Now that you have prepared a list of rules for gift selection, here are 10 ideas that you can choose from when it comes to customer appreciation gifts:
1.Writing Personalized Handwritten Notes
Sending a personalized handwritten note to your customers is a very popular and affordable gifting option. All you need to do is ensure that the message is personalized, unique, and authentic. Only use pen and paper, not a printed message. It will cost you almost nothing except perhaps your time.
2. Sending Flowers
Flowers might be perishable, but they are a universally liked gift item. Furthermore, they are mostly brand agnostic, i.e., you will never have to worry about whether or not they align with your brand. The visual spectacle of a bunch of free flowers also presents a good photo opportunity along with social shares that go with it.It might be expensive to give flowers to every customer, but if you choose the right recipients (those with a large social media following, the most loyal customers) and the right occasion (Women’s Day, birthday) flowers can be excellent. The only instance where flowers are unlikely to work is when targeting young, single male customer groups that usually do not have an affinity for such things. Remember to choose non-allergic flowers for your gifts.
3. Offering Books
Books may not be the obvious choice for a gift, but can be a great option for the right customer group. A relevant book not only reveals that you understand the customer, but it also sticks with them for an extended period of time, constantly reminding them about your brand.Looks also have a brand of their own. Sending your customers nonfiction books that pioneer new ideas can get them to think of your brand as being “innovative” too. For the best results, send non-controversial and nonfiction books.
4.Giving Charitable Gifts
Making charitable donations on behalf of customers can work well as a gift idea, particularly if you have philanthropically-inclined and environmentally-conscious customers. Just ensure that the charity you choose is well-recognized and there’s sufficient proof of your donation.
5.Sending Birthday Gifts
To help you win customer loyalty, you should consider sending customers gifts on special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays. It shows that you care enough to remember them. Why not gift cards at buy at EZ gift cards.Keep in mind that once you start to send birthday gifts, customers may come to expect them each year. So, pick something affordable enough for repeat gifting. A simple handwritten card works well enough for the vast majority of customers.
6.Helping Customers Learn Something
The gift of learning is perhaps one of the greatest gifts that you can give your customers. You may consider putting together a series of lessons to help them make the most of their purchase (e.g., a guitar store giving free music lesson CDs). Alternatively, you can offer courses on topics that complement the purchase (e.g., a handicrafts store offering free pottery classes).
7. Gifting an Experience
Experiences such as a spa package, tickets to a local event, etc. can be an excellent way to make your business memorable. Ensure that the experience aligns with your customer profile and brand, i.e., avoid gifting tickets to a metal concert if 50-year-old women are your customers. It can also be a good idea to pick an experience with broad appeal, that’s easy to reach, and won’t cost too much to dent your profitability.
8. Offering Treats
Chocolates, cookies, candy – customizable, sweet, and widely-loved treats make for amazing customer appreciation gifts. Customers will definitely appreciate freshly baked cookies along with their purchase. You can even customize the packaging to include your brand logo or a personalized message.Food allergies are the only thing that you should watch out for. Try to avoid treats with common allergens such as peanuts.
9.Offering Surprise Upgrades
You can win over customers by offering them free upgrades to their existing purchases. It works particularly well if the upgrade is similar but better than the current purchase. Just make sure you ask customers before you make the upgrade since some may specifically want a lower-tier model.
10.Featuring Customers on Social Media or your Site
Everybody wants their 15 minutes of fame, and your customers aren’t an exception. If you have a popular social media platform or a website that gets good traffic, featuring customers or their projects can be a unique “gift”. The tactic works best when the customer has previously interacted with you on social media or uploaded a picture of your product or is focusing on improving their online exposure in search. It tells them along with your social media audience that you are actually listening.
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