Business Thank-You Email Examples and Writing Tips

Woman writing a thank you email message on a laptop

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When is the last time you sent a quick thank-you email to a colleague for their help? It may seem like a small gesture, but simply saying thank you can have a big impact. Taking a minute or two to convey your gratitude can brighten someone’s day and boost your career prospects.

The Benefits of Saying Thank You

Research shows that we underestimate the positive effects of saying thank you—and overestimate how awkward it will be to express our gratitude. So, if you’re putting off sending a thank-you note to a co-worker, client, potential employer, or business associate, consider making the time. You’ll both be glad you did. 

Learn how to write a business thank-you email message, see sample messages, and read tips about how to make sure your thank-you note leaves a good impression.

Sample Business Thank-You Email to a Co-Worker

Subject line: Annual Conference

Dear Suzanne,

Thank you so very much for all of your invaluable assistance with planning our annual conference. Your expertise in handling the logistics, the meeting arrangements, the multimedia presentations, coordinating travel, and in organizing the event were greatly appreciated.

Many of our keynote speakers and participants made a point of telling me how impressed they were by the smooth organization of all of the lectures and other related events. I really appreciate your help and advice, and I am sure we will be contacting you for your assistance with next year's conference.

In the interim, if I can provide you with a recommendation or if there is anything else I can do to assist, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best regards,

Mary Jones

Sample Business Thank-You Email to a Client

Subject line: Thanks for the Referral!

Dear Lina,

Thank you so much for referring the Smith family to Kerry’s Kitchens & Baths. We were excited to have the opportunity to bring their kitchen back to its original glory (with a few sneaky upgrades, of course—Victorian builders didn’t leave much room for dishwashers or microwaves).

To show our gratitude, we’d like to give you 10% off your next project. I know you mentioned wanted to spruce up your downstairs powder room. We’d be honored to take it on, whenever you’re ready.

My best to Juan and the kids.

Sincerely,

Kerry Deale

Tips for Sending a Business Thank-You Email

If it’s been a while since you’ve sent a thank-you note, these tips can help make sure your message lands as intended.

Send Your Note ASAP

Remember that sooner is always better than later when it comes to sending a thank-you email. If you procrastinate for too long after you’ve received assistance, you’re more likely to forget to send your note. Plus, your thanks will make a more positive impression when the experience is still fresh in both your minds.

Keep It Brief

Emails are meant to be quick correspondence. Keep in mind that your contact will likely be reading your message on the go, perhaps on a mobile device. Get to the important part—your thanks for their help—in the first line or two of the message. Keep your note to a few paragraphs at most.

Don’t forget to include the phrase “thank you” in your letter—it’s the most important part of the message but surprisingly easy to leave out.

Include the Details

Even though you’ll be keeping your message short and sweet, you’ll want to include specifics about how your colleague helped you. It’s especially meaningful if you can indicate how their assistance make an impact. For example, if a client recommended you to one of their contacts and helped you land a new deal, you should mention that in your message.

Keep It Professional

Email is a more casual medium than a handwritten letter, but that doesn’t mean that you should be less than professional in your note. Be sure to follow professional email message guidelines. Choose an appropriate subject line, include a greeting, and avoid ornate fonts or emoticons.

Review Sample Thank-You Notes

Need some help getting started? Review examples of business thank-you notes, including messages for colleagues, team members, vendors, and business contacts. Or review this list of sample email thank-you messages for a variety of business and employment-related scenarios, letters to employees, employers, clients and networking connections.