Special offer

Holiday Pop-By Gifts

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Station

The holidays are a perfect time to say "Thanks" to those people who have been your biggest gift bagssupporters in real estate, as well as in other areas of your life.  Your gift list should definitely include anyone who has sent you a referral in the past year, as well as favorite clients. 

This can be an overwhelming task, so start small.  This year, I am starting with 20 people.  If I get all those holiday thank-yous delivered in time, I will look at the next 10.  Problem is, what do I pop-by with?

Well, I'm not sure what the gift will be, but I know what they are being packaged in!

I found these great holiday gift bags on sale at Party City.  It is a national chain, so you should be able to find similar gift bags at your local Party City.  They were only $.59 each! 

They alsogift bag had smaller bags for $.49, and larger bags for $.99.  I chose these because I want to keep my costs down.  I'm trying to keep my gift at less than $5, so these bags should work out great.  I can fit a coffee mug or two in them, or a candle, or a Christmas ornament if my recipients celebrate Christmas. 

I did choose these particular bags because they are non-denominational and do not promote any single holiday.  And when you drop off your gift, as you're chatting away, don't forget to ask them if they know anyone who needs your help with real estate.

Now, any suggestions other than coffee mugs and candles for what to put in my wonderful gift-bag find?

Comments(32)

Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Kris and Gita, what other times of the year do you all do pop-bys?  I can think of a few, but I am always looking for more ideas...
Nov 21, 2007 03:05 AM
Christina Moock
Cutler Real Estate - Canton, OH
REALTOR - Cutler Real Estate
I was thinking of doing a poinsettia this year.
Nov 22, 2007 02:27 AM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Christina, for a while there, everyone was doing poinsettas, so I deided not to do them.  It seems everyone made that decision, 'cause now no one does them!  Everything old is new again, so I think going back to poinsettas is a good idea!
Nov 22, 2007 04:28 AM
Sandy Torres
City to City Notary Signing Agent - Concord, CA

What a great idea!

How about adding some wonderful chocolate truffles?  You can get some really nice looking ones (and they taste good too!) from the 99 cent store! 

 

Nov 30, 2007 03:32 AM
A. C.
MaximumReferrals.com - Vero Beach, FL
MaximumReferrals.com/ar

Great post. Thanks so much for offering the ideas for everyone.

Appreciate it.

 

Nov 30, 2007 07:26 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Remember, it is not so much about what you give out to your clients, but, that you are face to face with them, once a month.  I, also, popby my vendors (attorneys,paralegals,mortgage officers, the dry cleaner that I use, etc).  It never fails, someone ends up listing their home with me, or giving me the name of a friend who wants to move.  Popbys are very effective, especially if they are done every month:)  I, also, make the follow-up phone call if they were not at home.  I left a poinsettia and then called that evening. Answering machine, oops!  I went by the next morning and no one had brought the plant in.  I am assuming they are away for a few days, so, I took back the plant and will need to redeliver when I know they have returned.  Our weather in Connecticut is very cold now, especially overnight.

It's a Good Life!

Nov 30, 2007 09:32 AM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA

Sandy, truffles are a nice idea.

A.C., thanks, but these marketing concepts aren't mine,  I am just trying to apply what I learned from Brian Buffini.

Fran, I have to be honest, I never thought about my vendors.  Duh....  I may need more bags. Thanks for the idea.

 

Nov 30, 2007 03:58 PM
Darleen McCullen
Raleigh, NC
Broker - Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Marlene ~ I was thinking of doing pop-bys this year to a few select people. Thanks for the inspiration - and the tip on the bags.
Dec 01, 2007 12:07 PM
Thavisak Lucky Syphanthong
Lucky Star Realty - Crescent City, CA
Marlene, great idea!  The holidays is a great reason to revisit our past clients and keep in touch.  Thanks for your ideas.
Dec 02, 2007 01:38 PM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes
Hi Marlene. Great post. If I were your client I'd remember you when it was time to refer a friend, family member or even a co-worker. Best of luck in 2008.
Dec 02, 2007 02:22 PM
Jackie Peraza
Perceptions AdverStaging(TM), LLC - Framingham, MA
Home Stager - Framingham, Massachusetts

Marlene- great deal on the bags!  I'll have to head out to get some for additional pop-by's.  Coffee beans, vanilla candles and candle holders are going in several of mine - the scent if divine when combined.

Jackie

Dec 02, 2007 03:52 PM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA

Darlene,  you're welcome. It's a great reason to go see people that you generally like anyway!

Thavisak, I totally agree with you, it is a good time to keep in touch.

Vincent, Thanks, Vincent!  That's what we do, isn;t it?  :)

Dec 02, 2007 03:53 PM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Jackie, I never thought about combining with coffee!  Have fun delivering your gifts.
Dec 02, 2007 03:55 PM
Anonymous
Harold Wallin
I like this idea, I just joined AR and already getting a great number of ideas.  I think several thinks (low priced) in the bag would work well. 
Jan 19, 2008 01:25 PM
#26
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Harold, the idea is to keep them thoughful and as personal as possible, while keeping the price down.  And make sure you sign up for the Buffini group and the Out of the Box group!
Jan 19, 2008 04:20 PM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Harold, the idea is to keep them thoughful and as personal as possible, while keeping the price down.  And make sure you sign up for the Buffini group and the Out of the Box group!
Jan 19, 2008 04:20 PM
Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert
Great idea.  I would love to do something similar as well but on a budget.  With Valentine's day approaching, maybe I can put something small togther.  I guess you have to spend money to make money, huh?
Jan 20, 2008 12:24 AM
Marlene Scheffer
Realty Station - Bremerton, WA
Realtor to Kitsap County, WA
Latonia, Start small.  Choose your 10 clients or friends who either have referred to you or would refer to you if you asked them for a referral.  Then head to the dollar store and get them a pretty Valentine's Day mug and fill it with kisses.  Try to stop when they will be home, so you can use the "just had a moment and wanted you to know I was thinking of you" line.  Then, on your way out, ask them the By The Way question that Brian Buffini is famous for.  Then move on from there.  Start small, but start!   Good luck!
Jan 21, 2008 02:11 PM
Denise dougherty
Denver, CO

Try www.TheMarketingPiece.com.  This is a great company that offers inexpensive Pop-Bys and has found that the same effect can be reached with a Pop-By mailed every month... with their prices... why not?

Aug 04, 2008 11:47 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

I love those holiday bags! They are so cute and will make a great impression.

Apr 02, 2015 12:30 PM