Whether you’re the owner of a small business or you own a huge eCommerce store, you should always remember to show your customers how much you appreciate them and value their loyalty.
Customer appreciation brings you closer to your customers and helps your business maintain customer loyalty.
In this blog, we’re presenting 32 customer appreciation ideas, gifts, and tips that will help you elevate your business and show your customers that you care about them being happy.
The list is long so let’s get started with some of the most successful and meaningful customer appreciation ideas.
Here we go!
Choose the Idea You Want
Idea #1: Introduce a Customer Loyalty Program
Idea #2: Reward Customers with an Eco-friendly Water Bottle
Idea #3: Reward Customers with a Tote Bag
Idea #4: Give a Free Gift With Every Purchase
Idea #5: Celebrate Loyalty With Customer Appreciation Events
Idea #6: Offer Personalization Options
Idea #7: Show New Products to Your Most Loyal Customers First
Idea #8: Host a Customer Appreciation Week
Idea #9: Launch Social Media Giveaways with Branded Swag
Idea #12: Reward Customers When They Refer Family Members and Friends
Idea #13: Reward Customers When They Mention Your Business Online
Idea #14: Celebrate Anniversaries
Idea #15: Don’t Forget to Say Happy Birthday – Say It With a Small Gift
Idea #16: Shout Out Your Appreciation on Social Media
Idea #17: Give Gift Baskets When They Spend Over a Specific Amount
Idea #18: Offer Drinks and Snacks
Idea #19: Offer Great Customer Service
Idea #20: Collect Customer Feedback
Idea #22: Use Your Customers’ First Names
Idea #23: Give New Customers a Treat
Idea #24: Surprise Customers With Unexpected Offers and Discounts
Idea #25: Send Out Promotional Products
Idea #27: Organize Retreats For Your Best Customers
Idea #28: Give Amazon Gift Cards
Idea #29: Launch Pre-sale Events
Idea #30: Consider Price Matching
Idea #31: Be Flexible With Your Return Policy
Idea #1: Introduce a Customer Loyalty Program
The first customer appreciation idea on our list is to introduce a customer loyalty program.
Loyalty programs are fantastic approaches for a business to show appreciation to their customers and reward them for their dedication and support.
Why we like it: Customer loyalty programs make the links between a company and its audience stronger.
Idea #2: Reward Customers with an Eco-friendly Water Bottle
The second customer appreciation gift idea is to reward your customers with an eco-friendly water bottle.
This is an inexpensive gift idea that customers will love to get from a company they like and support.
Bonus tip: Companies can consider giving away branded water bottles.
Why we like it: They help reduce plastic waste.
Idea #3: Reward Customers With a Tote Bag
Similar to the previous eco-friendly gift idea, this one is to reward customers with a tote bag.
Everyone loves getting tote bags because they are very handy, versatile, and can be used in many ways.
Bonus Tip: You can personalize each tote bag to make sure that it has an individual touch for your clients.
Why we like it: They can be used a trillion times which makes them very practical.
Idea #4: Give a Free Gift With Every Purchase
A great gift idea is to give a free gift with every purchase.
It doesn’t have to be something expensive.
Your customers will appreciate the gesture of giving them a free product every time they buy something or use your services.
Why we like it: It helps maintain customer retention.
Idea #5: Celebrate Loyalty With Customer Appreciation Events
Companies that wish to show client appreciation should consider hosting customer appreciation events.
There are a variety of events, from a picnic at the park or drinks at the office or physical store of the brand, to webinars and workout sessions – both physical and digital.
Why we like it: It brings customers and businesses together.
Idea #6: Offer Personalization Options
A thoughtful client appreciation idea is to offer personalization options on your products.
It can be as simple as adding one’s initials or name to a garment, accessory, or other item.
No matter what, people love the idea of being able to personalize products they buy.
Nike is a great example of a company that allows customers to customize their shoes online.
Image Source: Nike
Nike By You allows people to create and buy online a pair of shoes that’s uniquely their own.
The customization process is very easy and the page looks like this:
Image Source: Nike
Personalization looks fun, right?
Why we like it: Personalized items are more valuable and kept for longer.
Idea #7: Show New Products to Your Most Loyal Customers First
An approach that shows client appreciation is to give exclusive access to new products to your most loyal customers first.
By showing your new inventory to your loyal clients, you express how deeply you value their support of your business.
Why we like it: It makes clients feel special.
Idea #8: Host a Customer Appreciation Week
A nice idea is to host a customer appreciation week.
You can choose a week that means something to your business – for example, the anniversary of the brand’s launch or store opening – and organize various events.
Your clients will be delighted to join you.
Bonus Tip: Giving away promotional free stuff during this week is recommended.
Why we like it: It’s fun!
Idea #9: Launch Social Media Giveaways with Branded Swag
Another good idea is to launch social media giveaways with branded swag.
Contests and giveaways on social media have become extremely popular during the last five years.
Trust me when I say that you want your brand to be part of this trend.
Why we like it: Social media giveaways help raise awareness of your business.
Idea #10: Offer Free Upgrades
Businesses should consider offering free upgrades as a way of expressing their appreciation to their clients.
These might be as simple as offering for free the pro version of a product to someone who bought the premium version of your product or service.
Pro Tip: Free upgrades should be kept as a gift to your most loyal customers. Offering a free upgrade to a random customer may not be as effective.
Why we like it: It makes customers happy and they are more likely to be loyal to a company.
Idea #11: Run Contests
A good appreciation idea is to run contests.
Whether it’s an online contest on the company’s social media account or a quiz that takes place in store or at the office, contests are fun.
Why we like it: People love participating in contests, especially when there’s an awesome prize waiting for them to win it.
Idea #12: Reward Customers When They Refer Family Members and Friends
Client appreciation idea #12 is to reward customers when they refer family members and friends.
Referrals are a great way to expand your customer base.
If you want to make sure that your clients will refer your brand to others, reward them with a free gift, free samples, or a gift card every time they bring in someone new.
Why we like it: Referrals raise brand awareness and help a business grow.
Idea #13: Reward Customers When They Mention Your Business Online
In the spirit of rewarding your customers when they spread the word about your business, reward them when they mention your business online.
In other words, give customers that tweet about your business, products, or services motivation to do it more often.
You can do it by giving them their favorite product for free alongside a handwritten note to say thank you.
Why we like it: It’s a fantastic way to support your businesses and make it more popular.
Idea #14: Celebrate Anniversaries
Business owners shouldn’t forget the importance of celebrating business anniversaries.
By hosting events to celebrate important dates with your customers, for example your company’s first five years, you make them part of your business and show them how much you appreciate their support.
Why we like it: It deepens the relationship between a brand and its customers.
Idea #15: Don’t Forget to Say Happy Birthday – Say It With a Small Gift
Remember to show that you care about your customers by wishing them happy birthday along with a small gift.
For most people, their birthday is their favorite day of the year.
For that reason, it is highly important for a brand to participate in that day by sending good wishes and a present.
Bonus Tip: Happy Birthday emails with a coupon can also be a great way of wishing someone well on their birthday.
Why we like it: The thoughtful gesture of wishing your customers happy birthday and giving them a nice little gift will make them feel appreciated and loved.
Idea #16: Shout Out Your Appreciation on Social Media
A way of showing appreciation is to shout it out on social media.
Do a nice post on your brand’s Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin account to express your love and gratitude for your clients.
Why we like it: It’s the online alternative to the thank you card and can be very touching.
Idea #17: Give Gift Baskets When They Spend Over a Specific Amount
Another great idea is to offer gift baskets to customers that spend over a specific amount in store or online.
Consider creating small gift baskets or bags with a variety of free products for those customers that enjoy buying your products.
Why we like it: Gift baskets can be personalized and imaginative.
Idea #18: Offer Drinks and Snacks
Offering drinks and snacks is a nice way to show that you care about people that come into your store.
Why we like it: It can be refreshing and a nice surprise.
Idea #19: Offer Great Customer Service
Appreciation tip #19 is to do you best in order to offer great customer service.
To offer great customer service is one of the most clever and valuable things to do in terms of showing appreciation to your clients.
It will keep them happy and you’ll show how much you care about them and their satisfaction by doing your best.
Why we like it: What’s not to like? Customer service is everything!
Idea #20: Show That You Appreciate Customer Feedback
A direct way to show appreciation is by showing that you value customer feedback.
More than simply collecting feedback from customers, you need to show that you take into account your customers’ opinions and always try to go the extra mile in terms of improving aspects of your business for them.
Also, we all know that giving feedback can sometimes be time-consuming.
For that reason, always say thank you to those customers who gave you their feedback. This will show how much you value the time and effort they’ve put in helping your business improve.
Why we like it: Customer feedback is an essential part of making a business better.
Idea #21: Give Away Freebies
A traditionally good approach in terms of showing client appreciation is to occasionally give away freebies.
It can be from a nice bag of goodies every time one enters your store or a free trial for a new product you’re about to launch.
Why we like it: Everyone loves freebies.
Idea #22: Use Your Customers’ First Names
A fantastic way to show that you appreciate people is to remember and use their first names.
This idea has to do with offering an overall great customer service.
It includes showing that you care about people enough to learn their first names, thus making them feel that they are more to you than just customers.
Why we like it: It’s amazing for a business to have a welcoming face to show clients – this will keep them coming.
Idea #23: Give New Customers a Treat
Customer appreciation idea #23 is to give new customers a treat. By “treat”, I don’t mean giving them one of your business cards. You can do better than that!
Let’s say that your business specializes in office supplies.
Why not give a handy journal book – like the one in the above picture – to all new customers to give them an idea of what your products look like?
Pro tip: Welcome gifts should also be given to new hires.
Why we like it: We’re sure that new customers will love it.
Idea #24: Surprise Customers With Unexpected Offers and Discounts
Another good idea in terms of showing customer appreciation is to surprise customers with unexpected offers and discounts.
Send out emails to let your customers know of offers your company might be running and special discounts.
Why we like it: Unexpected discounts and offers make people more engaged.
Idea #25: Send Out Promotional Products
This idea is to send out promotional products to your customers.
Make a nice box of branded merch and send it out to your most loyal customers – they’ll be thrilled.
The list is long, but you can include anything from garden friendly promotional products to candies and toys in your promotional box.
Why we like it: There’s a huge variety of promotional products so companies have the chance to use their imagination and send out something truly amazing.
Idea #26: Give Holiday Gifts
Another idea I have for you is to give holiday gifts.
Send out holiday cards with funny stickers on them at Christmas, send bottles of local wine on New Year’s Eve.
It can be anything, just remember to celebrate holidays with your customers.
Why we like it: It’s a thoughtful gesture.
Idea #27: Organize Retreats For Your Best Customers
Client appreciation idea #27 is to organize retreats for your best customers.
Most people love participating in retreats, outdoors or online, because they are relaxing and allow them to disconnect from all that might be stressful in their lives.
Also, they give the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a variety of activities.
For that reason, it would be very thoughtful of you to offer such an experience to your best and most loyal customers.
Why we like it: Retreats will help you build relationships with your clients.
Idea #28: Give Amazon Gift Cards
To show that you appreciate your clients you could consider offering Amazon gift cards occasionally.
This is a simple gesture that your customers will love because online shopping is becoming more and more popular.
Bonus tip: You could consider offering special gift cards for special occasions like the ones shown below.
Image Source: Amazon
Why we like it: It’s a nice, simple gift that gives the recipient the opportunity to buy what they want from the comfort of their own home.
Idea #29: Launch Pre-sale Events
Another appreciation idea is to launch pre-sale events.
Give some of your most special clients the opportunity to get access to discounted items and services before you make your discounts available to all.
Why we like it: It’s a nice reward for loyal customers.
Idea #30: Consider Price Matching
A tip I have for businesses is to consider price matching.
As long as the nature of your business allows it, price matching is a nice move in regards to showing that you care about your customers and want to keep them happy.
Why we like it: It’s a great way to beat your competitors and keep your customers with you. It will have a short-term effect on your bottom line, but it will definitely help you in the long-term.
Idea #31: Be Flexible With Your Return Policy
The penultimate appreciation tip I have for you is to be flexible with your return policy.
Customers appreciate it when a company is not super strict on its return policy.
Therefore, it’s a great idea for companies to give some appreciation by making the whole return process less stressful for their clients.
Why we like it: It makes people happier.
Idea #32: Say Thank You
The last idea and tip for companies is to say thank you to your customers.
It can be from an actual thank you note to a thank you email.
Just make sure your thank you is loud and clear!
Tips, tricks, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Why we like it: It conveys gratitude and respect.
Now Over to You
That was the end of our list of 32 customer appreciation gifts, ideas, and tips.
You should always keep in mind that the relationship between a company and its customers is a valuable one.
Showing your appreciation will help you build and maintain a healthy relationship with them.
We are always here to help you show your appreciation with branded items and plenty of other ideas.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is customer appreciation?
Customer appreciation is the approach of showing gratitude to the customers that form the base of a company.
It involves the process of keeping the customers that support a business engaged and working towards keeping them happy and satisfied.
Q2. Why is customer appreciation important?
Customer appreciation is very important because it leads to customer satisfaction.
Satisfied customers are more likely to remain loyal to a business and keep trusting its products and services.
Q3. How do you appreciate loyal customers?
There is a wide variety of gestures and ideas that a company can realize in order to show appreciation to its loyal customers.
Some of the most popular are giving customer rewards, launching customer loyalty programs, giving away branded products, and saying thank you.
Q4. How do you thank someone professionally?
The most common ways of thanking someone professionally is to write thank you notes as well as send out free promotional products as a reward to customer loyalty.
Q5. Is there a customer appreciation day?
April 18 is considered to be the official Customer Appreciation Day.
However, every company is completely free to pick a date and celebrate it as the special day of saying thank you to its customers.
Q6. How do you write a message of appreciation?
A message of appreciation should be brief and include all the reasons what the sender of the note appreciates and thanks the recipient for.
A key point is to keep such a message simple and expressing your appreciation without exaggerating.
Q7. How do you say thank you to customers for doing business with you?
A few nice ways to say thank you to customers for doing business with you is to reward them for their support by organizing fun activities for them, giving them free products and branded swag, as well as saying thank you.
Q8. Does customer appreciation help in forming better customer relationships?
Customer appreciation helps in building stronger and better client relationships.
Happy customers that receive appreciation and gratitude are more likely to remain loyal to a business.
Q9. Do you really need a customer appreciation strategy?
A customer appreciation strategy is essential to all companies that wish to maintain customer retention and keep their customers content.
A customer appreciation strategy includes the main points that a company should be focusing on in terms of customer appreciation.
Q10. What are the most popular promotional products when it comes to showing your customer appreciation?
Some of the most popular promotional products in terms of showing customer appreciation are:
- Tote bags
- Stress balls
- Water bottles
- Calendars
- Keychains
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Mugs
- Sunglasses
- Hats
