Real Estate Blog - Flyer Boxes Are a Waste of time...So Are Handing Out Business Cards

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Flyer Boxes Are a Waste of time...So Are Handing Out Business Cards

Really, why even purchase business cards? They are a just a complete waste of time and money. What a bother to hand them out. If this is your thought, then you are most probably an agent who does real estate "on the side". No full time agent would believe this. Getting your card into the hands of as many people every day is the goal. Even people who may not be looking to buy or sell should not escape our subtle business card handover accompanied by the infamous agent line: "if you know anyone looking for real estate keep me in mind...."

So it truly boggles my mind when so many of the "full time" active agents believe that flyer boxes are a waste of time and money. In my informal poll, it seems the consensus is that they do not want to "hand out the information for free" they want people to call them so that they can try to turn the "lookers" into "buyers". Well fellow agents...in my own opinion, you are missing the boat! You are missing out on a huge opportunity to essentially hand out the business card to actual people who ARE considering buying or selling. What is on a flyer? Of course the information about the home is there. This will answer many questions for the "lookers" who are not ready to commit, "just looking". Many times these "lookers" don't want to call an agent. They are essentially Internet shoppers who are making a personal appearance. They enjoy the anonymity; they pull up slow and jump out fast to grab a flyer before moving on. They do not want to be "sold" by an agent making his best 2 minute pitch about how great the home is and how great of deal they can get if they see it today...

This looker wants the basic information...the key is giving the consumer what they want. Maybe the flyer describes exactly what they want...now they have driven off with YOUR business card. Your flyer includes your Name, Phone, and probably even your WEBSITE where you can impress them with your technologically advanced Property Search Page and allow them to look at other homes you have listed. You have essentially turned that buyer (or seller) who is not committed, into the informed consumer who knows more about you and your services, and provided the means to contact you.

Maybe you are tired of filling the flyer box because the neighbors are the only people who are taking them. This is the most ridiculous of all statements...that I have actually been told by other agents. Do you not realize that these pesky neighbors are also homeowners?? Does it occur to you that they may be considering selling their home as well? Having your impressive flyer in hand, they can easily contact you if they are interested. Not to mention the fact that these neighbors have friends and family who may be considering buying or selling. If you are going to be stingy with the information, you are only doing a disservice to the seller. That seller wants the information about his house available to anyone and everyone. Forcing the lookers to call is only reducing the number of people who have access to your name and website, to a few phone calls that say "I just want to know how much" and hang up. By the way, they will not save your phone number on the napkin they wrote it on. Offering the information and your contact information in an easily accessible flyer box will increase the activity to your website, get your name in front of new prospects, and it will impress your sellers and the nosey neighbors! After all, those nosey neighbors could be the next listing you receive.

Maybe you have a difference of opinion? I would enjoy your comments or opinions that agree or disagree. Possibly you have a new perspective? I'd love to hear it!

A sincere "Thank you for reading" and best wishes to all agents and consumers for a prosperous year. If you are interested in being impressed with my technologically advanced St George Utah Property Search page, (ha ha)please visit my website!!

Posted by Paula Smith-St George Utah Real Estate on 02/19/2008 11:39 AM

Comments (20)

flyer boxes

20 Comments on Flyer Boxes Are a Waste of time...So Are Handing Out Business Cards

FEB

2008

Paula

Very good post and I agree with you. You have to advertise youself in order to be productive.

Well said and I agree with you 100%!! I truly see the benefit in having them and all my listings get flyer boxes!

Paula, I think there are some people who count the dollar that walks away every time they hand out a post card or flyer. Not good.

I think that these are a great way to initiate conversation. Although many people don't hold on to business cards or flyers, some do. Regardless, they work. Many people may never even see a direct response from them. The other day I had a customer call for the first time. She said her friend handed her my card a while back and she'd love to chat with me. GREAT!!! About 6 months ago we had a customer call that met with one of our salespeople a year ago and she just now wanted to contact us because the timing is finally right.

Hand them out people, don't be stingy!!!! GREAT POST

Making your self known wether boxes get stolen cards thrown out, If you dont get your name out the how will people know about you... Mass marketing and innundation... eventually consumers will see your name out so much .. That..."HMMMM light bulb over the head goes off"...Hey I need an agent now...how about I call that realtor I keep seeing pop up .... You get what you put into this business... buyers and sellers aren't just gonna come a knockin on your door.... You have to work for it... you go Keep on promoting yourself!!!!!

I agree, agents who don't pass out their business cards to everyone are losing a lot of potential business. Anytime you can get your contact information in the hands of a prospective buyer or seller, you're you may have a potential client.

Paula, good advice!

CHRIS: That is my point for sure. Thanks for your comment.

TINA: Same here, they all get a flyer box, and even as an agent, I am upset when I drive by a listing and it does not have one.

ERIKA: That's correct...they may not keep them...but even if JUST ONE does and calls as a result those $20 flyers were worth the money.

ANDREA: you are right-your name has to be out there all the time. Thanks for sharing.

MICHAEL: Thanks for commenting. Us agents have to keep pushing our name anyway possible.

Color flyers in those plastic TAKE ME boxes cost 49 cents each. One good rain and an open box... poof, there goes your flyers.

I think flyers are over-hyped and expensive. A good 800# and all the information they need to call you on the sign and recorded message is all you need. Then again, you could always laminate your pages and then watch as the local kids, neighbors, and even jealous agents empty your flyer box.

And I always thought.. the sellers will tell me if the box is empty... NOPE.

Overall, flyers are a waste of money in my mind.

On the other hand.. business cards are the backbone of your referral and public relations.. USE THEM!

My cards stay in my back left pocket at all times, and I never miss a chance to hand one out!

Paula,

The flyer box is a neat way to get your name and other info out there to the neighborhood. Neighbors may drain the contents of the box, but they will one day be selling or buying and that's when your professional flyer may come into play.

MICHAEL C: True, however we do not get much rain here, so I guess we are lucky that way. I have never had any flyers get wet. I also mix them with black and white, so the nice color prints will last longer. I usually give my sellers a stack and keep them on top of keeping it full. While I do value your opinion, I would also like to point out that a flyer and a business card are essentially the same thing...thank you for your comment.

KRISTAL: me too! Stay on the ball! thanks!

ESKO: I agree. If you hand out a card they may walk around the corner and toss it, the point is you have to continue. It only takes ONE buyer to pay for an entire year (or two) of cards and flyers.

I don't think that it is a waste of time!!!!!! I have sold houses on my flyers!!!!!! I like business cards because I can give them to both friends and clients. My friends get my phone number and are reminded that I am a real estate agent.

DEBBIE: I agree...I assume we are on the same page?? Sounds like perhaps you may only be responding to the title?? Thank you for reading.

i liked your post, a agree, i also use my cars to write notes on, i always have some on me.

Paula, I like 800#'s and flyer boxes with covers on them. I agree that they are another form of advertising like your business card. Everyone complains about soggy wet flyers and empty boxes but that is just an area of detail you need to pay attention to.

Paula, Great post, I completely agree with you! Your points are right on.

Good Post! BRO teaches you to put other homes for sale on the back of your property flyer so that if their are other homes in the area similar to yours, the client or potential buyers will call you.

Paula - Great post - I, too, have heard some of those same comments from agents. Business cards and listing flyers are GREAT lead generators for me.

Best Wishes,

Kelsie

Great post.... I agree... get your cards out all over.... my last business card order was 2000.. need more soon. I have also gone to doing some 4x6 post card type. Gets lots of attention. Can show you a sample if you like.

FEB

2008

You have brought up some great points to flyer boxes. I have mixed emotions about them and have heard pros & cons from agents on both sides of the fence. I don't use them at this time, but the reason is more due to the fact that they just aren't in my budget. I certainly plan on using them as soon as financially allowable.

I see a few agents/brokers in my area have these boxes all over town. I have to shake my head and think "what a waste" though, because they are always empty. In my opinion, if you're gonna use them, use them consistently. I've heard the argument that some don't have time to drive all over to check them. Then don't use them!!! Besides, how hard would it be to call the client to just "check in" and casually ask if they happened to notice whether or not there were flyers in the box? Some might think this would be rude to do, but believe it or not, the client likes to feel like they are being included in the sale of their home and it's a good excuse to contact them even if you have nothing to report.

My business cards......even more important than American Express. I never leave home without them.

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