An Attitude of Gratitude:
6 Ways to Thank Clients During the Holidays
THOUGHT PROCESS:
Sometimes even the smallest acts of kindness have big impact. Thanking salon clients during the holidays can create impressions that last all year through.
ACTION STEPS:
Decide on a thoughtful way to thank each of your clients during the holiday season – then do it.
You probably already say “thank you” to clients at the end of each appointment, but the holiday season is the perfect time to let them know that you genuinely appreciate the relationship you have with each of them. What’s more, gratitude is an attitude that benefits both parties. Forbes.com lists seven specific ways that gratitude benefits the bestower, rather than the recipient, including:
- Opening the door to more relationships
- Improving physical health
- Improving psychological health
- Enhancing empathy and reducing aggression
- Sleeping better
- Improving self-esteem
- Increasing mental strength
Those are some weighty rewards! But this is a mindset which does not happen by accident. Sometimes it takes waking up each day with a renewed decision to be a thankful person, both on the inside and in actions demonstrated externally. Take advantage of the organic opportunities the holiday season provides to practice the outward demonstration of an inner “attitude of gratitude” by thanking your clients in stand-out ways.
6 Ways to Thank Clients During the Holidays
A Little Something
Many manufacturers offer mini and sample size products during the holidays. Not only is this client thank you gift a memorable gesture, it can also be the means of introducing clients to products they can repurchase from your Salon Suite.
If you prefer non-product gifts, you can still make gifts relevant to your industry. Small candles, soaps, room sprays, oils, lotion, and similar items, especially those intentionally scented for well-being make great personal gifts for your clients.
Branded Swag
Putting your brand name on items that will travel with clients into homes, offices, coffee shops, waiting rooms, and other public venues can help introduce your Salon Suite to prospective clients. In addition, they provide clients with a visible reminder of your business, reinforcing brand awareness and keeping your Salon Suite top-of-mind.
Gift Cards
It might seem counter-intuitive; however, when clients redeem gift cards it can lead to an increase in sales, since clients aren’t seeing as much money leave their wallets or bank accounts at that time. Nor does this need to be a giveaway. You can thank your most valuable clients (or all of them) with a gift-card-with-purchase or buy one, get one type of offer.
Buy one, get one (free or at a special price) gift card sales can help you attract new clients. In fact, one study found that 41 percent of customers trying a business for the first time did so because they received a gift card. In addition, 70 percent spent more at the business than the value of the gift card; of these, 7 out of 10 spent at least 20 percent more than the value of the card.
An Open Letter
Writing a holiday letter and giving copies to each of your clients can be an incredibly personal gesture. Putting your feelings into words lets clients know that you value them as individuals, not just customers. It also gives them a powerful reason to feel personally connected to your Salon Suite, and to you as their stylist.
An Exclusive
We all like to feel special. When clients feel like you are singling them out as a “VIP” they realize that they are truly important to you. Thanking your most important clients with an exclusive offer or invitation to an exclusive event, such as a holiday hair and makeup class, gives you a chance to connect with them in a different way than you do at their appointment, and may also enable you to attract new clients if you encourage them to bring a friend or allow them to share their exclusive offer with a friend.
An Add-to-Value
When clients come for appointments between Thanksgiving and the New Year, add something of value to their experience. This could be doing something as simple as having hot cider or hot chocolate on hand, or providing a complimentary add-on such as a conditioning treatment, brow wax, or scalp massage. Whatever this add-to-value is, point out to your client that “As a special thank you during the holidays, I want you to enjoy….” whatever that item is.
When clients feel appreciated, they come back, they confidently refer your Salon Suite to others, and they become more responsive to your suggestions as to the services and products they should try.
Though you might take it for granted that your clients know you care, the cost of doing so can be high. According to statistics shared on insightsquared.com, an estimated $41 billion in sales is lost by U.S. companies each year due to poor customer service. Nor is it only about lost sales, because 40 percent of customers switched to a competitor because of their reputation for great client care.
You may have assumed that your clients know you care, but what have you done to ensure it? Thanking clients in stand-out ways during the holiday season can set your Salon Suite up for improved client retention and attraction in the New Year.
