[Chris G]

So, anyone give gifts to clients? I used to have a big commercial client that got a huge basket of chocolate and stuff, but now I'm thinking a nice gift of some sort to my residential clients would be a good idea. Lee Valley sent me their gift catalogue which has some cool stuff in it. I could brand something, but that seems a little tacky.

I'm thinking around the $15-20 dollar range for the couple dozen clients I did work for this year.

Or should I just send out cards?

 

[overanalyze]

So, anyone give gifts to clients? I used to have a big commercial client that got a huge basket of chocolate and stuff, but now I'm thinking a nice gift of some sort to my residential clients would be a good idea. Lee Valley sent me their gift catalogue which has some cool stuff in it. I could brand something, but that seems a little tacky.

I'm thinking around the $15-20 dollar range for the couple dozen clients I did work for this year.

Or should I just send out cards?

We send out cards to all our clients for the year thanking them for a great year. Our higher dollar projects will get a nice wine basket. Usually spend about $40-50 on each basket. Also on our big remodels or new homes they relieve a House warming gift at the end of the project.

 

[I Mester]

we send out holiday cards, and calendar booklets and pens. just a small thank you. you would be surprised how many calls we get from people thanking us to remind them to call us for some needed work.

 

[Subia29]

Nice black coffee mug with company logo and number. Fill it up with candy or chocolates.

"Thank you for business " Happy Holiday cards.

 

[HARRY304E]

So, anyone give gifts to clients? I used to have a big commercial client that got a huge basket of chocolate and stuff, but now I'm thinking a nice gift of some sort to my residential clients would be a good idea. Lee Valley sent me their gift catalogue which has some cool stuff in it. I could brand something, but that seems a little tacky.

I'm thinking around the $15-20 dollar range for the couple dozen clients I did work for this year.

Or should I just send out cards?

People like stuff like that so even if it is cheap it will help.:thumbsup:

 

[svronthmve]

We make homemade cookies & candy.

My wife & daughters are AWESOME bakers. This is not run of the mill stuff!

We usually do about 125 platters each year & then my 2 littlest girls hand deliver them (with mom, of course). They also go to my good suppliers too.

People comment about them all year long. We get lots of thank you cards & phone calls afterwards. My customers love it because it's not storebought stuff. They know it's something WE took the time to make for them.

I usually design a special Christmas card to attach to it - no advertising allowed! - just our names.

It's one of the most positively commented on things we do. Lots of work, but the dividends really pay off all year long, because people know that in order to be on the "cookie list", they have to call me every year!

 

[We Fix Houses]

I've given flashlights, tape measure's and cfl's a while back.

The most appreciative comments from my customers were when I solely sent Honor Cards from our cities primary interfaith charity starting a few years ago. There are so many people in need !

I purchase the cards from them and send them out. They keep no record of the customer.

I believe most communities have similar programs. Maybe give it a try this year.

http://www.williammangum.com/the-honor-card/

 

[Chris G]

Awesome suggestions. Just so has it I'm doing a job for someone who bakes cookies for Christmas gifts. She was saying how happy she was to have her porch done before her cookie biz gets real busy.....blah, blah....

Right in one ear and out the other.

And then I post here asking for suggestions for gifts. And someone mentions cookies. And then it hits me. I'm not that smart.

Cookies are my destiny.

 

[Eaglei]

Everyone remembers good cookies . :jester:

 

[480sparky]

I don't do Christmas gifts. I do end-of-the-job gifts. Usually a nice sewn US flag kit.

 

[claraclownie]

We put together elaborate fruit and cheese baskets. I call ahead and hand deliver to our client's. It gives me an opportunity to sit down and chat a bit. Last year, we got a $100K kitchen from a basket. Wine is tricky unless you know they drink.

If they have daughters, I email them about ordering their girl scout cookies. We have gotten a few referrals from those boxes of cookies. I go over to their houses to pick up.

My husband is on site, so he doesn't go with me to deliver.

 

[cabinetsnj]

So, anyone give gifts to clients? I used to have a big commercial client that got a huge basket of chocolate and stuff, but now I'm thinking a nice gift of some sort to my residential clients would be a good idea. Lee Valley sent me their gift catalogue which has some cool stuff in it. I could brand something, but that seems a little tacky.

I'm thinking around the $15-20 dollar range for the couple dozen clients I did work for this year.

Or should I just send out cards?

I think Thank you cards are a more affordable option and shows the customers that you care about thier business. Then again, depending on how big your customer is, you can always compliment that with a gift of some sort.

 

[VinylHanger]

If I'm not starving this Winter I will probably do beer for my best customers. Being in Oregon, beer is on the top of every conversation. If they don't drink beer then a dinner gift card or something along those lines.

If I'm starving, then probably just a thank-you card.

 

[Oconomowoc]

If I'm not starving this Winter I will probably do beer for my best customers. Being in Oregon, beer is on the top of every conversation. If they don't drink beer then a dinner gift card or something along those lines.

If I'm starving, then probably just a thank-you card.

If your starving don't send a card, send a invoice.

 

[svronthmve]

If your starving don't send a card, send a invoice.

:laughing:

 

[VinylHanger]

If your starving don't send a card, send a invoice.

:laughing:

 

[Calidecks]

We make homemade cookies & candy.

My wife & daughters are AWESOME bakers. This is not run of the mill stuff!

We usually do about 125 platters each year & then my 2 littlest girls hand deliver them (with mom, of course). They also go to my good suppliers too.

People comment about them all year long. We get lots of thank you cards & phone calls afterwards. My customers love it because it's not storebought stuff. They know it's something WE took the time to make for them.

I usually design a special Christmas card to attach to it - no advertising allowed! - just our names.

It's one of the most positively commented on things we do. Lots of work, but the dividends really pay off all year long, because people know that in order to be on the "cookie list", they have to call me every year!

Damn you just made me want some cookies and milk, sounds like you have it going on at your house. I can't complain to much myself, my wife is a great baker also.

 

[svronthmve]

Damn you just made me want some cookies and milk, sounds like you have it going on at your house. I can't complain to much myself, my wife is a great baker also.

It's goin' on all right!

Plans already geared up for next month!

Unfortunately, I have to wait until most everything is delivered until I get mine....Mmmmmmmmm!

 

[Bunited2]

Damn you just made me want some cookies and milk, sounds like you have it going on at your house. I can't complain to much myself, my wife is a great baker also.

I am a 'Master Baker' myself....should see me in my apron.

I used to buy up the tins of almond rocha when they'd go on
sale for like $ 4.99, to give to customers it was cheap but at
least it was something. I didn't need to get any 'brown nosing'
points, just did it because I'm a hell of a nice guy!....if you
don't believe me, just ask me.