Thank You for Your Business... so what are good closing gifts?

Thank You for Your Business...
Unique Closing Gifts for Your Clients

A handwritten note is a good start, but sometimes it is just not enough to show your gratitude. I have a client appreciation party annually for all my friends and current and past clients but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about housewarming gifts, a great way to remind your clients that you're there for them, long after the paperwork is done. Okay, I  do admit, they are another way to market yourself to potential clients and their referrals. The following are a few great closing gift ideas your clients will talk about to everyone they know:

Decorated Dinnerware – Someone told me about these pottery shops across the country where you can paint ceramic pieces - from little statues to plates and coffee mugs to giant cookie jars. Register your clients at one of these stores, so they can decorate their own dinnerware. Supposedly, every time they use these items, they'll think of how you helped them reach their dream of homeownership. I would say, make sure this is something you past client would appreciate. This will show them that you were listening to them when you were with them all those months and not just interested in your own pocket book. I found some of these businesses by googling "paint your own pottery". Of course, if you are creative yourself, you can customize something and give it to them as a gift.

Services Directory – Since I am a member of BNI, I include a business card sleeve with the home book I give them after closing of all the service providers I have used, such as a plumber, electrician, landscaper, and handyman. Speaking of the home book, I order a homebook from the title company for all my buyers that I build on with their HUD-1 closing statement, home inspection report, work items, etc. If you decide to do this, be sure to brand the book with your contact info because this book just might become their go-to guide for all of their home and entertainment needs.

Basket of Goodies – Instead of the typical basket of fruit many agents give their clients as a closing gift, I put together a basket of eco-friendly laundry and cleaning products for the house and a basket with pancake mix, muffin mix, jam, tea or coffee, a couple mugs, a spatula, oven mitts and anything else they might use in the kitchen. These are usually items that I found in the local stores in the Pacific NW, where I live. I like to support those merchants that I frequent. It gives me a chance to remind them that I am the neighborhood real estate expert that they can refer their clients to. Also, each time your clients cook breakfast, bake a cake, or just relax with a hot cup of coffee or tea in their new home, they'll remember you and the great service you provided.

Memory Mug – I've seen this done but have never done it myself, but I've been told that this is a great and inexpensive closing gift that your clients will never forget. Take a picture of their new home and add to it their name and the date that they purchased the home. Then put the picture into one of those customizable coffee mugs and give it to your client with a coffee gift card or a pound of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. Some agents have added their name and logo to the back of the mug, but I would probably just add a personal note saying something like "welcome to your new home". 

Free Magazine Subscription – Not only do magazine subscriptions make a great closing gift, they're also a great marketing tool. Each month for the next year, your clients will think of you every time they get their latest issue in the mail. During the transaction, try and learn about your client's interests and hobbies. This will show them how much you care, and it will help you select the right magazine subscription as well.  MagazineClosingGit.com will even put your name, logo & message on it. I sign everyone up on LowesRealtorBenefits.com and send them a discount coupon. In addition, I sign them up with The Personal Marketing Company on the client follow up program.  Some companies, such as , will allow you to add your name, logo, or even a message to the magazine subscription of their choice. During the transaction, try and learn about your client's interests and hobbies. This will show them how much you care, and it will help you select the right magazine subscription as well.

If you have any special closing gifts that you send out to your clients, please post them here! I'd love to get more ideas.