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Do the agents here have a specific budget for taking potential buyers out to lunch during a morning or afternoon of viewings?

I think it’s good to have a few restaurants in mind that are good, economical and conducive to discussing the homes on the viewing list for the day.

I really don’t have a budget because I don’t take all of my potential customers out to lunch, only the ones that I think are serious in finding a home.  I do keep a list of some of the restaurants that I know have a great and inexpensive lunch menu.

monsue - 20 February 2008 11:06 AM

I really don’t have a budget because I don’t take all of my potential customers out to lunch, only the ones that I think are serious in finding a home.  I do keep a list of some of the restaurants that I know have a great and inexpensive lunch menu.

I take clients to lunch especially if they are busy working during the day. It makes it easier for them and me to get it done during lunch than after hours.

I have a friend who had a “potential client” suggest a fairly high end restaurant once, and I think he changed his approach to taking clients out to lunch after that. I forget the exact details because that was quite a while ago.

I do not know whether offering lunch or not has anything to do with success with a client. If you do, then I think that cost should be less of a factor overall. however, do remember that if you are an Independent rep, then do not forget to apply every toothpick towards reducing your tax burden.

I think it’s a good idea to treat your potential buyer out to lunch. But make sure that you will have them as you client in the end. Maybe you can treat them out if they are already decided to buy from you.

What about taking potential clients out for a gourmet coffee house to sit and discuss business.  It would be cheaper on the pocket book, in case your client doesn’t complete the transaction with you. 

What about exploring the lunch or dinner idea of Ahente’s.  Wait till after a transaction is complete and then treat them out.

ahente - 02 March 2008 08:09 AM

I think it’s a good idea to treat your potential buyer out to lunch. But make sure that you will have them as you client in the end. Maybe you can treat them out if they are already decided to buy from you.

I think offering a client a coffee or beverage while at the office is sufficient otherwise you could go broke from the food bill before ever making a sale. There are an awful lot of tire kickers out there.

I think it depends on the client. But, overall, an inexpensive meal is better than no meal if you want to make an impression.

I agree with Eugen. It doesn’t have to be an expensive lunch but it is good to treat them out. Not only to have time to discuss but to establish a good relationship. We sometimes treat our friends, so, we can do that more to a prospective clients. We just have to be distinctive.

LOL!  Is the cost of lunch directly proportional to the $$$’s the client is likely to spend?