6 Ways to Show Customer Appreciation During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time where many of us take extra care to show gratitude to others. And of course, while it’s great to do this in your personal life, there’s also an opportunity to do it through your flower farming business. By showing appreciation and gratitude to your customers, you have the opportunity to strengthen your relationships. And what better time to prioritize customer appreciation than the holidays?
Here are six ways how to show customer appreciation during the holiday season:
Personalized Notes
Chances are that you’re a little less busy than you are during the spring and summer months. Use the extra time to write personalized thank-you notes to your customers. Handwritten messages show that you value their support and care about their satisfaction. You can include them with online orders or hand them out at any events you sell at during the holidays.
It's a small gesture that can go a long way in building customer loyalty.
Holiday Discounts
Remember, just because the garden is sleeping during the holidays, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on holiday sales. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday—you name it—there’s lots of opportunities to make sales during the holidays and offer discounts to your customers.
While everyone is typically looking for a good deal, consider showing your appreciation by offering exclusive discounts or promotions specifically for your loyal customers. This not only rewards their continued support but also encourages them to shop with you during the holiday rush.
Include a Special Gift with a Purchase
Add an extra touch of appreciation by including a small gift with each purchase. It could be something simple like a packet of seeds you collected in the fall or a small discount on a future purchase. This unexpected surprise will make your customers feel valued and special. A coupon or discount also encourages customers to come back again for another purchase in the future.
Social Media Shoutouts
Showcase your customers on social media platforms, tagging them and expressing gratitude for their support. When a customer tags you or your business by highlighting their purchase, return the favor and repost them. This not only gives them recognition but also encourages others to consider purchasing from your farm.
Additionally, this is a great way to express gratitude and thanks to any business customers or partners you’ve worked with during the year. Whether you partnered at a popup event or a small business purchases flowers in bulk from you, giving a shoutout expresses thanks and also gives more visibility to their business.
Charitable Donations
In the spirit of giving, consider donating a portion of your sales to a cause that you and your customers care about. By supporting local charities or organizations, you demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the community. You can even get your customers involved by:
Running a poll on social media asking your audience where they want donations to go.
Add a round-up or donation feature to your online purchase process, allowing people to give extra to a charity of your choice or theirs.
Create a volunteer event that you invite your customers to. For example, you could create winter arrangements for donation.
Customer Feedback Surveys
Run an end-of-year customer survey that allows customers to share their thoughts and suggestions. By actively seeking feedback, you show that you value their opinions and are committed to improving their experience. It also offers you the opportunity to get ideas for your business in the new year.
Remember, showing gratitude shouldn't be limited to the holiday season. Cultivating strong relationships with your customers year-round is essential for your business's success and growth. By adopting these practices, you can build a loyal customer base that’ll support your flower farm for years to come.