I've just started giving Knives at closing with my logo on them. These knives are really nice and because they have my logo on them they are not considered a gift, they are considered advertising and I get the full tax write off for them.
The knife company sharpens them every year and talks to the client about me and tries to get referrals.
Wonderful service, not sure they are national though.
Hi Christine,
I give my clients the most precious gifts I possess right off the bath - my loyalty, my honesty, my friendship and my devoted commitment towards accomplishing their goal.
After a successful closing, I then take them out to dinner, no more than two people at a time (a couple or single people with a guest), to a restaurant of their choice (no, not in Hawaii, in my town, though).
That method has been successful to for me to build relationship and to acquire strong referrals.
John
Todd,
Pul-eeese, tell me that you do not give out those knives at the closing table. Not very wise. I am worried about you.
Is there any other profession where the professional service provider is expected to give the customer a gift when the transaction is completed?
Who here has ever received a gift from a doctor, a lawyer, your mechanic, your barber or the cashier at the grocery store?
It is an odd custom, isn't it Jay? Ours may be the only profession that begs for customers, buys customers and then tops the business transaction off by giving gifts to the customers. I just don't understand it at all.
I'm thinking that the gift giving tradition goes back to the early days of part timers feeling "guilty" about generous compensation for marginal service rendered.
That aside, last year I gave clients who bought or sold during the year an "Entertainment Book" (available through a NAR discount).
I was just thinking about Todd sitting at the closing table with a set of knives.....
Not something I think I would do! I've had a few people that probably would of used those knives if they had the opportunity. I've seen some pretty ugly things happen at the closing table. But murder with my name on the weapon handle won't be included in one of them!
Cop: Excuse me sir, but can you please explain to me how your name wound up on the murder weapon?
Todd: Ummmm......
Becky, you might consider putting your logo on some baseball bats as a gift for your client's children.
We usually give gift cards. Most of the time, we give it a lot of thought. If they're getting a fixer upper, we give them a card to Lowes or Home Depot. If they're getting a house that's ready to go, maybe a card for dinner out. Had a closing yesterday where the lender attended and gave the buyers a card for Home Depot - so I was really glad ours was for a restaurant. Later, at the property - the buyer gave me a nice necklace. This was a special situation though, I really bonded with these buyers and I think we'll stay friends. When we parted ways, there were hugs all around instead of the usual handshakes.
Tracie
At my listings, when I pick up the lockbox and sign, I leave a candle with a special label with logo and name with a "Welcome Home". For my buyers I have several things that I do, I am a quilter so I have made door quilts with their name or welcome, I have a garden stake that I make that are houses and keys for decorations on them, and I have wine that I have made with the special labels on them that say something about their closing date, their name....
I usually give a nice box of Ferraro Roche candy, the big box with two rows. They come individually wrapped in Gold Foil and look great!
I do that just in case people's blood sugar starts to drop at the closing table! Quality chocolate can do wonders to calm people down!
My company also has nice legal size vinyl document envelopes with our logo and a business card holder on them. I put my card on it and all of the clients documents in it and give it to them at closing. If they ever get their loan or closing docs out, they will be reminded of me.
That's what I do and it has worked out very good so far.
Oh, I did give a couple a nice personalized mantle clock one time. They had purchased five investment properties with me over time, so I thought that would be a good gift.
One more thing I heard an top agent in one of our franchises in Florida was doing. When working with buyers, she has a nice sign made up welcoming them to their new home. She would have it placed in the yard before the new owners came home. You know, Welcome to your new home Mr. & Mrs. Jones! It is perceived as very thoughtful by her clients and gets her associated with the sale of the home after the listing agents sign comes down.
I guess you could even do that for the buyers of your listing, I don't see any listing agents doing that. And if the buyers agent didn't do a good job, or isn't following up properly, or moves away, or retires, you might just land yourself a new client down the road.
Not sure about the knives.
With the clients I have had recently, I am leaning more toward "Get Out of Jail Free Cards.
Usually I put together a small gift basket of microwave popcorn, some theatre size candy, an inexpensive throw and a gift card to Blockbuster.
I have noticed that the first thing most people install is their TV.
We give the "Gift of Choice".
Ribbon Gift Albums are like mini gift catalogs. The albums come in a variety of price levels from $25 to $500. They have everything from baby items to TVs.
Clients love to choose their gift. The recipient orders by mail or online and the gift they choose is delivered in about a week.
Clients love receiving their gift when it is delivered. . .and whenever they use it, see it, eat it.
So they think of us when they choose & order their gift.
They think of us when their gift is delivered.
They think of us everytime they use their gift.
And they tell everyone who sees the gift that their REALTOR gave it to them.
We use the Ribbon Gift Program http://www.giftandincentive.net/
They're great for all other occations and for people you know who "have everything" and are tough to buy for.
Theresa is a Ribbon Gift Album Consultant.
The topic of giving vs. not giving gifts continues to rage on. Jay and Francy's point is well taken about other professions not giving gifts to their clients. I look at it simply as being the first one there with a housewarming gift as I would bring to anyone who just purchased a new home. I've never given a closing gift to an investor.
However, yesterday I received my first closing gift from a client. I was floored. I was the one receiving the goodie basket. I know how I felt when I got it. This reinforces my practice of bestowing a gift to my clients upon closing.
Hi Vicki,
Do you have a company that does the candles for you or do you just put your label on a candle? Thanks, Liane
We give gifts thru out the process. Alot of the small companies give us things to give our sellers and buyers to help with the process & of course promote their business as well.
Such as free carpert cleaning or Customer choice does all the free setup to turn on off the utilities for both buyers and sellers, things like that. They all seem to love this type of thing it saves them money and time. Always have certain ones but get new things in all the time, from companies wanting us to refer them. Works well and benifits all.
I like SuperCertificates from www.GiftCertificates.com a lot for their convenience (mine and clients') and the huge variety of stores that honor them.
One of my favorite, golf balls with my name and phone on them for my golf enthusiast clients.
Personalized candles and wine bottles are also cool!
I think it just depends on the client and what they would like, want or need. I've put wall AC units in homes, had all locks rekeyed, carpets cleaned, trees planted, etc etc.
One of my brokers told me I should always give a closing gift because it made clients less likely to sue! (Gasp)
I would think protecting and servicing them properly would serve the same purpose . . . ;)
Liane, It is from Gold Canyon Candles and they charge a fortune for the lables, but I like them. they are at www.goldcanyon.com
I have nothing to contribute (PHIL).
Actually, my gift depends on the people. The last family had 3 teenage sons so they got a gift certificate to the grocery store. I like best to put a live plant in the home with balloons so when they get there it greats them, plus they don't have to move one more thing in.
OK,
The knife set isn't really giving to them at the closing table. It is on their counter when they get to their new home. At the actual closing table the get a small gift basket that has sparkling apple cider and two champagne glasses.
I've now giving two away and within 2 weeks on both I have had one referral from one and two from the other. Two of the referrals had commented that they saw the knives and asked about me and that is when they called.
Maybe dangerous, but it gets the calls.
Todd
Hey Todd, the knives are a good idea, I've got your back. You just know that when people think we have a sucky idea, they are taking notes. lol
As long as your fingerprints never come in contact with the actual knives, I think you're safe from prosecution. Taking notes.
ROFL Mary! - Wipe finger prints - Got it Cathy!
What about out of town investors buying and selling? Do you send a gift? What if they are out of the country? I have an oustanding gift that I need to get to the UK and one coming up that I need to get to LA. I just don't know what to send.
Good for you, Mary. See?! THAT'S an answer to the thread's question. Now you have it! You just had to focus a bit. And be urged by me. :)
For Sellers... I typically give them a VISA Gift Card & nice thank you card with handwritten letter of gratitude & good wishes.
For Buyers... our area has a wonderful Historical Society that publishes a book with pictures from as far back as cameras exist. Our region is rich with mining, railroad, native american, & Lewis & Clark lore... so we have much to share. Virtually everyone who has received this book keeps it either on their coffee table... or in plain site in their living area. I write inside the book a "Congratualtions on your new home" message... and sign my name with contact information.
I've received various types of tokens from folks (sellers & buyers) as thank you gifts... and appreciate every single one. But recently received a FABULOUS goodie basket from a buyer... ohhh myy goodnesss!!! I'll be enjoying all the treats from it for a long, long time. This line of business bring along all kinds of fun surprises... love it, love it, love it!!!
By the way... to all the other Mothers & Grandmothers out there... HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!
Freda Hoskins, Realtor®
Sandpoint, Idaho
http://www.idahomesnorth.com
For Buyers I still give a $50 gift certificate to a nice restaurant near the new home. I eliminated Sellers gifts a long time ago and instead hand deliver a beautiful flowering potted plant to the buyers agent, simply dropping it off at their front desk. Believe me, everyone at that office wants to know who is sending flowers and your name is soon well known in the industry. I have been doing this for a very long time and it's a great way to become known and your listing shown.
I have been purchasing a framed pictured of an area in town. The artist is able to personalize this with the clients last name, year and anything else I may want to add. I write on the back my best wishes and tape my business card to it. Everyone loves it!
Gene... I love your "sending flowers" to the buyer's agent idea!! I will borrow your idea immediately ;) Isn't this forum great??
I usually put a few bottles of wine (and maybe a 6-pack of local, microbrewed beer in the fridge) in the home for the new owners.
If they abstain, I like a small houseplant. Both with a thank-you card.
But, ditto on Freda's comment, Gene! What a great idea!
If the other agent had bad-behavior, can I give them a cactus?
I do celebratory dinners, but I like Lucia's idea of the document folder. I'm also considering silver bullets with a logo engraved on each. The NRA will love it and I won't be encroaching on Todd's ginzu knife idea.
Realtor, Columbus Ga
From my understanding of the CE classes here we are not allowed to give gifts in Missouri but can in Kansas up to 50.00 ( wait Kansas may have changed this year...will have to check). I typically give my clients (buyers or sellers) a copy of the complete file I have to turn in to my office ( including inspections & disclosures) in a 1/2 inch binder with the MLS listing as the binder cover at the closing table (I make a point of attending all closings). Dont forget to put in some business cards for referrals. :~)
Dont forget about the coupons on P2A, I have given a couple out for Sherwin Williams on homes that clients bought to remodel.
Mary T
Pay for a home warranty if you want to give them something that they can actually use in relationship to their home for the next year. It also helps them with the cost and they really feel connected b/c it is a nice gift.
I know a builder who does a $500 home depot card for any relos they send their way. Kind of pricey but not a bad idea if you adjust it to fit your budget.
I already answered above, but I thought of another gift we've given to a few people and it went over very well. We went to Lowes or Home Depot, purchased a brand new empty paint can and filled it with things they can use to paint: drop cloths, painters tape, paint brush, corner painter, anything else you can think of that would fit plus the gift card. Connie dressed them up with different colors of tissue paper and it was presented with no lid - really cute and unique.
The only two times I gave my clients a Home Warranty, it didn't quite work the way I wanted it to. Both times the warranty companies refused to do the work for whatever great reasons they had. I usually choose a closing gift based on what I know about the client. ... could be a gift card, chocolate, wine, etc.
Alright, I’ll stir it up a little. I don’t feel obligated to give a gift to every client. I have run the gamut from a handshake and “thank you” to a full ten percent of my commission to the local church in their name. Heck, I’ve even used my commission dollars to purchase a junk boat from a seller because I trusted him and no one else had bought it by the time the house closed. And, he was moving out of state (where were the red flags and bells that were suppose to go off?).
And, get this Becky, sometimes; I don’t even attend the closing. (OMG, there, I’ve said it). All parties have an attorney, the title company is there so what do they need me hanging around for my commission check? Oh, I’ll go to the ones I think I’m needed at. Like the Grandma who lost her daughter, the first time home buyer, the seller who was just about to break even from what he owed on the place. So, please don’t take the bat to me.
I must do something right, because I have also received my fair share of gifts from clients. Having said that, the most appreciative clients are those that can least afford to give. This is a great job when you can get someone into a home and know that they can make the payments and the future is starting to look good for them.
I don’t know what works best for a gift – I mean getting a return on the present. But, I like to have a little something at the house. It can be a plant and/or a bottle of wine. I like the Lowe’s Gift Card because they give me 5% off. So, if the place needs painting or repairs that’s what they get. The best time to give a gift is not at the closing table were the other clients may see it (but, you had better have a little something there in case the other agent pulls out his big basket). But, the best time to give the gift is when you visit the client at their new home in about two weeks after settlement.
The only advice I can give you, is don’t buy anyone’s boat.
We give door knockers. We looked around until we found a really nice door knocker at Restoration Hardware. Part of our Marketing / Branding is We Open Doors. And we talk about how we open doors... Anyway, we liked the door knockers as it ties back in.
Restoration Hardware boxes them and wraps them. The presentation makes them feel even more special. However if the home they are purchasing has a really nice knocker, and the buyers like it, we will substitute....
We typically don't buy presents for sellers (unless they are also buying!!)
shelly
I used to give but haven't in some time now. I used to give different things depending on the people. I usually gave to buyers but once in a while I gave to a seller. For fixer-upper homes, a Lowe's gift card. Dirty house - a bunch of cleaning supplies, mop/broom, bucket, paper towels, etc. Sometimes a gift card to Olive Garden is nice. If the yard needed a little something extra, a gift card to the local garden world. I've bumped up the home warranty that the seller was providing to the premium level of coverage. If the yard needed mowing, I would have the yard mowed and trimmed the day before closing. When I couldn't think of anything else, a gift basket filled with a theme.... sweets and snacks with mugs for cocoa or a basket of packages for soup, cookies, brownies, with big soup mugs or something similar. The one people seem to like most.....gift cert/card to Papa John's for pizza and sodas with a card that says something about the upcoming moving day and one less thing to worry about. For one couple, expecting a baby in a short while - a gift card to Walmart accompanied with tons of coupons for baby stuff I had been collecting (colleagues in my office helped me collect them!). I had a broker once who would find out the day the buyers were going to move in and ask them if they preferred chicken or pizza, then have their preference delivered on moving day. The list goes on and on....
I've had clients/customers buy gifts for me too. Very nice. There is one I just love. A California couple whose daughter attended one of our colleges bought a condo for her. I bumped up the home warranty to premium level. A few days after closing, I received an email from 'mom' asking me if I preferred beaches, mountains, lighthouses, people, etc. I told her that I really liked beach scenes because they remind me when I lived in St Pete, but she wouldn't tell me why she wanted to know. It wasn't long after that I received a package - a big package. It was one of those lighted beach scenes on a mirror with seagull and tide sounds. It has like a wavy light so that it looks like it has movement. It is hard to describe but it is really cool and I still have it hanging in my office.
I have to add ... just like Gregory ... I don't give out gifts to all clients. Only to some when it feels right. And I don't think they expect any gifts from me anyway. They are getting a new house or selling their old one ... something they have wanted ... otherwise they wouldn't be there at the closing ... isn't that the best gift they can get from us?
Do you have a Giant Eagle?
I buy my gift cards there, they sell them for all kinds of different stores, and when I use my Giant Eagle card I can get 10 cents off the price of gas for every $50. This week they were running a double deal, so 20 cents off for every $50.
Great Ideas!
Here are a couple more that I do. I throw some of my buyers a house warming party. They invite 10-15 friends and family to show off their new home and I show up with catering from a popular local restaurant. Great way to meet new people and get referrals! (It really does not cost as much as you may think)
Also, when someone refers a client to me....I send them flowers to their work. It is always the "buzz" of the office when flowers show up. And when they are asked who sent them..... they say ME....their Realtor!
The reason I give out gift cards or other gifts to all my clients is to set myself apart from all the other agents that don't. When people recognize you as thoughtful and generous and surprise them during and after the closing, they remember you that way. To me this is the best form of staying in touch and at the top of mind with my past clients. Who else will send them a 1 year anniversary card for their home purchase or sale? Or sending them a bag of microwave popcorn with a $5.00 Blockbuster gift certificate as we are nearly the Closing with a note...relax, we are almost there...I am always looking for ways to set myself apart and giving even a small gift at closing is so unexpected, they are so ever grateful. I have had clients give me gifts as well, because I may have gone above and beyond the call of duty as a Realtor during the whole process. And what better way to get referrals.
Another way to get noticed in the neighborhood is: I have helped elderly couples with their garage sales and even planted flowers, trimmed trees etc. to help them spruce up their front lawns--their neighbors ask...who was out there with you in your garden?...MY REALTOR!
Micheala,
I was curious why you said sometimes the home warranties don't work out the way you planned? I LOVE giving it as a gift and almost 100% of the time do unless I have had to give a discount for some other effort vital to the sale.
I just feel that this is the most true and useful thing in regards to the purchase. I like gift cards as well but generally stick to the warranties b/c when they use it they think of us yet again.
Thanks, Christina
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