Dear Diane,
I am getting ready to send out my business greeting cards in a couple of weeks and I am unsure as to where is the best place to send them. Do you suggest I send a business holiday card to the office or to the home of my client and business associates?
T.
Dear T.,
If you are sending a business greeting card to the owner of the company, and his or her staff, it’s proper etiquette to mail the card to the office for everyone to enjoy. If the business holiday greeting is intended specifically for one person, and you have a personal relationship with the business colleague and the spouse, mail the card to the home address and include both names on the envelope. Or, address it to Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.
Unless you know the recipient honors a specific holiday, or will not be offended by receiving a holiday greeting, put some thought and effort into purchasing a card that will be a good fit for the individual. When in doubt as to Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or other tradition, send out a “Seasons Greetings” as a safe alternative.
Make sure and sign the card, writing a short personal note. It’s bad form and sends an impersonal message to run the cards through a postage meter, or have an assistant address the cards for you. Don’t assume the recipient will not recognize your handwriting. The reason for sending out a holiday greeting is to let the other person know you are thinking about them and sending them thoughts of goodwill. Don’t taint the effort by taking unnecessary short cuts.
Best,
Diane
