Written by Mike McMullin
Relationships are everything in business and in life. We’re entering that festive time of year when gift giving is practiced and expected by family, loved ones and friends. Don’t forget to shop local and to spend your holiday budget predominantly with locally owned shops and restaurants. There… I got in that plug! You wouldn’t expect anything less from the President of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and, on behalf of the Chamber, thanks for supporting us for the past 100 years!
When gifts are received, it is normally customary and good manners to say thanks. It’s no different in business. Your customers are giving you the gift of their business and their shopping dollars. Whether you’re a retail business, a restaurant, or a service, saying thanks to the people who help keep your balance sheet in the black is critical.
The savvy business owners can give you a few good ways to say do this:
- Offer to gift wrap things bought as presents. I can vouch for the fact that there are people like me who love this simple gesture. The package will always look better than if I tried to stumble through wrapping it late on Christmas Eve along with a mountain of gifts for kids and 13 grandkids!
- Have some snacks and punch out for your customers as they browse. Make shopping local an experience, which is something that Amazon can’t do.
- Placing a short thank you note in the package adds a personal touch and your customers will notice this gesture.
- Make a big deal out of Shop Small Saturday on November 30th and go all out to show your appreciation. Give a small gift to everyone who makes a purchase. It doesn’t need to be big or expensive, as it just needs to communicate how much you value your customers.
- Restaurants can give a free appetizer or dessert to diners.Restaurants can also offer discounted gift cards that their customers can use as presents. 25% off gift cards can help drive up business and people will eat them up. This makes a more personalized gift than a Visa gift card.
- Service businesses can have a Customer Appreciation Day with free food and raffle items.
These are just a few ways to let your customers know that you are truly thankful for their business. Use your imagination and say thanks in your own unique way. The important thing is to do something.
