11/ 28/ 2007
The first clients bringing business your way deserve special acknowledgment. These people took a leap of faith, perhaps even leaving other service providers, to come on board with you — though your record was largely untested. Showing your appreciation to this group of people will assure that they'll be with you for a long time to come.
The following list starts with the items that will cost you the least and ends with some larger gifts you might consider giving on special occasions, like when someone sends an especially large order your way. Most of them can be done with minimal time and effort; surely you'll agree that your clients are worth far more than that.
Thank-you notes
Never underestimate the power of a heartfelt, gracious card. If you're not yet at the stage where you have the ability to shower your clients with fancy gifts, a note will let them know they're appreciated without cutting into your fledgling profit margin.
Extras/freebies
Businesses do this all the time. A loyal customer orders a dozen sugar cookies at a bakery, and the cashier will throw in a couple of chocolate ones, too. Or maybe that small coffee gets upgraded a size. This type of spur-of-the-moment thank you doesn't require much planning on your part, but it will surely leave your customer with a smile on her face.
Customer reward programs
This type of promotion is a great way to not only thank your customers and reward their loyalty, but also keep them coming back to you. If you have a punch card for a free sandwich in your wallet, you know how these work. Determine an amount of purchases a customer must make—either in quantity or cash amount—and offer a gift or discounted service once they reach that amount.
Client appreciation day
Hold a special event for your best customers, such as an open house where you provide light snacks and a few freebies, and offer discounts on featured items. This option will be easiest if you have a storefront or home-based business, but you could also rent a space for a few hours or hold your event in a private room of a restaurant.
Free samples of forthcoming products
Your best customers will want to know what’s new at your business, so make sure you keep them in the loop. Send them samples of upcoming products or coupons for new services. Not only will this show that you value their business, it will also hopefully incline them to give you more of it.
Gift cards
For events like holidays or new business referrals, gift cards are always a nice thank-you option. Gift cards to coffee shops and restaurants are always a safe bet, but if that feels too impersonal to you, try to tailor the gift to your clients’ interests. For example, if you know your client goes to a particular yoga studio, you could buy him a few classes there.
Gift baskets
This is another tried-and-true thank you—the downside of which is the expense. Pre-made baskets tend to be a bit pricey, but you could always make your own, filling it with nice coffee, cookies, nuts, fruit and anything else you know your client likes. Though a bit more time-consuming, making your own gift basket will not only save you money, but also give you the chance to personalize the gift, making it stand out from the other gift baskets your client might be receiving.
Event tickets
Give a special client a night on the town. You can opt for low-key (and lower expense) options, such as movie tickets, or splurge on theater or sporting events if you owe your client a big thank you. If you are currently enrolled in college, you may be able to buy tickets to all of the above at a discounted rate through your campus box office.
No matter your budget, with a little thought you can find the perfect way to thank your clients. One of small business' best attributes is giving customers the personalized service and relationships that big business can't. Showing your skills at the sometimes lost art of graciousness will score big points with your clients.
