ESCANABA -- In our busy day and age, taking a few minutes to thank someone goes a long way. It's the heartfelt sentiment that's most meaningful.

There are some do's and don'ts to thanking someone via snail mail. Sending a thank you card is an appropriate reply for many occassions.

One of the biggest rules to follow is don't delay in getting your thank you sent.

“A hand-written note is always nicer than an e-mail or just a 'hey thanks,'” explains Jim Kirby, owner of Sayklly's. “It shows that people have taken time."

It's certainly quicker and more convenient to send an e-mail. But there's something about getting an unexpected thanks the old-fashioned way.

Thank you cards can be sent after you receive wedding gifts, sympathy cards, or even after a job interview. And it's not that expensive, especially if you buy the cards in a set and not individually.

Tara Deno, owner of Tan'ology Skincare Salon, sends between 10 and 20 hand-written cards a week. It's a practice she plans on continuing, despite the rising cost of postage.

“It's just something I’m always going to do,” said Deno. “I think it's more personal than sending an e-mail. It’s just kind of important to me to let my customers know how much I appreciate them."

If you're thanking someone for a gift, make specific reference to what you received. Don't be concerned with formality. Even a short, personalized note goes a long way.

Many say they appreciate being thanked even when it's not sent through the mail.

“I like letters or a phone call,” said salon customer, Carol Dollhopf. “Even just to take time to pick up the phone means a lot."

Sending thank you cards is a tradition that doesn't seem to be dying down any time soon.