Special offer

I won't discount, but I will give you an extra perk

By
Real Estate Agent with Jameson Sotheby's International Realty

I'm not a fan of discounting my commission.  I don't want to get into a discussion of what I charge, but suffice it to say that I don't discount.

I do reduce my fee for repeat business, family and close friends... but otherwise, I charge my full rate.

But when asked if I'll discount... I have been known to offer a perk of some kind.  One of my favourite perks will be "I will offer a bonus if in addition to listing with me, I will give you a $500 gift card if you purchase with me, as well".

Or, I will give you a restaurant gift card if you'll refer a new client.  I have given a free car wash 5- or 10-punch card for clients with nice cars who've purchased with me.

People who are looking for that discount can often be mollified with a bonus of some kind.

Posted by

 ALAN MAY, Realtor®   
Specializing in Evanston Real Estate and North Shore Real Estate

Jameson Sotheby's International Realty, 2934 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Office: 847.869.7300      Cell: 847.924.3313      Email: Almay@aol.com

Evanston Real Estate & North Shore Real Estate
Licensed in Illinois

   

Comments(9)

Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good afternoon Alan. Do you wash the cars or arrange for it to be done? Had to ask! Enjoy your day! 

Jan 10, 2018 10:39 AM
Alan May

I wash the cars, and wear a skimpy bikini whilst doing so.

Jan 10, 2018 02:44 PM
Debb Janes

Oh man, that's quite the visual. 

Jan 13, 2018 08:09 AM
Alan May

yeah... nobody wants to see that.

Feb 12, 2018 08:21 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I always give a closing gift but my commission is my commission and it always stays the same.

Jan 10, 2018 10:40 AM
Alan May

closing gift is another story altogether.

Jan 10, 2018 02:44 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

You sound much like me.  I don't cut for the first sale

Jan 10, 2018 11:38 AM
Alan May

right... any rebate (or perk) applies only after the second sale closes.

Jan 10, 2018 02:44 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good afternoon Alan. I don't discount period. I really believe you get what you pay for and if someone questions my worth then we aren't meant to work together.

Jan 10, 2018 12:18 PM
Alan May

sometimes you don't even get what you pay for...

Jan 10, 2018 02:45 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I don't do the perks. If it's a repeat client I will discount the listing commission a bit, especially if they are also buying with me. I don't offer any perks for referrals, but I do send something when I get a referral.

Jan 10, 2018 01:47 PM
Alan May

wouldn't "sending something when you get a referral" amount to a perk?

Jan 10, 2018 02:45 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

When a prospective client asks for a discount I ask "What part of my marketing would you like me to leave out?" I work very hard for all my clients & it's reflected in the results I achieve for them. That more than makes up for any discount.

Jan 10, 2018 03:22 PM
Alan May

I'm always afraid they'll pick "which part to leave out"... and that will leave me with a listing in which their son Marvin will be handling the photography and brochures.   Yeesh!

Jan 10, 2018 05:21 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I like your approach to that, Alan!  I've done similar things myself.

Jan 10, 2018 05:15 PM
Alan May

me, too.

Jan 10, 2018 05:22 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

That's pretty much our structure too. It makes sense to reward loyalty, or multiple deal transactions. Just gave a discount on a listing because I sold her the next new home, and a new home to her sis and brother-in-law too. All in the same time-frame. 

Jan 13, 2018 08:10 AM
Alan May

You're exactly right... it's a loyalty reward program.

Jan 13, 2018 08:22 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.

I like that "loyalty reward program" - and the perks come along after they have done their part, not before.  But no car washes from this gal!

Jan 16, 2018 10:11 AM
Alan May

I like that, too.... the car washes are pretty nice in our region.  I give out a punch card to a local "hand wash" place... 5-10 washes (depending on the client) ... that are usually $19.99 each.... I get a break 'cause I buy so many.

Jan 16, 2018 12:42 PM