Why Business Holiday Cards Are Important

 

You may be asking yourself, do I really need to spend the money to send out holiday cards to customers?  Don't I already do other things that are important and skipping this is really not a big deal?

 

In today's economic climate, most businesses are looking for ways to cut costs -- and nixing the holiday cards to clients or customers may be one of them. This strategy, however, may cost a business more than it saves.

Sending business holiday cards is actually a subtle and cost-effective form of advertising that shouldn't be viewed as an optional part of the marketing budget to be slashed when funds get low.

1. It's good manners - Your customers have given you their business -- and their money. It's only courteous and respectful to acknowledge them with a holiday card to show that you appreciate them, consider them important and wish them a happy holiday.

2. It allows you to send a unique message about your company - A business holiday card is an opportunity to include a warm, heartfelt message from your company that reflects your core values in a way that a standard marketing piece may not. Forget the generic cards and go with custom holiday cards that are unique for your company and reflect what they stand for. This will resonate with customers more than any brochure or billboard ever could.

3. Any form of outgoing communication is a good one- Seize any and every opportunity you can use to communicate with your customers. It is a proven rule that the amount of business, traffic and money you have coming in is equal to the amount of communication and promotion you have going out. So if you want to increase your incoming calls, number of leads, sales and ultimately your bottom line, utilize every communication channel you have available and communicate!

 

I hope that this helps you make a decision on wether you feel business holiday cards are important and that they are much more than a card, but huge tool for marketing yourself.

 

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist

When do you Enclose a Business Card?

A big question for many people sending out business holiday cards, business birthday cards, business thank you cards or any other card is : When do I enclose a business card?  You want your customers to contact you again but do you really need to enclose a business card when they already know who you are?  Does it have a more negative effect to them then a card without it enclosed?

I found a great answer to this question - click here for Business Cards - What is In Your Card?  This is a great little article that summarizes the answer in a humorous way.  It really is a simple way to look at the way we approach different customers and what their needs are when it comes to business cards.  I think the old saying is true, sometimes less truly is more - more business that is!

 
  

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist

Great Info on the Post Office during the Holidays

So we all know that we wait til the last minute for some of our Christmas shopping and then we wonder , "Will they get it before Christmas?".  The post office has some great deadlines and tips for getting those packages out to your friends, family or customers to make sure they do receive them in time.

The U.S. Postal Service gives the following deadlines to send holiday mail for delivery by Christmas:

 

• Dec. 4: Military mail destined for Iraq or Afghanistan

 

• Dec. 16: Parcel post

 

• Dec. 21: First-class (most cards and letters) and priority mail

 

• Dec. 23: Express mail

 

Read the full article here: http://www.rockdalecitizen.com/newtonnews/headlines/70083547.html?goback=%2Ehom

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist

Choosing the Right Holiday Card

Choosing the right holiday card for your business: What you really need to know.

We all know that sending holiday greeting cardsto customers and associates builds relationships and shows your appreciation for their business and loyalty.

That’s why selecting your holiday cardsshould be treated as a strategic business decision. Here’s what should know to help you find the card that expresses your sincere best wishes and also acts as a valuable business tool.

Know your audience

Your business is successful because you are an expert on who your customers are and what they want. Keep this in mind when choosing your holiday cards. Don’t hesitate to order several different styles of cards to match your customers’ personalities and lifestyles.

Know the image you want to convey

Keep close to your company’s current image when choosing your holiday cards. If your company’s logo, promotional materials and advertisements are timeless and classic, sending a humorous, cartoon-style card may also send a confusing message to clients who thought they knew who you were. If your business prides itself on being unique and detail-oriented, opt for a custom card with gorgeous envelopes that get noticed in the mail immediately.

Know your options

Research card shapes, sizes, colors and personalization options before you order and decide which card style will represent your business best. A traditional design in a square shape may be just the right card mix of classic and contemporary. Or you may choose a fold-out calendar cardto keep your name in front of clients all year long.

Know your message

Sometimes simplicity says it all — a message of “best wishes for the holidays and the new year” goes a long way toward letting your customers know that you’re thinking of them. If your message is too religious or too specific, you run the risk of alienating those who don’t share your beliefs or personal views. Many card companies provide the option of printing your custom verse so you can say exactly what you want on your holiday greetings.

Know — and show — your values

Dedicated to preserving and caring for the environment? Order cards made from recycled paperand make sure they’re printed with a recycled logo and paper content information so recipients know you’ve chosen your cards with them AND the earth in mind. Want to support a cause? Order cards whose purchase benefits your favorite charity and informs recipients about it. Making your values and priorities known will tell customers that your business is concerned about the world we live in.

Know your budget

In this economic client, the bottom line is more important than ever. Instead of not sending holiday cardsat all, look for budget cardsthat still represent your business beautifully with a colorful design, sparkling foil or rich embossing. Many card companies also offer money-saving packages, free personalization, complimentary envelopes or volume discounts.

Know what you’re buying

Research the company before you order your holiday cards. Ask for free samplesof cards so you can see and feel the quality of the paper and design for yourself. Check for a satisfaction guarantee. Double-check production and delivery times. Choosing a reputable card company means you’re sure to get the best quality and service.

 

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist

Tips for Sending Holiday Cards

Here is a list of pointers on sending out your holiday cards this year.  I hope this can save you some time and a headache this year!

Preparation

 

    Prepare your list of contacts early and make sure the information is up to

    date. You don't want to miss out on reaching loyal customers and

    associates due to old or inaccurate information. Once you've prepared a

    list, be sure to maintain it throughout the year so it's ready to go for the

    following year.

 

Shopping

 

 Shop around and choose the right card(s). Knowing your audience is

    key, so keep in mind their religion, age, occupation and sense of humor.

    Remember, ordering different designs to suit different people creates a

    more personal experience for the recipients.

 

Ordering

 

    • Order extra cards and envelopes. Even if you're confident you've

    ordered enough for everyone on your contact list, you may need extras

    for last-minute additions. Extras can also be filed away and used for new

    customers the following year.

 

    • Take advantage of an addressing service. Many holiday card

    companies will print your envelopes with your return address. It may cost

    a little more, but it's worth the convenience. Fastick® envelopes are

    another great timesaver — just peel off the tab and close the envelope.

    They can also be printed with your return address.

 

    • Order online. It's fast, it's easy and it makes shopping for the best deal

    simple.

 

    • Emails are a great way to find good deals, so sign up as a member

    when you visit a new company's website. They'll send you updates on

    discounts and special promotions, which means you can find the best

    deal without even visiting a website. And remember, you can always

    unsubscribe. 

 

    • Order a sample. Most companies will send you a sample of the card

    you're interested in so you can be confident about the quality before you

    purchase.

 

    • Take advantage of proofs if they are available. Proofs are your chance

    to make sure there are no errors in your holiday card or personalization.

    Some companies will mail you a proof; others have online proofs.

    • Check for guarantees before purchasing. Most reputable companies

    will guarantee your satisfaction or your money back. 

 

 

Personalizing

 

    Host a card signing party, luncheon or other type of gathering for a fun

    and energetic way to get everyone involved. Make sure everyone who

    plays a significant role with customers and associates is present and sign

    away!

  

Sending

 

    • Make sure you have the proper postage for your holiday cards. Square

    holiday cards are very popular right now but do require extra postage.

    Also, if you decide to send anything extra with the card, you'll want to

    have it weighed for postage. 

 

    • Order your holiday cards 20 days before the holiday (Thanksgiving,

    Christmas, New Year). Then be sure to send your holiday cards at least

    7 days before the holiday so they arrive in time.

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist

 

What to Write???

It is hard enough picking the right card these days - so many options for business holiday cards - that when it comes down to the message, I never know what to say. 

Adding a personal message is always a great way to let your customers know that you took the time to wish them the best.  http://quotations.about.com/od/specialdays/a/christmas7.htm is a great location for thoughtful quotes that really are unique and will make your card stand out from others. 

-Tiffany, Marketing Specialist