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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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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.