Tips for Asking Your Client for Their Home Address
Tips for Asking Your Client for Their Home Address
A thoughtful gift shows your client how much you value and appreciate their business. Especially with the rise of remote work and more people working from home, gift-giving can be a bit more complicated than simply mailing or dropping off a gift at your client’s office.
If sending a gift to your client’s office isn’t an option, there’s still a way to show appreciation with a hand-picked gift. Send a curated selection of artisan treats directly to your client’s home! We’ve compiled five quick tips to remember when asking your client for their home address to make things as simple and smooth as possible.
1. Make sure they’re working from home.
The first step? Double-check that your client is working from home! Maybe you’ve had a few calls with your clients when they’ve been at home — in this case, it could be easy for you to assume that they work from home all of the time. But keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different. There’s a chance your client could work from an office a couple of days a week. Or, they could also have a coworking space that they work from, with a business address that they prefer to use for business-related mail (including gifts!).
Reaching out to your client is an opportunity to check in and ensure that you have the most up-to-date information on their working situation.
2. Be transparent.
As tempting as it might be to sneakily find out your client’s home address and send them a surprise gift, communication is always key in client relationships — especially when it comes to something as personal as a home address.
When you email your client, ensure they know you’re asking for their address to send them a thank-you present. Otherwise, they may feel uncomfortable about you requesting their personal information, especially if they aren’t clear on what it’s for.
Depending on your client, it could also be worthwhile to give them the option to opt out of a physical, delivered gift in case they aren’t comfortable sharing their home address.
3. Let them know your timing.
Remember that no one is always at home. Keep in mind the chance that your client may be headed for a tropical vacation or just moving about locally. Be sure to include when you estimate the gift will arrive so they can make sure that they’ll actually be home to receive it.
4. Keep it short.
Giving context to your client is important, but don’t hide your request for their home address in a lengthy email—they might miss it! Even bolding your request for their address is a simple way for your client to scan your email and see what you’re getting at a glance.
5. Be kind!
This one is key. Remember that you’re asking for personal information, and consider how you’d want to receive that request. Always be polite and kind in your email.
Plus, remember that part of being kind is being considerate. Think about your client relationship and what’s appropriate. How long has your relationship with the client been? Are they a new client, or have you worked with them for years? If they’re a new client, you might want to consider establishing some rapport with them before asking for their address. Depending on your client, you might not even want to make it an email — you might consider making a quick request over the phone with them the next time you speak.
If they feel uncomfortable sharing their home address, respect their wishes and consider alternatives. There are plenty of other gift-giving options, like a virtual gift, that you can send via e-mail.
PS — If you’re looking for some direct inspiration, we wrote up a quick sample email that you can use as a template.
Email Template: How to Ask Your Client for Their Home Address
Hi [name]!
I hope your week is going well. We truly appreciated working with you this past year and would love to send a token of gratitude.
Are you currently working from home or the office? Is there a preferred address for us to send a small gift? We estimate it will arrive [enter the estimated week of arrival], and all you would need to do is be available to accept the delivery! Let me know if you have any questions or if another time or place would work better for you.
Thanks for once again supporting us! As a loyal customer for over [X] years, we truly value your business.
Wishing you a great week!
Best,
[Your name] from [your company]
Why Corporate Gifting Matters
A considerate client gift can be a powerful gesture — there are plenty of reasons why taking the time to choose and oragnize corporate gift giving can be a valuable move for your business.
For starters, a well-thought-out corporate gift is a great way to show your appreciation for a client. If you run a business, it goes without saying that maintaining and fostering the existing relationships that you have with your clients is key. Making the effort to offer a personalized, thoughtful gift shows your clients just how much your appreciate your business partnership. Plus, it can really make your company stand out from others — all of which can help contribute to a strong and continued client relationship.
A personalized gift can make a world of difference, and it’s always best practice to include a handwritten note when you send out your gift. And, putting a little bit of extra thought into asking for their home address will make the whole experience feel like smooth sailing. Explore this year’s curated selection of gifts to get started.
Things to Consider Before Mailing Out a Corporate Gift
Before sending a gift to a client’s home, thinking through your gifting strategy is never a bad idea. That way, you can do everything to ensure the best possible outcome. Remember that every client and every business is different, and taking the time to consider your gifting ideas counts.
It’s a good idea to be informed about company-wide rules or gift-giving policies, especially regarding privacy. Some companies might not accept gifts, or giving a gift (as significant a gesture as it can be!) could be a potential conflict of interest.
Another thing to keep in mind? The time of the year. Holidays can be a great opportunity to share a gift with your client — it’s just important to be mindful of what holidays your client celebrates. The end of the year is always a great opportunity to share a gift that shows appreciation for your client over the past year and looks ahead at what’s to come!
Bottom line: Sending a gift to your client’s home is the perfect, thoughtful solution for anyone working from home. Be polite, considerate, and clear when requesting your client’s home address.
