6 More Reasons Why You Should Give...

This week we've been talking about some great opportunities to retain residents through gift-giving.
On Wednesday we covered Walk-aways, move-ins, showing care, maintenance, little things, and celebrating every day.
Today we look at some more opportunities that help round-out your year of gift-giving.
There are many chances to recognize your residents - and we want to help!


7. Renewal Gifts retain a year ahead! 
It may sound funny but giving a renewal gift this year helps create a retained resident for next year. Again, it is that goodwill thing, that sense that you care about your residents so why would they want to live elsewhere? Renewal gifts start the year off right with positive feelings of appreciation. They present the perfect opportunity to give luxury gifts of gourmet offerings, flowers, and chocolate (rather than move-in essential needs gifts.) Movie night fixings are always a hit! Or how about an ice bucket with wine chilling brought to their front door? Make it wonderful and maybe residents will renew just to get the gift!

Gift suggestion: The Stars Are Out Tonight | $11.75 each

8. They say it's their BIRTHDAY!
Every resident has a special day. It touches their hearts if it is remembered and recognized. Let residents know that you know their special day has arrived. Wish them a wonderful year ahead with an appropriate gift or card. It does not have to be expensive but should be cheerful and positive and in the correct month if not the exact day!

Gift suggestion: Layers of Life | $1.49 each

9. New additions to the Family
Babies and Pets are important additions to anyone’s family. It can be a stressful as well as a delightful time. A card or gift will go a long way toward letting your resident know that you acknowledge the change in their lives and that you welcome the newest member of the community!

Gift suggestion: Treat, Toss, & Catch | $6.99 each

10. OOPS!
Did something stupid? Forgot something important? Destroyed or damaged some property of a resident? A gift says, “We are sorry”, and garners forgiveness and healing. A message attached to a gift goes a long way to getting back the good feelings that you have developed over the previous year (s).

Gift suggestion: Drink Happy Thoughts | $10.99 each

11. In any event...
Leaving with a gift or favor enhances the lovely time your resident experienced at a property-sponsored event and the gift, when used later serves as a reminder of the good time, any friendship that may have developed at the event. So, give a little favor and turn good times into resident retention opportunities.

Gift suggestion: Patriotic Treats | $6.99 each

12. The Power of "Incidentals"
The word “Incidentals” may sound insignificant but the effect is powerful if incidentals are handled well. See what we mean…
- Have a dish of candy at the leasing office.
- Offer a cup of coffee, tea, or soda to visitors to the leasing office.
- Offer bottled water on a hot day at your tennis courts
- Offer sunscreen packets at the pool to parents that forgot to bring some.
- Have some take-away beach balls at the pool
- A fan with your logo imprinted on a hot day
- Have small first aid kits on hand at the leasing office for injured residents to take home.
- Do you have a carwash area at your property? Then gift your residents with sturdy buckets imprinted with your property name.
- Have bags of snacks on hand for residents that show up for movie night.
- Keep tool kit gifts on hand for the resident that asks to “borrow” tools.

Gift suggestion: Soft Mints | $135.50 each (for 2,000 mints)

I know you can think of many more “incidentals”!
Incidentally, you are bound to get a great feeling every time you present a gift to an appreciative recipient. Between that great feeling, the increase in happiness of your residents, and the boost in resident retention it makes sense to keep gift-giving in mind year-round.