Proactive Sales & Marketing

Three Fast Ways to Re-Engage Dormant Accounts and Stop Losing to Competitors

Written by Erika M. Torres | Sep 24, 2025 8:26:13 PM

When a customer goes quiet, it doesn’t mean they’ve stopped buying. It means they’ve started buying elsewhere. The right nudge at the right time can bring them back before the relationship slips away.

Here are three quick tactics to revive dormant accounts and reclaim revenue:

Tip 1: Reach Out with a Personal Reminder

Dormant customers don’t come back on their own. They need a reminder that feels relevant. A quick follow-up tied to their last order or seasonal reminder shows you’re paying attention and opens the door for re-engagement.

What to fix:

  • Accounts that go quiet without follow-up
  • Revenue is lost when reps assume a customer is gone for good

How:
Send a short, friendly message that references their last order or typical seasonal needs. A personal note shows you’re paying attention and keeps the relationship alive.

Result:
Re-ignites the relationship and reminds them you’re still their go-to source.

Tip 2: Use Past Purchase Data to Recommend Something Relevant

Generic “just checking in” messages rarely get attention. Dormant accounts respond when outreach feels tailored to what they’ve bought before.

What to fix:

  • Outreach that feels impersonal and generic
  • Low response rates from one-size-fits-all check-ins

How:
Reference a specific product they’ve purchased in the past and suggest a reorder or a complementary item. Using real buying history shows customers you remember their preferences.

Result:
Customers feel seen, and you drive orders directly connected to their needs.

Tip 3: Invite Them to an Upcoming Event or Promotion

Sometimes, quiet customers just need a reason to re-engage. A timely invitation, be it an event, launch, or deal, creates a natural touchpoint.

What to fix:

  • Dormant customers with no compelling reason to return
  • Infrequent buyers are unaware of what’s new or available

How:
Send a quick invite to a local event, product release, or limited-time promotion. Frame it as a value-add for the customer rather than a sales pitch.

Result:
Opens the door to new conversations and reminds customers why they chose to work with you in the first place.

Bottom Line: Simple Outreach, Real Results

You don’t need to wait for dormant accounts to return. Give them a reason to come back. A few quick targeted messages can re-engage customers and protect relationships.

Because keeping customers isn’t about winning the first order — it’s about earning the next one.