I know this topic may sound familiar, especially given my recent Buyer Closing Gift post, but I value your thoughts and opinions very much…so please let me know your preferences on this.

As most of you know, real estate agents love, love, love referrals.  It is these referrals which help us grow our business.  And so several years ago, I started a client referral program.  When a client, friend or associate refers a buyer or seller to me, and the buyer buys or the seller sells, I give a gift to that client, friend or associate as a way of thanking him or her… And the gift that I usually give is a Winston’s flower arrangement that I pick specially for that client, friend or associate.

But here’s the question, and it is similar to the one posed about the buyer closing gift…. Which is more appealing to you – a hand-picked gift or a VISA gift card/gift certificate to a restaurant, store or spa (though the spa option may not appeal to the male spouse?)?  I grew up in a time when gift certificates were considered a “cop out” – at least I think that’s how my Mom worded it.  A hand-picked gift was so much more personal and heartfelt.  But now I’m thinking that things have changed and that people seem to prefer receiving gift cards to have the freedom and flexibility to choose what they want when they want.

Is this true?  What are your thoughts?  I can’t wait to hear….  Oh, and did I mention that real estate agents love referrals?!?!