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It depends on if the referral came from an individual client who does business with us on that basis, or from an person who does business with us as a manager or employee of a client firm. For the first, I like to use restaurant gift cards -- something the person can enjoy with his or her family, sent with a personal thank you note.

The situation is trickier in the second case, because it could have the appearance of a "kickback." In those cases, I generally contact the individual first to see if his or her company policy even permits managers and employees to accept gifts from vendors/suppliers (most larger firms do not). If it's permitted, then I'll explain to the person that I'd like to show my appreciation for the referral, and ask if he/she would allow me to send a restaurant gift card as a thank you gesture. If so, I send it with a thank you note. I also contact the manager who "signs the check" or approves doing business with us (if it's someone different) to thank him/her for the referral and to offer a discount or free shipping or whatever is appropriate on the next purchase.

If the referring client's company policy doesn't allow me to offer anything tangible to the manager/employee who made the referral, I still send thank you notes and offer the discount.

When it is business related, I would want something of value in a business sense.

I would want a credit on account or something of value for the business and just a thank you note OR

If I referred someone to you and I am not a client also, I want cash or cash equivalent (visa cash card).

I would NOT want flowers or a certificate to a restaurant as I might not like the same restaurants you do.

As a matter of fact, if a business person sent me flowers for a referral I would think,
"what the heck is this???"

Kathy

Excellent DomainDiva, this is the way to go, gifts are more important than just money.

Like we said: "l'argent ne fait pas le bonheur" "money don't buy you happiness"

I concur with CEO space. When in a business environment, keep it business-like. Flowers may or may not
have connotations other than business--depending on the person and particular situation of course.

Starbucks and restaurant gift cards can be useful and appropriate, BUT you have to know the person--some
people don't like Starbucks, Chilis, Appleby's or whatever. Who wants a gift to a place they don't like?

The BEST referral thank you is to return the favor and refer someone to the referrer--now you've made a REAL friend and business partner. It should also be said that a sincere timely thank-you telehone call is always appropriate.

Here's another thank-you idea I've had success with. If you share a chamber of commerce or
leads group or some other organization membership with the referrer, a public thank you is usually very well received.

AMSPCS

Hi!

We always send a box of Godiva chocolate for referrals. Our clients are HAPPY to refer us!

thanks
www.sagarinfotech .com