4 tips for writing an apology card
We are all human and that means we sometimes make mistakes. Maybe you forgot an employee’s birthday or had a mix-up with a catering company and ended up using a different one than you usually do. These occasions may require an apologetic note to let the other party know you are sorry. Apology cards are not always the easiest thing to write, they take some careful thought in order to be done correctly. Try these four tips to write a sincere apology:
1. Consider who you are apologizing to
Different people warrant certain tones. Some understand humorous wording and others must have a more serious approach. Apologizing to your mother-in-law, for example, would be different than saying “sorry” to your best friend. Are you writing to someone who has more superiority than you in the company? Is this person someone who has a sense of humor? These are all things to take into consideration so you can establish the right tone to apologize with.
2. Admit your error
When apologizing, it is necessary to admit that you were in the wrong. Perhaps you broke the boss’ favorite coffee mug on accident. When writing an apology to him or her, say that you are sorry you broke the mug. Clarify that it was an accident, and be genuine in your apology. This will help the recipient understand what happened and forgive you.
3. Consider giving them a gift
On occasion, sending a gift with an apology card can do wonders. You don’t have to do something big and extravagant, a small gesture will be equally appreciated. If you forgot your administrative assistant’s birthday, consider giving his or her a cupcake along with your card. Maybe you accidentally mixed up appointments and a customer was not able to meet with you when they thought they were scheduled to. This would be a great time to offer a discount on your products or services along with your card. The customer will appreciate that you acknowledge the mishap and went above and beyond to make the situation better.
4. Have someone read over the card
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or haven’t broken out a pen in a while, it’s helpful to have an extra set of eyes to look over things you’ve written. Ask someone to take a look at the apology card before you send it. He or she can check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure your sincerity comes across in a heartfelt way.
