As a builder, securing work with a new client is a big deal, and something worth celebrating – even when the monetary value of the job isn’t significant.
Why?
As the saying goes, it’s not about what you know, but who. Relationships – and your ability to form and maintain them – are the cornerstone of success in many industries, construction included, and a foot in the door can lead to extra work in the future.
It goes without saying that repeat clients are great for business – and far less expensive to acquire than new ones – but if you want to keep the repeat work rolling in, it’s important to give consideration to the handovers at the end of your projects.
Gifts can go a long way to create a memorable experience for your clients – you just have to consider a few key factors, and you’ll find them in the paragraphs below.
When to buy a gift for a building client
Thank them for their business
Let’s face it: when it comes to selecting a builder for a project, most customers are spoilt for choice. There’s no shortage of options out there – and when a client does choose you, it should be considered a major win. Getting that foot in the door is the hardest part, so after the job is complete (and you’ve nailed it), make sure the client knows how much you appreciated their business. They’ll appreciate the gesture, and be much more likely to think of you when similar jobs need doing in the future.
Thank them for a referral
Clients who appreciate your service enough to send other potential clients your way are golden for business – and if you get the jobs in question, you will have saved a (likely significant) amount of money on marketing. Referrals are a gift in themselves, so makes perfect sense to return the favour.
Wish them a happy birthday
Who doesn’t love a thoughtful birthday gift? This will be especially well-received if your client’s birthday happens to fall on one of the days you’re at their property working on their project, but it’s also a great excuse to stay in touch with past clients (and potentially turn them into repeat business).
What to gift
It’s a time-honoured question among acquaintances and distant relatives: what do you buy for that person on your list who isn’t a close friend or family member but still deserves a gift?
Making sure your handovers at the end of the project are delightful comes down to consideration – so before you rush out to the shops or order a generic gift card online, take a moment to think about your relationship with this client. Long-term projects give you plenty of opportunity to get to know the people behind the property, but if you’re unsure, it’s generally best to err on the side of useful.
When you’re gifting to a couple or a family, a simple gift basket of wine and cheese or kitchen staples – like the ones on offer at Cadeau and Bliss – is a fail-safe option. Alternatively, for that extra touch, consider including a few “get-to-know-you” questions in your induction package and base your selections on the answers. You’ll be their go-to builder in no time.
Generally speaking, the most successful builders are those who combine solid product knowledge and skill with effective relationship management – and the latter can increase your chances of success, even in a crowded market.
For more tips on building strong customer and client relationships and all the marketing help you need, click here to book a game plan call.
