What Your Peers Are Giving
See what other real estate pros are giving to win client satisfaction and loyalty.
By Erica Christoffer | October 2009
"A 12-Month Reminder"
Name: Morgan Knull Company: RE/MAX Gateway, Washington, D.C. Gift: Magazine Loyalty Program"For me, closing gifts at the settlement table get lost in the euphoria and often chaos of clients moving out, moving in, moving away. The genius of the Magazine Closing Gift is that it follows the settlement date, in the form of a postcard announcing the gift, and then 12 months of a magazine subscription with a personalized mailing label with my logo and contact information. I think it's so effective that I continue the subscription indefinitely for my clients; some have been receiving it for three or four years now."
"Good For the Planet"
Name: Cici Wilcoxon Company: Prudential California Realty, Sebastopol, Calif. Gift: Trees for a Change"So many people have so much stuff; the last thing they want while they are moving is more stuff. It's really lovely to give someone something of value that does some good for the planet. [Trees for a Change] is a really simple and easy gift for green-minded clients. A tree is planted and cared for in a U.S. National Forest in your client's name. There's not a lot of waste. My clients are blown away when they receive the certificate of planting. They are so surprised and they love the idea so much."
"Keep Your Name in Front of Them"
Name: Phil Puma Company: Puma & Associates Realty, Charlotte, N.C. Gift: Top of Mind Networks"For such a minimal investment, it seems like every client loves [the address stamper]. I've heard back from almost every client saying they enjoy it, it's so useful. The good thing about it is that our name is in front of them for years to come."
"A Tasty Treat"
Name: Mary Bremer Company: Keller Williams Realty, Glen Ellyn, Ill. Gift: Fudge by Design"What's cool about Fudge by Design is, if I want to say thank you for allowing me to do your market analysis, I just take a picture of the house and send it to the company. They customize every single piece of fudge, which is so easy and great. Every year I send out fudge with a Christmas greeting on it. I send it consistently to people and they love it."
"See the Sign"
Name: Marci Schoenberg Company: John L. Scott, Bend, Ore. Gift: Barb's Wood Signs"I always buy my clients closing gifts. It's very important to show your appreciation as the process is long and stressful. Plus, it makes me feel good when everything's all done and they get their keys and then I present them with this memory.
"Since I started giving the signs made by Barb, my clients tell me all the time, 'I always think of you, Marci, because every day I see the wonderful gift you bought us.' They hang it over their front door, and as they come and go out that door—there is the reminder of me."
