Best way to speak to customers

What do you think is the best way to speak to your customers by e-mail:

Option 1:

Hi John,
how are you etc....

--> The more casual approach


Option 2:
Dear Sir, etc....

--> The more professional approach

I got success with both of them but with option number 1 i felt like my customers see me more as a friend/regular guy (no big shot)

How do you do it?

Didier

 

Try and approach with a friendly manner but business focused and make it short and to the point

 

I always say Dear MR Lastname, then message (not how you doing etc) for the first communications with a customer, when you get to know them a bit more you type Dear firstname, message.

Sometimes i slip in "hope your holiday was nice" or "have a nice weekend" instead of regards or best regards..

 

Always Option 1

 

It all depends on the type of business you are delaing with and on what level the person is in that business is on. It's a judgment call every time.

Col

 

I would suggest you assume the highest level of courtesy: Hello, Mr. Thompson, Dear Ms. Irvine, Dr. Wellington, etc. keep it formal until it is clear the relationship dictates otherwise. You will also be able to get clues by how they approach you and their tone.