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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.