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GiftsOnTime.com
Headquarters: Scituate
Phone: 888-468-1830
Email: rorleans@giftsontime.com
URL: www.giftsontime.com
Year founded: 2008
Employees: 4
In the company’s own words:
“GiftsOnTime.com is a turnkey web-based platform that enables professional services providers to enhance their client retention, generate new referral business and manage employee appreciation. Our innovative approach to client retention and referrals was born out of the idea that client gifting is a necessary, yet cumbersome and time-consuming task. GiftsOnTime.com automates this process through its free platform and brings together the concept of future gifting and client appreciation. We call it appreciation management, and in less than one hour you can consolidate your gift-giving activities for the entire year right from your computer.”
The technology:
The GiftsOnTime web platform allows users to import information, such as client names, addresses and dates of birth, from a variety of contact databases. The software sorts the data into a chart where users can choose who they want to receive a gift and the delivery date for each item. The gifts automatically arrive on those specified dates throughout the year. Although the service is free to use, the company monetizes it by adding a surcharge to the price of the gifts.
People behind the company:
Ron Orleans, CEO, previously founded his own CPA firm, Orleans & Co, CPA, where he served as a managing partner and as the director of marketing. Co-founder Josh Orleans acts as the company’s technology director. Managing Partner Brian Signorelli leads efforts for new business development and strategic alliances. Mark Rabin, general counsel and founding partner, serves as the company’s attorney.
The pitch:
The company is seeking $2 million to $3 million in funding from a strategic partner to assist GiftsOnTime in doubling or tripling its projected market share across the next three to five years. Funding would be used primarily for hiring additional employees and for technology and marketing investments. The company is also seeking business partnerships, particularly with premium gift vendors for its future gifting platform. It is looking to expand its current selection of items to create a diverse range in terms of product types and price. GiftsOnTime has existing partnerships with Wine.com and Provide Commerce Inc., which includes a portfolio of brands like ProFlowers, Red Envelope, Cherry Moon Farms and Shari’s Berries.
The market:
GiftsOnTime’s three target market segments include professional services providers, human resources professionals and managers and the consumer market. According to the company, the first two segments collectively represent a market size of over six million institutional customers. It estimates that the corporate and employee gifting market in the United States is between $15 billion and $20 billion annually.
The competition:
The company stated it is unaware of a direct competitor offering a similar service. Potential indirect competition could come from individual gifting websites and retailers who implement a future gifting model. However, GiftsOnTime plans to market its product as a one-stop platform for managing all scheduled gifting.
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