Will you be sending Christmas Cards to Clients?

[Esther]

At this time of year have you spent money on branded Christmas cards, will you buy a pack from Tesco and get the team to sign or will you be sending e-cards?

Just being nosey really to see what the rest of you do!

[Delta-SI]

No they won't be getting anything from me and I really don't want anything from them. They are clients not people I like and wish to exchange good tidings with.

[silver]

Well my business is very new so I don't plan on sending xmas cards this year but I will do so next year. After reading a few posts, I definitely will not be sending e-cards as apparently these do not give a good impression. Hopefully if things go well in 2009, I can have some printed!:)

Alison

[saxon68]

i USED TO BUT IT BECOMES TOO HEAVY WHEN YOU HAVE HUNDRED IN DIFFERENT CONTINENTS!

[Dani@Pinksheep]

A lot of business send out christmas cards, so we have decided to send something out in the new year instead, either a gift or a card.

Dani

[Stationery-Direct]

A lot of business send out christmas cards, so we have decided to send something out in the new year instead, either a gift or a card.

Dani

Us too, we will be sending mousemats (http://www.stationery-direct.co.uk/mousemat-printing.php) with 2009 calendars on, at least they will be of use to our clients, heavily branded with our details mind :D

[KreativeJuice]

A lot of business send out christmas cards, so we have decided to send something out in the new year instead, either a gift or a card.

Dani

If it fits make sure you send it in that pink bubble wrap - very nice :)

[heidi]

We're sending out e-christmas cards which is what we did last year.

[sm1]

Should send the odd cards, we did receive one from our accountants :)

Cheers

[philipjohn]

Absolutely! They're all charity cards so the proceeds go to a good cause and they won't be branded in any way.

You know why? Because it's that personal touch to the relationship that helps to differentiate you from your competitors.

Phil

[sirearl]

Blimey they would have to cut down the Forest of Dean if we sent cards to all our clients.

We do however sent presents to key workers at our suppliers.

Earl

[redgrape1985]

Yeah, I dont think it is right to mix personal with business. I dont want anything off them and they wont get anything off me.

[LowcostPR]

I am looking at a big pile of cards that need my autograph on them now.

I think it's necessary as it is polite. "The done thing" if you will, just a shame that it takes so long to do them all.

[heidi]

I think it also depends on why type of business you are. For eg. if you are shop then I can't see how you could send a card to each customer.

My department are sending cards to our corporate partners as they give us a great deal of sponsorship money and support, and feel it would be churlish not to send them a card. Not sure what other dpeartments within the organisation are doing but we have a general e-card on our intranet.

[publicityheaven]

We're sending a small thank you gift to key clients and suppliers, and have made a donation to charity as well.

If you do send a gift or card don't forget it's a potential upsell or cross sell opportunity.

[Call Tracker]

We send an email about now wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and announcing that instead of sending cards we will donate some cash to our chosen charity.

[domokun]

I sent my best clients a box of hotel chocolat chocolates.
In the gift card I gave them a web address to a small video I'd made thanking them for their business over the past year and saying what my plans are for next year.

Yesterday I found JibJab (http://sendables.jibjab.com/) and wished Id done that instead! :)

[debbidoo]

I don't yet have enough clients to justify ordering branded Christmas cards, so I will be sending them handwritten charity cards from Tesco :)

[cricket]

I've sent all my clients a happy, cheery christmas newsletter saying what our new products will be, when they will be available, how much we value their custom, etc, etc, etc. Basically it's an advert with a Santa wishing them Merry Christmas. Didn't cost anything but thought it might make them feel nice.:)

[Joanney]

We went to a local print company with a very nice photograph of some northern irish landscape and had our own specially made cards produced. I was very surprised at how cost effective this was, but most importantly, how good the finished product looked!

A nice seasonal greeting on the inside, and cards were hand signed, with a small company logo on the back, nothing overwhelming to ruin the spirit of Christmas, along with the name of our chosen charity for this year.

[VendingRevolution]

Yes we do - we had corporate ones made last year which were fun.

Regards.

Barbara

[Lewcy]

Yes,

Unfortunately some business's tend to look upon it as a waste of money, time etc. However we use it as a good way to say thank you for the business clients have given us over the past year and wish them well into the next year. A small thank you goes a long way.

[Clodbuster]

We sent cards to those over a certain value. We did get feed back from a few punters last year. I think it has value.

[mikenovak]

I have just sent out christmas cards to all of my customers (charity cards sent from the association of foot and mouth painters - a very worthwhile charity and also very nice cards too).

In my opinion it's nice to be courteous to those who have taken the time to look at the product or service I am offering and felt it was something worthwhile for them to use - they obviously appreciate what I am doing by their comments and by renewals of the service, so I think it's appropriate to say thank you to them by way of a card.

Wishing all on the forum a very happy Christmas and New Year

Mike

[PaddyPawsPetServices]

definetly, our very regular clients ( who use me on a day to day basis ) are getting handmade truffles, a gift for their pooch and a card

[CompleteTrainer]

I'll send good wishes in my December newsletter, but I'll make a charity contribution instead of sending cards.

CT

[packetofjelly]

Ive always posted out cards to all past clients (about 200) and have retained almost all for work throughout the year!

[Jean Fenwick]

Am sending Cancer Research Uk Charity ecards.

[Dogwalker]

Yes. As usual we make our own, with a picture of clients dogs dressed up as Santa. Clients like it, and it brings a smile to their faces:)

[chaplinmm]

This year i'll be sending recycled CD clocks out to my clients instead of cards.

For the last few years only used to send e-cards but doing something different. Its something we make as well.

[layer]

At least e-christmas is necessary,i think.
Thus showing there is warm feeling between us,not only business.

[CompleteTrainer]

Merry Xmas Everyone.

There, that's UK Business Forum done... :)

CT