Key Takeaways:
Discover the benefits of putting a post-purchase plan in place ahead of the holiday rush.
Learn what to include in your post-purchase plan to help keep customer relationships going into the new year.
Holiday sales are a lot like a first date. A customer came, liked what they saw, and made a commitment by buying from you. But if you don’t follow up afterward, chances are that spark will fade and they’ll move on. That’s where your post-purchase plan comes in: it’s the thoughtful follow-up that turns a one-time transaction into the start of a lasting relationship.
The weeks after a purchase are a critical time to build loyalty and encourage repeat sales. And with the holiday rush bringing in so many new customers, there’s no better time to get this right.
“Don’t wait until after the holidays to think about post-purchase follow up. Build loyalty by having this in place ahead of time.”
– Jennifer Shaheen
President and Founder, Technology Therapy® Group
Why a Post-Purchase Plan Matters
The holidays bring an influx of first-time shoppers. While it’s tempting to focus only on the sale itself, the real opportunity lies in what happens afterward. A strong post-purchase strategy can:
- Reassure customers with updates and confirmations.
- Show appreciation through thank-you messages and thoughtful touches.
- Invite shoppers to return for another purchase in the new year.
Don’t wait until after the holidays to think about post-purchase follow-up. Build loyalty by having this in place ahead of time. So, once the holidays pass you’ll be poised and ready to strengthen customer relationships instead of scrambling to put processes in place.
Set It Up Before the Rush
Timing matters. Shoppers expect to hear from you immediately after they make a purchase, not weeks later. That’s why your plan needs to be in place now.
Set up your automations now, so that your customers get your follow-up right after their purchase. When you automate thank-you emails, shipping notifications, and review requests, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that every customer gets a consistent, timely experience—even while your team is busy managing in-store traffic or fulfilling online orders.
When you prepare ahead of time, you eliminate the stress of trying to manage these communications manually in December and can focus on delivering a great customer experience.
“Post-purchase emails have nearly 17% higher open rates than the average email automation.”
– Klaviyo
5 Essential Elements of a Holiday Post-Purchase Plan
1. Thank-You Messaging
Start with gratitude. A branded thank-you email or SMS, designed with a touch of holiday cheer, goes a long way toward making customers feel valued. We’re huge fans of follow-up flows here at TTG. According to recent data from Klaviyo, post-purchase emails have nearly 17% higher open rates than the average email automation.
2. Shipping & Order Updates
Holiday shoppers are especially anxious about delivery timelines. Clear, proactive communication builds trust and reduces the number of “where’s my order?” inquiries your team receives.
3. Review & Feedback Requests
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews or share photos of their purchase. Not only does this provide social proof, but it also gives you content to use in future marketing.
4. Personalized Recommendations
Send curated product suggestions, gift add-ons, or accessories that make shopping easier. This can spark a follow-up purchase during the season or early in the new year.
5. Loyalty & Retention Offers
Invite customers into your loyalty program or offer incentives for a return visit. Even a small discount or exclusive perk can turn a holiday shopper into a repeat buyer.
Tools to Help You Automate and Execute
You don’t have to manage all this manually. Automations ensure that your follow-up is timely, consistent, and ready to scale during the holiday rush. Tools like Klaviyo* make it easy to set up automated flows for thank-you messages, order updates, and review requests.
Keep the Connection Alive Past the “First Date”
Holiday sales may feel like one-time event, but they’re really just the beginning of your relationship with new customers. A well-planned post-purchase strategy makes sure that the excitement of the first interaction doesn’t fade—it builds confidence, keeps communication clear, and encourages shoppers to return.
Just like following up after a great first date, these thoughtful touches show you care and set the stage for something long-lasting. Prepare your plan now, and you’ll turn one-time holiday shoppers into loyal customers that linger into the new year.
Simplify Your Post-Purchase Plan with Klaviyo
With our Klaviyo Strategy and Implementation Program, you can set up automations that thank, nurture, and re-engage customers – all while freeing up your team during the busiest season.
*DISCLOSURE: Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide, TTG may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
