Send Thank-You Cards to Top Customers

How do you thank your customers? Do you simply put a line thanking them for their business at the bottom of invoices? Or, do you believe that the quality of your products or services is thanks enough? That's how many people do business, but such impersonal — or complete lack of — appreciation doesn't do much for the customer. You may be very good at what you do, but your customers know that you're not the only fish in the sea. There's always someone else ready to fill your place if you don't follow through. Expressing your appreciation for continued business is a great way to show your customers that you know they do not have to purchase your products or services. One way to do this is to send professional thank-you cards to your top customers.

Show respect

Professional thank-you cards are quick, easy and affordable. For little more than part of an afternoon, you can send your top customers a token of appreciation that will resound deeper than any of your products or services, no matter how good they are. Sending thank-you cards not only lets customers know you appreciate their business, it makes it more difficult for them to consider trying another provider. Such efforts humanize your company, and put a name or face with a product or service. It also lets customers know that you respect them; and in turn it is more likely that they will respect you.

Make them personalized

Your thank-you cards do not have to be overly flashy or showy, but they should be personalized and not form letters. Instead of a simple "Dear Customer, thank you for your continued business," write "Dear Jo-Ann, I want to let you know that I really enjoyed working on Project XYZ this past month. It was an eye-opening experience for me, and I'm glad I was able to meet you and your wonderful team. I offer my deepest appreciation for your business and my sincerest hope for your continued success. Thank you ..." See what a difference a couple of sentences make?

Thank-you cards are not just for holidays

Professional thank-you cards can be sent around holidays, but the practice has become so common that it is almost expected, and not as appreciated. Instead, send your thank-you cards after a big project or sale; or after you've had a customer for a specific period of time — say, three months, for instance.

Get them customized

Have your thank-you cards custom-designed and professionally printed by an online printing company such as PsPrint (you can even get instant price quotes from PsPrint using the company's online tools). These types of thank-you cards are more likely to be hung on walls and garner attention of upper management, increasing the likelihood you'll be regarded as a true professional and called upon again. Choose an elegant 16-point cover stock for your thank-you card paper, and try a size between 7-inch by 5-inch or 10-inch by 7-inch. Corresponding envelopes, either in plain white or in a custom four-color design add impact and ensure your thank-you card will be opened. Personal, meaningful thank-you cards will do more than just about any other marketing medium for earning repeat business (as long as your products and services perform as advertised). Don't overlook this powerful business strategy the next time you land a big client.