What About Thank You Notes?

A NetManners.com site visitor writes:

I would like to know the etiquette on thank you notes, I once read that sending a thank you via-e-mail is not appropriate, is this true?

Good question and one I bet others have wondered about.

I am of the opinion that the effort you put into something shows your level of sincerity and in the case of thank you notes, gratitude. It all depends on the situation and the relationship you have or plan to have with the person you are thanking.

For example, when a new client signs a contract with me, they get a personally written and addressed thank you note via old fashioned snail mail. Yes, I could send my thank you by e-mail - I am in the technology business after all 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 and address the envelope, pay the postage and send it off? Probably not...

Sometimes a short e-mail saying "thank you" may be appropriate but clearly there are times when only a handwritten and addressed card will do.