Know-How Exchange : Other

I wouldn't give wine. Some people don't drink, and some who do drink don't drink wine. I would send something more universally accepted. Perhaps gourmet chocolates, one of those fruit baskets, or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant.

a restaurant is pretty safe, thanks!

That's not bad - odds are if they don't drink coffee they can get something else there (starbucks). Thanks

This is a little bit off topic but I think worth mentioning.

If you get a lot of referral business from past customers, whether they were or weren't aware of any incentives for providing you with such, that says a lot about the level of satisfaction your existing customers have with your company. Basically they find value in your offering and they trust you.

While it is always a nice touch to provide your clients with a "thank you for referring me" gift, keep in mind that most people will not refer their friends or family to any business they truly don't trust, no matter what the gift.

My point is this. I don't know whether you do or not, but I would not "advertise" the fact that you reward customers for providing you with a referral. Sending a small gift, or making a thank you phone call, if they don't expect it is a great way to create customer loyalty and stay on their mind. More importantly, take that level of current customer satisfaction and see if there are any ways to cross promote your other business offerings. People that already trust you are likely to do business with you again, if you give them a reason to.

Let me know what you think.

Great feedback - thanks! My graphic artist works in a winery on weekends so I asked her opinion on the subject. Her response was "everyone drinks wine, if they don't they should".

I can't argue with that logic! So I just sent a two bottle set from the winery she works in. But I think I might go with a Starbucks card next time.