Customer appreciation is the lifeblood of any successful business. Picture this: you've worked tirelessly to earn your clients' trust and loyalty. How can you keep them coming back for more? Engaging, innovative, and creative ideas for customer appreciation can help build lasting relationships and keep your clients returning for more. With a little creativity and personal touch, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your clients that will keep them coming back!
At Giftpack, we believe in the power of gifts to show appreciation to your clients. Let us help you find unique ideas for customer appreciation that fit your brand and budget. Whether you are thanking a long-term client or welcoming a newcomer, our client gifting services can help you create a lasting impression that keeps your clients coming back for more.
What Is Customer Appreciation?
Customer appreciation is the act of recognizing a customer’s value. Businesses show customer appreciation by dedicating themselves to improving customer satisfaction and fostering meaningful customer relationships. When you show customers your appreciation, you build positive momentum that will carry you both forward.
Beyond Customers
Customer appreciation is not just about the customers, it's also about your team. It's a practice that can uplift every aspect of your business, starting with your team's morale. The act of feeling and expressing gratitude has psychological benefits for team members and contributes to a work environment where people come first.
Evolving Customer Appreciation
Customer appreciation has grown from sending ‘Thank You’ emails to loyalty programs, discounts, and exclusive perks. Over 70% of consumers are more likely to recommend a company if it has a good loyalty program that they feel caters to their experience. Customer appreciation is important in encouraging the customer to keep consuming.
Why Does Customer Appreciation Matter?
Customer appreciation goes beyond the success of an organization’s customer service team—it impacts a business’s bottom line. In fact, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 68 percent of customers stop doing business with a company because they believe it doesn’t care for them.
1. Helps You Build Customer Relationships
The customer experience and building customer relationships are extremely important if you want to create loyal and repeat customers, which is central to growing your business. Thanking your customers for their business—in whatever way you decide works best for you—is an easy and impactful way to build this relationship.
2. Increases Retention
It’s a known fact that retaining your customers is more cost-effective than getting new ones. It costs five to 25 times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one. So, by offering a small gesture (and many of our ideas will cost you little to no money), you can yield big returns while increasing customer retention.
3. Can Lead to Word-of-Mouth Marketing
When a customer feels appreciated, they might want to spread the word—either to their friends and family or to their connections on social media. While this isn’t and shouldn’t be the only reason to thank your customers for their business, it is an added bonus. Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the best ways to get more customers for free.
4. Increased Customer Lifetime Value
Customers won’t just return to a business when they feel appreciated, research also showed they’ll spend more when they do, increasing their lifetime value.
5. Differentiation from Competitors
With 89 percent of companies competing on customer experience, an organization’s ability to recognize customers represents a sweet spot where it can differentiate beyond its product or service.
6. Boosted Brand Reputation
88 percent of customers are influenced by a company’s reviews when making a purchase decision, according to a Zendesk study. Verification from others can even influence buying behavior more than offering discounts. When customers feel appreciated, they’re more inclined to become brand advocates and write positive reviews, tell their friends about their experience, or talk about brands positively on social media.
AI-Powered Gifting at Scale
At Giftpack, our driving force is to simplify the corporate gifting process while maximizing the impact of each gift. Utilizing our custom AI algorithm, we create highly customized scenario swag box options for you. We deliver globally and have an extremely user-friendly platform. We curate the most fitting gifts from a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide (which is ever-increasing).
By carefully considering an individual's basic demographics, preferences, social media activity, and digital footprint, we tailor each gift selection process regardless if the recipient is an employee, a customer, a VIP client, a friend, or a family member. With a wide range of locally and globally sourced gifts, we ensure that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale, delivering meaningful connections across the globe.
Try Giftpack's client gifting service for free today.
Related Reading
• Customer Appreciation Day • Closing Gifts For Buyers • Customer Loyalty And Retention • How To Build Brand Loyalty • Customer Rewards • Thank You Notes For Customer Appreciation • Customer Appreciation Week • Customer Loyalty Program Ideas • How To Measure Customer Loyalty • Thank You Gifts For Clients
20 Ideas For Customer Appreciation
1. Offer Discounts to Repeat Customers
Offering discounts to repeat customers is not only a time-tested method of encouraging repeat sales but also a great way to build customer loyalty. Using the latest analytic tools, retailers can track which customers make frequent purchases and then provide them with discounts tailored to their shopping behavior.
2. Create a Loyalty Card Scheme
A loyalty card scheme is an effective strategy, especially for businesses selling high-volume, low-value items like coffee or tea. Customers receive a card to be stamped with each purchase, and after reaching a certain number of stamps, they qualify for a free item.
For businesses with a diverse product range, a plastic swipe card can be used to accumulate points that can be redeemed for discounts or other benefits.
3. Give Away Free Items with Multiple Purchases
The buy one, get one free strategy is a classic way of encouraging repeated purchases in the short term. By offering free items with multiple purchases, businesses can boost sales and incentivize customers to return. It's important not to overuse this tactic, as it may lead customers to question the quality and value of the products.
4. Offer a Referral Bonus or Reward for Recruiting New Customers
Rewarding customers for referring new customers is an effective way to increase referrals and build customer loyalty. Businesses can offer small discounts or company swag to show appreciation for customer referrals. By creating a structured loyalty program to reward customers for ongoing referrals, businesses can encourage word-of-mouth marketing and attract new customers.
5. Invite Customers to a Special Event
Inviting customers to special events like wine and cheese nights, charity events, or holiday celebrations is a great way to show appreciation and build goodwill. By encouraging customers to bring friends and family, businesses can introduce new audiences to their products and services while fostering a sense of community and loyalty.
6. Be Consistent in Engaging Your Customers
Consistent engagement with customers is crucial for building strong relationships and brand loyalty. Whether through phone support, email communication, or online interactions, customers expect personalized and consistent engagement with businesses. Inconsistencies in customer service can lead to dissatisfaction and loss of loyalty, making it essential for businesses to focus on consistent engagement across all touchpoints.
7. Make Highly Personalized Offers That They'll Love
Personalized services and offers are key to designing effective loyalty programs. Customers expect brands to recognize their preferences and buying behavior, and offering personalized rewards can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Whether through personalized thank-you notes or free products based on previous purchases, businesses can show appreciation and build lasting relationships with customers.
8. Offer an Early-access Program to Loyal Customers
Early-access programs provide loyal customers with exclusive access to products and services before their official launch. By giving customers the opportunity to experience new offerings firsthand, businesses can generate excitement, gather feedback, and drive sales. Offering early access to loyal customers can create a sense of exclusivity and reward customers for their continued support.
9. Offer a Paid VIP Membership
VIP memberships provide select customers with exclusive benefits and rewards in exchange for a fee. By offering paid VIP memberships to loyal customers, businesses can segment their most valuable customers and provide them with unique experiences and rewards. VIP memberships are commonly seen in the fashion retail industry, where customers can access bespoke items and exclusive products.
10. Gift Vouchers to Other Local Businesses
Rewarding customers with gift vouchers to local establishments like coffee shops, hair salons, or independent cinemas can be a powerful way to build brand loyalty. By supporting other businesses in the community and providing customers with meaningful gifts, businesses can show appreciation and strengthen connections with customers. Offering gift vouchers to local businesses demonstrates care for the community and a genuine desire to reward customers beyond traditional discounts and freebies.
11. Acknowledge the Anniversary of Their Loyalty Program Signup
This is an easy one, but it can make a world of difference in the eyes of your customers. Configure your digital rewards platform to recognize the anniversary of each customer’s loyalty program registration, and automatically send a targeted offer that is tailored to their specific preferences based on previous purchases.
A decent rewards platform will also allow you to configure it to send Birthday gifts, an end-of-year reward for the holiday season, and basically any other occasion that you see fit. This is a huge step up from generic “Buy 6, Get One Free” offers, as it acknowledges your customers as people – not sales targets!
12. Reward Shoppers for Sharing Positive Information on Social Media
Social rewards can be incredibly effective. After all, as human beings, we are all naturally inclined to connect on a social level. The latest social media platforms and marketing tools allow businesses to interact with consumers in ways they never could before. This is why many car dealerships with large followings post pictures of their customers purchasing new vehicles on Facebook and then tag the individual.
The larger your business's social media following, the bigger your praise will impact shoppers. Rewarding your shoppers and patrons on social media opens the door to numerous win-win opportunities. Even commenting below a Facebook post or status and thanking a customer publicly can effectively incentivize social reward!
13. Partner Up with Businesses That Complement Yours
While loyalty program partnerships used to be a strategy that was exclusively embraced by airlines, hotel chains, and rental car companies, it has since exploded into retail, hospitality, and countless other industries. With a well-structured loyalty program, you can provide customers with a pleasurable brand experience. Once you start partnering with businesses that share a large portion of your customer base, you create a wholesome loyalty experience that burrows deeper into the customer’s lifestyle.
A strategic loyalty program partnership provides customers with a cohesive and seamless journey that benefits all three parties… a win-win-win!
14. Set Up a Subscription Service
A subscription-based program not only retains a customer for a certain amount of time, it also offers incentives for the customer that they may not receive anywhere else.
For example, pet products supplier Chewy.com offers a discount when you sign up for autoshipping. You can choose how frequently you want your furry friend’s items delivered to your home and cancel at any time.
15. Ask for Feedback
Letting your customers know that you value their feedback shows that you’re committed to consistently improving to better serve them. There are many ways to request feedback, but it’s most effective when done immediately following an interaction with a customer.
For example, after reaching out to Warby Parker, they send an email asking how your chat with the customer service representative was. It’s important to make any feedback request quick, simple, and painless for a customer to complete so that they’ll be more likely to share their thoughts.
Certain CRM systems include customer voice capabilities, so retailers can capture the voice of the customer — that is, gain firsthand perspective into what the customer experience is like and how consumers talk about a particular product or brand.
16. Free Shipping
The appeal of free shipping or shipping discounts cannot be underestimated, particularly in nurturing and maintaining customer loyalty. Even if the product price indirectly includes the shipping cost, the psychological benefit of free shipping creates a sense of getting a deal. You can offer free shipping using the flat rate discount method above. Simply create a flat-rate offer that will cover the cost of shipping.
17. Seasonal & Flash Sales
The excitement of a limited-time offer is hard to replicate. Seasonal and Flash Sales tap into this hunger, creating a sense of urgency in customers. By being time-bound, these sales instill a ‘now or never’ sentiment, prompting customers to act swiftly and make a purchase from your form.
18. Offer Occasional Gifts
Thank you messages, gourmet gift baskets, experiential gifts, or everyday useful gifts like tote bags can also be perfect ways to reward your customers. Understand your customers and give gifts that they find useful and practical to strengthen your bond with them.
19. Donate to a Charitable Cause
Donating to a charitable cause is another way businesses can reward their most loyal customers while also supporting a good cause.
An increasing number of businesses are offering their customers the opportunity to convert their cash rewards, points, or miles into charitable donations. This allows customers to support charitable causes that align with their values, such as social justice, environmental protection, or health-related support.
By converting their loyal customer rewards into donations, customers can make a positive impact and feel good about their loyalty to the business. This type of reward can create a sense of social responsibility and community while also promoting customer loyalty and advocacy.
20. Distribute Your Company's Swag
Everybody loves swag. Free hats, shirts, bottles, and even buttons are enough to get customers excited and to keep your company relevant amongst your customers.
Most customers remember brands that give them a promotional product. And people are twice as likely to have a positive impression of this form of advertising as compared to internet ads. So, not only does swag make your brand more memorable, but it also makes your customers happier, too.
25 Customer Appreciation Gift Ideas
1. Free Products
Offering a free product can be one of the most effective ways to show appreciation to your customers. A free product, whether a full version or an upgraded item, can naturally enhance or complement a customer's original purchase. This gesture can go a long way in making your customers feel valued and appreciated.
2. Free Service or Upgrade
For SaaS businesses, providing customers with a month of free service or a free upgrade can be a great way to show appreciation. Surprise your customers with added features to your product, personalized customizations, or even additional services at no extra cost.
3.Coffee or Tea Blends
A deluxe basket of gourmet coffees or flavored teas can make you the office hero. Send a thoughtful collection of coffee or tea blends to your customers for their break room. You can even create a custom box of beans roasted locally and source tea blends from the best tea house in town for a personalized touch.
4. Calendar
Company-branded calendars are a great customer appreciation gift. You can create unique calendars with the help of corporate experts like SmartPress or source independent artists on platforms like Etsy for something truly original. Having a high-quality printed calendar will leave a lasting impression on your clients.
5. Coffee Table Book
A coffee table book related to your client's city, state, industry, or personal interests can be a thoughtful gift. Look for books that will resonate with your clients and serve as conversation pieces. Including a personalized message inside the book will make the gift even more special.
6. Toiletry Bag
For clients who travel frequently, a toiletry bag can be a practical and thoughtful gift. Consider monogramming the bag and choosing durable materials like canvas, leather, or waterproof options for a gift that your clients will appreciate and use for years to come.
7. Gourmet Food Basket
Instead of the traditional cheese logs and sausages, opt for a gourmet food basket with a modern twist. Look for companies offering unique and high-quality gourmet food options. Be sure to inquire about any food allergies your clients may have to ensure you send appropriate options.
8. Portable Phone Charger or Charging Dock
Portable phone chargers or charging docks are practical and useful gifts for clients on the go. These items are likely to be well-received by customers who are always on the move and need to stay connected.
9. Personalized Leather Notebook Covers and Office Supplies
A leather notebook cover or personalized office supplies can add a personal touch to your corporate gifts. Monogramming these items with the recipient's initials will make them even more special and serve as a constant reminder of your business relationship.
10. Subscription Service Gift Cards for Endless Enjoyment
Gift cards for popular subscription services like Amazon Prime or gourmet food deliveries offer clients a variety of options to choose from. This thoughtful gift keeps on giving throughout the year and reinforces client appreciation with each use.
11. Smart Home Devices to Enhance the Home Office
Smart home devices make practical and trendy gifts that can enhance your clients' home office setup. Consider items like smart speakers or intelligent lighting systems to blend technology with convenience, making everyday tasks more enjoyable for your clients.
12. Eco-friendly Totes with a Personalized Message
An eco-friendly tote bag with a personalized message or your company's name is a sustainable and stylish gift. These versatile totes can be used every day and carry your brand's message wherever your client goes, making them a thoughtful and practical choice.
13. Mini Waffle Maker
A mini waffle maker can be a creative and useful gift for your clients. This small kitchen appliance allows your clients to make paninis, mini waffles, or hash browns right in the office, providing a fun and practical gift they can enjoy.
14. Waterproof Camera
For clients who love aquatic adventures, a high-grade waterproof camera can be a cherished gift. This camera allows them to capture high-resolution underwater video and photos, creating lasting memories of their experiences.
15. Decadent Chocolates
Gift your clients the best high-quality chocolates in a keepsake box. Consider finding a box with a variety of chocolate flavors and the option to personalize the selection with your company's branding. A hot chocolate bundle during the holiday season is also a great option to impress your clients.
16. Charity Donations
Making a donation to a charity on behalf of your client can demonstrate a deeper level of care and understanding, especially during the holidays. This gesture shows that you value your client's interests and supports causes that are important to them.
17. Luxurious Charcuterie Boards for Sophisticated Snacking
A luxurious charcuterie board paired with a sampler of fine cheeses and meats can be a high-end appreciation gift for clients who enjoy sophisticated snacking. This gourmet experience celebrates your partnership in style and shows your clients that you value their business.
18. Branded Keychains
Branded keychains are a subtle yet effective way to promote your client's brand. These affordable and customizable items make great corporate gifts that can be distributed in bulk to clients, ensuring that your brand stays top of mind.
19. Bluetooth Speaker
A bluetooth speaker can make a great corporate gift for clients who enjoy listening to music while working. This practical gift can improve their work environment and keep your brand top of mind every time they use it.
20. Beer Brewing Kit
For beer lovers among your clients, a beer brewing kit can be a unique and enjoyable gift. Including a pair of company-branded pint glasses can enhance the experience and remind your clients of your business.
21. Restaurant Gift Cards
Researching the hottest new restaurants in your client's area or asking for recommendations can help you find the perfect restaurant gift card. This gift allows your clients to unwind with a nice meal and ensures that your name will be remembered in a positive light.
22. Bakery Delivery
An unexpected office delivery of fresh-baked goodies can delight your clients and their team. Sending local doughnuts or pastries is a simple yet thoughtful gesture that can bring joy to your clients' office.
23. Online Classes
Instead of traditional gifts, consider giving your clients the gift of learning with online classes. A gift card to an online classroom where they can explore new skills or hobbies can be a meaningful and memorable present that your clients will appreciate.
24. Catered Lunch
Treat your clients to a catered lunch with options like a burrito or sandwich bar. This doesn't have to be extravagant but can be a thoughtful gesture that shows your clients you value their business. Including cookies for dessert can add a sweet touch to the meal.
25. A Handwritten Note
When in doubt, send a handwritten note along with your gift to show your clients you care. Including a personalized message with your gift is a simple yet powerful way to express your appreciation and strengthen your business relationship.
4 Examples Of Customer Appreciation
Amazon Prime is an excellent example of customer appreciation in action. The subscription offers customers free two-day shipping and streaming capabilities through Prime Video. This program has been incredibly successful for Amazon, with Prime members spending an average of $1,300 per year compared to $700 for non-Prime members. The effective combination of convenience and complimentary services has seen this program gain immense popularity and loyalty from customers.
Starbucks: Leveraging Mobile Apps for Customer Appreciation
The Starbucks app stands out as an excellent example of customer appreciation through mobile technology. As evidence of its success, 23.4 million people aged 14 and older use the Starbucks app for purchases every six months.
This app's user-friendly interface allows customers to load money onto their mobile devices for in-store purchases or ordering and pickup. Customers earn rewards, known as "stars," that can be redeemed for free drinks or treats with every mobile purchase. This simple yet rewarding system has contributed significantly to customer loyalty for the brand.
Marriott Bonvoy: Rewarding Loyalty with Exclusive Benefits
Marriott Bonvoy Benefits is a loyalty program known for rewarding customer loyalty through tier- and points-based mechanisms. This program allows members to redeem points for free hotel nights, meals, and other experiences. Members can earn points through car rentals and flights, share points with friends and family, and enjoy perks like free Wi-Fi and special rates. This comprehensive loyalty program demonstrates Marriott's commitment to appreciating and rewarding its customers for their loyalty.
Sephora: Offering Unique Experiences for Customer Appreciation
Sephora's Beauty Insider customer loyalty program is an excellent example of how offering unique experiences can be just as effective, if not more so, than discounts alone. With around 25 million members, Sephora offers customers exclusive experiences such as first access to new products, meet-and-greets with brand founders, and behind-the-scenes looks at product manufacturing. This premium loyalty program is a testament to the brand's appreciation for its customers, focusing on creating memorable and engaging experiences rather than just providing discounts.
Related Reading
• Customer Loyalty Analysis • Customer Loyalty Survey • How To Reward Customer Loyalty • Customer Appreciation Event Ideas • How To Create A Loyalty Program • Customer Loyalty Program Examples • Customer Loyalty Programs For Restaurants • Customer Appreciation Gift Ideas • B2B Customer Loyalty Programs • Types Of Customer Loyalty • Member Appreciation Ideas • Customer Recognition • Customer Appreciation Day Ideas For Banks • Complimentary Gifts For Customers • Customer Loyalty Ladder
Customer Appreciation Quotes
1. “Thank your customer for complaining and mean it. Most will never bother to complain. They’ll just walk away.” – Marilyn Suttle
When customers provide feedback or complaints, it’s an opportunity for improvement. Addressing complaints can turn a dissatisfied customer into a loyal one. By expressing gratitude to customers who share their concerns, you show them you value their feedback.
2. “Here is a powerful yet simple rule. Always give people more than they expect to get.” – Nelson Boswell
Exceeding customer expectations is a key principle in customer service. Surprise and delight your customers by going above and beyond. This act of generosity sets you apart from competitors and leaves a lasting impression.
3. “Make the customer the hero of your story.” – Ann Handley
Putting the customer at the center of your business narrative shows that you value and appreciate them. Celebrate customer success stories and make them the focal point of your marketing efforts. By highlighting their achievements, you create a strong emotional bond with your customers.
4. ‘As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.’ – John F. Kennedy
Actions speak louder than words. Displaying gratitude through your actions showcases your sincerity and commitment to customer appreciation. Consistently delivering exceptional service and support will cultivate long-term customer relationships.
5. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." – Leo Buscaglia
Simple gestures of appreciation can have a profound impact on customer relationships. Small acts of kindness and empathy can make customers feel valued and understood. These personal touches create a sense of connection and strengthen customer loyalty.
6. "The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you." – John E. Southard
Expressing gratitude towards those who support your business is essential. Acknowledging the contributions of customers, employees, and partners fosters a culture of appreciation. By recognizing the efforts of others, you build trust and goodwill.
7. "Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well." – Voltaire
Recognizing the strengths and qualities of others enhances relationships and builds mutual respect. By appreciating the unique attributes of your customers, you create a sense of belonging and community. Celebrating diversity and individuality enriches the customer experience.
8. "Every company's greatest assets are its customers because without customers there is no company." – Michael LeBoeuf
Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Without their support and loyalty, a company cannot thrive. Valuing and prioritizing customer relationships is crucial for long-term success. By investing in customer appreciation initiatives, you nurture customer loyalty and advocacy.
9. "Open, honest communication is the best foundation for any relationship, but remember that at the end of the day it's not what you say or what you do, but how you make people feel that matters the most." – Tony Hsieh
Building trust through transparent communication is fundamental in customer relationships. Listening to customer feedback and addressing their needs with empathy and understanding is key. Creating positive emotional experiences for customers fosters loyalty and drives business growth.
Related Reading
• Customer Appreciation Events • Customer Recognition Programs • Inexpensive Customer Appreciation Gifts • Customer Loyalty Marketing Strategy • Customer Loyalty Program Software • Customer Loyalty Management • Customer Loyalty Strategies • Loyalty Program Integration • Loyalty Program Automation • Loyalty Business Model • Business Loyalty Program • Best Business Loyalty Programs • Customer Loyalty in Business • Business Customer Loyalty
Build A Meaningful Employee Recognition Program With Ease with Giftpack's Client Gifting Service
Giftpack is on a mission to revolutionize corporate gifting by leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to create highly customized scenario swag box options for clients. This innovative approach not only simplifies the entire gifting process but also ensures that each gift maximizes its impact on the recipient. By harnessing a custom AI algorithm, Giftpack can tailor gift selections based on a variety of factors, including basic demographics, preferences, social media activity, and digital footprint.
Massive Selection, Personalized Choice
The vast catalog of over 3.5 million products available through Giftpack ensures that there is something for everyone, regardless of the recipient's profile. The team behind Giftpack carefully curates gifts sourced both locally and globally, guaranteeing that each gift is not only personalized but also meaningful.
Whether the recipient is an employee, customer, VIP client, friend, or family member, Giftpack's platform offers a user-friendly experience that allows for the seamless selection and delivery of gifts.
Global Reach and Meaningful Connections
Giftpack also provides global delivery services. This means that personalized gifting is not limited by geographical boundaries, enabling businesses to forge meaningful connections across the globe. With Giftpack, companies can show their appreciation for clients, partners, and employees in a way that is both accessible and impactful.
Boost Your Corporate Gifting
If you're looking to enhance your corporate gifting strategy and make a lasting impression on your recipients, why not give Giftpack a try? With their client gifting service, you can experience firsthand the power of personalized gifting in building stronger, more meaningful relationships with those who matter most.
Make your gifting efficient and improve employee attrition rates with Giftpack AI
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