Email Thank-Yous vs.Thank-You Cards

Do you send a thank you email or a thank you card?

I’m a fan of old-fashioned handwritten thank-you cards sent by snail mail. However, many online users have never been taught about thank-you notes and haven’t experienced them in person. Maybe that’s why manners seem to be on the decline overall.

So today, let’s talk about what used to be a common (very) courtesy: showing gratitude whenever someone does something kind for you. This is a good habit for you to acquire.

First, saying thank you is part of being a good person. Showing gratitude also makes you feel appreciative of others’ efforts on your behalf. But what’s best? Is email good enough, or would a card by snail mail be recommended?

Both email thank-you notes and snail-mail thank-you cards have unique advantages and can be appropriate in different contexts. Let’s compare the two:

Email Thank-You Notes

Advantages:

Speed and Convenience: Emails can be sent instantly, allowing for timely acknowledgment.
Cost-Effective: Sending an email is free, whereas mailing a physical card incurs costs for cards, envelopes, and postage.
Easy to Track: Emails can be stored, searched, and referenced as needed.
Multimedia Capabilities: Emails can include links, images, and videos to enhance the message.

Disadvantages:

Less Personal: Emails can feel less personal and thoughtful than handwritten notes.
Risk of Being Overlooked: Emails may be ignored or land in the recipient’s spam folder.
Perceived Effort: Because emails are quick and easy to send, they may be seen as requiring less effort and, thus, less sincere.

Snail Mail Thank-You Cards

Advantages:

Personal Touch: A handwritten note is often seen as more personal and thoughtful, showing extra effort and care.
Tangible Keepsake: Physical cards can be kept as mementos, creating a lasting impression.
Unique: In a digital age, receiving physical mail can be a pleasant and memorable surprise.
Higher Perceived Value: A handwritten card can convey higher appreciation and sincerity.

Disadvantages:

Time-Consuming: Writing, addressing, and mailing cards takes more time.
Cost: There are costs associated with purchasing cards, envelopes, and postage.
Potential Delays: Snail mail may be delayed due to postal service issues, resulting in delayed receipt and acknowledgments.

These aren’t disadvantages when it comes to showing gratitude. None of the above will hinder me from thanking someone when I need to. It seems like we’re nitpicking about the advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing Between the Two

Consider the Context:

Professional Settings: Email thank-you notes are often suitable for professional settings, such as following up after a job interview or business meeting. They allow for quick and efficient communication.
Personal Relationships: For personal occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or special gifts, a snail-mail thank-you card can be more meaningful and appreciated.
Recipient Preferences: Consider the recipient’s preferences and habits. Some people might appreciate the convenience of an email, while others may value the tradition of a handwritten card.

Sometimes you might send a quick thank-you email and a more detailed, personalized snail-mail card. This approach can combine the immediacy of email with the personal touch of a physical card.

Ultimately, the choice between email thank-you notes and snail mail thank-you cards depends on the situation, your relationship with the recipient, the message you wish to convey, and your level of thankfulness. Regardless of your chosen approach, don’t hesitate to express gratitude.

Thank-You Note Time

When is the right time to send a thank-you note? When someone does something nice for you that is not expected or “above and beyond” the usual and customary, send a personally written and addressed thank-you card via old-fashioned snail mail.

I believe that the effort you put into something shows your sincerity and gratitude, and that effort is precisely what thank-you notes are. I could send my thank-you by email – after all, I am in the technology business, and that would make sense. But would that reflect my sincere gratitude as much as taking the time to purchase the card, write my note, address the envelope, pay the postage, and send it off?

Probably not…

Imagine how folks will feel when they receive your handwritten card, addressed in your own handwriting, expressing your sincere thankfulness. You’ll make their day!

Sometimes, a short email saying “thank you” may be appropriate for those online-only friends or folks for whom you have no reason to have their address. However, sometimes only a handwritten and addressed card will do. You’ll know when that is.

Next time you are out shopping, get some thank-you note cards and have them on hand. You might be surprised how fast you go through them. You may discover how thanking people is actually satisfying and fun!