Please help me critique this letter to past customers:?

Question

Good afternoon Mr. XXXXX, its John Smith from Brooklyn Distributors.

As we discussed, you no longer need my products going forward.

I would however like to ask something from you.

“IF” you know anyone, that you think might be interested in my products and services (I’m a full service distributor as I normally stock and price items for customers who need it)

I would appreciate it if you can refer me to them or give me the lead.

I thank you for your past business, and I wish you the best going forward.

They are former customers because they no longer sell my type of product...Its like a soda shop now becoming a candy store...They might no longer need soda...

Answer 1

No offense, but if I received that letter I would toss it.
I would not say Good Afternoon, you don't know when they will read this letter. A nice "Dear Mr XXX"

Do not identify yourself first, there is no need.
I would say something more along these lines:

Dear Mr. Jones,
I would like to thank you for your business and let you know how much I appreciated serving you and your company. It was a pleasure serving you, please let me know if I can do anything for you in the future.
As you know most business is secured through word of mouth, and I would like to ask you that if you know of anyone in need of my services that you pass along my information to them.
Again, I would like to thank you for your business, please feel free to contact me if you have need of my service in the future.

Sincerely,
John Smith
CEO Smith Distributors, Inc.

Answer 2

I would have to agree with the user above Porsha and Jerry. There is no need to bother former customers to find new ones. Odds are, if they weren't happy with your service, what makes you think they'll refer new ones to you?

In all honesty, if finding customers is difficult for you that you feel the need to resort to sending letters to past customers asking for new ones, I suggest it's time to get out of this business and find something new.

I wish you the best of luck in all your business ventures.

Answer 3

As we have NO idea what these products are
(something people buy all the time OR
Only purchase for special projects ?)

Did they quit you to use someone else ?
Or was it a 1 time purchase & they were satisfied ?

If they were satisfied , just send some business cards for them to share with friends should others require your products .
The letter is a bit long winded . . .

>

Answer 4

Mr. XXXX
Company name if any

John Smith
Brooklyn Distributors.

Mr, XXXX,
I am glad my products and services were of use to you in the past. I hope you keep me in mind if you need any future services, and please feel free to tell anyone you know who could use my services.
I would appreciate any referrals or leads you may give.

Thank you for you business, and wish you the best.

Respectfully,

John Smith

Answer 5

If someone doesn't want your services I don't think they would refer you to someone. Also it doesn't seem as if your a good business if you cant get the clients on your own, and have to ask a former customer. I don't think the letter is a good idea.