Good communication = repeat customers = more profit

accelerateonline • March 9, 2021

Did you know customer retention is faster and, on average, costs up to seven times less than customer acquisition ? If you’re looking to improve your bottom line by turning your current customers into lifetime customers, here’s the best way to communicate with them.

Communicate kindly

Customer service is key, whether it’s in-person, on the phone, or via email, it’s what everyone remembers. Mistakes and delays are inevitable in business, but people are happier to ride those waves with you if you communicate in a kind and friendly manner. It’s not the mistakes that lose clients, it’s the lack of communication around it. If you’re not responsive, they think you don’t care. If they think you don’t care, they are more likely to look for a new company.

Communicate early

Put yourself in your client’s shoes – if something doesn’t turn up on time, you’re left wondering, right? Communicate early if there is going to be a delay or problem they need to be aware of. People are really understanding if you say something early, rather than leave it until later when it affects their day negatively. Plus, speaking up early about a problem or issue will build trust.

Communicate when necessary

You often hear ‘regular communication is best’, but what if you’ve got nothing to say? Concentrate on creating great e-newsletter content so they’re more likely to welcome the next one. Sending irrelevant, untimely, or lacklustre messages won’t improve your relationship. Understand when people need your services and communicate to them then. Trying to pressure them through too many emails or calls won’t end well.

Communicate cleverly

If your potential client or customer has requested a quote, you know they’re going to read that email so throw in something small at the bottom of it that communicates your message. Or how about putting a joke or inspired one-liner underneath your email signature to brighten someone’s day?

By Withers Admin December 7, 2025
Accelerate December 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we’d like to thank you for your continued support this year. Our team is taking a well-earned break from Friday 19th December and will return to the office on Monday 12th January 2026. But before you switch on the out-of-office, take a moment to get your business ready for the holiday season. In this issue, we’ve included tips to help you manage the summer cash flow crunch, a guide on what you can (and can’t) claim back for festive spending, advice for compliant Christmas promotions, and a timely reminder to look after your team’s mental health as the year wraps up. Wishing you a safe, sunny, and successful holiday season! How to survive the Christmas cash flow crunch While retailers race through their busiest time of year, not every business benefits from the Christmas rush. Many service-based, wholesale, or manufacturing businesses might even face a sharp decline in orders just when holiday pay, bonuses, and annual shutdowns see expenses rise. 1. Forecast to February Projecting your income and expenses well into the new year helps you spot potential shortfalls and take action before they become problems. 2. Invoice early, follow up now Send invoices before your shutdown period and chase outstanding debts while clients are still around. 3. Prioritise essential spending Identify what expenses are necessary and what can wait until revenue picks back up. 4. Prepare for January’s tax obligations The 15 January due dates for PAYE, GST, and provisional tax can feel like a Grinchy surprise. Set aside funds now to avoid starting the new year under pressure. Worried about the summer squeeze If this season feels tight, get in touch.  Our financial advisors can help you plan ahead, manage your cash flow, and explore IRD instalment options to lighten the load. Tis the season for giving... but what can you claim back Gifts, bonuses, parties, and more: here’s a brief breakdown of what you can and can’t claim this festive season. Employee gifts Gifts that are not subject to the entertainment tax rules (vouchers, hampers, flowers) are fully deductible and exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) if they cost less than $300 per employee per quarter, and the total for all staff stays below $22,500 a year. However, gifts that do fall under the entertainment tax rules, like food hampers or wine, or taking your team to a show or event, are 50% deductible, and not liable for FBT. Cash bonuses Bonuses are classed as income, so PAYE and other payroll taxes apply. These “lump sum” payments are taxed at a flat rate based on your employee’s income bracket. Client gifts Food, drink, or entertainment gifts are 50% deductible. Other gifts (flowers, movie tickets, a book) are 100% deductible Workplace events Christmas parties, client dinners, or team drinks are 50% deductible, while morning teas, office lunches, and charitable donations are fully deductible.
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