Funerals & advertising

[Hayles]

Hi

We carry out a lot of catering for funerals. At the moment we send a simple letter with their invoice saying we hope everything was ok....hope to be of service under happier circumstances....etc. We get a lot of repeat bookings from families - quite often we cater for a mother and then a father's funeral a while later, or a family party a year later, etc.

Obviously using funeral catering as a way of promoting our services to a family is a very sensitive area. However, we're starting a new scheme where everyone who has our catering is sent a Gold Card. This card entitles the customer to 5% off all future catering bookings for parties, weddings (and funerals I guess), etc.

My question is - should we send the discount cards to people who have booked funeral catering? I think it would be insensitive but I'd be interested in your thoughts. If we left it for say 6 weeks after the event might it be ok? Or should we just leave alone, as we do now, and hope they come back to us anyway when celebrating a happier occasion...?

Hayles

[YEM]

Why are you only sending one letter after the event?

I would send them the letter that you already do (if it's working, don't change) and then send them a letter every three months or so (less if you want) just as a reminder!

[emubill]

Hayles

if it was me I would carry on as you are with your letter that works on some occasions then introduce the gold card at a second booking perhaps saying that they already qualify for the scheme. I can't see anyone taking offence at that.

Good luck

Nige

[creacom]

Hi Hayles

I agree with Nige on this one. Offer them the Gold card when they contact you for the 2nd time and continue with your normal letter.

We are currently working on a project for a funeral directors so I am looking into all the best ways to go about this type of thing myself.

Best of luck

Jacqui

[fastfences]

Hi Hayles,
I wouldn't promote business in the lead up to the function, but I think leaving the Gold Cards on the tables (but not within the place setting) would be acceptable and accessible.

Cheers, Nigel

[Hayles]

But only the person who actually books and pays for the buffet gets the card.... about 15 days after the event.

[creacom]

Tricky one this.

My initial thought it that after a funeral which you have arranged which generally means that this person was close to you - people dont want to see things that remind them of that day.

So I would tend to think that your card might not be kept or hidden away somewhere.

On the back or your invoice or on your letter why dont you say something like " For all your catering events - please visit our website for your free Gold discount card " or something like that. Then do a print version or send it out.

Jacqui

[Hayles]

That's an idea Jacqui.... it's not too pushy but gives them the choice of getting in touch for the card if they want to.

YEM, I've never thought of contacting previous customers as often as that as I know they're unlikely to need catering that often. But as you say, it'll remind them of us - especially as we're also offering a £20 'refer a friend' scheme in the next couple of months (ie they get £20 for each booking we get from their recommendation). That'll be the perfect excuse for staying in touch I guess.


CREOSPACE!! I need another amendment to the system..... :lol:

[fastfences]

But only the person who actually books and pays for the buffet gets the card.... about 15 days after the event.

Huh?
Why restrict a room full of prospects to only one? Splash them about, young Hayles, and reap the rewards!
Cheers, Nigel

[Hayles]

.....young Hayles.....
Cheers, Nigel

I LOVE YOU NIGEL xxxxx

[SillyJokes]

I assume you already have close links with funeral directors also, who can help those grieving. At a time like that you simply want the job done with least hassle but as respectfully and well as your budget will allow.

We used caterers for my recent family funerals. Thinking about it, it would be weird if they started writing to me every three months, but perhaps a year later it might not be a bad idea.

I know who they were and might go to them if I needed other events catered but in a way a birthday party caterer doesn't seem the same as a funeral caterer.

[Hayles]

I assume you already have close links with funeral directors also, who can help those grieving. At a time like that you simply want the job done with least hassle but as respectfully and well as your budget will allow.

We used caterers for my recent family funerals. Thinking about it, it would be weird if they started writing to me every three months, but perhaps a year later it might not be a bad idea.

I know who they were and might go to them if I needed other events catered but in a way a birthday party caterer doesn't seem the same as a funeral caterer.

Yes, all local funeral directors have a copy of our menus. I agree with everything you've said here. They're my thoughts exactly. People are always, always pleased and grateful with our service for funerals, but we don't get lots and lots of recommendations from them as we do with other events. I agree it's because people don't like to be reminded that the last time they dealt with us they were burying a loved one..

We'll send them our usual letter with their invoice, but include brief details of the discount card and let them contact us for it if they want it.

[YEM]

But as you say, it'll remind them of us - especially as we're also offering a £20 'refer a friend' scheme in the next couple of months (ie they get £20 for each booking we get from their recommendation). That'll be the perfect excuse for staying in touch I guess.

If you send something once every quarter, thats 4 times a year in which an event could be taking place with them or someone they know, and if you have a refer a friend scheme, why wouldn't they pass the details on!!!