Posted by Salvador Avalos on 3/31/06 6:37pm
Msg #110161

Sending Thank You Cards

I have done a few signing with a mortgage company. I was thinking of sending a thank you card with a gift card to Star Bucks to the person who gives me business. I was just wondering if this is out of line. I don't want to seem like I am kissing up, but I do think it is good PR.

Thanks

Reply by Drakester_IA on 3/31/06 6:40pm
Msg #110162

In my opinion if you do a lot of business with this person and are friends on the phone then go for
if it is just business on the phone then think twice
hope that helps and good luck

Reply by PJM/MI on 4/1/06 7:49am
Msg #110207

As a word of caution on the "gifts".... be VERY careful with this. One of the largest title companies in my state has taken 2 notaries off the call list because of these "gifts". They look at the "Gifts" as a kick back, and that is a BIG no-no.
I send out Christmas cards and a calendar to my favorite companies.
If you are good at your job, you'll get calls.

Reply by Drakester_IA on 3/31/06 6:40pm
Msg #110163

In my opinion if you do a lot of business with this person and are friends on the phone then go for
if it is just business on the phone then think twice
hope that helps and good luck

Reply by LauraV on 3/31/06 7:28pm
Msg #110168

Are you getting signings from multiple people at the company or from just one person?
Is the company local or distant?

If one person (whether local or distant) a Starbucks card is a good idea.

If multiple people, give a gift they can share.
*If local, take them a batch of fresh-baked bagels (morning) or brownies (afternoon).
*If distant, send something they can share, like a box of chocolates.

My personal favorite for local TCs: take warm brownies at 3:30pm when Resistance is Futile.

Reply by Joshua Basil on 3/31/06 8:25pm
Msg #110175

Well we get gifts all the time, from our reps and It seems like a great marking idea, make sure to include lots of your business cards. We get all sorts of things from brownies, to pizza.
We have even has some of our reps send us things like pens or pads of paper with there business info on them. This is a great way to get your name passed around the office.

I even had one notary whom I would send all my work to, and if I sent her over $1000 in a month then she would send me a gift card for different restaurants. I though it was a great incentive to get me to always call her first, and if you think about it, spending $50 to get $1000 worth of work is a good investment and you can Wright it off as a business expense.

I would however check before you do anything for though our office allows this another may not.

this is just my opinion take it as you will.

Reply by Jahari Davis on 3/31/06 10:08pm
Msg #110187

Great, now we're becoming lobbyists!!! LOL! j/k

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 3/31/06 10:26pm
Msg #110191

A little targeted "kissing up" never hurt anyone.

Reply by Les_CO on 3/31/06 11:00pm
Msg #110193

It sort of works both ways. Title calls you 'cause you do a good job, and you always take the assignment, no matter what. They get paid little for what they do, you get paid less. However a little show of 'appreciation' is always welcome, in whatever form it takes. You guys do what you want, (please be discrete) but the schedulers that call me, know I appreciate their trust.

Reply by Lisa Prestegard on 3/31/06 11:45pm
Msg #110194

I sent my favorite Title Co. pizza for EOM lunch today...

because they send me over 1/2 my business each month. Without them, I'd be doing work for NotaryPro and the like just to stay afloat during slow times. So IMHO, a month-end pizza luncheon or a similar treat for someone who's good to me month after month is a great investment. And believe me, after a month like this one, I know they appreciated the treat.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 4/1/06 12:01am
Msg #110196

Re: I sent my favorite Title Co. pizza for EOM lunch today..

Lisa, good for you! That's one of those food gifts that are so appreciated, the thoughtful ones...not the gratuitous ones, with the token card stuck to the box.

Save the Krispy Kremes...when the TC is stuck inside at EOM, you are right, not only is it appreciated, but it is remembered. If you didn't get a "thanks", consider it given here.

Reply by FlaMac on 4/1/06 7:56am
Msg #110208

It's a great idea and very worthwhile...

You also might consider sending a Thank You card to the Borrower. It is a great way to build referral's if they have family or friends who are going to refinance soon. As well as letting them know that you are available to notarize other docs for them ie. Will, Trust, POA, consent forms, etc.

Reply by MichiganAl on 4/1/06 12:12pm
Msg #110254

Just approach it with caution. Don't go over the top with a gift. A $5 or $10 gift card says thank you. A $50 card smells of bribery. A little thank you is always nice, even if they know you're kissing up just a smidgeon.