With every package I’ve sent out to a customer, I’ve always included a handwritten thank you note. Often, I try and touch on a topic we may have discussed throughout the transaction process to go that extra step in making it even more personal.
As I gear up to relaunch, I’m exploring packaging ideas and this got me thinking about this innocent little thank you note. I mean, if you’re processing a few orders per day, it’s totally feasible to take a few minutes to write out each note. But what if you’re processing 20+? 40+? Is it still totally feasible then?
To avoid burnt out again, I want to streamline my processes as much as possible. My first step was to outsource my printing. That’s production taken care of. Now I need to streamline the order fulfillment process. My mantra over here is – simplify, simplify, simplify!
So, my question to you is… how important do you think that personalized thank you note is? We don’t expect it from the big box stores when we order. I understand as “small scale” sellers customer service is imperative, but would you think any less of someone if they just included a business card with a simple hand-written thank you on it?
Photo Credit: hellojenuine
I’m a bit of a handmade addict & often receive packages from “small scale” businesses. Honestly, for me the key is that the business card is as pretty as can be (ideally so much so that I’ll want to post it on my fridge for a while – an easy to accomplish goal for someone as talented as you!); a simple handwritten “thank you” on the back is a lovely personal touch.
It’s important!!
Your business is notes, design and printing, the surprise and awe we feel when someone takes a second to write out a note sticks around.
Keep up the good work!
xx
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Hm, I wouldn’t think less of someone who didn’t do it, but I would think more of someone who did – I don’t know if it makes any sense to you… It’s just an extra that makes me feel really special if I get it. If I don’t, it’s not a negative.
Hi Adele! From a buyer’s perspective, sure it’s nice to get a handwritten note. But from a seller’s perspective, it becomes a bit too time-consuming to write out a note for each order. I’m also simplifying things around here this year, so in addition to business cards, I also include a little free mini print or a few stickers in each order. And I also have a bunch of mini cards that just say Thank You and have a cute illustration on them to add an additional personal touch.
One things I always stick to though, I always send a personal confirmation email of each order which gives me a chance to thank the customer and refer to anything specific we might have talked about. These emails just take a couple of minutes, much less time than writing a note for each order :)
I can understand how it would be hard to do a hand written note when you get lots of orders a day and I don’t think I would be disappointed if there wasn’t one. BUT I have to say when I do get one it makes me stop for a moment and think ‘wow how nice’ and then the company tends to stick in my mind more.
I recently ordered something off Ebay and it came so nicely packaged with a tiny freebie (bakers twine!) and a handwritten note and I nearly had a heart attack as I was not expecting it from an Ebay seller. Needless to say I will use them again!
Things like little personalized notes are really part of small business, and what people look for instead big companies. I think you’ve done a wonderful job keeping your company personal, easy to approach and interesting. Have a lovely end of the week, Adele!
I used to write out a whole note by hand – now I have a printed note with lots of info – and I handwrite a thank you with the customer’s name, and sign it with mine. I think a little handwritten touch is important – but writing out a lot of detail gets very time consuming when you’ve got a lot of orders to get through :)