I love the idea of leaving behind a bottle of spotter for the client. I'm wondering though if you ever give the client anything unrelated to your service. Perhaps a gift certificate a fruit basket etc... My brother did a window washing job for a client and left a $12 bottle of wine. He and his wife worked on this job for 2 days and got to know the homeowner otherwise he wouldn't have gave such a gift. Anyway this client was so delighted that she has told all of her fiends and my brother has reaped several thousands of dollars in referral work from this gesture. What are your thoughts?
We used to leave one of our shirts with each job then when they wear it around town shopping they are advertising for us also we have left steak knives, pot holders, note pads & pens
I'll leave gift cards depending on the situation. Something geared towards the kids if they have them, or the pets. I will always leave dog treats for those who have dogs (my last clients almost broke the bank on the dog treats though, Great Dane, you can't just leave them one).
I always leave them with some business cards and a pen. During the holidays, we send out magnetic calendars. Mark
I give gifts to office managers or property managers. If it's a day to day customer I don't give a gift. Just the people that have the potential to send me a lot of business.
Hmm lets see... Anyone that writes me a cheque gets to keep the pen! I tell them that and they like it. Magnet automatically goes on the fridge if its a magnetic fridge, I often will give them a spotter bottle if I have any in the van but its hard to keep it stocked up and finding the bottles to restock is a pain. Jobs that are over $300 get the "good" pen hehe. Otherwise they get the cheaper pen. Also, customers like it when you give them shoe covers (booties). Gifts to customers dont have to be expensive, they just have to be either useful (to men) or precious little treasures (to women) Gifts can also be oriented toward customer concerns. If the lady keeps going on about odors, give her a little bottle of deo, spots on the carpet? spotter! If she is looking for some sort of discount then give her a little coupon and a free pen, penny pinchers love free stuff.
Centers of influence - get gift with our thank you card. ALL associated with our commercial accounts get a gift (with our bi fold card). If they obsess over their pet, We try to get a pic of their pet (with them if possible) and send a card with THEIR pets picture on it along with a gift for the pet. All cards have our business card in them. I love getting the calls from them thanking us for the card (and gift). We have GREAT referral business!
