by MarkOur company has expanded, and we were happily forced to upgrade computers. I had been using an iMac, my wife Holly a iBook, and not only did we a need a third computer for our new employee Kate, but we all needed to be on Intel Macs.
In all, we spent about $10K, between the three computers, the software (Adobe Suite, ouch!), So, just yesterday, we received this Thank You card:
Now it’s not that I’m complaining about a Thank You card. I appreciated the thought, and I also liked the store. They gave us a good deal, cutting prices where they had control, and even throwing in things like stylish laptop bags.
Unfortunately, the Thank You card kinda took away the glow of the experience. Notice that little bit highlighted in yellow? What do you think about that?
A Discount is Not A Thank You
Here’s my opinion: giving a discount on your next purchase is not a thank you gift. If I have to spend more money, it’s a marketing strategy, not a sincere gift that leaves me feeling all gushy-warm about who you are and what you’re doing.
We refinanced our home a few years back, and when we were done, the broker delivered to us a basket, with some very yuppie crackers and olive spread, and I don’t know what else. Oh, and a $20 Starbucks gift card.
That is a thank you gift, that leaves me feeling great about the broker, reinforces how well we felt taken care of, and a willingness to refer other people to her.
Now, I’m not expecting the computer store to spend their entire profit buying a Thank You gift for me. But, I can think of a thousand thank you gifts they could’ve sent that would’ve left me feeling warm and gushy inside.
Can you? What are some of the best thank you gifts you’ve received?
- Thank You Card from a computer stores
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6 Comments... Care To Join Us?
Believe it or not, I cannot think of a single Thank You gift I’ve ever gotten. That being said, the closest thing I can think of is a beautiful heartfelt card from someone who I never expected a thank you from. That really touched my heart – it was one of those random acts of kindness from a fellow yoga teacher trainee.
@Char- nothing? Not even a thank you note? Hmmm… and your experience shows how powerful it would be if one did come your way.
I have received that kind of thank you from a few businesses and I don’t like it either. Our real estate agent gave us a subscription to a home decorating magazine. That seems like a good option — related to what he sold us but a genuine gift. I’ve also received things like sample packs of wool wash with yarn that I’ve bought online. Again, small and related.
@JoVE- I like those gifts- simply, not too expensive, and yet some thought went into them- a genuine gift. Nice.
I couldn’t think of anything right away, but I realized – I have gotten small thank you for your purchase gifts from several Etsy purchases. (www.etsy.com) My favorite was a tiny pair of earrings for me with the purchase of earrings for a friend!
@Tammy- That’s very cool. It’s surprising how few businesses really thank their customers effectively and from the heart. I know we haven’t always been very good at it, either, and it’s something I’d like to see us get better at.
[...] secondary motive, or people will start to see through your efforts. Mark Silver has a great post on how thank-you cards can backfire. His advice: a discount or coupon is not a thank you. It’s a request to spend more money. [...]
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