RM Online - Open house is a great way to say 'Thanks!

Want to thank your best customers for their business over the past year and maybe attract some new ones? Let's look at how RentX, in Las Cruces, N.M., does it. This event was held at the company's Valley Drive store in May.

You could call it a customer appreciation event. It could be a celebration of the birthday of your business or a party tied in with a holiday. You could invite only your "A-list" clients to a sit-down formal dinner, or tell your whole customer base to "come on by."

Whatever you call it, an open house is an excellent way to thank your customers and educate attendees on the equipment and services you offer.

Regardless of the size of your special event - and it might not be a bad idea to begin small and learn as it grows - you should factor into your planning the answers to a number of questions, such as these:

What is the reason for the event? State it clearly on the invitations, or whatever communication you use, so those you invite understand.
Where and when will you have it? At your store or elsewhere? Indoors or out? During office hours or later? What time of year? What day of the week? Schedule it so it is convenient for the greatest number of your guests.
Who will you invite? The guest list will depend on your objective - thanks for past business, creating interest among potential new customers or attracting the general public. If you do make it public, make sure you are prepared to handle the press, just in case. How will you send the invitations? Go back to your objective and your guest list, so the way you send invitations - formal with an RSVP, invoice stuffer, newspaper ad - is consistent. Time your invitations so your guests can work your event into their calendars.
What will you serve? Fit the menu to your guest list, the objective of the event, the time of day and the season.
How will you serve it? Consider the same factors as to what you will serve.

Regardless of how you answer these questions and many others you're likely to think of, the key to a successful event is planning. An A.R.A. pamphlet, Your Image-Maker, the Company Open House, contains a checklist of all the things you can use to put on your own open house, or help your customers with their event. It is available in packages of 100; order No. 9135.