Sending business Christmas cards can significantly strengthen customer relationships and boost your company’s bottom line, regardless of your business size. While approximately half of all businesses engage in this practice, a thoughtful approach is crucial to ensure positive reception. Here are some guidelines to help you make the best impression.
**Selecting the Perfect Card:**
Your choice of card design should directly reflect your company’s brand image. A financial firm might opt for a sophisticated Wall Street-themed card, while a children’s dentist could choose a more playful design. For most businesses, an elegant and tasteful card is a safe and effective choice. When selecting a greeting card company, prioritize reputable online vendors with a proven track record. Ideally, they should offer sample cards, customization options, complimentary foil-lined envelopes, and printed envelopes.
To avoid unintended offense, consider that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Opting for greetings like “Season’s Greetings” or “Warm Holiday Wishes” demonstrates inclusivity and respect for diverse beliefs.
**Timing and Sending Considerations:**
Timing is crucial in business. Aim to send your cards between December 1st and December 15th. If you operate in a B2B environment, factor in potential holiday closures or reduced hours by ensuring your cards arrive well in advance.
To meet these deadlines, order your cards early. Personalized cards require several weeks for production, so ideally place your order by mid-October.
**Adding a Personal Touch:**
The primary goal of sending business greeting cards is to cultivate positive feelings. Avoid impersonal elements like address labels and postage meters. Instead, invest in the personal touch by having a staff member with neat handwriting address the envelopes by hand and using a traditional postage stamp.
While it’s appropriate to have your company name printed on the cards, each card should also be personally signed. Ideally, have the employees who work most closely with the recipient add their signatures. For smaller businesses, consider organizing a card-signing event to involve the entire team, leaving a lasting positive impression.
**Receiving Cards Gracefully:**
Your company will undoubtedly receive holiday cards from vendors and partners. Displaying these cards in your workplace is a gracious gesture. Not only does it enhance the holiday atmosphere, but it also shows appreciation to those who sent them.