It’s an unpredictable time for real estate and real estate agents. We’re always looking for creative ways to meet people, build qualified contacts, develop relationships, acquire customers, and be remembered by them. But often we focus too much energy on finding new prospects and not enough on retaining and activating our clients. How do you make sure those people don’t forget you?
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Research has shown that 60-80% of satisfied customers don’t go back to the realtor that initially satisfied them. Why? Many people simply can’t remember the name of the realtor who helped sell their house or got their offer accepted. One way to be memorable is to give a memorable client thank you gift.
These gifts don’t need to be extraordinarily expensive or hard to find. They do need to show your customers that you put thought into it, and that they mean more to you than just a deal.
Here are five client thank-you gift ideas that are impressive and easy to do.
1. Go old-school with a handwritten note
In a world where it’s easy to send a quick text or an email to say thank you, the effort it takes to send a handwritten note makes this gesture extra special.
To make this part of your routine, keep a stack of generic, blank cards handy. Simply write a few lines about how much you appreciated or enjoyed working together. Or, have a service like Postable or Sent-Well take care of it for you. Tell them what to say and where to send it and they make it happen. You can also include a gift card for an even greater impact.
This simple, thoughtful gesture will make your client smile and will help them recall your name when their friends or family ask for referrals.
2. Send a special delivery
Much like getting a thank you note in the mail, getting a special delivery is always fun. There are classics like cookies and flowers, but also plenty of opportunities to break away from the ordinary and try something unique.
Seeing as how they have everything else, it shouldn’t come as a total surprise that Target has gift baskets. Order online and pick up in-store or have your gift baskets delivered. If you want something a little more unique, Etsy also has a large selection of gift baskets. You can support another small business and will likely be able to customize your order more than you would when ordering through a big company.
Other gift baskets and boxes to consider: Boxfox, Happy Box Store, Something Splendid, and Knack
Want to earn even more points? Send the delivery to your client’s office. Not only do they get to show off their treats to their coworkers, but they’ll be telling everyone all day that it was you who sent it. This type of client thank-you gift is a win-win; your client feels appreciated and you get your name and business in front of potential customers. Because it has your business card on one side, you may want to include several BizGift™ Cards so they can hand them out to their coworkers.
3. Make it personal
When you’re working one-on-one with clients, you’re bound to talk about subjects outside of real estate. Do they have a dog? A hobby? Are they big fans of a sports team? Take notes during these conversations and use the information to find a gift that is perfect for them.
Taking the extra time to find a client thank you gift specific to what they love or where they are in life won’t be easily forgotten.
Examples include a giving a first-time homeowner a stamp with their new home’s address on it, or a Starbucks gift card to clients who have a newborn at home. It can even be as simple as a new toy for their pet or a coffee cup with their favorite team’s logo on it.
Combining the practical nature and thought of these client thank-you gifts is sure to help them feel appreciated as more than just a transaction.
4. Make it a family affair
Dropping off a bottle of bubbly for clients that found the perfect home for their growing family is fun and festive, but it isn’t something the whole family can enjoy. What about a board game they can play together in their new living room or a gift card to a local restaurant to explore a new neighborhood?
Giving a family-friendly gift not only delights the whole household but also reinforces the fact that you understand their situation and can anticipate their unique needs.
5. Make it local
Is your area known for a particular type of food, beverage, or product? Do you have a favorite local artisan that you love to spread the word about? Share that with your clients in the form of a gift!
In times when many small businesses are struggling, choosing to support a local business shows clients that you have integrity and care about your community.
Alternately, if a client has just moved to your area from far away, giving them a gift of specialties from their hometown can be a touching, incredibly memorable gesture.
Keep in Touch, Always
A thank you gift may be the end of a particular transaction, but it shouldn’t be the end of your relationship with your clients. You should also be regularly sending emails and keeping your social media accounts active, so they see your brand on a regular basis.
BizGift™ allows you to print your business card on top of your favorite restaurant's gift cards. Use BizGift™ Cards as a high-value thank-you gift to a local merchant to show appreciation and be remembered.
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