Holiday Gifts For Customers

JonM

I have a few customers that I consider exemplary. Each year during the holidays I send each a small token of my appreciation. These people feed me a good portion of my work each year. In the past I have sent out baskets of fruit, desk sets and Mrs Fields cookie boxes...

I'm wondering if anyone else here practice this and if you have any original ideas for this year...

Notice this is listed under Marketing and sales...because that is exactly what it is...

Thanks

POOLMANinCT

hoilday gifts for customers? nope, I do not. the "core" gets a card but that's it.

one the other side of the customer gift coin, if they owe $$$$ my crew and I usually go over their house & unwrap the gifts I bought.

subs are another story I like to get them something last year it was leathermans. (biz to biz marketing)

ray

__________________
......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

JumboJack

__________________
in texas with framing and cornish people will do it for 3.00 a foot. What do yall think about that? Just laber

sendres

I hadn't planned on it, but might consider it for a few subs. After all, there's nothing like fruit cake to show how much you care.

JonM

You may want to consider it for those special customers...I have a few that won't even think about calling anyone else during the year...they call, tell me what they want, I do it, and send them a bill...no questions asked. I wish they were all like that...

mbenike

Our company usually does small "gifts" at least twice a year. For example, this Halloween we brought small bags filled with assorted candy to some of our customers and they really appreciated them. Sometimes it is just the simple fact that you thought of thanking your customer that puts you in their positive graces. The little things can really add to a positive reputation and repeat business.

Even better than Halloween, is the real holidays. We deliver fresh baked bread to our best customers. We hand deliver it while it is still warm with butter, jam, and peanut butter. It is a unique gift with a personal touch. And they definitely remember who dropped it off because they are anxiously awaiting the next years delivery!

Amber

I always do Harry and David treat towers. My boyfriend is a sales rep. for a large company so I handle his best customers in the same fashion. I have to say that I like the baked bread idea.

JonM

mbenike...in Minnesota I would be afraid the delivery guys would end up wearing the loafs of warm bread for mittens.

KillerToiletSpider

The eight GC's that we do work for all the time, and have for years, always get something, last year it was pocket watches for the owners, and personalized pens for the project managers.

We have had homeowners buy stuff for us, last year I had three guys on a four story home remodel, along with carpenters, tinners, electricians, etc., and the homeowner arranged to have their caterer come in two days before Christmas and cook everyone lunch, and invited everyone from each shop to attend, I thought it was a nice gesture.

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

BACKWOODS

I stop by Sam's and buy fresh muffins on the way to my "good customer" jobs on a regular basis. $6 goes a long way. A nice goodie basket to pick through while they sit in their updated den or kitchen adds a touch most others will not do. If you can get the word out through your customers about your great work and "extras" you will pay yourself back many times.

L. B. Condulet

JonM

....High Roller...Just don't let the folks from Napa Valley hear about this...

UnitedMA

I think gift baskets are a great idea for customers that year after year are bringing in referrals. Some of the sales guys do gift baskets on their own and cards througout the year, not just holidays. I'm sure they are receiving a ton of holiday cards anyone, so it might be nice to send something at another time of the year. (birthday, spring...)

We Fix Houses

I sent out a 2 pk of flashlights batteries included, 1 lantern style and one regular style to several customers with a holiday card. Including box and postage about $15 ea. The customers loved them.

As said above its good to send out something at various times of the year. I'm thinking of sending out a $10 - $15 gift card to Lowe's or HD with a card saying "thanks for being a great customer". The flashlights went over so well I'm thinking of giving them away on a cold call or customers or near customers. Avail for under $5 at meritline.com I'll get some good quality stickers from Nebs to put on them.

UnitedMA

In this day and age using email is so convenient, but I think some of the personal touch has been lost. I know when I send a quick handwritten card by snail-mail it goes a long way. I recently had a customer pass on a handwritten thank you card that I had sent them to their neighbor. That neighbor called us and it turned into a 40k project!

There is a company that is sort of a middle ground between email and snail mail. You can upload your handwriting to the internet and then design a card with whatever you want it to say. The company then mails it directly to the person. It's really easy to use. We use this service a whole lot, with a lot of success and referrals.

www.unitedhomeexperts.com/roofing/

plumbingdr

I worked for a company that did calendars. clients loved the uniqueness. we loved the year-round exposure.

handwritten cards are always a good way to go if money is tight. that personal touch can be rare these days...

Carport King

Now, he did say this was his very best clients. Right?

Go for Omaha Steaks for a lasting impression! I mean you can spend $35 to $150 for a lead so why not.

We have done it and they talk about it all year. We have 25 clients we do this with.