The Impact of Gift Giving-with Chelsea Martin-EP78

During this episode of the Lab Coat Agents Podcast, host Jeff Pfitzer speaks with Noms founder Chelsea Martin. Chelsea shares the background of Noms Bake Shop, and how the developments they have coming up could be of particular interest to real estate agents. Plus, find out which cookie flavor she had a hand in creating! Episode Highlights:  The Noms cookie recipe comes from Chelsea’s husband’s family, and the company grew incrementally over years until they outgrew the home kitchen and needed a commercial space. They had to think about where they fit in the cookie company market, deciding on a premium presentation, nicer than a basket. The company ended up finding a space in corporate gift giving as a gesture for holidays, birthdays, and events. The gift box has staying power because it’s beautiful and personalized, so recipients are compelled to keep it around. Jeff uses Noms cookies as closing gifts for clients. Cookies are a feel-good gift. One of Noms’ top industries they sell to is real estate and mortgage. Chelsea says now that everyone’s email inboxes are so full of marketing emails that we all know the tricks, so direct mail campaigns are having a comeback. Real estate is a business of relationships and that’s also how Noms started. Chelsea is especially proud when she hears or sees Noms being bought outside of their home base of Arizona. Noms has ideas for upcoming premium boxes that include things like a video message.  They do everything, including all customization in house, with no outsourcing. They are rolling out brownies and bars. Noms boxes include a prompt for the recipient to send a video thank you message back to the sender, which also has the dual purpose of generating social media content for your business. They have about 16 flavors including the standard varieties like chocolate chip, plus more unusual and seasonal varieties like peanut butter and jelly, cinnamon pumpkin butter, pineapple and coconut shortbread, and lemon poppyseed. Boxes start at $29.99 and all prices include nationwide shipping. Noms has an in-house designer for the etchings on the boxes and they can help you design something if you don’t have a personal logo or need something to say “Happy Housewarming” or another basic message. They offer bulk orders with discounts if you hit certain thresholds.  3 Key Points: Think about where your business fits in the market. Premium packaging inspires recipients to keep it, and when it has your branding on it, that’s increased exposure. Do one thing well before you branch out. Resources Mentioned: Lab Coat Agents (website), (Facebook), (Facebook Group), (Twitter), (Instagram) Noms Bake Shop (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Website)