It looks like the old welcome packet thread is a little low on action, so forgive me for the redundancy but I thought I'd just post my question separately so hopefully some of you who have already responded to the old thread and aren't following it might take a look at this one

I'm wondering how many of you send hard copy packets vs pdf? I like the idea of the added touch of a nicely done physical copy, but I also don't think it's terribly practical due to the time it takes to mail things, etc. I'm thinking of fancying up a pdf version into a portfolio type pkg instead...

Hi Sarah, thank you for creating this thread, I too have the same question. Receiving a physical copy always adds a nice personal touch to client relations. However PDF is immediate and doesn't cause the inconvenience of them having to worry about filing paper documents. Since we're "virtual", it seems to make more sense to send it electronically. I'm torn as well.

Hi Sarah,

I have always sent welcome packets as PDFs, it seems to have worked very well. However on occasion, I have followed up with a small thank you gift sent via mail after they have signed as a client which has also been very well received.

HTH!

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Kate V. Kerans
Kerans Virtual Assistance

Hi Kate,

Thanks for your reply! I love the idea of a small thank you gift and otherwise sticking to pdf. One of the things I want to promote is keeping paper to a minimum so that's why I've been resistant to hard copy packages, despite the fact that I am a person who deeply appreciates nicely presented, visual materials.

I've been toying with the idea of sending a customized USB drive to new clients with their documents on it, it's a little thank you and something that also works as marketing and gives them another copy of their 'stuff'.

Sarah, that is a great idea! As a consumer I am always happy to receive a gift that will benefit me or my family. I think that a newly signed client would appreciate receiving a USB drive from you.

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Melody
Just Call Melody Inc.

Thanks Melody, I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes the idea! I think it speaks to the kind of client I want too, because I like working with tech savvy people. Now I just have to design the things

Sarah, I took a quick look (googled - "USB drive business promotional") and found a lot of options there. A few offer the option of ordering as few as 25 pieces. It would still be a bit of a financial investment, as I am just starting out and am trying to keep start-up costs as low as I can, but could provide a nice beginning to the client/VA relationship. When you consider the cost of another type of "gift" the cost is probably comparable. Keep us posted, I'd like to know if it works well for you.

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Melody
Just Call Melody Inc.

I have both PDF and hard copy welcome packets, I ask my clients what they prefer. Some want to be paperless and some would rather have an actual hard paper copy to refer to if they have questions. It all depends on my clients.

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I had the same question regarding paper vs. PDF. I am also thinking of going the PDF route in keeping with the fact that my business is virtual. I do like the idea of a thank you gift by mail, though.

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Debbie Burtaine
www.virtualtaskmaster.com

Melody, I've got a great contact local to me who does awesome work. I've designed these custom drives for previous employers and they generally go over really well. Especially the ones that can be attached to a keychain, they're so handy! And if they're branded, there's a chmace someone other than the recipient might see your name/logo.