Have You Picked Out Your Company Holiday Cards Yet?

Walk into any local craft store and you will no doubt easily locate the seasonal aisle filled with evergreens, stockings, wrapping paper and ornaments. Yes, the days are still filled with sun and your calendar has barely left the summer months, but it’s time to start planning for the holidays. The season will be here quickly and will be filled with to-do lists and festive events. Without a doubt, NOW is time to start thinking about your company’s custom holiday cards.

To start, it is important that you choose a quality card that shows your clients and employees that you value and appreciate them as an important part of your business. Now is not the time to skimp! Sending a cheaply made card may send a message that your business is not doing well or that your contacts aren’t worth the investment in a quality custom card.

So who should you send your company holiday cards to? Of course your first thoughts are correct…send cards to all of your employees as well as all of your valued customers. But there are certainly more possible recipients to consider. Along with established customers, it is a great idea to send cards to past customers to remind them of your business. You can also send cards to potential customers showing them your interest in serving them. Sending a custom holiday card is a great way to thank the clients you have and attract new ones as well.

There is also some etiquette to consider when sending custom holiday cards. For starters, it is important to hand sign each card. This may seem like a daunting task if you have a large amount of recipients; however the time it takes is an investment in your company that shows you care about your business and your relationships with customers and employees. If possible, it is also a good idea to hand-write the address. If you do not have time yourself, it might be worth the investment in hiring someone else to address them. Automated labels are impersonal and may save you time and money, but may turn off clients in the process. Giving them that personal touch shows you care.

Another thing to keep in mind when sending holiday cards is being sensitive to traditions. We live in a world where not everyone celebrates the same holidays in the same way. Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa make sure you send a message that is appropriate for all of your customers and employees. Many businesses stick with Christmas cards to show the holiday they choose to celebrate, but it is always acceptable to send company holiday cards with a simple “Season’s Greetings” or “Happy Holidays.”

Finally, you will want to get your custom cards ordered in a timely manner in order to avoid the holiday rush. Ordering cards in September allows you plenty of time to get envelopes addressed, and even possibly time to add a handwritten signature or even a short personal message. If you plan to get envelopes addressed by the end of November, you will have most of December to spend time writing one or two line personal notes, and have them in the mail without crushing your holiday cheer!