No matter how much your business grows and how many leads you attract, you should always show appreciation toward your existing customers.

After all, it’s the repeat business and referrals of satisfied and loyal customers that turn small businesses into successful ones. 

So, how do I show customers how much I value them?

By offering them an excellent customer experience and tokens of your appreciation.

To help you excel at this, we’ll explain how it all works and give you 32 effective customer appreciation ideas.

Let’s begin!

Table of Contents

Why Is Customer Appreciation Important for Business?

32 Customer Appreciation Ideas To Build Better Relationships & Increase Retention

How To Measure Your Customer Appreciation Effectiveness

What Are Some Inspirational Customer Appreciation Quotes to Live By?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Is Customer Appreciation Important for Business?

Before you invest in corporate gifts and other client appreciation ideas, you need to know if it’s worth it. And you’re right!

Just check out these key benefits we’ve discovered in our many years of experience and you won’t have any more doubts:

• Increases customer retention. Offering a stellar customer experience is more important for your business than you might think.

According to Zendesk, 52% of customers will switch to a competitor if they have a single negative experience with a company.

• Builds customer loyalty. The key to repeat business is building strong customer relationships and brand loyalty.

And client gifts can help you achieve that.

In fact, 83% of clients who received a corporate gift said it made them feel closer to the company that sent it, according to a Sendoso global study.

• Promotes word-of-mouth marketing. Happy customers will likely tell others about their amazing experiences either in person or on social media.

According to Qualtrics, 88% of consumers are likely to recommend an organization after a good experience.

The best part is that word-of-mouth marketing is more trustworthy and effective than other types of marketing, so it can easily attract leads and increase your customer base.

Statistics show that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than other forms of marketing.

Now, let’s see how you can create a customer appreciation strategy that will help you enjoy all these amazing benefits.

32 Customer Appreciation Ideas To Build Better Relationships & Increase Retention

First things first, even a small gesture can leave a lasting impression on your customers.

So, don’t worry if you own a small business and have a limited budget.

We created this list of customer appreciation ideas based on client feedback and our own experience and there’s something to fit every budget here.

1. Include a gift store where clients can pick their gifts

Thanking customers for their contribution by surprising them with promotional products is always a nice gesture.

However, if you don’t know much about your client’s preferences or interests, choosing a swag item they’d actually like can be tricky.

The good news is that you can eliminate the guesswork and let customers pick their gifts by setting up a pop-up shop.

A pop-up shop is a user-friendly, online gift store that features pre-selected corporate gifts, which clients can order themselves for free.

The best part is that you don’t require a physical inventory of products because we only print on demand based on your customers’ orders.

Therefore, you won’t be left with many promo items going to waste, making this a more sustainable practice.

2. Reward customers with an eco-friendly tumbler

Eco-friendly promotional products, like reusable tumblers, are trendy nowadays because of growing environmental concern.

This fancy custom tumbler is one of our clients’ top picks because of its double-wall insulation that keeps beverages cold for hours.

Likewise, the product’s size and comfy handle allow recipients to carry it wherever they go.

Why it works: This gift shows customers you care about the environment and their well-being as it encourages them to stay hydrated throughout the day.

3. Reward customers with a tote bag

Our clients love using tote bags as swag bags full of goodies for their customers.

You can include anything you like in them, like promotional candy, branded apparel, or cool tech swag.

If you want to turn this customer appreciation gift into a summer giveaway, we suggest you opt for our Harborside Boat Bag.

This bag features a nautical design and a waterproof interior, making it ideal for a day at the beach or a boat trip.

Why it works: Your valued customers can use this chic branded product to carry their everyday essentials or groceries, making it highly practical.

4. Give a free gift with every purchase

People love free stuff, even if it’s something small and budget-friendly.

So, don’t worry, you don’t have to overspend on this one!

You can simply offer them a small discount code for their next purchase or a custom mug.

Still, if you want to impress, you should go with a one-of-a-kind mug, like the MiiR camp cup.

This cup has double-wall vacuum insulation, which keeps beverages at the optimal temperature without being too hot to touch.

Why it works: Offering small appreciation gifts with every purchase will make your customers return for more and tell their friends about it.

5. Celebrate loyalty with customer appreciation events

Customer appreciation events are a great way to honor your clients.

You can host a holiday season party or a sophisticated client reception, offer them a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, or organize a more laid-back client picnic.

However, regardless of the event, give your guests high-quality event swag to make the celebration memorable.

For instance, you can offer them a pair of state-of-the-art headphones that reduce stress and promote relaxation through music.

Our Bluetooth headphones feature extra soft ear cups for all-day comfort and allow you to listen to your favorite tunes for up to 100 hours.

Why it works: Luxury promotional products show clients you’re willing to go the extra mile for them and offer them VIP treatment, strengthening customer relationships.

6. Offer personalization options

Did you know that 36% of consumers actively seek out customized products or services?

No worries; you can meet this demand by setting up a pop-up shop.

Your online gift store can include anything from customizable hoodies to cool office supplies and branded backpacks.

Let’s say your customer picks this computer backpack due to its professional design, which makes it optimal for carrying everyday essentials to work or on business trips.

Once the client selects the product, they can personalize it with their name or a message, making the gift more personal and memorable.

Why it works: Customers value one-of-a-kind products and will likely keep them longer.

7. Show new products to your most loyal customers first

Offering exclusive access to new products is a very meaningful customer appreciation gift.

You can send clients a personalized email with a discount code or send them product samples via mail accompanied by a handwritten note and branded merchandise.

For example, you can add a custom blanket to your package as a thoughtful gift idea. 

Our clients love this extra soft and warm polyester fleece blanket that allows you to cozy up inside it at home.

Why it works: This initiative makes loyal customers feel special while also creating a sense of urgency to buy your new products.

8. Host a customer appreciation week

Whether you choose to celebrate Customer Appreciation Day or you want to host an entire appreciation week, you’ll still wow your customers.

Our clients suggest that you pick a week that holds special meaning for your company, like an anniversary, and plan lots of surprises for your clients.

For example, you can organize special contests where your clients can win promotional items or offer them giveaways.

Even a small gift, like a branded notebook with a pen, can increase customer satisfaction and build long-term loyalty.

The Ambassador notebook blends practicality with style due to its accompanying pen and sleek hardcover.

Why it works: This celebration will make your customers happy and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

9. Launch social media giveaways with branded swag

Social media giveaways are very popular and users love them because they get cool freebies by simply liking and sharing content.

You can turn this into a customer appreciation event by allowing only your existing customers to participate.

Of course, you need to develop some attention-grabbing company swag ideas, like this Bluetooth speaker with a wireless charging pad.

This speaker produces crystal clear sound, allowing you to listen to music for over six hours while also charging your essential devices.

Why it works: Repeat customers will see that you prioritize them and they’ll get a nice gift out of it.

10. Offer free upgrades

If you’re selling software or apps, offering free upgrades is a very meaningful customer appreciation gift.

However, we recommend that you only offer this to your most loyal customers, because otherwise it can be bad for business.

Why it works: This initiative rewards loyal customers with something truly valuable that they’ll appreciate and tell others about.

11. Run contests

Running contests is a fun way to engage your customer base.

For instance, you can ask clients to take an online or in-store quiz to test their knowledge about your products or organize a raffle.

Either way, you need to pick some fantastic prizes.

The Aviana Gourmet Backpack Cooler is a standout gift idea.

Apart from the delicious sweet and salty treats, this set includes a classy cooler backpack your customers can use daily to carry their lunch to work.

Why it works: Gamification can make your customer loyalty program stand out and increase customer retention.

12. Reward customers when they refer family members and friends

By referring your business to family and friends, clients can increase your customer base.

Hence, you should reward them for this and encourage them to continue.

In this case, our clients suggest you go with a gift card for your products or a swag item with the message ‘Best customer.’

With its sleek design and exclusive, skid-proof cork bottom, this tumbler is an excellent choice.

Why it works: A small reward shows customers you truly value their referrals and gives them something to remember your brand by.

13. Reward customers when they mention your business online

Here’s another type of business referral that you should thank your customers for.

After all, positive reviews or comments about your products can attract leads and boost sales.

You can even make a contest out of it: 

• Ask your clients to create unique user-generated content and share it on social media. 
• Reward the creators of the most original content with swag.

Of course, to incentivize customers to participate, you must select an appealing prize, like the MiiR gift set.

This gift box includes an insulated wine bottle and two insulated wine cups, allowing gift recipients to enjoy their favorite wine at optimal temperature outdoors.

Why it works: This initiative shows appreciation for referrals and encourages customers to promote your brand on social media.

14. Celebrate anniversaries

Company anniversaries shouldn’t be a private affair.

Instead, you should celebrate them by hosting an event inviting employees and customers.

After all, these are the people you should thank for making your business thrive.

And don’t forget to hand out thank-you gifts to the attendees.

The Parkview tote is a fine choice if you’re looking for a remarkable gift.

This tote is specifically designed to carry the accompanying stainless steel thermos and cups, allowing clients to sip coffee or tea on picnics or hikes.

Why it works: Celebrating company anniversaries with your customers makes them feel like valuable team members and strengthens your relationships.

15. Don’t forget to say happy birthday

Anniversaries are just as crucial for your business as they are for your clients.

So, we suggest that you celebrate your customers’ birthdays with swag.

A yummy snack gift basket will undoubtedly put a smile on the recipient’s face.

This gourmet gift set is so special because it comes with a Limerick Lane Cellars voucher for an exquisite bottle of wine.

Limerick Lane is a 53-acre estate in Sonoma County that produces some of the finest wines on the market.

Why it works: Remembering your clients’ birthdays is something they’ll value even more than the gift itself.

16. Shout out your appreciation on social media

Even a small gesture, like giving a shout-out to your loyal customers on social media, can be effective.

Take the time to create a nice post in which you thank your customers for all their support, then share it on all your social media accounts.

At the same time, you can use social media to publicly thank individual customers, especially major ones, which will have an even more significant impact.

Why it works: Given that customers follow their favorite brands on social media, this is an easy way to communicate your thank-you message.

17. Give gift baskets when they spend over a specific amount

Thanking a client for a big purchase is a nice gesture that will strengthen your relationship.

In this case, you can offer customers a gift basket including product samples and a gift card or a gourmet gift basket.

We recommend this set that includes a wide variety of sweet and salty treats, all wrapped up in a reusable, stylish cooler.

Why it works: Clients will understand how much you appreciate their commitment to your brand and will be more inclined to purchase.

18. Offer drinks and snacks

While it’s true that many companies conduct most of their business online, in-person stores are still an essential part of brand success.

Therefore, you should always create an excellent customer experience in your stores if you want to build customer loyalty.

A simple and effective way to do this is to offer drinks and snacks to customers who spend a lot of time and money in your store.

Why it works: This small gesture will make your customers feel welcome in your store and encourage them to return.

19. Offer great customer service 

Among many other things, offering excellent customer service entails:

• Always treating customers with respect
• Actively listening to your clients
• Getting to know your customers to provide them with a personalized experience
• Jumping in to help your customers with anything they need
• Having enough product knowledge to provide valuable information to your clients
• Thanking your clients for every purchase

Why it works: All these actions tell customers that you genuinely care about their needs and help build lasting relationships.

20. Collect customer feedback

Actively seeking customer feedback is an integral part of offering excellent customer service.

However, for this to work, you need to accept constructive feedback and do your best to improve based on it.

Always thank your clients for taking the time to offer you feedback and follow up with an email explaining the changes you made based on their suggestions.

Why it works: Collecting feedback shows clients you value their opinions and are willing to go the extra mile for them.

21. Give away freebies

While you can offer freebies as a reward for various customer actions, you can also hand them out for no apparent reason.

For example, you can surprise anyone who enters your store with a branded pen to carry in their bags and use daily.

Our clients recommend this visually striking ballpoint pen with shiny chrome silver accents and imprints.

Why it works: Offering freebies shows customers you’re not just about making money and can help you build meaningful relationships with them.

22. Use your customers’ first names

Using your customers’ first names in person and in writing is another great way to enhance their experience.

So, the next time a regular customer enters your store, greet them warmly by name.

Likewise, always send your customers newsletters personalized with their names because they have a 50% higher open rate.

Why it works: This simple strategy shows clients that you value them as individuals and makes them feel closer to your brand.

23. Give new customers a treat

New customers are just as important as old customers, so don’t overlook them.

Thank them for making their first purchase by giving them a treat, like a branded t-shirt.

Our clients often choose the Canyon SS tee because of its cozy, tri-blend fabric and UV protection.

Why it works: Offering treats helps you make an excellent first impression on new customers while also making them feel appreciated.

24. Surprise customers with unexpected offers and discounts

Once again, you don’t always have to have a reason or wait for a special occasion to show customer appreciation.

Just email clients some unexpected offers and discounts, and you’ll make them happy.

Moreover, you can add a personal touch to your email by personalizing the offers.

For instance, you can check a client’s previous purchases and offer discounts for their favorite products.

Why it works: Everyone likes a pleasant surprise, particularly if it’s a discount for something they like.

25. Send out promotional products

You can always surprise your most loyal customers with promotional products sent via mail.

For example, if you’re looking for a gift for business owners, this yoga set will be thoughtful as it encourages recipients to take a break and relax.

The set includes everything you need for a relaxing yoga experience, including a mat, a towel, and a block.

Why it works: This practice shows big clients that you don’t send them gifts only when they make big purchases but that you care about their well-being.

26. Give holiday gifts

Even if you don’t use any of the customer appreciation ideas we’ve given you, at least offer your most loyal customers a Christmas gift.

If you’re on a budget, La Cuisine Appetizer Trio Tray is a magnificent gift idea for the holiday season.

The set includes three small bowls for serving dips, olives, snacks, or candy during the holidays.

However, we love the Acacia wood tray that adds a touch of sophistication to any home decor.

Why it works: Promotional Christmas gifts will leave a lasting impression on your customers and make them feel part of the brand family.

27. Organize retreats for your best customers

Organizing a retreat is the way to go if you want to wow your best customers.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway at a secluded mountain or a lively beach resort, you can rest assured that your clients will love it.

However, our clients suggest you plan this well in advance because of the complex travel arrangements and set a budget to avoid overspending.

Why it works: An organized retreat allows customers to take a break from their hectic schedules and shows that you care about their well-being.

28. Give Amazon gift cards

You can simply offer an Amazon gift card whenever you run out of ideas for client appreciation gifts.

However, to add a personal touch, we advise that you include a handwritten note next to your gift.

Why it works: While a gift card is not very personal, it allows clients to pick something they like or need, and they’ll thank you for it.

29. Launch pre-sale events

Whether you’re about to host a Black Friday or holiday sale, you should offer your most loyal customers pre-sale access.

Simply send them a personalized email thanking them for all their support and give them access to the products on sale one day before the general sale.

Why it works: This initiative will allow your valued customers to buy the products they want without worrying about the stock running out. 

You’ll increase customer satisfaction and build loyalty.

30. Consider price matching

Price matching is when you offer to match a competitor’s lower product price.

Of course, you should first research to ensure you can afford to match the lower market prices.

Moreover, it’s best to offer price matching only to important clients who make big purchases that can offset potential losses on your part.

Why it works: Price matching shows clients you’re a fair player and encourages repeat business.

31. Be flexible with your return policy

Customers often buy products online in the wrong sizes or realize they don’t like them once they see them.

But if a company has complex and pricey return policies, customers typically give up returning the products and avoid future purchases.

Thus, offering flexible return policies is a good idea. 

Why it works: By allowing customers to return unwanted products quickly, you enhance their experience and encourage them to purchase more.

32. Say thank you

Saying “Thank you” is not just a polite thing to do, it’s also good for business.

Whether you say it in person, send the customer an email thanking them for placing an order, or give them a thank-you gift, anything works.

Why it works: Thanking customers shows them you are grateful for their support and contribution and strengthens your relationships.

We’ve given you plenty of great ideas, but let’s see how you can measure their effectiveness.

How To Measure Your Customer Appreciation Effectiveness

If you want to make the most of your customer appreciation strategy, you need to measure its effectiveness and improve it if necessary.

Here are the key metrics you need to measure:

• Customer satisfaction score. It helps you determine how satisfied your clients are with a specific product or service.

You can collect the necessary data by asking your clients to rate their level of satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5.

Formula: Divide the sum of all scores by the total number of responses, then multiply by 100.

• Customer lifetime value. It helps you estimate how much money you can expect to make throughout your entire relationships with customers.

Formula: Multiply your average customer income by your average customer lifespan.

• Customer effort score. It shows you how easy or difficult it was for customers to interact with your business.

Once again, you need to ask your clients to rate their efforts on a scale of 1 to 5.

Formula: Divide the sum of the scores by the number of responses.

• Customer churn rate. It shows the number of customers you lose after a specific period.

This, in turn, allows you to determine your customer retention rate.

Formula: Divide the number of customers you lost in the last quarter by the number of customers you had at the beginning of the quarter. 

• Net promoter score. It helps you estimate whether your customers are likely to refer your brand to other people.

To collect the necessary data, ask your customers to rate whether they would refer your business to others on a scale from 0 to 10.

In this case, you are interested in the numbers between 0 and 6, which are the critics, and between 9 and 10, which are the promoters.

The rest are passives, so they don’t influence the score.

Formula: Subtract the percentage of critics from the percentage of promoters.

Enough with the complex mathematics for one day! ?

Now, let us inspire you.

What Are Some Inspirational Customer Appreciation Quotes to Live By?

To help you better understand the importance of customer appreciation and inspire your future strategies, we want to end with some wise quotes:

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. – Ralph Marston

It’s easier to love a brand when the brand loves you back. – Seth Godin

Thank your customer for complaining and mean it. Most will never bother to complain. They’ll just walk away. – Marilyn Suttle

Here is a powerful yet simple rule. Always give people more than they expect to get. – Nelson Boswell

We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. – Jeff Bezos

It’s your turn now!

Over To You!

We hope that we’ve helped you understand just how important it is to show your customers that you value them.

Now, it’s your turn to use these customer appreciation ideas to create an amazing experience for your clients.

For more unique gift ideas, just browse our SwagDrop shop.

See you soon!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about customer appreciation our clients ask us:

How do you appreciate loyal customers?

There are many ways to appreciate loyal customers. Here are some examples:

• Say thank you after every purchase or action they take.
• Reward them with swag gifts for making big purchases, referring your brand to others, and mentioning your brand online.
• Surprise them with exclusive discounts or offers.
• Give them a shout-out on social media.

How do you thank someone professionally?

You can thank someone professionally by sending them a corporate gift accompanied by a handwritten thank-you note. 

If you don’t know that person well, you should keep your gift neutral. For instance, you can opt for a branded notebook with a pen or custom mug.

When is Customer Appreciation Day?

The National Customer Appreciation Day is celebrated every year on April 18.

However, most companies choose their own dates to celebrate it and some even organize customer appreciation weeks full of events.

How do you thank customers for doing business with you?

You can thank customers for doing business with you by sending them a thank you email and offering them the chance to enroll in your customer loyalty program.

Once they become regular customers you can send them holiday and anniversary gifts, surprise them with special offers, and even organize special events for them.

How do you write a message of appreciation?

You should keep your message of appreciation short and sweet. Clearly explain what you’re grateful for and be sincere. Don’t forget to sign your name and consider sending the recipient a small gift as well.

What are the most popular promotional products for showing your customer appreciation?

Some of the most popular promotional products for showing your customer appreciation include:

• Reusable water bottles
• Tote bags
• Tech swag
• Branded apparel
• Custom office supplies
• Snack gift baskets
• Travel promotional items
• Healthcare promotional items