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The Value of Welcome Packs
New clients turning into loyal ones
How do you turn new clients into loyal ones?

As discussed previously, building loyalty between your practice and clients is the surest way of maintaining a competitive edge. This is easier to do with existing clients who have used you several times before and know how good your customer service is.

But what about first time clients? These new clients have a variety of reasons for trying out your practice. They may have had a bad experience elsewhere and are giving you a try. They may have just moved into the area and you are the first practice they came across.

Whatever the reason, you now have a new client who you need to turn into a loyal one.

As well as providing excellent service, it is a good idea to ensure that the client feels appreciated and remembers your practice - but for all the right reasons!

Once you have registered a new client, it is nice to make them feel like part of the practice and also provide some clear guidance and assistance - as they are paying for your professional advice.

A welcome pack has the function of giving new clients (or returning clients) an invaluable insight into the practice, with information sheets explaining the services offered, guides on caring for their pet, special offers and discounted services. You could even include a free gift like a pet tag or a pet magazine, such as the increasingly popular PetFocus magazine.

The welcome pack is a great chance to communicate with clients and to encourage a return. This can shape how people view your practice and it provides the clients with something tangible to keep. It is surprising just how much clients appreciate a gesture like this.  

You could even personalise the packs with a welcome letter that greets both the pet and owner by name.

By providing the client with relevant information and guides even after they have left the premises, you can be sure that your practice will be remembered and for the right reasons.

If you would like to find out more about the creation of branded welcome packs, purchase PetFocus for your own packs or would like more information on marketing your practice, email marketing@centralvet.com or call on 01359 245310

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.