Rewarding Clients at Christmas

by | Dec 8, 2011 | Marketing that works, More business, Other, Tips & Tricks

Here are a few comments on this rather vexed subject. I know it is one that has many business owners scratching their heads so here is a collection of suggestions, in no particular order of merit.

  1. Just write a simple and sincere note to all of your clients wishing them the compliments of the season and thanking them for their support.
  2. Send Christmas cards but make sure that they are from some worthy cause that benefits by the purchase of those cards.
  3. Give a donation to a worthy cause and let your clients know that you’ve chosen to do that rather than spending money on cards or gifts.
  4. Remember the power of Pareto and analyse your clients by the total of what they’ve spent with you over the year. Then determine the 20% of your clients who give you 80% of your income and vice versa. Resolve to reward them for their support accordingly (the top 20% should get larger or more meaningful rewards than the bottom 80%).
  5. Send a copy of a book or DVD you’ve enjoyed to the top 20%.
  6. You might send a packet of sweets or other small token to the bottom 80% or ignore them completely.
  7. Tickets to the cinema are always a great reward and really appreciated, particularly if they are for Gold class.
  8. Talking about movies, you could always do what dentist, Mark Hassed, did in conjunction with a chiropractor recently when they shared the cost of hiring a cinema and each invited 100 of their top clients to the screening of a first release movie as a thank you and introduction to the other professional. It worked a treat.
  9. A very convenient, low-cost and welcome gift for clients is a voucher to spend on any of your products or services. The value can range from $10 – $50 that they could spend in your business.
  10. A great source of inexpensive Christmas gifts is the firm of Clouston & Hall who specialise in remaindered books. That means you can buy great books at publishers run out prices for literally cents in the dollar. To arrange a catalogue or see what they’ve got visit book remainders.
  11. A very popular gift is the “free restaurant meal” which has proved hugely popular when used by the many different professionals. A great adventure this! The meal will not cost you a brass razoo although it appears you have paid for it. If you’d like details and the letter that goes with it, please post a comment or email us at info@businessgrowthcentre.com.au

I hope that this gives you a small indication of the range of options that are available to show clients your appreciation. Of course gestures in the festive season should be just one of the six to 11 contacts (excluding normal business dealings) that you should have with your database during a year.

12 Comments

  1. Jackie Bumby
    Jackie Bumby on December 9, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Please could you send me details and the letter for th ‘free restaurant meal’

  2. Michele
    Michele on December 11, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    Hi Jackie, I have sent the letter out to you via email.

  3. John Heritage
    John Heritage on December 12, 2011 at 8:16 am

    I’d be interested to find out more about the ‘free restaurant’ deal please. I assume it’s just as valid in New Zealand? Thanks.

  4. Michele
    Michele on December 12, 2011 at 8:23 am

    Hi John, I have sent the letter out to you via email.

  5. Martyn Freear
    Martyn Freear on December 20, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Ditto re restaurants please

  6. jan
    jan on December 20, 2011 at 2:22 pm

    There is no such thing as a “FREE MEAL “

    • Winno
      Winno on December 20, 2011 at 3:54 pm

      Yes Jan, I have heard people say that there is no such thing as a free meal where their attitude is to never do something witout a motive or expectation in mind. To the contary I have often give or received free “meals'” but have given or received them without having any expectation in mind. Its amazing how you feel where you don’t expect anything in return… you just feel downright great. So, upon reflection maybe you’re right… I did get something back!

  7. tony
    tony on December 20, 2011 at 5:41 pm

    i think this is a great idea winston, i would love the details and the letter for the free restuarant meal, i am still using your ideas in my buisness that work well from when you spoke with the nationwide jewellers group in melbourne , some years back… good work