Customers enjoy the feeling that they are more than just a number or a face to a retailer, and you need to remember that when you initiate your autoresponders. While it does take more effort to customize them, you will get a better response from your readers. If you start it out with their name instead of Dear Customer you have a better chance that they will continue reading it instead of blowing it off as junk mail.
Dealing with your consumers online is very different than when they walk into a brick and mortar store. If it is a store they frequently visit then they likely get greeted by their name each time they enter the store. You need to give them that same individualized attention when you are corresponding with them online. Even though it is quite likely you will never see them face to face, you need to convey the message that you appreciate their business and view them as an individual.
Offering quality customer service is an essential link to any business, regardless of it being online or one that the customer walks into. Your customers want to know you are going to support them before they make the purchase, at the time of their purchase, and after they...