Bidding farewell to your customers is one of most hurtful experience. You’ve built a business, put most of your effort and invested invaluable hours to your dream enterprise. Sometimes projections go haywire, and sometimes the force of circumstances go beyond control.
The emotion of closing down a grocery store is shared by the owner and the customers equally. You’ve brought comfort to their lives, introduced them to newer offerings, and sometimes gone out of the way to fulfil their special needs. When you have come to the inevitable decision of closing down the business, you should inform your clientele of your decision foremost. The letter of closure should be used to settle all your pending accounts and outstanding. It should state the date of closure as well as invite people to fire sale in case you are liquidating your inventory.
Even though you are moving on to newer endeavors in life, a good professional communication should keep the relationship intact and supportive. Give the reasons for your decision, thank them for their patronisation and end the relationship on a positive note.
The letter of business closure should be memorable yet succinct. Make sure to write a warm and unforgettable message to your customers.
- What is a letter of business closure
- When is the letter of business closure required
What is a Letter of closure of business?
A letter of closure of business is a document between two parties or a notice to public. The purpose of a letter of business closure is to formally declare your intention and keep interested parties informed. This helps the customer to prepare for the eventuality and adapt to the changing scenario. The letter specifically renders the conclusion of a business relationship with its customers, suppliers and creditors. It states all the relevant details required for a smooth and hassle free closure.
A letter of business closure specifies the deals of the transaction. If it is a franchise, the letter reveals if someone else is taking over the business including the liabilities. Is it going to be a running concern and merely a transition to a new ownership. Is the new owner going to entertain the outstanding positions or if the business will start on a clean slate.
When is a Letter of closure of business Required?
A letter of closure of business is a formal communiqué for interested parties. The letter can be put across the storefront for walk-in customers. This letter can also be used to close your lease and pay off your creditors. This letter can be attached with the business contracts including vendors, creditors, suppliers and bank credit statements to communicate your position. A letter of closure to a specific customer can be used as an intent to settle the credit balances.
The letter of closure is not used to enforce or conclude a legal contract unless it is stamped by the authorized department or signatory. It is merely a goodwill gesture and a disclosure on the part of the business owner. It is not always irrevocable but are generally considered to be final.
The letter of closure can also be used to settle past or future claims. With the legal documents attached to the closure letter, it can be used as a supplement to pinpoint the exact date in business proceedings like bankruptcy.
Tip to write an effective letter of business closure
You now know everything you need to about the letter of closure of business. The art of writing a professional letter starts with being thankful for the trust people showered on you. You have had a great relationship with your customers and now is the time to part ways.
Here are some tips to help you write a Letter of closure of business.
- There is no easy way to talk about closures. Tell your customers the real reason for closing the enterprise. Talk about the changing business environment, a competitor, decreasing footfalls, lack of profits or your personal reasons for such a drastic decision.
- No one want to be discomforted about finding out their neighborly business closing shop. You can talk about your own losses, tell them about other good options available nearby for shopping.
- Highlight your peculiar relationship with the customer. Tell them how you cherished their loyalty.
- Highlight how you have been a part of your customers lives over the years. Talk about your rich business history, cultural events that shared with the neighborhood and how your store had evolved to become more than just a corner shop.
Sample letter of closure of business Templates
Sample letter of closure of business Template #1
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
Subject line: Letter of Business Closure
Dear (Customer Name)
I am writing with a heavy heart to inform you that your favorite (Name of Establishment) is going out of business. I regret to inform you that it has become unfeasible for me to keep the business running in these difficult times.
As you already know, that I was on the lookout for an entrepreneur to takeover the business for a long while. My lease is about to expire and I think this the right juncture for me to shutter down the shop. We will be going out of business on (Date) and are holding a sale to clear out the inventory. We will be giving large discounts and invite you to take advantage of the opportunity.
The favorite neighborhood shop (Name of Establishment) has been an indispensable part of your life. I have personally seen your family frequent this place over the years. I am thankful for your love and loyalty. I hope that you will visit us in our last days at the shop to commemorate our relationship. I look forward to seeing you and your family at the shop and bid you final goodbyes.
If you have any questions about the sale or anything else, feel free to call me at (Contact No). Thank you in advance for your time.
Sincerely
X (your name). Business Stamp
Sample letter of closure of business Template #2
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
Subject line: Letter of Business Closure
Dear (Customer Name)
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that (Name of Establishment) will be closing down indefinitely on (Date of closure). This is a difficult moment for us and has been necessitated by the rising overhead costs and lack of clear realizations. We will not be taking any new orders effective Sunday (Date). It is further requested of you to close your outstanding accounts at the earliest.
We kindly request your cooperation is helping settle all the accounts prior to the closure. We are taking stock of our accounting and would be sending all the pending invoices or statements at the earliest. We will get in touch with you to expedite all the payments for a final and amicable resolution. We will give you sufficient time to resolve any involving disputes before we shutter the store. We would be sending all the updated documents to help you easily reconcile it with your statements.
It has been a pleasure doing business with you. Your assistance and support is highly appreciated. Please mark the date of closure and contact us beforehand to iron out any differences and raise your queries.
We are again thankful for your business and continued patronage.
Regards,
X (your name). Business Stamp
Sample letter of closure of business Template #3
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
Subject line: Letter of Business Closure
Dear (Customer Name)
The purpose of the letter is to bring to your attention that we (Name of Establishment) have decided to close the business permanently. The shop will cease to exist from (Date) upon which we would not able to service you or be able to assist you for your daily grocery. It has been an honor to serve you over the years but the continued business losses have made it unviable for us to keep running the business smoothly. We are thankful to customers like you who have supported us over the years and would like to invite you to participate in the going out sale.
We have been a part of this community for the last 15 years. We have shared joys and sorrows together. This store has been a part of so many beautiful memories in the neighborhood. We must tell you that we did everything on our part to keep it operational over the years because we cherish your continued patronage.
We understand that you have been an important customer to us, and we are sorry to inconvenience you with the closure. We will be available throughout to the date of closure for any assistance or support. If you have any further concerns regarding anything, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our team is always happy to be at your service.
Sincerely,
X (your name).
Sample letter of closure of business Template #4
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
Subject line: Letter of Business Closure
Dear (Customer/Supplier Name)
I regretfully inform you that (Name of Establishment) is permanently closing its shop effective (Date of closure). The situation has become unavoidable because of economic slump and Covid-19 disruptions. As a result, we are revoking all our business contracts for of inventory replenishment from the second last week of closure. All the prior agreements for the earlier stated supply dates will be null and void and not invoiced. We are sorry to inform you that our financials have become untenable and this is why we won’t be able to pay the invoices on time.
We are primarily bound to take care of our suppliers first. You are therefore advised to send all the past invoices as soon as possible for quick resolution. We are in the process of accounting and would appreciate your support in making this easier for us to close all the accounts amicably. If we are not able to pay off the full compensation, you are invited to lay a claim on our secured assets beforehand.
It is a very tough time for us at (Name of Establishment) and we look forward for your cooperation. Thank you for your past business. We wish you all the best for your future success. We look forward for a quick resolution to help settle your financial claims owed by (Name of Establishment).
Regards
Owner’s Name
(Name of Establishment)
Sample letter of closure of business Template #5
Your Name
Your Address
Date
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
Subject line: Letter of Business Closure
Dear (Customer Name)
We shall be closing our business (Name of Establishment) permanently on (Date of closure). In the light of developing Covid-19 crises, our business not been left untouched. We have lost most of our clientele to online businesses. We will no longer be taking orders effective next week. We will be in touch with you regarding pending orders or payments.
It was our sincere effort to not only provide world-class merchandise but also excellent customer service over the years. With the advent of online grocers, we are unable to match the pricing and hence unable to function profitably. We hope we have a part of your lives for the better and you will remember us for that.
We genuinely thank you for your loyalty and appreciate your references over the years. You have been one of the best customers that we are sorry to lose in such unfortunate circumstances.
We request you to get in touch with us if you have any queries. Rest assured we will serve you to the best of our ability till the very last day.
Thank you for your patronage.
With Regards
X (your name). Signatory