I’ve Spent Over £2,000 on Gift Bags—Here’s Why
Recently, I spent over £2,000 on a gift bag idea that I’ll be giving to each of my customers for free. Let me explain why I believe this is a good idea.
A few days ago, I wrote a blog about our core value at The Tinnitus Guy: the principle of Unreasonable Hospitality. This approach means we’re constantly striving to improve and make memorable every interaction we have with our customers, even if it comes at the expense of the company. One way I’m bringing this value to life is by creating a Thank You Bag to give to patients. I’m proud to say that this is almost ready.
Why Invest in Customers?
For me, this is an investment in our customers and their experience, with a return based on faith. I have faith that a customer who leaves feeling valued and cared for will become a lifelong customer. They’ll advocate for us and share their experience with friends and family. I know this because it’s already happened. As you might know from a previous blog, we didn’t run Google ads for over four months, and yet the business continued to thrive, thanks to the loyalty of the customers we’ve built.
What’s in the Gift Bag?
Choosing the items for this gift bag took time. I wanted each item to be practical, valuable, and high-quality, something that felt thoughtful and memorable. After a week of research and reflection, I’m delighted to share the items that make up our customer gift bag:
The Bag A lovely A4-sized white kraft paper bag with sturdy handles, featuring our logo and strapline on the front.
A Notebook and Pen A branded notebook and pen—who doesn’t need another notebook? I think our customers will enjoy using it in their day-to-day lives, remembering us each time they do.
A Trolley Key Ring This idea came from my wife (she does most of the shopping!). It’s a pound-size key ring with our branding, perfect for whenever you need a trolley but don’t have any change. (Who carries change anymore?)
An A6 Thank You Card This is one of my favourite elements. Years ago, I included a similar card with a lovely poem from Rumi, the Persian poet. It comes in a white envelope, sealed with a logo sticker, inviting you to peel it open and peek inside.
Laminated Flip Cards with Useful Tips Based on my own research, I’m designing a series of informative, laminated cards on topics helpful to our patients, such as ‘How to Use Ear Drops,’ ‘What to Do After Your Appointment,’ and ‘Red Flags to Be Aware Of.’ I’m still designing these, and once done, they’ll be bound with a ring in the corner so customers can flip through to learn more.
The Tinnitus Guy Leaflets and Promotions These include information about our promotions, like the Lucky Grab and our £50 voucher draw for Google reviews.
Creating a Lasting Impression
Picture this: a patient is on their way out after an appointment, saying goodbye, when I stop them and say, “I have a gift for you,” handing them the bag. How fantastic will that be? I’m sure they’ll be surprised and grateful.
This approach makes sense to me, and it’s how I choose to run my company. I know some may see it as a poor investment because there’s no immediate, tangible monetary return. This was one of the differences I had with my previous partner, who took a more practical and profit-focused view. Losing creative control was frustrating, as I had to constantly justify ideas that, by nature, are about values rather than concrete returns.
What’s Next?
Completing the Flip Cards Once I’ve finished designing the flip cards, I’ll send them to print. My daughter loves placing the cards in envelopes and sealing them with our logo sticker. We’ll prepare enough bags for each clinic to ensure that every patient receives one as they leave.
Future Sponsorships With our social media presence growing, I see opportunities to partner with sponsors who can contribute to the Thank You Bag. For example, a company might sponsor 250 paperweights. Our customers receive a valuable gift, the sponsor gains exposure, and The Tinnitus Guy will be remembered for our commitment to Unreasonable Hospitality.
Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the big reveal of the Thank You Bag in the coming weeks!
Comments