Gen Z vs. Millennial Shopping Behaviour: A Playbook for SMBs
Here’s a guide to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) win over both generations. Read on!
Gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to build strong customer relationships, foster loyalty, and enhance your brand image. A genuine "thank you for your purchase" message goes a long way. When done right, it can delight your customers and encourage them to shop with you again. Here's an easy-to-follow guide on the best ways to express gratitude, featuring five creative approaches and 25 customizable templates.
Build relationships: Acknowledging your customers’ purchases demonstrates that you value their business and see them as more than a transaction.
Increase engagement: Post-purchase gratitude, combined with next steps or incentives, keeps your brand top of mind.
Boost revenue: Messages with special offers or cross-sell opportunities can encourage repeat purchases.
Handwritten thank-you notes feel authentic and heartfelt. This old-school approach stands out in today’s digital world, making customers feel special and valued. A short, personalized message can make a lasting impression.
Example 1: "Dear [Customer Name], Thank you for choosing [Your Brand]. Your support means the world to us! We hope you love your [Product]. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Warm regards, [Your Name]."
Perfect for small businesses or high-value purchases where a personal touch makes an impact.
Example 2: "Hey [Customer Name], just a quick note to say THANK YOU for your order! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our community and hope you enjoy your [Product]. Here’s to many more happy moments together! Best wishes, [Your Brand]."
This would work well for subscription services or repeat customers to deepen the relationship.
Surprise your customers with a note or small gift inside their package. It could be a branded sticker, a product care guide, or a personalized card. These inserts enhance the unboxing experience and add a touch of thoughtfulness.
Example 1: "Thank you for your order! As a token of our appreciation, we’ve included a care guide for your [Product]. Follow these steps to keep it looking as good as new. Enjoy!"
Practical and helpful, particularly for products that require maintenance or assembly.
Example 2: "Surprise! We’ve included a free sticker from our latest collection. We’d love to see how you use it—tag us on Instagram @YourBrand for a chance to be featured!"
Encourages customer engagement on social media while creating a positive unboxing experience.
Adding free samples or small gifts to an order encourages future purchases while showing appreciation. This approach works especially well for introducing customers to new products.
Example 1: "We’ve added a sample of our best-selling [Product Name] to your order. Let us know what you think—we’d love your feedback!"
Ideal for introducing customers to premium products they might not have tried otherwise.
Example 2: "As a special thank you, we’ve included a free [bonus item]. We hope it brightens your day. Thank you for supporting [Your Brand]!"
Adds an unexpected delight, particularly for first-time customers.
Personalized thank-you videos bring your brand to life and create an emotional connection. These can be simple, such as a video message from the founder or team thanking the customer, or fun, like showcasing your packaging process.
Example 1: A video from the founder: "Hi [Customer Name], thank you for choosing [Your Brand]! We’re thrilled to have you in our community. Here’s a quick tip to get the most out of your [Product]."
Personal and informative, this works for new customers to build a relationship.
Example 2: A holiday-themed thank-you video: "This season, we’re grateful for customers like you. Thanks for your continued support—it means the world to us. Happy holidays from all of us at [Your Brand]!"
Great for seasonal sales, adding warmth and cheer to your message.
Offering discounts on future purchases is a strategic way to thank customers while encouraging them to return. Include these discounts in your email or package.
Example 1: "Thanks for shopping with us! As a token of our appreciation, here’s 10% off your next purchase. Use the code THANKYOU10 at checkout."
Simple yet effective for driving repeat purchases, especially for first-time buyers.
Example 2: "We appreciate your continued support! Enjoy a special customer loyalty reward—15% off your next purchase when you spend over $50."
Encourages higher spending while rewarding loyalty.
Here are customizable templates for various scenarios that you can leverage for your business:
Simple and Direct: "Thank you for your purchase, [Customer Name]! We’re thrilled to have you as part of our community and hope you enjoy your [Product]."
Humorous Touch: "You’re officially the proud owner of [Product]! Thank you for making our day—we hope this makes yours."
Heartfelt Thanks: "Thank you, [Customer Name]! Your support helps us grow and thrive, and we’re so grateful to have you as a customer."
Welcome and Gratitude: "Welcome to [Your Brand], [Customer Name]! We’re so glad you found us. Enjoy your [Product], and feel free to reach out if you have questions."
Exclusive Offer: "Thanks for your first purchase! As a welcome gift, enjoy 10% off your next order with the code WELCOME10."
Personalized Touch: "Hi [Customer Name], thank you for joining the [Your Brand] family! We can’t wait to hear what you think of [Product]."
Celebrate Loyalty: "It’s always a pleasure to serve you, [Customer Name]! Thank you for coming back and shopping with us again."
Exclusive Loyalty Discount: "Thanks for your continued support, [Customer Name]! As one of our loyal customers, enjoy 15% off your next order with the code THANKYOU15."
Acknowledging a Milestone: "Wow, this is your [Nth] purchase with us, [Customer Name]! We’re beyond grateful for your loyalty."
Request for Feedback: "We hope you’re loving your [Product]! Your feedback means the world to us—let us know what you think by leaving a review."
Incentivized Review: "Thank you for your purchase! Share your experience and get 10% off your next order—leave us a review here: [link]."
Interactive and Fun: "Thank you for shopping with us! We’d love to see your [Product] in action—tag us on social media @YourBrand for a chance to be featured."
Sample Included: "Surprise! We’ve included a free sample of [Product Name] in your order. We hope you love it as much as we do!"
Exclusive Gift: "As a thank-you for your order, we’ve added a little gift to your package. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!"
Holiday-Themed: "Happy Holidays, [Customer Name]! Thank you for supporting [Your Brand]. We wish you joy and happiness this season."
Seasonal Gratitude: "Thanks for your spring purchase! Brighten your day with [Product], and let us know if there’s anything else we can do for you."
Year-End Gratitude: "As the year ends, we’re so grateful for your support, [Customer Name]. Thank you for choosing [Your Brand]!"
Order Confirmation: "Thanks for your order! It’s on its way, and we can’t wait for you to experience [Product]."
Building Anticipation: "Your [Product] is almost here! Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect: [insert product care tips or features]."
Shipping Update with Gratitude: "Your order has shipped! Thank you for supporting [Your Brand]—we hope it brightens your day."
Thank You Message Templates for Post-Purchase Incentives
Next Purchase Discount: "Thanks for shopping with us! Here’s 10% off your next order—just use code THANKYOU10."
Referral Program: "Thank you for your purchase! Love [Product]? Share the love and earn rewards—refer a friend here: [link]."
Photo Request: "We’d love to see your [Product] in action! Share your experience with #YourBrand and tag us for a chance to be featured."
Community Building: "Welcome to the [Your Brand] family! Join our community on Instagram and share your journey with [Product]."
Thoughtful thank-you messages- whether handwritten, video-based, or digital, are small gestures that can have a big impact on customer loyalty. Use these strategies and examples to connect with your audience and leave them feeling valued.
Thank you for reading!
Here’s a guide to help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) win over both generations. Read on!
Happy customers are your best marketing tool. Learn how word-of-mouth can boost sales, build loyalty, and grow your business naturally.
Discover why second-hand shopping is growing in Canada and what small and medium businesses can do to benefit from this trend.
With the right mindset and a few practical strategies, you can face FOBO (Fear of Becoming Obsolete) and feel empowered. Read on!