WAHM Forums

Question for you ladies. A long time ago there was a discussion on here about certain types of products lent themselves to be partnered with realtor. The realto could purchase products from the consultant to create a house warming gift/basket for new home buyers. I see the obvious incentive to the consultant, but what would be the benefit, or selling point to the realtor? Why would the realtor want to do this?


Any suggestions or ideas?

I was in real estate sales for a while and the competition is fierce. What sets one realtor above another is customer service. If someone buys a $400,000 home from me and I get a nice fat commission check, do you think they would think of me when they go to sell if I didn't treat them like royalty? A beautiful house warming gift is a great way tohelp them remember you.

My husband and I have purchased and sold several homes and nothing irritates us more then never hearing from the realtor once the checks have been cut. We had one realtor who was really nice and gave us a lovely gift as well as a Xmas Music CD at Xmas time. When we sold our home, guess who we called.

After I left real estate and was doing Southern Living at Home, I partnered with a few realtors for gifts giving. Their favorite gift to give was a Southern Living Cookbook on the Iron Ccokbook stand. They could sign the inside cover with a nicewelcoming message and signwith their name and business phone number. That way, the customer always had their information! So much better than a refridgerator magnet!

Anyway, that's my 2 cents on the subject!

I agree with bdacksmom,

I partner with a Coldweel Banker firm here. I have 3 different basket options that they purchase in bulk. One is for someone who purchased a country home (apple pie scent), one that is neutral (usually cinnavanilla) and one that is coffee scented. I also have a 4th option that can be bought in smaller bulk that has our baby line so if they are expecting. But this must be used with caution for obvious reasons.

So when approaching realtors with my idea, should I have basket options put together, or leave the catalog open for them to choose from?

Soy Candles, what is the price point of your basket options?

I am a realtor and I do agree that realtors need to give some gift to their buyers. I love the Southern Living Products.

When I was doing it I put together a presentation book and usually brought a cookbook and stand so they could see the quality. My prsentation book was my selections that I had taken pictures of with price points AND my entire catalog taken apart and put into a presentation folder with the attached page protectors(you can get these at Office Depot. I had other selections to choose frombesides the cookbook/stand combolike wine holders, candle hurricanes or sconceesand something as simple as an iron trivet or coasters. It all depends on what the realtor wants to spend. I would give discounts for multiples.

This is something that I've been wanting to try but haven't gotten myself organized yet. Do you actually do a presentation during their regular meetings, or do you just drop in and leave the information?

Thanks!

I am thinking about doing this, but doing it in conjunction with a couple of other companies, I will get hostess benefits, and sales for my product, the other consultants get some sales, I was thinking about expanding this for this holiday season for Dr's Offices as well as Large Firms that give gifts to clients and employees.

I have many realtors purchase Uppercase Living products from me. They love the fact that they can "personalize" their gifts.They can put a family name on a charger orget vinyl monograms and put them on tile coasters. Or there's a cute "This Home Established ___" sign that they can get. Because the product is not consumable, they can put their business card on the bottom or back of the gift.
I have found realtors LOVE Uppercase Living!

Kristie,

The price point of my baskets is about $35. What I recommend it to make an appointment with the principal broker if possible as they have the most control. I come in with a short presentation and maybe 8 options printed onto a few pieces of photo paper. I also bring my top 3 for them to look at. I would also suggest you do a low, middle and high price point. Maybe $20, $35, $50+

I have done this also and am going to try and get into it again once i get moved.

There is a couple things I did. One they would use one of our candles that smells like pumpkin pie baking during ther open houses. Giving it that feeling of home having that smell in the air.

Also gifts like others have said. Some have done one thing they always use, other's purchase more than on thing. The benefit I offered to my Realtors was it was like a "party" for them. So they would get the host credit, then they would be there own booking as they would purchase every six months or so. Edited by: JessesGirl

So first thing you do is send a letter, asking if they want to purchase from you?
We have letters for Realtors in our yahoo group.
But, this is the first step, then you call different realtors in your town where you sent the letter and ask if they'd be intetested?
I would really like to do this.

I wouldn't bother with the letter first. I would first call each office and find out who the primary is, same with mortgage brokers, then ask to speak with each of them. Have script in front of you and offer to set a time to meet with them to take a look at what you have to offer. You can then send a letter reminding them of your appointment time and giving them some ideas to think about. This saves you time, paper and stamps. Some offices, just are not going to be interested.