Significance

• Many businesses understand the importance of showing their customers that they care, but fail to do so. There are many different products and services offered by businesses and competition can be fierce, so it's important that you stand out from the crowd. A customer appreciation day is one way to do that. How would you feel about a company if they sent you a personal note inviting you to come to the store and be rewarded for loyalty with a percentage discount off of one of your favorite products?
  
  

Types

• Customer appreciation days can be held in conjunction with a national holiday or major event. Taco Bell offered a special price on tacos for Super Bowl Sunday, and Denny's offered a free Grand Slam breakfast for all customers during a certain time on a particular day. These types of efforts solidify the business in their customers' minds and help to foster a strong relationship and appreciation between the company and its customers.
  
  

Function

• There are many ways to show your appreciation to your current customers. Let's say you own an office supply store that sells everything from computer software to pens and pencils. Your customer appreciation day could consist of offering a discount on certain items, such as 10 percent off paper and printing supplies, or a chance to win software such as Microsoft Office.
  
  

Size

• Depending on your company's revenues and profits, you can have a simple customer appreciation day where you offer popcorn and soda or you can provide discounts on certain products. If you are the owner or manager of a large retail store, you can have a carnival-like customer appreciation day in the parking lot. This could include games for kids, food, drinks and any other appropriate activity that fits into your business model. The size of the customer appreciation day comes down to the size of your customer base and your ability to afford it.
  
  

Effects

• A customer appreciation day is a great marketing tool for your business. It demonstrates that your customers are your company's life blood, that you value them and want them to keep coming back. When customers feel that their patronage is appreciated, they will be more likely to refer your business to their friends, family and business colleagues. They may also be willing, if asked, to provide positive feedback to organizations such as the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Reports or other consumer rating entities.
  
  

Considerations

• When holding a customer appreciation day, it's important to consider what benefits you are going to offer, what benefits you expect to receive in return, and how you are going to track your customers' habits in the future. Remember, a customer appreciation day isn't just an excuse to throw a party. It should be a part of your overall marketing plan, which is vital to increasing and expanding your customer base.