Over the years we have been to and been part of a lot of customer appreciation parties. These events can be a huge boost to your business, especially if you are retail, but they are as filled with pitfalls as the swamp scene in Princess Bride! Depending on how you plan and carry it out it caqn make your company look really really good…or really, really bad. Over the next week we will look at some of the differences between a great party and a lousy one. The first hint is “Don’t be cheap!”
I have known several employers and business owners that wanted all the benefits of the party without having the inconvenience of the time and financial investments to make it successful. Cheap wine, stale, grocery store cookies, and maxwell house instant coffee will definitely send a message to your customer …but is it the one you want to send?
You will save money but at what cost? If your customers believe that you do things cheaply in one area they will wonder where you are wiilling to cut the quality somewhere else.
It is much better to have spiced cider rather than wine if you can’t afford a good one. Buy the cookies from a quality bakery; a local, upscale bakery is the best. You will show people that you are supporting the local economy as well as willing to pay a bit more for a better quality item. Have a good caterer bring in the food, and again, it is better to choose less of a high quality thing than more of a poor quality item. Cheese and fruit trays are great. They are easy to put together, can be inexpensive, and everyone likes them.
For ambiance play Christmas carols that will appeal to your customers. Light pillar candles around the room and have a few spicy scented candles as well.
Always send your customers home with something. An
ornament for the tree, a key chain, or a photo frame. It doesn’t have to be much but just a thoughtful gesture duing the holiday season.
Next:How to host a customer appreciation party that does not devolve into Soddom and Gomorrah when the wine starts to flow.
image:>Corporate SNOBS
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