Real estate is local, but I still believe if you can save yourself some money then why not. Everything out there is a competition so why not let vendors fight over my business.

Nicholas,

Thanks for commenting, but the old saying, "Penny wise and pound foolish" comes to mind immediately.

I agree with you completely. I go out of my way to buy in the area. I know that people depend on it, and I would like the same respect where I am concerned.

I agree, too, that it's important to promote the people & their service businesses in your area.  That's why I give many of the people that buy a house with me a 72-card business-card holder at the closing of the transaction; a reference book, if you will.  I have vendors (ALL kinds of vendors) that I do business with that are customer-oriented and whose businesses I promote.  When the prospective customer calls them and says I referred/recommended them to that business, the owner knows to take care of them like royalty.  I include vendors/service providers for: inspectors, electricians, hair salons, restaurants, dryer-vent cleaners, chimney sweeps, Christimas-light arrangers (YES!), handymen, cobblers, dentists, attorneys--anything, as long as their service is above-par.  Yeah, I may save a buck on using someone else, but the referrals I get just from my Service Provider Booklet is PRICELESS!  Sure, I could probably refer a $25/hour handman, but I'd really like to refer a handyman that shows up precisely on time and has a customer-service-oriented style.  Real estate is ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. 

Danielle,

You get it! Thanks for coming by.

Lisa,

That is a superb idea!  Thanks for sharing it.

Mike, Very good point yoou make here. I too use my local printer and HAVE gotten business from them. I keep everything local. It just makess sense to do so. And I agree...very good idea Lisa!!

Mike- I have to admit I use on-line printers for my mailings, but local for my business cards and signs. You make a great point. I also love Lisa's idea of the reference book. It looks like it is time to look things over and see where I can improve on the home front. Thanks!

Bryant,

See..The system works!  Thanks for reading and chiming in.

Jennifer,

Thanks for commenting.  And...Good Job!

Mike - I agree, if I can get services locally I always will and the closer to home the better. 

Mike,

I have never thought of it this way.  You bring up some great points to consider - I had not thought of using a local printer but I will check that out the next time. 

Marchel,

Well done!  And thanks for visiting and commenting.

Rita,

Thanks for reading.  Good for you to consider how you allocate your investment, in town or out of town.

I had a related conversation the other night at our local community theatre monthly meeting. Someone suggested we look online to get our show posters printed rather than go with a local printer who has treated us well and is competitive. I spoke in favor of trying to keep all our business needs, where ever possible, close to home. We work hard to get out into the community. We want and need their involvement AND their memberships. Outsourcing them just doesn't feel right. 

Vicki,

Kudos to you! 

And thanks for coming by.

Funny...

I was reading this while browsing the Color for Real Estate catalogue. I never considered what opportunities I could be missing by ordering all of my supplies online.

Thanks for opening my eyes.

I need one good printer.  Our local printer has one-hundred good Realtors.  I'm staying on the Net.

Good point. We need to scratch each others backs!

.

Mike

I see the other type popping up everywhere. Giving away the service and then people like Clark Howard awarding them and telling his listening crowd not to use the full service you should be able to get service for less. It is just not right, but every business has been making the changes. In the medical field they have shipped the help desk overseas and you will talk to someone who has broken english and not much experiance to help you out. It is everywhere and it is to stay for now.

Mike, I totally disagree with you on this. 

I have had experiences with both local and non-local companies to provide print services, and I can tell you the local vendors SUCK as much as the internet providers.  I do agree that we are in a networking business, and need to build our businesses with the right people for our business, but it does not always have to be on a local level.  I have been using the same services provider for a direct mail campaign for over 3 years now.  They have a local Account Executive, but a lot of decisions are made by their team in another state.  The service they have provided and price has destroyed the local vendors.  My mail pieces are so professional that I get a lot of referral business from my local contacts.  

Your post is great, but I think the true point is to work with a professional that will build a relationship with you.     

The only thing crazier than the print prices in my town is the number of agents competing for that guys real estate business.  Not to mention, he probably doesn't live nor want to purchase in the market I specialize in.  Nice concept but I don't think it fits true to form in every market.

You know, living in a big city, that's easy to forget.  I do come from a small town, and always took for granted that when i bought my first used car from the local dealer....I knew him before I ever walked on the lot.  He used to stop by and give me rides on the back of his motorcycle when I was younger, ok, so he also wanted to date my sister....

I have started trying to go to the same barber, mechanic, wal-mart cashier even..... There's a reason it's friendlier in Texas I suppose.

 Anyway, enough rambling on & on.  ya'll have a great day, it's wonderful in Texas!

--John

The internet gives us the opportunity to shop and find the best prices and service. I'm not looking to get my vendors to possibly do business with me. I can generate business on my own. I use out of state printers for newsletters, postcards, etc. I'm looking for them to give me the best product at the best price, I'm looking for them to use my services because I use them. 

I'm sad to say that I too am from the "would if I could" camp.  Our local printers are not only twice the price, but poorer quality to boot.  I see what you're saying and I think you make a marvelous point.  I just wish it were an affordable one.

This is an excellent post, and it's obvious there are some differences in opinion.  Supporting local business is not just a good for personal business, it's good for the community you live in.  Unless you all want to end up working for Walmart...

Yes, I agree...it ranks right up there with the fact that Buyrs and Sellers can't afford "CHEAP"!

Point taken. We don't have any of those services done off the net anyway. When we do print something it's usually so customized that it doesn't fit with most net service templates. You idea is sound, though.

It's the Rotary Club principle at work here..either support your local businesses or don't expect them to refer people to you.

Good point!

Why not do BOTH? Order some stuff locally to support the local businesses, and ALSO save money by making certain purchases online? This is more like everyday consumer behavior anyway. Most folks will shop mass-merchants AND Main Street. We can do the same. It just happens that in printing, the mass merchants are online and not in big box stores.

I use local printers for everything.  I have worked out a deal with the printer and I put his advertisement on the back of all of my marketing, so he gets some business, and I get a discount.  It's called networking.

"...in pursuit of a few nickels of savings, or the mirage of savings". I hear what you are saying, I get your point but I also know my pocketbook and for that reason I search for the "bargains" so that I can at least do some of the things I have so carefully planned out to do for my marketing.  I don't take just any old thing to get by, I still require that my material are good quality, but I am know what I can do and afford.

Here we market real estate online and we hope that people stop by and contact us, we use leads from online sources, we rely a great deal on people surfing the web for a "deal or bargain or a good realtor" why can't we as agents do the same?

If you have money to go to the locals, good for you.  It is like saying only buy American products when there are so many items that are made elsewhere -- from American companies.  Its like saying to a certain culture only buy from that culture.... it just doesn't work all the time.  You have to know your pocketbook or wallet and work from there.

You can refer and make notice of local business in several ways... buying from them is not the only way.

Lisa, I do like your suggestion -- it is very good.

Well said and very true...

I have a printer that beats the pants off of Vista and any online printer.

I.e. 5,000 plastic/multi-colored business cards for 79 bucks!!

Mike - I try to do the same - you hit it on the head - the law of reciprocity.

Mike, OK you are a real person. I too am a real person. As one of my "multiple streams of income" I sell printing and advertising specialities. I used to "sell" business cards too. But I couldn't compete with VistaPrint so now I use them and link to them as an affiliate. Printing just isn't one of the things that you can buy locally if you are trying to run your business in a business-like manner.

Let's face it, the Internet is here to stay. The "value" to all of us is obvious. that local printer is in most cases just a printing broker like me anyway and he "orders" your printing online after he charges you twice as much for it.

I recently printed a tri-fold brochure for myself. My wife wanted me to give the business to a local print shop. I got a quote from them for $650 for 2500 4/4 100# gloss two folds. I ordered it online for $220 including shipping and I had it 3 days sooner than the local printer could deliver it.

Somebody above said that there were many agents competing for this guy's business anyway. Well, he's right. The printer can't buy from all of them so he doesn't even try. Why would he?

I grew up in a town of 5000 people. Local meant something. Not any more. You can't roll back the clock.

I would like to agree with you. It would make me feel better, but I just can't.

Bill Roberts

Mike, I'm with you. I try to support local businesses first - if they can't help then I go elsewhere.

My local guy gouges me on price, and I've never gotten a referral from him.

As for whether I'm an idiot, of course I am.  :)

I use local vendors as much as humanly possible.  Since this is a big union town it makes an impression on the workers and business owners.  Once in a great while I have to 'outsource' a project, but not often. 

Lisa's idea of the Reference Book is priceless.  Thanks for sharing that! 

I think Mike has come up with a great post, and a valid observation for creating referral business in general, although it may not work for everyone in the way he specifically indicates.  The reality of what Bill Roberts described a few posts up shows exactly why, in this day and age, using a local printer isn't quite what it used to be, especially if you live in a large city.

That being said, I think Armando and I may have the same printer in Orlando... :)  One of the company's partners works with me in real estate, and it's another income stream for them.  Can't beat those prices!

(and Lisa, that's a neat idea -- I may have to try it!)

I don't know if an out-of-state Realtor could actually list a home in Florida. In Florida, most buyers are from out-of-state. So, why wouldn't my Nevada based printer recommend me to someone wanting to retire in Florida? As you said, real estate is local. What might be a great idea in your area, might be a different shoe in mine.

A cheaper price isn't the only - or even the main - reason to use an out of area printer. We've been using Express Copy for years and have a wonderful relationship with Lee Dietz. It takes us less time to use EC - we send our design by clicking a button on our computer and the finished product is delivered to our office the following morning - or to our hotel so we don't have to carry out handouts to a conference That takes less of my time than going to a printer twice. And who says an out of area vendor can't refer real estate business to our area? People move. Also, I give Lee a lot of credit for supporting our industry, which not all local printers do. Good product, good service, good prices, good relationships. 

I had a response and it was becoming lengthy so I posted it to my blog.

We are too isolated to get cheap deals - I'm afraid. Shipping always kills a good deal. But we are always looking!

Oh do you make a point.  My virtual assistant offered to get some new cards for me last year.  Shs insisted on ordering on line.

Needless to say, they were trash.  Back to Minuteman Press where I can look at a proof and approve. 

Mike, You do understand real estate and more.

When working with a client, find out their business..and support them..be it cleaning, car dealerships, restaurants, etc. I just had a friend purchase a car from a car dealer who I know from my gym. Every time I see him, I let him know how happy this buyer is. Local good will is absolutely priceless!!

Congratulations on the well deserved feature post.

I tried used the local printers in Charlotte for my client's work. I approached several printing companies. The client needed 200 post cards. I was told the minimum to print is 500 at the cost of $350. How could I possibly justify billing a client that amount especially when it doesn't include postage and the time it will take me to place the postage on each card? 500 post cards will cost the client close to $475. Why spend $475 for 200 post cards when I can order the cards through XPressDocs.com at a cost of $90 (postage and addressing included)? I even tried getting all the flyers printed locally, it's too expensive. Why pay $1.49 at Copy Cat per copy when I can pay $0.49 at Staples and Office Max, or $0.29 at MyNeighborhoodagent.com?

I prefer to continue including the local vendors in the agent's Buyer's Guide and relocation manual than to pay high prices at the local shops. And if I was working with agents in the Charlotte market, I would include the local vendors in the local guide.

There are other ways to give back locally. Agents often give back when they place ads in the local paper, donate to charity, sponsor an event, hire the local computer technician, purchase software from the local store, buy gas, purchase clothes for the family, grocery, etc. Local commitment comes in different forms.

Regards,

Carolyn Nelson, NAR Certified Real Estate Assistant | Carolyn@OnlineREPA.com | http://www.onlinerepa.com/ | Bus:  877.717.4491 | Fax:  866.590.2269

Irene,

Glad I could help.

Patsy,

If I feared competition, I wouldn't have a RE license in a county with 8,000 other licensed agents.  I send my lady referrals.

Al,

Yes, we need to scratch each others' backs.  Classic!

Susan,

I like Clark Howard.  I just don't think he is infallible.

Gary,

I am delighted to be so persuasive that within two sentences I already took you from, "I totally disagree with you on this," to "I do agree..."

:)

And, yes, find a true pro you can work with.

Shannon,

I think local networking fits in in every market.  Your printer meets a LOT of people.

John King,

I think you have it figured out.

John Morgan,

I look for EVERYONE to do business with me.  And I want them to bring their friends, family, veternarian, and pastor.

Juliet,

Understood.  Kudos for exploring and trying your local vendors.

Don C.,

Yes!  Thank you!

Sarah,

You get it too!

Gary,

Good Job!

Eric,

Is the Rotary Club successful?  You betcha it is!

Shekeria,

Good Response! :)

Rolando,

Of course.  I just like to look locally as my default.

I never thought of it this way - But you are right about supporting local bussiness more.  Seems to me even thought the printing may coast a little more the personal local service and relationships are priceless.

Mike, you're nuts! You need to identify your target market. You can't be all things to all people and not everyone should be a potential client. If your motto is I'll do business with anyone and everyone then you'll burn yourself out chasing the world. 

Gerald,

"It's called networking."

Well done!

Rosemary,

I recognize that a small business has a hard time taking the long view when undercapitalized. 

But if you hand out Lisa's book, and the vendors have never heard of you, will they take as good care of your client?

Armando,

That's a deal!

Cyndee,

Another apt term, "reciprocity."

Bill Roberts,

I wouldn't expect to sell a printer a home every other week.  Or any other local service provider.  But, "Rotary Club," "reciprocity" and "networking" come to mind quickly, and after sending a few dozen referrals to that printer, I would think I may come to mine when he thinks "Real Estate Agent."  Working locally increases my odds to better than being hit by lightning.

Wayne,

That is the whole point.  Giving it a shot.

Anonymous,

Only ONE local guy?  If the town is THAT small, you had better keep using him...

And I don't think you are an idiot, but are good-humored!

Carol,

Doesn't have to be a union town, but, yes, they likely know who keeps their business local.

Dan,

I think we can create our own reality, to some degree.

Andrea,

Hmmm.  Is a permanent FL address mandatory to hold a FL license?  That isn't the case here, and some other states.

Sharon,

Some good input there.

Ashley,

Well, thanks for not linking to your blog! ;)

Paul,

Now, THAT is out in the sticks.

Lenn,

Thank you!

Margaret,

How kind!  Thank you!

Carolyn,

"Local commitment comes in different forms."  Agreed.

Thanks to all for taking the time to comment!

Debbie,

Agreed.

John Morgan,

Disagreed.  I am a lot of things, but "nuts" is most assuredly not one of them.  LOL

Why is it confusing that one might recognize that even vendors have housing needs and circles of friends?

I don't kick away a lot of business just to be able to say I didn't "chase it."

Mike, I am aware that anyone including vendors have housing needs and you never know who could become a client. My thing is why use a vendor hoping one day they may send you business? How many vendors send you business? 

Mike, I have been disappointed in an Internet printer, and with a local printer. I have an order of business cards I got from the local printer that I never used. They were embarrassing. (Make great note-cards:-)I just paid $238 for 2500 cards including special custom design to an Internet resource. I have experienced and appreciated the quality of this specific organization on a previous order. The cards are fold over with calendar on the inside. The theme is personal photos of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I possibly could have purchased cheaper, but I don't know if I could have ended up with a totally custom design.

Signs? I was very disappointed by an Internet Resource and wasted money. I do have a local sign resource that I use now. He is fast, and conscientious and makes me feel like I am the only business he serves, yet real estate and REALTORS are his specialty. If I see a sign on the Internet that I like, I ask him to do it. Still, even with a good relationship and me trading with him,--he knows so many REALTORS that even if he spread his business around I would be ancient by the time it was "my turn".

Fliers? I found my best source on the Internet. Incidentally, they are in a nearby (though not in my service area of focus) town in Mississippi. I like the quality and the price, yet I do not expect for them to do business with me because I am one of many REALTORS they serve.

Neither do I expect the restaurant I frequent most often to do business with me. However, a shop owner that I had not previously frequented, nor do I frequent now, chose to buy her home with me -- when she had several REALTOR clients.

John,

I think there is a LOT more to local community fabric than just expecting folks to do business with me.  Or pestering them to do business with me.

And I have no problem helping service vendors, and sometimes they go elsewhere.

It's no big deal when they do.  It is a very personal choice.

But I am comfortable discussing my service with local business people.

The guy who does most of my termite inspections does my pest and termite service at home.  He knows a bazillion agents.  I refer him work and don't expect to ever get work from him, but you never know.  And I know I am worthy of his referral, should he give it...

I have helped two married couples of architects this summer.  Got 3 referrals from one.  And referred work to her.  And would use them if I decide I have a need.  No different with a service vendor.

My dentist asked me about land.  Should I say, "Focus on the choppers, Doc?"  I don't think so. 

The neighbor who cuts my hair keeps my cards in her shop.  And I have referred her business.

Folks I refer business to are people I find worthy of that referral.  I often find them worthy by using them myself.

Again, it is a form of networking.

You're positively thriving without talking business with your vendors.  I'm not complaining about my business volume.  Seems like there are no losers here.

Thank you for the reminder re. local businesses.  I support them all, EXCEPT when it comes to getting items in a timely manner.  So far, we can't locate expeditious printers, but we'll keep checking.  Until then, well- we'll support all other businesses so that we can remain one.

Suzi,

I bet you refer people to your sign maker.  When you do, I bet he knows the volume of business his relationship with you has produced. 

And never assume that another agent is in a better position than you are.

Laurie,

You're welcome.  Good approach, IMO.

I use a local printer for business cards, I am going to ask about postcards.

I think you have made an excellent point about supporting local businesses, which I do support because I like the face to face interaction and building a community. But at the same time when I am strapped for time & capital, it's easy to turn to internet and google for printers. It's much easier than flipping through phone books looking for printers. Also most local printers don't have website. At today's commute time and gas prices (San Francisco is in top 10 worse in the country), I can easily waste a lot of time without getting anything accomplished. Doing so online is much more efficient and being efficient saves me time & money.

I so see both side of the coin. But for hiring design professionals etc., I definitely recommend to hire locally. I like the face to face interaction and also it's easier to hold them accountable when an issue arises. The first designer I hired was in New York and basically when her company went under, so did my logo. It never got completed and I am out $300. The second time around was much easier. I was able to speak with my designer and we can actually meet to pick out the colors that I like in person.

Cheers,

Cindy 

I use local for most everything. I find that they are very good to me and the prices are usually comparable to the national guys. I don't attend Chamber functions I never have time in my schedule and as soon as I commit to something I have to cancel or leave early. But I will always support local businesses I even by my produce at my local produce stand in Youngsville NC.

Mike, permanent residency might be required, I'm not sure but that's beside the point that one has to be licensed in Florida in order to list property in Florida. I think that eliminates a pretty huge amount of agents throughout the remaining 49 states.

Vicki,

Good Job!

Cindy,

I enjoy personal interaction also.

Rebecca,

Good for you!

Andrea,

In NC, you can see homes listed by Realtors from offices out of state.  Between reciprocity and licensing rules, one can live elsewhere and work the North Carolina market.  That was the point of the original contention.  I was just curious that you say this can't happen in Florida.  Probably a good thing.

I use VistaPrints for postcards and my business checks when they send me specials and discounts.  You can't beat that.  As for local printers and various other local vendors, I agree with some of you on this blog that the competition for that local vendor's referral to their customer base just will not happen.   Now if I happen to the the "top dog realtor" who spends enough money to sustain that vendor's business, I would EXPECT him to send me business or I would take my money elsewhere.  But when I purchase online, I expect nothing in return but I also know that the online company is not supporting anyone in my immediate area with referrals.  I do not buy leads from Google reps when they call me because I tell them that their company's advertisement on TV with a national real estate company defeats the purpose of me buying leads from them.  They stammer and tell me that is different from what they are offering me but I don't care to give them my business when they totally support another company in front of millions of viewers. 

As for professionally printed postcards, most of the time they go straight from the mailbox to the trash can in some residences.  I tried postcard companies that mail out for you and got no results but spent lots of money.  I print my own postcards and get listings from them.  Enjoyed the posting and the opinions.

What I meant is there are places that I use that could be put into that reference that Lisa was speaking on.  Might not be business cards, but there are other ventors that I do use locally and can put that information at the clients fingertips.  Most probably won't be getting cards printed up anyway.

per Lisa .....vendors/service providers for: inspectors, electricians, hair salons, restaurants, dryer-vent cleaners, chimney sweeps, Christimas-light arrangers (YES!), handymen, cobblers, dentists, attorneys--anything, as long as their service is above-par.

Most of the listed vendors --- are local business that you cannot mail order.  Business cards, postcards, mailings, and such can be shipped to you.  I even order from Staplers from time to time to keep from having to go to the store.  But business cards from vistaprint I do often.  I like the FREE deals, the special deals and if I go to the local printer for business cards.. it was cost me no less than $80 for a min. order.  So you tell me which makes more sense? Shipping costs vs $80.

Yes there are some advantages to being able to look someone in the eye and tell them what you want, to see a sample (hopefully) before they print it out -- but you pay for those luxuries.  If its a Free offer or a special -- I still get to edit it and view it, and I'll feel it when I get it home --shipped for about $10-12 and its a done deal.  But that's just for deals like that.

When it comes to having a relationship with vendors/service providers for: inspectors, electricians, hair salons, restaurants, dryer-vent cleaners, chimney sweeps, Christimas-light arrangers (YES!), handymen, cobblers, dentists, attorneys--anything, as long as their service is above-par -- I too do that face to face and I can put these vendors in a reference business card holder and give it out.  Nothing different than Lisa -- except I can't afford to, nor do I want to especially use my local printing shop to do $80+ business cards for me if I can design them myself and get them for much less in a reasonable time. 

This is why we all have options to run our buisness to the best that we feel - lot of capital or not.

Donna,

"I print my own postcards and get listings from them."

Me too.  Cheap, and the Bulk Mail Clerk asked for my business card.  ;)

Thanks for commenting.

To me it is not about saving money. It is about who is going to give me the best service

Mike, I just looked at your profile after I posted.  Didn't know you are a KW agent, too. I will add you to my list of RDU-Cary agents to refer to.  I just received a referral from a KW agent in your area.  Hope to met you sometime in the future. 

Dan,

Good perspective.  I mean, that is where the locals should shine, if they are good.

Donna,

Family Reunion 2008 in Hotlanta?

There's a lot to be said for solid, local contacts within your community. With many of these being small 'mom-and-pop' businesses, they often take more pride and put the extra time and effort in to deliver a quality product. Buying locally sends a clear message of economic and personal support.

John Knows.

Thanks for commenting, John.

I hear ya. I try to use local people for all aspects of my business.

Mike,

I agree, the more people you touch the more successful you can be. Earlier this year my son took driving lessons from a driving school in town. Last week my second son took lessons and go his permit. When I spoke to the owner he said he wanted to talk to me about mortgages. We discussed a mortgage for one of his children that had fallen behind. The next day he called me about another son that wanted to bu a gas station in Florida. The son wanted to refinance a home in Florida, a home in our town and a piece of land in Sparta. He needed the money to purchase the Gas station.

He was not the cheapest but he got the job done and I potentially have the opportunity to earn more than $30,000 in commissions. What did it cost me for the two driving lesson? $700.00.

www.bestnjloans.com 

Jeff,

Smart thinking.

Christopher,

I tell lead sellers that I don't need to pay them to introduce me to people.  Seems like you know how to find them too.

When you're starting out you need to save money where you can but if you have the resources I'm all in favor of using the a local printer.

Hi Mike,

This really turned out to be a controversial topic!  I for one would agree with you on this.  Perhaps I am lucky to have a good local printer.  It seems not everyone does.  I do pay a little more than I might on Vista Print but not much that I would switch. 

A few people mentioned that it was not worth the effort because the printer meets so many realtors and they would be completing with them.  Being part of a community goes beyond that.  The printer also comes in contact with many other people in the community.  If you build a relationship with him, he is one more person in the community who can give an opinion on your professionalism.

LaShon,

Thanks for reading and commenting. 

Patrick,

You're right.  It did turn out that way.  And I see that you get the point that networking goes to many levels.