As the holiday season gets into full swing, you’re likely starting to think about ways to show your appreciation for your client base if you haven’t already. Your clients are your lifeblood and you shouldn’t let the holidays go by without showing your thankfulness for them giving you an opportunity to represent them throughout the year.
Your gratitude goes a long way with clients, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be extravagant nor expensive which is why we put together our list of client appreciation ideas for the holidays.
Handwritten Holiday Greetings
Sometimes the simplest things go the furthest when it comes to showing your appreciation. We believe that every one of your clients, no matter how big or small, deserves a handwritten holiday greeting. It’s easy to create impersonal holiday mailers and many real estate agents will opt for this way to ring in the season’s greetings, but being personal counts for a great deal.
Instead of sending blanket holiday greetings, take the time to pen a handwritten and thoughtful note to your clients. Not only does this gesture showcase your thoughtfulness, but it gives you an opportunity to prove to clients on the fringe that you still remember them and are willing to go that extra step to show your gratitude. Remember, every client no matter how big or small will appreciate this gesture.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to add a little extra to your holiday greetings. Along with a personalized card or greeting, you can further personalize your efforts by gifting your clients a gift card to their favorite restaurant or shop. Naturally, this effort will require some more work on your part, but if you have a meaningful relationship with your client and feel comfortable giving a gift card, then by all means take the step!
Another added bonus to gift cards in our current COVID world is that it can take place of a more traditional lunch or dinner you may otherwise have offered to personal clients during the year. It’s sort of a placeholder for the future in the sense that, while you’d rather be with them in person, a gift card can take the place for now for a meeting or gathering in the future.
Food, Wine, and Edibles
Be aware, giving any sort of edible to a client is, in our opinion, a very personal gesture. On the surface, getting some freshly baked cookies, a bottle of wine, or even a catered lunch may sound like a great idea, unless you know your clients very well, it may end up backfiring on you. If you have the type of relationship that grants giving food, then by all means go for it! If not, be cautious.
If you’re unsure about your clients’ dietary needs or stance on alcohol, it’s probably best to steer clear of using food and wine as gifts for them. For the most part, the gesture alone will supersede any picky eaters or dietary restrictions but be aware that giving the wrong edible gift to the wrong client could end up costing you their business. Use edible gifts sparingly and only give them to your closest clients.
Give the Gift of Homeownership
While being an agent is always valued for someone looking to buy a home, do your best to close those holiday deals and give clients the thing they really want for the season: a warm new home. Do so by preparing yourself and your clients to get the financing they need through Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. In as little as 24 hours, your clients can be pre-qualified and on their way to closing on a new home for the holidays!
