Farewell Letter to Customers / Clients

A farewell letter to customers/clients is sent to clientele by a company owner, manager, or employee informing customers or clients that the sender will be closing or leaving the company. Although the letter is used to notify clients of your departure, it should not sound like a poaching message.

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There are several reasons you may need to leave your current workplace. As an employee, you may be moving to a new company or retiring while a company owner may decide to close their business. Your reason for leaving will usually dictate the content of your letter.

Here is all you need to know about drafting this farewell letter.

Contents of a Farewell Letter

While you could deliver the news of your departure in person to some people, it is nearly impossible to plan meetings with all your clients. A detailed letter should do the trick as long as it contains the following key information:

  • Your reason for leaving the company and the date it takes effect
  • Details about where you are going
  • Possible ways your departure could affect the client or customer
  • Possible solutions to this problem
  • Gratitude for their previous business
  • A short anecdote or story about a shared experience
  • Your contact information and an offer for the client to reach out to you
  • Any changes in your phone number or email address
  • Details of your new job or organization
  • Positive wishes for the client or customer
  • A proper and natural call to action such as ‘feel free to contact me at your convenience.’

Farewell Letter Writing Tips

It is easy to get carried away by emotions when drafting a farewell letter to customers or clients. Some people may even begin to disparage the company they are leaving, which could be negatively received by the client. When drafting your letter, pay attention to the following details:

  • Keep your tone friendly but professional.
  • Don’t bury the news of your departure under metaphors or in later paragraphs.
  • Keep your message short and to the point.
  • Create a personalized message tailored to your client’s identity
  • Prepare the client for the change that is to come.
  • Express gratitude for past business with the customer
  • Offer to continue the relationship without sounding like you are trying to poach the client.

Farewell letter to Customers or Clients (Format)

{Date}

{Client’s Name}

{Client’s Address}

{City, State, Zip Code}

Re: Farewell

Dear {Mr./Mrs./Ms. Client’s Name},

I am writing to inform you that I will no longer be working as {job title} at {company name} as from {departure date}. This change will mean that {mention how your departure will affect the client, e.g., I will no longer be able to handle your account}. The company will resolve this by {provide solution}.

I am leaving {company name} because I {mention reason}. I wish to thank you for the support and loyalty you have shown me and the company these last {duration}. Although I will be leaving, I hope this relationship will continue to grow.

If you have any questions about my departure, or wish to keep in touch, contact me at {contact information}. Best wishes.

Sincerely,

{Your Name}

{Job Position}

{Company Name}

Sample Farewell Letter to Customer or Client

30 December 2030

Melvin Victor

345 Valley Avenue

Jersey City, NJ 67243

Re: Farewell

Dear Mr. Victor

I am writing to inform you that I will formally be retiring from my position as CEO of XYZ Solutions, effective 6 January 2031. Besides having reached my retirement age, I am taking this time off to spend more time with my wife and grandkids. I sincerely hope that my departure does not cripple your relationship with XYZ Solutions.

You have been a loyal client and friend to us for over 12 years, and I wish to thank you immensely for this. I hope that the relationship we have built these past years will extend to my successor.

Once again, thank you for your continued loyalty.

Best wishes.

Sincerely.

Tracy Philips

Former CEO, XYZ Solutions

Sample Reply to Goodbye Email from Client

30 December 2030

David Seinfeld

123 Hillview Road

New York City, NY 54789

Re: Sorry to See You Go

Dear Mr. Seinfeld,

I was deeply saddened to receive your goodbye message on 28 December 2030. I am sorry that your moving to a new state will put an end to our ten-year relationship, and I wish there was a possible remedy. Nonetheless, I wish you all the best in your new home.

As a loyal customer, we value your customer satisfaction and are always ready to help you in any way we can. If we can help you during this transition, please contact us at dekaysolutions.org.

Once again, we are sorry to see you go.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Martha DeKay

Farewell Letter to Customers/Clients (Word Template)

Farewell letter to customers/clients

Key Takeaway

When drafting a farewell letter to customers/clients, your approach is key to how the reader receives the message. You want your client to feel valued and not abandoned by your message. You also don’t want to appear like you are burning bridges or poaching the clients from your former company.