At this time of year, many businesses send Holiday cards thanking customers and associates alike for their business and wishing them the best for the season and the new year ahead.

Inevitably the question is asked if e-cards are an O.K. replacement for the expensive paper greeting cards sent out each year in the snail mail. Let’s make a comparison:

Card Cost:
e-cards: $0 – small fee
greeting cards: $1-$3 each

Postage Involved:
e-cards: $0
greeting cards: .42 cents each

Time Involved:
e-cards: 30 minutes to load e-mail addresses — if that, click Send.
greeting cards: depending on number of greetings sent, time to print labels (additional cost) or hand-write addresses and sign, stuff envelopes and apply stamps. Trip to the post office to drop off.

So based on the above, one could easily conclude that by sending e-cards, one has chosen the easiest and least expensive way to send their best wishes and gratitude. Is that the impression you want to make? Aren’t your customers and associates worth the extra time and cost? Thoughtful is as thoughtful does. What do you think?

Some More Info for You:

1. Business E-mail Etiquette: The One Thing That Matters
2. 5 Rules for Forwarding E-mails
3. Holiday eStress Syndrome
4. Are You an e-Tattler?
5. “Attract More Bees with Honey” with E-mail Courtesies