In Real Estate, there are about as many different ideas for client gifts as there are products in the world. There are also many different companies looking for your marketing dollar. But what makes a good gift from one that ends up in your client's trash can? Consider the following things when buying a gift for your real estate clientele:
1. What is your purpose behind giving them the gift? Is it a simple thank you? Or are you hoping it is something they will see often and think of you each time they do? This question can help guide you between choosing a useful gift they can use short term or something more valuable that will last longer.
2. What are your clients likes or dislikes? If your client hates NASCAR, buying him or her a set of tickets probably won't get you very far. Hopefully by the time you are buying or picking out a gift for them you will have built a good enough relationship with your real estate client to have some guidelines. If not, take a look at their online media presence to see if it gives you any clues.
3. Will the gift you are considering giving be unique in your market or is it something that all of your competitors are doing? Ink pens and note pads are very common and most that I have received are not worth the cost the vendor spent to have them made. The exception is a pen that stands out, either by quality or by usefulness. I have one I picked up at a Tradeshow that has a level, a small ruler, a screwdriver and a light built into it. I try to grab that pen every time I am meeting a contractor to look at a project. If you are going to spend the money on a gift, make sure you are spending it on something that will stand out.
4. What will the gift say about you and your company? Does it match the image you want your company to have? I remember a story about a real estate agent who would give new homebuyers a set of outdoor trash cans that had her name and contact information on them. Her thinking was that the entire neighborhood would see her information every trash day thus leading to more business. It may or may not have been a good idea but I immediately had concerns about what connotations it gave her business. Is she getting calls for new listings? Or just homeowners wanting to reduce their waste removal bills. If you are selling or leasing high end real estate, this is probably not the idea for you.
5. What is your budget for the gift or giveaway? This is always an important factor especially when the real estate market becomes tough and marketing becomes even more important. I would rather give fewer quality gifts than many gifts that fall apart and send the wrong image of my business.
6. Will you be shipping your gift or hand delivering it? Nothing is worse than receiving a broken gift or melted chocolates. Glass and anything in a frame is especially difficult to ship without breaking or damaging.
7. Think through your recent conversations with your client. Is there some need they mentioned that your gift could speak to? A thoughtful gift that can connect with an emotion is much more memorable to clients.
What other questions do you think are important to ask yourself before buying a gift or giveaway for your real estate clients? Leave your questions in the comments below!
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