There are many ways to show customer appreciation, but it’s important not to forget that customer loyalty is key.

To make your customers feel like valued patrons, we have a few inexpensive tricks up our sleeve. These simple and quick customer incentive ideas will help you show appreciation for the people who already shop with you or are on their way to becoming loyal regulars.

Here are 26 customer appreciation ideas that will help you plan your customer appreciation day.

Develop stronger relationships with your customers

We’ll walk you through how to get a better understanding of your customers so that you can increase the number of repeat customers and have more loyal followers.

1. Choose a customer of the day

I like surprises, and I think customers do too. Make a big deal out of your 50th customer by giving them 10% off their next purchase or something similar that they will appreciate during the holiday season.

2. Give special attention to loyal customers

Here is a great way to keep your customers coming back and save money. You may already be tracking what they buy from you with the help of POS software, but have you been using that information? Tracking data can improve customer loyalty by giving them an opportunity for discounts or offers on items they are likely going to purchase anyway.

To express customer appreciation, we recommend making sure that you have your loyal customers’ preferences saved in the POS so when they come back, offer them a discount on what they usually buy. This will not only make it easier for employees to know which items are best sellers but also show these valued customers some appreciation.

3. Give special attention to your not-so-loyal customers

Customers are often so busy that they do not even remember where their favorite store is. If you want to get these customers back into your store, send them a “We Miss You” card with an exclusive discount code as a gesture of customer appreciation.

4. A simple gesture goes a long way

One of the best ways to show customer appreciation is with excellent customer service. Always make sure you greet them when they walk in and out, as well as go above and beyond on little gestures like asking how their day was or making small talk about a recent event. These actions will create an inviting atmosphere that makes your business stand out.

When you’re a business owner, it can be easy to forget the art of conversation. It might not seem like much at first glance because people are often self-serving and uninterested in what they do for work or how their day is going. But small talk will provide you with invaluable information about your customers that could help steer your company towards success.

Bonus Tip:

Keep track of customer information so that you can provide them with a personalized experience every time they come in. For example, the next time someone buys wine at your store, ask how much they liked it and if their partner enjoyed it too.

5. Offer a birthday reward

Recognizing customer birthdays is a great way to show your appreciation. You can offer discounts, swag that helps further brand your business, or (based on sales information from the POS) their favorite products, as well as experiences such as wine tastings and personalized wardrobe consultations.

Customers love to be rewarded with an experience. It makes them feel like they are getting something for free, which is good because it will make them want to come back into your store and spend more money! One great way of doing this is by giving away a coupon that expires one or two months after their birthday.

6. Write notes of appreciation

One of the best ways to show customer appreciation is by slipping a pre-written thank-you note into their shopping bags. This provides an opportunity for the customer to know how much they are appreciated and offers some business information on it.

7. Give them a rain check

A rain check is a great way to encourage customers who left your store empty-handed because you were out of their desired item. You can do this by asking for an email address and following up with them when the product becomes available again, or even shipping it directly to them.

The importance of a sale should not be underestimated.

If the customer is disappointed, offer them an incentive like coupons or points on their next purchase to keep them coming back for more. Click To Tweet

8. Share customer photos on social media

Most people use social media, so encourage your customers to post about you or the products on their channels for a chance to be featured. You can re-post and show them appreciation when they do.

9. Expert tips and advice are priceless

One way to increase customer loyalty is by sending them relevant, personalized emails. If you are a shoe store, for example, send customers tips on how best to care for their shoes or offer advice about removing stains from delicate fabrics. The key is personalizing the information so that it feels like they are being cared for.

10. Text your customers

Nothing says we appreciate you like a text message. But don’t just say “hi.” To be successful, texts should always provide value for the customer and never come off as spammy or desperate.

11. Create a thank you video

Sending a thank you video to new customers is easy. You can create one with your phone or tablet and email it after they shop at your store, thanking them for their purchase. This will make you stand out from the competition.

12. Share local goods

It’s important to keep in mind that customer satisfaction is not just about your business but also the businesses you work with. Dog daycare owners should consider partnering up with dog groomers and offering a shared certificate or coupon for their customers.

13. Share local wisdom

Give your customers the gift of knowledge. Instead of just promoting yourself, promote other businesses in your area to provide insider information about that neighborhood or town.

14. Give out bad weather appreciation rewards

If you’re a business that relies on sales and customers, then bad weather can be detrimental. Offer your shoppers an incentive to brave the rain if they want something from you.

15. Leave candy at your register

When it comes to customer appreciation, discounts and promotions are not always the answer. Sometimes all that is needed is a smile or some candy at your front desk.

16. Create an unboxing moment

When a customer opens your package, they should feel as if it is Christmas morning. Packaging that includes thoughtful details will delight the customers and build brand loyalty.

17. Throw an appreciation party

Nothing says thank you like a party to celebrate your customers. Invite both new and loyal ones too! Throwing an event (whether it be virtual or in-person) for the people who have been with you the longest is one way of showing them how much they mean to you.

18. Start a loyalty program

Giving your customers the opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for future purchases is a great way of motivating them. The loyalty program also allows you to collect valuable information on customer spending habits and how often they come back.

19. Reward good reviews

When a customer posts about your business on social media, you can reply and thank them for their positive review. They may stop by to try one of our discounted t-shirts or have a free wine tasting.

If someone is turning to social media to complain about your business, take it as an opportunity for improvement. Invite the individual back and try again with a bonus offer that you can provide them.

20. Donate to charity on your customer’s behalf

When you are running a business, it is important to do what makes your customers feel good. One way that will make them happy is if they know how much of their purchase goes towards charity on behalf of the store or company.

21. Throw in a gift

Give customers gifts that you have in excess inventory. If your pet shop never sold purple puppy shampoo, include those bottles of shampoo as a gift for people who spend over a certain amount.

22. Show them you listen

The packaging of your gifts, the lighting in your dressing room- take these as opportunities to show customers how much you care. Send them an email thanking them for their feedback and highlighting changes that have been made based on their comments. This will position you as a store owner who is actively listening to what they want, which can be gold when it comes time for marketing.

23. Have a client appreciation day sale

There are ways to increase revenue during your slow season by hosting a flash sale. A great way is with customer appreciation day sales. Offer customers an additional bonus if they bring their friends and make sure you mention all the details in your email invitation.

24. Start an exclusive mailing list

When you are trying to motivate your employees, it is important that they feel special. Click To Tweet

One way of doing this is by giving them access to exclusive information before other people do.

25. Celebrate your customers’ accomplishments with them

It is important to get to know your customers. You should take this opportunity when they share their special news with you, like the birth of a child or graduation from college. Send them an email congratulating them and include discounts for future purchases.

26. Use text alerts 

One of the most important ways to get your customers’ attention is by sending them a text message. This low-cost way will remind people that you miss them and want their business again.

A little loyalty can go a long way.

If you’re looking to strengthen customer loyalty, chat with one of our experts, and we’ll help automate your rewards program. We can also show you how Lightspeed keeps tabs on valuable data about customers.