New Referrals from existing customers

[MOW ED]

I have a lady that I mow for that has actually really helped me put more cash in my pocket by referring me to others she knows.
Her lawn really is the nicest lawn that I do as far as looks go. She has referred me for vacation mows, fertilizing and also weekly mows. She doesn't seem to want anything in return. Of course I thanked her after every referral but I am not sure if I should do more. I was thinking of a gift certificate to a restaurant or a fruit basket as she just talked me up to 2 more people on her block resulting in a new fert job and a new weekly mowing and fert account worth about a grand.

Do you folks give anything for very good referrals? Let me know.

 

[mowerman90]

I get real creative and print up coupons that I call "Mow Money" in different denominations. I give these out as my way of saying thanks to referring customers. The coupons may be used for any service I provide or simply used as money to help pay the customers monthly statements. Often times these coupons have been the incentive for the customer to have me provide an added service that I don't normally provide them, adding to my profit.

 

[bob]

Send her something nice at Christmas.

 

[cos]

My sister used to get from her boss, tickets to a movie of her choice. They are very cheap, and very thoughtful.

 

[stick9]

Hey MOW Ed,

I believe that the thank you which you already provided was enough. It doesn't sound like she wants anything else.

SticK-NinE

 

[jrblawncare]

I like BOB's idea,something at X-mass ...Poinsetta?Also like the Mow Money idea.Ed, I need more clients that!

 

[The Lawn Genie]

I do something kinda like the mow money deal... I send all of my new customers a letter telling them about my "refferal incentive program." For every new customer they send me, I send them a coupon for $20 off their next service. It has worked pretty well.

It seems like the coupon would be worth more to people with lower income, but I've noticed that it's all of the really rich folks who just love the coupons. That's fine with me!

 

[BUSHMASTER]

I send out christmas cards to all cutomers that a have on file where thier once a year bush jibs or weekly service and regular customers get referal cards that i print on ms publisher and they hand it to their friends or what ever if their friends sing a year contract or a respective amount of work i'll deduct $25. off their bill for each new account
works real well.

 

[KirbysLawn]

I have a customer who is the first to pay each month and has refered me to several people. This spring I was there installing 20 or so bales of pineneedles, when I finished he asked how much, I told him nothing. Cost me $80 plus time, but the relationship we have is better than ever.

 

[eslawns]

When someone gives a referral, if they're a client already, I give them a credit on their bill for $25, as soon as the new client pays their first bill. Non-clients? Depends. Have given gift certificates to Outback and other places.