To post, or not to post?

[Biomech]

(still haven't got an dsl connection! Thank god for smart phones)


I've been posting out receipts to my clients, they look nice and I have custom printed envelopes and pop a business card in there.

But I was wondering what you all think about posting receipts vs emailing a pdf?

Everyone likes to get nice post, it looks nice, gives the client something physical to associate with their deposit and serves to enhance the brand through marketing.

Email on the other hand, is faster - so the client isn't worrying if the payment has arrived or not, is easier to archive and more cost effective.

(although I do email confirmation of payment received and tell them the receipt is in the post)

Thoughts?

[stikywiket]

As a client, I'd be happy with e-mail - less paperwork to keep track of, and I am a fan of thoughtful attempts at being more eco-friendly!

[OsmosisStudios]

Could always do both: it doesnt cost you anything to sent a PDF out in an e-mail. This way they get their instant notice, but also have paperwork for their records (which an OCD individual like myself would enjoy)

[Niresangwa]

It's a nice thought, but it would end up in the trash most of the time.

[Jonbar18]

I think getting it in the mail is nice, especially if you go through the effort to make it look nice, and hard copy is always preferred.
The "worrying if the payment has arrived or not" is something to consider, but you should be fine with just a quick e-mail saying its coming.

EDIT: Which you said you do...

[gturner]

I think post is regarded more as litter these days. I only get bank statements in the mail and even that is coming to an end.

If you are going to send something, make it worthwhile. Add a gift voucher or something interesting.

[PeterBuzzrain]

Originally Posted by gturner

I think post is regarded more as litter these days. I only get bank statements in the mail and even that is coming to an end.

If you are going to send something, make it worthwhile. Add a gift voucher or something interesting.

Indeed, for me if it's just plain envelope I tend to think it's a bill but if it's different and colored then it's most likely advertising. I would go with just .pdf as it's faster and cheaper!

[mshockley]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Could always do both: it doesnt cost you anything to sent a PDF out in an e-mail. This way they get their instant notice, but also have paperwork for their records (which an OCD individual like myself would enjoy)

I think I agree with Os on this one. I understand where everyone else is coming from, but as an example, I happened to look down at my desk while trying to decide how I felt on this matter, and there lies a nice brochure I received with a package yesterday.

So here's the thing, yeah, I am going to eventually throw it away, but I did look at it, I will most likely look at it again, and the fact that it's laying on my desk is also serving as a kind of subliminal branding for this company.

So I'm thinking if your going to go through the trouble of post, make it nice like you've mentioned, and odds are your stuff.....whatever it is.....with your name/logo on it.........are going to be seen, even if only for a short time.

I read an email and delete it, or sort it to a folder and it's the last I look at it.

It's kind of like the whole Kindle thing with the electronic books. I have several times come close to buying one of these! I probably will actually, but I still like to hold a book in my hand. Photography magazines, same concept....I do not like digital. I want to hold the magazine and flip the pages.

Sometimes good old paper just works......

[AndyM2020]

You could always ask them what their preference is. You could say that you are trying to be "green" and save paper ( ), and the default is to send a PDF receipt via e-mail. However, you do have to watch that your mails do not end up in spam/junk folders or get rejected for other reasons.

And there are still technically inept people (I have to deal with at least one of these people on a regular basis), or those who just don't like using the internerd, who would want a paper receipt.

[Biomech]

The envelopes are essentially printed with the name and address and then a line in black and colour that says "With Thanks www.myphotobooth.co.uk", so they know who it's from and it doesn't look like a bill or junk (might upload a pic later).

I think having a receipt in the post adds a personal touch which most companies neglect. I bet everyone here picks up the post and gets disappointed when there's nothing interesting or nice for them.

However, I really like the "go green" idea. I can send out PDF with the option to request a printed copy. It reduces expenses whilst adding an element of awareness and concern