When giving briefcases and attaches to your employees, make sure you have yourself covered. Here are some thoughts when choosing briefcases and attaches for your clients:

Purchase the best material. Leather is, of course, the best for briefcases, but with the wide range of choices, you need not limit yourself to leather. Consider your recipients' preferences: if they are the fierce animal-activist type, you might want to go with the faux leather designs. Some PVC models are as good as the genuine leather versions and are not as dear.

Think durability. Durable briefcases and attaches will be used longer and mean longer exposure for your company. Giving away quality gifts that last a lifetime leaves a good impression on your customers. It speaks of how your company is not the kind that will settle for less.

Keep in mind the needs of your consumers. Some briefcases and attaches offered come with sufficient padding to protect laptops, a feature that is highly appreciated by people who are on the go. On the other hand, female executives who want to show their character would like briefcases and attaches that they can use in the office but will still look good on them in an after-office party.

Capitalize on color. A red briefcase is sure to be discernible in a sea of black and brown briefcases. It is avant-garde and is a sure way to get people's attention. Such a move signifies your company is not afraid to experiment or try something new, an attitude that is good to have in an unpredictable business climate.

Purchase designer briefcases and attaches if your budget grants. Your choice of briefcase and attaches is an indication how you value your audience. If your store sends merchandise only at the end of a year, such gifts, no matter how expensive, are worth the investment.

Josephus Bonollai is a corporate gifts adviser on Promotional Items in Elk Grove, California … Promotional Items in Escondido, California. Read articles by Josephus Bonollai on how you can market your business.