Is it proper etiquette to use a laser printer to print personalized thank-you notes, or should you handwrite.?

Question

It should be emphasized that all the notes are personalized - they aren't "form" thank-you notes. It's just that it seems to look a lot 'cleaner' when laser-printed as opposed to pen and ink. But is that considered bad form, even though handwriting looks, well, a little less legible and clean.

Answer 1

Handwritten is the way to go with something like thank-you notes. Putting them on the computer implies extra-convenience, which implies you find thank-you-notes altogether an INconvenience. If you're concerned about your handwriting, print instead of using cursive - I don't think people will fault you for that. Take your time, invest in nice paper and a GOOD pen - a shoddy pen can make a big difference in how your product looks. People took the time to get something for you or do something for you (or whatever you're thanking them for), the least you can do is take the time to write them a note.

Answer 2

The doctor I use to work for and some of our staff had this conversation one day after an associate had sent out laser-printed thank you notes from her wedding. Even though we noted that they all seemed to be personal and not a "form letter", it still had that feeling. It's the thought that the person took the extra time to actually pen her thank yous sincerely versus what had the appearance of a form letter.

Now, we did all agree that there are people. such as the doctor, who should use a printer as no one can read his writing!

Answer 3

Well, I think it's a whole lot of work to write them yourself. I wouldn't expect someone to sit down for hours and hours just so I could receive a handwritten thank you note. I think it's okay if you type them. The fact that you personalize each note is enough. It is nice though to end the note with a handwritten signature or just your name. And I do agree that it just looks much cleaner and more legible.

Answer 4

Even if the notes are personalized, the person on the receiving end will automatically assume that they are "form" letters by mere dint of the fact that they are printed.

I hate receiving a personal letter of any kind that has been printed, because you feel no connection to the sender.

It is always better, if you can, to hand write a thankyou letter.
Hope this helps

Answer 5

I understand your position on "legible and clean". Yes, it would definitely accomplish that. I don't know what the standard is today, but it was always considered more personal and heart-felt if one took the time to hand-write it.

Answer 6

handwritten is best, but if you make a custom to note to each person, then that is fine. The best part is that you are even writing them - it seems to be an unfortunately long lost art form that many people bypass, but they sure are quick to be glad to receive.

Good for you

Answer 7

handwritten notes are always the way to go but if you must type it, make sure you make the thank you personal in the since that you are specific with what you are thanking the person for. thay way, he would just think that you had bad writing.

Answer 8

Either way is appropriate as long as they get a Thank you card. Sometimes from the computer is better cause you can add pictures and i've gotten more compliments from computer card's then hand written ones. So that is what i've sticked with.

Answer 9

To me whats important is that someone said Thank you, not if its hand written or laser printed. Thats what really matters.

Answer 10

Both are OK if they are not generic. Personally, I am more pleased to receive a handwritten note.