The Smallest Gestures

A few weeks ago, I ventured over to a new dry cleaner in my neighborhood. There was no particular reason for the switch, other than I had been going to a "bargain basement" place, and something about it had me crossing my fingers every time I dropped something off there.

The new place is more expensive, and a little further drive, but I thought I would try it out. I dropped off my items, picked them up a few days later, and normally, that would be the end of the interaction until the next time I spilled salsa on my wool coat.

But, a few days ago, I received a hand addressed envelope in the mail. I thought, "It's not my birthday," so I curiously opened the envelope. Inside was a Thank You card. A card from my new dry cleaner. Personally signed by one of the employees.

I won't repeat the entire note, but basically, it welcomed me as a new customer, and told me they appreciated me entrusting them with my items. And, it offered me $5 off my next visit.

WOW! I don't even remember giving them my information, let alone telling them I was new. But they noticed. And, they remembered. And they told me thank you.

I was impressed. And, even though it is a little more expensive, and a little further drive, I will be going back.

It reminded me of all the little things we should be doing for our customers. A small gesture, one that doesn't cost a lot of money, can speak volumes. And, create a long-term customer in the process.