Forget about potholders and house-shaped refrigerator magnets. Today's consumers appreciate promotional giveaways that are unique, creative, and fun. I have a few ideas written down on paper but would appreciate any feedback you might have on inexpensive and tasteful gifts for clients.
I try to add my logo and phone number to the giveaway when appropriate;
1. Personal Chef. I use this for my high end clients at closing. The personal chef comes to their new home and cooks meals for a week,labels them, and customizes the meal plans based on their taste. This takes a lot of pressure off of the family when they first move in so they can focus on unpacking.
2. Moving first-aid.
Provide a moving day kit filled with such items as snacks, paper towels, plastic cups, bottled water, flashlights, aspirin, and carton openers. Don't forget the phone number of the favorite local pizza delivery spot, along with a coupon.
3. Mother's helper.
Bottle warmers, bibs, and diaper bags are great for new parents. Form a partnership with a local hospital and sponsor the gifts they give to new parents.
4. Sports-related items.
Imprint your logo on kites, baseball caps, sports water bottles, ball markers, sports towels, tennis balls, and walking odometer.
5. Stress reduction.
Help them wind down after stressful weeks of looking for a home or unpacking. In a basket, include bubble bath, tea and cookies, a bottle of wine, potpourri, candles - and, if you're really creative, some names of potential babysitters.
6. Home-related gifts.
Give clients or prospects something that shows you understand how much they love their home: bird feeders, a doormat, a newspaper or home-improvement magazine subscription, attractively potted plants, American flags, and gift certificates to a local hardware or home improvement store.
7. Relocation kit.
They'll appreciate things that will help them learn their new city quickly. In the kit, include things such as: a laminated folding map of the city, a list of the best restaurants in several price ranges, five local points of interest with directions on how to get there, phone numbers of local movie theaters, little-known historical facts about the area. And, a list of great hotels in the area for when they visit.
8. Home office options.
Post-it notes, custom mouse pads, cool pens, computer glare screen, and thermal coffee mug.
9. Wine Country Gift Baskets. This company has a number of affordable gift baskets that can be delivered to your clients home right after closing. Another local option in my area is Southern Season. This gourmet shop has a number of local Carolina items that will be great keepsakes for their move to the area.
10. Other options.
Custom door wreath, crystal vase or paperweight, matching Coach key rings with house keys, and caviar and champagne.
11. Personalized Affgan w/Logo. I wasn't sold on this one in the beginning. Now I think it's a better idea. I've used these personalized Affgans on several occasions and they are very well received.
12. Lowes Gift Cards Everyone can use a few things from Lowes even if the house is new - a new fridge, gas grill, plants, you name it... You can get a 5% discount by going to www.LowesRealtorBenefits.com also.
13. HUD Statement idea by Jim Lee Jim's idea is to make 2 copies of the HUD statement and write the clients a letter dated January 2nd of the following year. Mail your clients their HUD statement. I actually keep mine around electronically and will be sending out Christmas cards and calendars so I might as well just email the letter/HUD statement.
14. Entertainment Book for clients.
15. Welcome Home card, 2 fire extinguishers (or a garbage toter for new construction) and a supply of various sized batteries.
16. A gift catalog for items the clients may need for the house
17. A real first-aid kit, a rather large one that hangs on the wall in the garage next to the fire extinguisher, with emergency numbers on the front.
18. Yolanda Hoverston just wrote a blog about The Most Thoughtful Gift You Could Give Your Clients.
19. A 6-12 month service that would be of value to your clients. Examples include gardening, maid.
20. Throw your clients a housewarming party for their new home, sponsored by you: ie, invites, food and drink.
21. Welcome Home Treasure Basket or Sugar Daddy's which can be personalized
22. LOOK WHO'S MOVING TO A NEW HOME keepsake album for kids.
23. Personalized wine bottles which you can have a picture of the house along with a personalized note on the front of the bottle, as well as your own information on the back. I personally think this is a bit over the top.
24. If the home does not have a mailbox or has an old mailbox, put up a mailbox for your buyers.
Any other suggestions I might add to the list? I'd love to be more creative in my effort to satisfy my clients.
UPDATE: I'm taking everyone's suggestions and including them in the body of the post. Thanks for all of the great ideas.
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