suitable if you handle the distribution yourself.
Dropshipping to multiple addresses: The supplier ships each parcel directly to the recipient. Handy for home workers or clients spread across the country, but the shipping costs per piece quickly add up.
Fulfilment service: An external partner packs and ships the gifts on your behalf, including personalised cards. This is the most professional option, but requires a slightly higher budget for the service.

With individual shipping, always include the packaging costs too (boxes, filling material, tape). These are sometimes invoiced separately and can increase the total price per recipient by €1 to €3.

What is a realistic budget per corporate gift?

A realistic budget for a personalised corporate gift in a B2B context is between €10 and €50 per recipient, all-inclusive. For standard relations, a budget of €10 to €25 is sufficient. For VIP clients or strategic partners, €50 to €100 (or more) is common and justified.

A practical breakdown per target group:

Employees and a broad client base (€5 to €15): Promotional items such as water bottles, notebooks or eco bags. Functional, reusable and brand-visible.
Regular clients and partners (€15 to €40): Quality products such as a writing set, a cashmere scarf or a personalised gift box with local products.
VIP relations and strategic accounts (€50 to €100+): Luxury gifts with a high wow factor: premium water bottles, curated gift boxes, sustainable clothing items or engraved electronics.

When setting your budget, always take the full cost into account: product + personalisation + packaging + shipping. That is the only way to avoid surprises afterwards.

How do you lower the total cost without compromising on quality?

You can lower the cost of personalised corporate gifts by scaling smartly, ordering early and making strategic choices in personalisation and packaging. Quality and cost savings are not mutually exclusive if you use the right levers.

The most effective ways to save costs:

Order a larger quantity: The cost per piece drops significantly for larger quantities. Consider ordering for several occasions at once (anniversary, year-end period, trade fairs).
One-colour personalisation: Choose a logo in one colour. This lowers printing costs without losing the recognisability of your brand.
Choose central delivery: Have the gifts delivered to one address and send them on yourself. This saves considerably on logistics costs.
Order early: Ordering in good time avoids rush surcharges. With personalisation, rushed orders can increase the price by 20 to 30%.
Choose standard packaging: A neutral but stylish box is cheaper than custom packaging. Add a personalised card for the personal touch.

A good supplier actively thinks along with you about cost optimisation and suggests alternatives that fit your budget without reducing the perceived quality.

When is a more expensive corporate gift worth it?

A more expensive corporate gift is worth it when the relationship is strategically important, the gift will be kept for a long time or it sends a clear signal about your brand values. The investment is justified if the gift contributes to loyalty, brand perception or a concrete business objective.

Situations in which a higher budget for a business gift makes sense:

VIP clients and long-standing partners: A premium gift confirms the value you attach to the relationship. It is remembered and strengthens the bond.
Welcoming new clients: A high-quality onboarding gift sets the tone for the collaboration and makes a strong first impression.
Sustainability as a brand value: If your brand champions sustainability, a cheap plastic gadget doesn’t fit. A high-quality, eco-friendly gift is then an investment in credibility.
High customer value or lifetime value: If a client spends thousands of euros with you every year, a gift of €50 to €100 is a negligible cost with a potentially large return.

The question is not only ‘what does this gift cost?’ but also ‘what does it deliver?’. A well-chosen, high-quality corporate gift that stays visible on a client’s desk for weeks or months has a lasting brand effect that is hard to quantify, but easy to feel.

How we help with the costs and personalisation of corporate gifts

At Maximum Image we guide you from A to Z in putting together personalised corporate gifts that fit your budget. Whether you are looking for an entry-level gift for a broad target group or a luxury package for your VIP relations, we actively think along with you about the best value for money.

What we do for you in practice:

A tailor-made quote within 24 hours, including a transparent cost breakdown (product, personalisation, packaging and shipping)
Advice on the most cost-efficient printing technique for your logo and quantity
A choice of sustainable and eco-friendly products that match modern brand values
Fulfilment and logistics support, including individual shipping to multiple addresses
Guidance for small and large runs alike, from SMEs to corporate accounts

Discover our full range on our services page or get in touch directly for a no-obligation quote. We’ll gladly help you find the right corporate gift, at a price that works for you and impresses your recipient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order corporate gifts in small quantities, for example fewer than 25 pieces?

Yes, you can — but bear in mind that the unit price is considerably higher for small runs. The one-off set-up costs for personalisation (such as a screen or embroidery programme) are spread over fewer pieces, which drives up the cost per piece. For small quantities, digital printing is often the most cost-efficient choice, as there are no set-up costs. Always ask for a tailor-made quote to avoid surprises.

How long does it take on average for personalised corporate gifts to be delivered?

The average lead time for personalised corporate gifts is between 5 and 15 working days, depending on the printing technique, the quantity and the complexity of the personalisation. Embroidery and engraving usually take a little longer than screen printing or digital printing. Ideally plan 3 to 4 weeks ahead, so you avoid rush surcharges (up to 20-30% extra) and have enough time to approve the proof.

Are there VAT benefits or tax deductions for corporate gifts?

In Belgium, corporate gifts are tax-deductible up to 50% of the actual costs, provided they are justified for business purposes. VAT rules also apply: in principle, the VAT on corporate gifts is not deductible if the purchase price per recipient exceeds €50 excluding VAT. We strongly recommend consulting your accountant or tax adviser for the specific rules that apply to your situation and company structure.

How do I choose the right product if I don't know my recipients well?

In that case, choose universally useful, neutral items that appeal to a broad audience — think of a quality water bottle, a notebook or a sustainable tote bag. Avoid overly personal or niche items such as clothing (sizing issues) or food products (allergies and preferences). A safe rule of thumb: the less you know the recipient, the more you should focus on functionality, quality and sustainability rather than originality.

What is the difference between a corporate gift and a promotional item, and does it affect the budget?

A promotional item is primarily aimed at brand visibility and is often distributed in large numbers at trade fairs or events — the price is usually low (€1 to €10). A corporate gift has a more personal character and is intended to strengthen or thank a specific relationship, with a higher perceived value as the goal. This distinction helps determine your budget: for promotional items you optimise for volume and visibility, for corporate gifts for experience and quality.

Can I put together a mix of different products in one order?

Yes, many suppliers let you put together a gift box with several products — for example a water bottle, a notebook and a pen in one personalised box. Do bear in mind that each product may have its own personalisation costs and minimum quantity, which affects the total price. Discuss this with your supplier in advance to find out which combinations are the most cost-efficient within your budget.

How do I make sure my logo looks good on the chosen product?

Always supply your logo as a vector file (AI, EPS or PDF) for the sharpest results with every printing technique and size. If your logo has lots of colours or details, ask your supplier which printing technique best suits the chosen material — not every technique is suitable for every product. A good supplier will always send you a digital proof (mock-up) for approval before production, so you can assess the end result before anything is produced.