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Do You Use Magnets

By
Real Estate Sales Representative

Do you use magnets? We have all heard stories about agents landing listings through mailing recipe cards, newsletters, and of course by blogging about a neighborhood. Some agents pass out pumpkins around Halloween or seed packets in the spring. I have had clients call off the postcard that was mailed to an area with comparable sales. All of these are ways real estate agents prospect for cold leads. Some effective, some not.

Judging by the quantity of magnets and stickies on most peoples refrigerators I was wondering how successful promotional magnets are? We all probably have at least a few on our fridge from the local pizza delivery guys, but what about real estate services? They are pretty cheap and seem to stick around.

Of course nothing out does a good referral, but do you use these promotional magnets to stay at the top of your spheres mind? Do you mail them out to a geographic area? How successful have they been? I would think that magnets with football schedule printed on them would stick around and be used for at least a season. You might even get a call asking for next years season if they get used to having one.

What have your experiences been in using refrigerator business card magnets?

Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

The one use that I think was valuable.....I once did a calendar magnet with my business card on it...then I went out and got local businesses to contribute a coupon for the month. The homeowner could keep the calendar on the frig and every month find a neat coupon for a local business. I got 8 calls for new business from this and sold 2 deals.

Sep 14, 2009 05:25 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Jonathan: My experience is zero. In 7 years I have never used them and likely never will. I believe they are very old school. From speaking with other local agents who use them, the ROI simply isn’t there … and thus a waste of time and marketing dollars. Having said that, they may work wonders in other areas which is where some research will help.

Sep 14, 2009 05:26 AM
Susan Sawyer
Keller Williams Chervenic Realty - Hudson, OH
Real Estate Expert - Hudson Ohio

 Calandar magnets help my customers remember me and there is my phone number if they need it. I usually send them to my past customers. How many of us have heard - I don't remember my old realtor's name, but she/he was really nice.

Sep 14, 2009 05:31 AM
Jonathan Martin
Seattle, WA
Real Estate Agent - Seattle

Karen - I notice you got 2 deals from that promotion, but you said "once I did".  Have you used magnets with less successful results?

Sep 14, 2009 06:59 AM
Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert

I wouldn't suggest using them unless you plan to continue.  Consistency is key but who wants to wait several years for that one phone call in order to pay for your investment?

Sep 14, 2009 03:27 PM
Michael Ferretti
Postnet - South Charlotte - Charlotte, NC

I think magnets are great. I of course sell them so I am bias.

 

If done right they work great. The main goal is for the person to keep them so consider putting useful info on it - calendar, important local numbers, conversion info, maybe join forces with those in your networking circle and list others on it and see if they will help pay. etc etc etc. The ROI may not be great for some but it isnt everything. In marketing it is just brand awareness and keeping your name in front of potential clients for when the time is right.

Promotional products in general are pricey but it is all about keeping your name in front of your potential clients. Think of products that we all use everyday in our house especially the kitchen as we cook everyday and are in the kitchen several times a day.

Dec 26, 2009 01:34 AM