One way to foster customer loyalty, and create a buzz, is to send a thank you card, in the mail if possible. Sending something in the mail rather than by email can be a big surprise as so many businesses send everything by email. It is also usual for a business to thank their customers.
You may not want to send a card to customers who make small purchases. Decide in advance who you will send cards to. For example, you may want to send a card to everyone who makes a purchase over $20 from your shop, or who buy more than one item, or similar.
If you are sending a thank you card for a purchase, it can be tempting to simply include it with the package you are sending out – don’t do this! A thank you card is much more effective if you send it a few days after your customer will have received their purchase. It will also give your customer a chance to check the item is what they wanted and that the item has arrived in one piece.
It may also be tempting to put the same message in every card. Where possible, personalise it so people know you care and they feel special.
It may also be tempting to include other marketing material in with your card. Again, this may not be a great idea, unless you include a small voucher or similar to encourage them to buy from you – then again, the thank you card may be enough of a value add for most people.
Make your thank you cards part of your marketing strategy and write it in to your procedures as part of sending out packages.
