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An Ethical Question Regarding Customer Thank You Testimonials

Last night I received a wonderful email thanking me for the good job we have done on following up on a transaction. In this, "makes me feel good - that's why I am in real estate" kind of email, the customer mentions the name of the company that they were working with previously.

So, here is my question:

Can I post the actual email verbatim?

Should I post it verbatim?

Posted by Ruthman Real Estate on 10/12/2008 02:47 PM

Comments (9)

fairfield, westport, weston, ruthman, connecticut, real estate, testimonials, ethics, raveis

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9 Comments on An Ethical Question Regarding Customer Thank You Testimonials

OCT

2008

I always ask if it is OK and everytime the answer is the same Yes. If you do not ask then you will be wondering. On Linked-in I even asked my clients to write me a Testimonial and they had no problem writing it.

I ask permission to use exact words, or I sum it up and use that -Dinah

I wouldn't put in the other companies name. If your clients give you permission to publish their email, you can put in "another company" or something similar.

I would not mention the name of the other company, and only post the testimonial if the client gives you permission.

Endre Barath,Jr. (Coldwell Banker)

I contemplating how to use the email. I appreciate your input.

Dinah Griffey (Windermere Peninsula Properties: Thank you. That is good to know.

Sheri Sanders -Easley,SC Real Estate (Prudential C Dan Joyner Co): I am wondering what would happen if I put it in there word for word using the name of the company...good press for me, bad press for them. But, I don't want bad blood between companies. --- I prefer friendly competition

Thank you all!

I think it is absolutely fine for you to do so but, I would ask, anyway. You risk being told no but, if you're as good as those folks said, you likely have others you can use ;)

Andy Raffle, Yardley, PA Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors): the email was sent out of the blue...I was just following up on some things, and it was like "Wow" I am appreciated it. I do have others, but most are on "thank you notes". I have thought about scanning them into the computer, but never did. I am sure you agree, whether display these "thanks" on the internet, or actually use the company name of their previous company, it is always nice to be appreciated.

Have a great night, Andy!

Best wishes and continued success.

OCT

2008

I wouldn't, but I guess it depends on where you are. I'd be concerned with lawsuits.

Cathleen O'Hannigan, Cary NC Realtor (Fonville Morisey):

I wondered about that. I don't know if legally someone from the other company would get their knickers in a knot, because the email does not say anything "nasty" about them, or single out the agent by name, just that they were glad they switched, and said our services were better.

I hope all is well in Cary. Boy, you guys sure have built up! I used to know my way around down there, but now "WOW"!

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