Writing a courtesy letter does not have to be incredibly complicated. Honestly, most people or businesses are probably not expecting to receive anything like this so a few kind words is often more than enough. However, if you are looking for a specific type of format, how you write the letter might depend on a few things.
WHO are you writing to? Are you addressing the person who serviced you or are you addressing someone in the corporate office? Is it a neighbor or the parent of another at your child’s school?
WHAT were the circumstances of the service you received?
WHEN did this occur? The more recent the event the more effective the letter, usually.
WHERE did this occur? Again, are you sending this directly to the person who helped you or is this going to a larger organization?
WHY: Why are you writing this letter? Usually it is to thank someone for their service or help. At a business, for example, an associate may have provided keen insight or advice. A PTA member at your child’s school, though, could have provided excellent snacks for the most recent meeting.
An example of this could be:
Dear Mrs Smith,
Thank you so much for your help with the bake sale last week. Many parents contributed their wares but the donation of your time and energy was greatly appreciated. Without you and our other committed volunteers, our fundraiser wouldn’t have been such a great success.
Sincerely,
Jane Thomas.
For a business, you might say something like:
To whom it may concern (or you could list the head of HR or whatever name is appropriate):
I wanted to let you know about the wonderful service Kelly James provided to me and my family when we visited your establishment this weekend. We came in for dinner and she was not only patient with the young children, she was also prompt with all of our needs. She made a recommendation about a movie that we took the kids to see later that night, which turned out to be a very good idea.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jane Thomas
WHO are you writing to? Are you addressing the person who serviced you or are you addressing someone in the corporate office? Is it a neighbor or the parent of another at your child’s school?
WHAT were the circumstances of the service you received?
WHEN did this occur? The more recent the event the more effective the letter, usually.
WHERE did this occur? Again, are you sending this directly to the person who helped you or is this going to a larger organization?
WHY: Why are you writing this letter? Usually it is to thank someone for their service or help. At a business, for example, an associate may have provided keen insight or advice. A PTA member at your child’s school, though, could have provided excellent snacks for the most recent meeting.
An example of this could be:
Dear Mrs Smith,
Thank you so much for your help with the bake sale last week. Many parents contributed their wares but the donation of your time and energy was greatly appreciated. Without you and our other committed volunteers, our fundraiser wouldn’t have been such a great success.
Sincerely,
Jane Thomas.
For a business, you might say something like:
To whom it may concern (or you could list the head of HR or whatever name is appropriate):
I wanted to let you know about the wonderful service Kelly James provided to me and my family when we visited your establishment this weekend. We came in for dinner and she was not only patient with the young children, she was also prompt with all of our needs. She made a recommendation about a movie that we took the kids to see later that night, which turned out to be a very good idea.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jane Thomas