Grow Your Business by Giving Thank You Gifts to Clients Who Send You Referrals
In the world of business, building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial for success. One effective way to show appreciation and foster positive connections is by acknowledging clients who refer new business to your company. While a simple thank-you note can go a long way, sending a thoughtful gift takes your appreciation to the next level. In this article, we'll explore the various benefits of sending gifts to clients who send you referrals, discuss how it can contribute to the growth and prosperity of your business, and share with you some of our best-selling business referral thank you gifts.
Should I Send Thank You Gifts to Clients Who Refer Business to Me?
Referrals from current clients are often the best source for new business. while this is true for any business, it is even more important for real estate companies, insurance companies, financial services companies, CPAs, and other service-focused industries. Surveys have shown that referrals are less expensive than other customer acquisition methods, are more loyal than other new customers, and are more likely to refer friends and family to your business.
Sending a thank you gift to a client who has referred business to you is a simple gesture that can deliver a big return to your business. While this is not meant to be an all-inclusive list, here are seven reasons you should be sending thank-you gifts to customers or clients who send referrals to you.
- Expressing Gratitude: When a client takes the time and effort to refer someone to your business, they are essentially vouching for your products or services. Sending a gift is a tangible way to express gratitude for their trust and loyalty. It shows that you value their support and that their efforts are genuinely appreciated.
- Strengthening Relationships: Sending a gift is not just a one-time transaction; it's a gesture that fosters a deeper connection between you and your clients. It helps in building a stronger bond, and creating a positive association with your brand. This, in turn, can lead to more enduring relationships that benefit both parties in the long run.
- Encouraging Repeat Referrals: By recognizing and rewarding clients who refer others to your business, you encourage them to continue promoting your products or services. The act of sending a gift serves as positive reinforcement, making clients more likely to refer additional contacts in the future.
- Enhancing Brand Image: Thoughtful gift-giving contributes to a positive brand image. When clients receive unexpected gifts, it leaves a lasting impression and sets your business apart from competitors. The extra effort in acknowledging referrals demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized service.
- Generating Positive Word-of-Mouth: Happy clients are more likely to share their positive experiences, both online and offline. When clients receive a gift for their referrals, they are likely to share this positive experience with their network. This can lead to increased word-of-mouth marketing, expanding your brand reach and attracting new clients.
- Differentiating Your Business: In today's competitive business landscape, standing out is essential. Sending gifts to clients who refer business to you is a unique strategy that differentiates your company from others. It showcases a commitment to building meaningful relationships rather than just focusing on transactions.
- Increased Client Retention: Acknowledging referrals with gifts not only attracts new clients but also reinforces the loyalty of existing ones. Clients who feel appreciated and valued are more likely to remain loyal to your brand, reducing churn and contributing to long-term business success.
How Much Should I Spend on Referral Thank You Gifts?
We get this question a lot from our clients. The short answer is it depends. You have heard the adage that "It's the Thought That Counts" when it comes to gifting. We think that is true. Most customers don't refer friends or family because they think they are going to get something in return. They refer business because they trust you and have found value in your services or products. A thank-you gift in any price range is a great way to say thank you for that trust. Deciding to gift is the "thought" that counts. That being said, you should consider the value of the referral when deciding on how much you should spend. Sending a $25 Starbucks gift card might be perfect for someone who referred a friend to your pest control business. However, for that referral that ends up buying a luxury home, moves their business insurance to your agency, or moves their retirement account to your financial services firm $25 might not be enough.
It's not a firm rule, but we suggest your referral thank-you gift be roughly equal to 1% of the revenue you will generate from that referral in year one. For example, if a real estate referral ends up purchasing a home valued at $750,000 and your commission is 3%, a thank-you gift in the $200+ range would be appropriate.
In addition to saying thank you, your goal should be to encourage more referrals from that client. Sending an appropriate-valued gift that makes a lasting impression is one way to do that.
Which Businesses Should Send Referral Gifts?
Sending a thank you gift to a client who has referred business to you is never a bad idea for any business. We work with companies across almost all industries to send impactful gifts in a wide range of budgets.
Referrals are the lifeblood of many industries including:
- Realtors and Real Estate Agents
- Insurance
- Financial Services & Investment Services
- SaaS
- Property Management
- Construction
- Banking
- Title Services
- Loan & Mortgage Services
- Law Firms & Legal Services
- CPAs & Accounting Firms
- Automotive Sales
What Type of Gifts Should I Give for Client Referrals
As is true with any gift, a gift tailored to the recipient's interests, hobbies, or tastes is always best. That applies to referral gifts as well. For example, if you know your referring client is an oenophile, a bottle of fine wine or personalized wine glasses would be a great gift. For the golf fanatic, a dozen PRO V1s would be appreciated. However, if you are not sure what types of items your client would like, stay away from items like alcohol, specific hobbies, etc. In that case, you might want to choose something more neutral like gourmet food or snacks, neutral gifts for the home, etc. A curated gift basket, box, or crate is a great choice because there will be a variety of items included which makes it more likely there is something they will like and they are also very easy to share with family and friends.
We are often asked if it is okay to send gift certificates. Generally, we discourage gift certificates because they can seem impersonal and give the impression that not a lot of time or effort was put into the gift. If you really like the gift certificate idea, pair it with a physical gift as well. For example, instead of just giving a gift card to Home Depot, attach it to a nice measuring tape with a fun message like "No one measures up to you!"
Client Referral Thank You Gifts You'll Be Proud to Send
Shadow Breeze makes it easy to send referral thank-you gifts to clients or customers. With free same-day personalization and shipping, your gifts will be delivered fast. We have gifts to fit most budgets and when you speak to one of our corporate gifting experts we can work with you to set up a free gifting portal for your company and include your branding on your thank you gifts.
Custom Referral Thank You Gifts Under $50
Are you looking for an impactful thank you gift under $50? We have you covered. All of these gifts can be personalized and shipped the same day you place your order when you order by 2:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
"Tea-licious" Herbal Tea Thank You Gift Box
This herbal tea thank you gift box includes a white and tan ceramic mug, plush cozy socks, four flavors of herbal tea, and honey sticks, all packed up in a premium white gift box with a white ribbon and your personalized card. The perfect gift for your tea-loving clients.
Price: $47.99
"Home Accent" Personalized Tumbled Marble Coasters
These genuine marble coasters are personalized with a large initial, a last name, and a quote or saying. Each coaster is backed with cork to protect furniture. These are sure to be a hit with even your most discerning clients.
Price: $34.99
"Going for Gold" Relaxation Gift Box
Give the gift of relaxation with this best-selling gift box. This gift features a back and tan ceramic mug, Oolong tea, plush cozy socks, a 24K gold face mask, a fizzy bath bomb, and a citrus-scented candle.
Price: $49.99
Personalized Slate Trays
Available in both round and square options, these personalized slate trays make a great gift for a new homeowner or for a client who likes to entertain. Choose from several different personalization options including the large initial with the last name, four lines of custom text, or even our personalized "State Pride" slate trays.
Price $34.99
"Splish Splash "Bath Gift Set
This beautiful bath set includes everything needed for a relaxing night in the tub. It features a double-walled insulated tumbler with a lid, a rose-shaped loofah, Love Bath soak, a rose petal bath bomb, three rose gold votive candle holders, and three flameless candles.
$47.99
Double Walled Stainless Steel Personalized Wine Chiller
This personalized wine chiller will keep wine chilled and ready to serve for up to 4 hours. No ice is needed, just keep the chiller in your freezer until you are ready to put your wine out.
Price $39.99
Personalized Wine Glasses
Available in multiple sizes and styles (including stemless) these personalized wine glasses are a great inexpensive way to thank clients and customers for their referrals.
Price from $16.99
"You Make Me Blush" Beauty Gift Box
This beauty-themed thank-you gift box features "You're Wonderful" pop-up cards, a pearl facemask, champagne gummy bears, a bath bomb, and a rose gold hair scrunchie.
Price $48.99
Personalized Leather Valet Tray
A great personalized referral thank you gift and the best way to keep track of keys, remotes, phones, etc. These leather valet trays can be engraved with names, text, custom images, etc. As a bonus, they can lay flat when not in use.
Price $29.90
"Live-Love-Lavender" Gift Box
This relaxing lavender gift box features a French lavender bath bomb, lavender + orange gourmet soap, a ceramide firming face mask, and a small faux lavender plant in a white pot. The perfect accessory for any bathroom.
Price $46.99
Custom Referral Thank You Gifts Under $100
Are you looking to make an impact with a thoughtful referral thank-you gift for less than $100? You are in the right place. These gifts feature a free personalized card, your choice of packaging options, free personalization, and when your order totals $75 or more, free shipping.
"A Big Thank You" Gift Box
This stylish thank-you gift includes a "Big Idea" sketchbook, a three-pack of felt-tipped pens, "Thanks" pop-up cards, a thank-you soy candle, and a chocolate bar. The perfect way to say thank you.
Price $87.99
"My Inner Tranquili-TEA" Tea Gift Set
A tea-lover's dream, this set features a personalized insulated travel mug, a tempered teapot, a glass tea mug, three flavors of tea, honey straws, tea candy, and a tea bag squeezer. One of our top sellers for three years running.
Price $94.99
"A Tasty Thank You" Gift Box
A tasty way to say thank you, this gift includes a "Thank You" hardcover book with quotes on gratitude from famous people throughout history, Chicago mix popcorn, salted pretzels, shortbread cookies, and a scented thank-you candle.
Price $79.99
"My Afternoon Blues" Reflection-themed Gift
This cute afternoon tea & reflection gift features a blue mosaic ceramic mug, Earl Grey tea, a gold tea scoop with a built-in bag clip, chocolate chip cookies, a notebook, and a gold pen.
Price $74.99
"Dream Big" Curated Gift Box
Help your client's dreams come true with the dream-themed thank-you gift. It features a "Dream Big and Dare to Fail" notebook, a three-pack of pens, "Dream" pop-up cards, and salted caramel chocolate-covered pretzels.
Price $52.99
"Love Snack, Baby Love Snack" Gourmet Snack Gift Crate
Starting just under $100, this gourmet sweet and salty gift crate features crackers, dips, cheese, salami, flavored popcorn, nuts, and much more. With more than enough to share, this is the perfect gift for the whole family.
Price Starts at $99.99
"You're Golden" Thank-You Gift Box
This classy thank-you gift features a Sugarfina "Thank You" bento-style box with three delicious treats inside, caramel popcorn, "Thanks" pop-up cards, a citrus-scented candle in a gold tin, and a gold pen.
Price $96.99
Cheers to You Client Thank You Gift
One of our best selling thank you gifts, this elegant custom wine glasses and coasters gift set includes your choice of two glasses and coasters or four glasses or coasters. All are personalized with custom names and text.
Price Starting at $69.99
Mindfulness Gift Box
This self-care gift box features a "Note to Self" notebook, a gold pen, a citrus candle in a gold tin, a gold candle snuffer, a pearl facemask and "You're Wonderful" pop-up cards.
Price $84.99
Too Gouda to Be True Gift Crate
Your cheese loving clients will love this savory snack gift crate. It features a a mini wooden cheese board, a cheese spreader, multiple cheese spreads, salamis, crackers, dips, cheddar popcorn and much more.
Price Starts at $89.99
There's Trouble Brewing Coffee Gift Box
Surprise your coffee loving clients with this artisan coffee gift box. It features two flavors of artisan coffee, a 4-pack of sugar free coffee syrups, a black and tan ceramic mug, and large stroopwafels.
Price $89.99
Break Time Gift Box
That afternoon break never looked so good. This fun curated gift features a notebook, a 3-pack of pens, Voss Sparkling Water, skin healing balm, mints and a polka dot eyeshade and matching hair scrunchie.
Price $74.99
Purr-fect Spa Gift Basket
This creative spa gift features a Voss Sparkling Water, a sea salt + citrus scented candle, almond body lotion, a gold glitter bath bomb, salted caramel chocolate-covered pretzels and a leopard eye mask with matching hair scrunchie.
Price $89.99
Oil I Need Gift Box
This Italian-themed gift box features a bottle of infused olive oil, a bottle of balsamic vinegar, dipping herbs, red pepper bruschetta, take and bake baguettes and a wooden dipping bowl. A delicious treat made to share.
Price $84.99
A Toast To You Curated Gift Box
A great way to say thank you, this set features TÖST or TÖST Rose sparkling non-alcoholic refresher, two rose gold or gold metal and glass champagne flutes, champagne gummy bears and two celebration blowers.
Price $79.99
Client Thank You Gifts Over $100
When you really want to make an impression, our collection of referral thank you gifts priced over $100 will do just that. Each gift is expertly curated and thoughtfully designed to impress even your most discerning clients.
Best Sweet in the House Gourmet Sweets Gift
Packed with sweets from around the world, this gourmet sweets gift crate includes cookies, wafers, popcorn, candy, caramels and much more. Available in three sizes, this gift is designed to fit any budget.
Price $129.99 for Large Size
Spa Day Gift Basket
The ultimate spa day gift basket, this set includes Warmies slippers, a personalized tumbler, an essential oil diffuser, recovery bath salts, body lotion, a scented candle, premium soap, essential oil, and more.
Price $169.99
You Put the Cute in Charcuterie Gift Set
This impressive charcuterie gift features a teak charcuterie board, charcuterie spreaders, wooden bowls, and a variety of crackers, dips, cheese and other snacks. Perfect for the client who loves to host.
Price $199.99
Losing Touch with Reali-tea Premium Tea Gift Set
This artisan tea gift set includes two flavors of premium tea, an infuser tea pot, a double walled tea mug, an electric tea mug warmer, honey, cookies, and a honey dipper.
Price $149.99
A Little Old Fashioned Whiskey Crate
For the whiskey lover, this gift crate features a whiskey set with two twisted glasses, eight whiskey stones, slate coaster, tons and whiskey recipes, along with orange peel & bitters mix and dehydrated orange cocktail garnish.
Price $139.99
Make Pour Decisions Wine Gift Set
This premium wine set includes a glass wine decanter, four double-walled wine glasses, a premium wine bottle stopper, and an electric wine bottle opener.
Price $169.99
Heart of the Home Gift Box for New Home Owners
This beautiful curated gift basket for the kitchen includes wooden salt and pepper grinders, wooden spice bowls, a teak serving spoon, an electric candle warmer with wax melts, a sea salt + citrus candle, a kitchen hand towel, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Price $189.99
Buon Appettito Italian Gift Box
This personalized Italian-themed gift features a teak serving board, two personalized stemless wine glasses, four bottles of flavored olive oil, four bottles of infused balsamic vinegar, Italian toasts and cheese crisps.
Price $149.99
You Look SPAtacular Artisan Spa Gift Set
This artisan spa gift crate includes almond body lotion, recovery bath salts, body butter, pink clay facemask, almond honey oatmeal soap, a 3-pack of Egyptian loofahs, skin healing balm, and almond lip balm.
Price $139.99
Summary
Hopefully by now you agree on the significance of building and maintaining strong relationships in the business world, particularly through the expression of appreciation for clients who refer new business. While a simple thank-you note is okay at times, the added impact of sending thoughtful gifts as a way to foster positive connections. Thoughtful gifting contributes to business growth and prosperity, enhancing brand image, encouraging repeat referrals, and differentiating a business in a competitive landscape.
Looking for custom thank you gifts or a free gifting portal to facilitate your organization's gifting? Shadow Breeze is the leader in custom curated corporate gifting and help with all of your gifting needs.
Stay ahead in the gift-giving game by checking out our recent blogs:
International Women's Day Gifts: Thoughtful Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life
Best Gifts for A Digital Detox on National Day of Unplugging