Do you appreciate your customers? After all, they’re the lifeblood of your business. Chances are that you show your gratitude more than once per day. And if you work in customer service, that number is naturally much higher. But customer appreciation isn’t a one-off gesture; it’s a continuous engagement that keeps a positive feedback loop alive, leading to improved retention and referrals rates. Moreover, gratitude benefits employees and contributes to a better work environment. Build some positive momentum with the following customer appreciation ideas. 

1. Birthday Gifts

Consider sending a gift or discount code on their special day. Even a simple “happy birthday” email won’t go unnoticed. 

2. Refreshments

If you have a physical store, you can offer refreshments like tea, coffee, and water. This is particularly suitable for businesses where customers stick around for a while, like salons and barbershops. 

3. Loyalty Program

Your loyalty program can include tiered rewards with multiple incentives. Customers will be compelled to spend more while enjoying the added value. 

4. Holiday Greetings

Keep your brand at the forefront during the holidays by sending customers a pleasant message. Perhaps you can include some holiday discounts to increase sales. 

5. Handwritten Note

This is great for small businesses as it’s sincere and inexpensive. Take your notes to the next level by personalizing them with the customer’s name. Think about what you can add to the note that would give it special meaning. 

6. Contests

Hosting a competition is an excellent way to generate interest in your company and its offerings. You can also use it as a promotional tool by having entrants perform tasks like sharing your brand on social media or writing a testimonial. 

7. Charity Donations

Give customers the ability to choose a charity that your business will donate to on their behalf. 

8. Sharing Wisdom 

Is there a way that you can enlighten your community? For example, you can share your knowledge or skills with educational content or classes where customers can learn something new. 

9. Acknowledgement and Appreciation 

Some customers go above and beyond to support your business. Others are just exceptionally kind and courteous. Be sure to acknowledge their benevolence and show appreciation for it. 

10. Complimentary Services 

There are many options here. For example, Netflix made their educational content free for teachers. Loom did the same with their video software during the pandemic. Offering more for less is a clear way to show your gratitude.

11. Conversation

Most of your customers will enjoy a short chat. Spark up a conversation and show some genuine interest in their lives. You might just learn something valuable in the process.  

12. Thoughtful Gifts

Sure, almost every company gives its customers some sort of gift. But few go the extra mile to give something truly thoughtful. Think about what would be personal and in keeping with their values. You don’t want to treat a vegan to a steak dinner. 

13. Being Supportive 

Similarly, you can engage with your customers in several ways. For instance, you can showcase their work on your social media accounts. Or, you can refer people to their business. Maybe there’s a position in your company that a customer can take. 

14. Candy Favors

Here’s a simple one. Grab some candy from the store, place them in clear bags, and slip in a personalized note. 

15. Picnic or BBQ 

Whether at a park or outside your business, a picnic or barbeque is a great way to get to know your customers. 

16. Social Features 

Give a lucky customer a shoutout on social media, be it to share an inspiring story or host a Q&A with them. Some people will love the attention. 

17. Secret Sale 

Treat a lucky group of customers to an exclusive sale. Perhaps they can come into your store after hours and document their spree, which can leave you with some powerful promotional content. 

18. Thank You Video 

Get your staff involved and film a cute “thank you” video to post online. 

19. Referral Rewards 

This serves as a great incentive to get customers involved in promoting your business. Consider creating a referral program where customers are rewarded for bringing you business. The best part is that it only has a cost when it works. 

20. Exclusive Product Access 

Allow your most dedicated customers to get exclusive access to products. You can give them the ability to shop new releases before anyone else, which can inflate the perceived value of your products. 

21. Free Branded Items 

From pens to stickers to water bottles and more, there are plenty of branded items that you can have made for a low price. Hand them out for free to customers to keep your business on their minds when they leave.

22. Bend the Rules 

Don’t let that customer who knocks on the door after you close go home empty-handed. It will probably only take a few minutes to assist them, but they will certainly remember and talk about your effort. 

23. Unexpected Upgrade 

There’s nothing like a free upgrade. If the nature of your business facilitates it, make it one customer’s lucky day by moving them up to the next level. Imagine if your airliner or hotel did that! 

24. Customer Appreciation Week 

For the ultimate show of gratitude, put together a few days or a week that’s dedicated to treating your loyal customers. You can get some ideas on what to do by running a survey or asking customers directly. Turning it into an annual event will give everyone something to look forward to and remember your business by. 

25. Get Creative 

With some outside-of-the-box thinking, you might be able to come up with an even better way to show how much you appreciate your customers. Doing something truly unique is a surefire way to get noticed. 

These are all great ways to show your appreciation. That said, they aren’t your only options, so be sure to give some thought to what you can do that will make your customers’ day just that little bit (or a whole lot) better.