Christmas Card Poll: Do You Add A Coupon Or A Business Card?

BACKWOODS

Just trying to get ahead of the curve, What do the rest of you do as far as adding a coupon or business card to your mailing


Coupon
Business Card
Both
Nothing but the Christmas card

handyhands

A couple months back we did a previous customer mailing---with an incentive to do additional business. It generated a nice return in regards to a few additional jobs.

Funny you post this thread, because I was actually thinking of this same thing over the weekend.

Call it "hokey",....but a while back one of these large direct mailing companies that has been trying to earn my business for a while sent me a card with a powerball ticket stapled in it. Only cost him a buck, but it did stand out in my head.

I'm thinking of sending out cards, each with a Powerball ticket, and possibly thinking of adding a "just for you" gift certificate towards future business. Only concern is, giving them a $100 or whatever gift certificate, and calling me for 1 WINDOW. To include that there's a minimum purchase required may take away the "jolly ole spirit", i was thinking as well. Either way, if done right, I indeed believe this could be a powerful marketing idea, possibly yielding some decent results.

firemike

I prefer to send nothing but the card for Christmas (or a clients birthday for that matter.) My feeling is I want it to be from me as a good will wish for the holidays, not a solicitation for business. I use sendoutcards.com so I can personalize the message inside, attach a custom finished picture of their project if I want to, and I can use a personalized handwriting font and signature as well.

Through small talk and in a roundabout way I always try to find out when a clients birthday and anniversary is, and send them a card. It has gotten me many thank yous and keeps me and my company in the front of their minds.

For other reasons and at other times I can send a card with a business card image in it for solicitation purposes, such as telling them that spring or fall is coming and they need to think about any repairs or updates that they have been putting off, a percentage off on a certain dollar amount or above project, or offer an incentive for referrals, etc.

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-Mike-

pcplumber

I agree with sending cards with no advertising, and most customers do love to receive cards from their contractors. .

Rogheff

I got a bunch of Christmas cards for my clients yesterday and have been thinking about the best way to send them out - good timing here. My thought were to hand write a small note thanking them for their business.

I wasn't planning to include an advertisement of any kind - but after the new year, I'll start advertising.

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rbsremodeling

After the first half off the year I had. I would have put condoms in my cards to stop the idiots that where calling me from having more idiots.

But the second half turned out better

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HomeGuard

card only,

Think of it as a way to advertise without the in your face advertisement. Kinda just says, I was thinking of you.

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Rose Estimator

Advertising in a christmas card defies the purpose..

Any Season

I use sendoutcards.com too, they are awesome. I actually got a couple of businesses in my BNI group to offer up stuff so they would be placed infront of my mailing list of customers. It helps me as well. I have a 40% off fall cleanup coupon from a landscaper, and a $25 gift cert to a nice restaurant in the area, plus free tester colors from the paint store to get them thinking about painting inside.

SmellofUrethane

Just a card...no advertising...wait until the new year.

Cdat

My Business card is attached to all mailings no matter the reason. I don't offer discounts so I'll never send any coupons out. I do however, send out invitations to our yearly 4th of July party we have for all my customers past and present. The Christmas card includes a picture of my family. It works for me.

knothole

I agree. I think I'll send a Christmas card without any advertisement, will do that after the New Year.
Danny

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heartoftexas

just a card with hidden messages jk

THINKPAINTING

We tried working with, sendoutcards they were complete jerks...a couple of contractors I know as well as myself were really turned off by there
additude...........to bad does seem like a good idea.

firemike

My rep is awsome to work with, took care of every issue I ever had right away, and helped me work out the best options for want I wanted to accomplish. If you ever want to try them again, let me know, I will PM you her contact info.

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-Mike-

davitk

I have always sent out a Christmas letter along with a family picture, the customers always comment on how they enjoy and appreciate it. With business slooowing around here I have considered including a fridge magnet but now you guys have me second guessing the idea. Anyway, here's last year's card:

Attached Thumbnails

 

MALCO.New.York

Sending a Christmas Card with your Family on it, especially in Business,is about YOU and NOT your Customer. Wrong Approach.

JMNSHO

Although that is a Great Picture Davitk!!!

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davitk

Thanks for the perspective Malco, guess this was a case of my missing the forest for the trees. Sometimes it can be hard separating the business from my personal life, just yesterday I completed a project and my offered handshake was rejected and replaced with a hug

MALCO.New.York

After the fact it is Personal. But NEVER before.

__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
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shanekw1

good idea, bet it's a great time

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