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Pop-By Ideas for Real Estate

3/11/2022

 
Touted as one of the fastest and most effective ways to generate leads by real estate guru, Brian Buffini, these pop-by ideas for real estate are a win for both you and your clients! Learn how these small gifts of appreciation can help give your business a boost by making real and lasting connections.
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What Are Pop-Bys for REALTORS®?

A term coined and popularized by Brian Buffini, pop bys are small, inexpensive client gifts used for real estate marketing. Real estate pop-bys are used as a way to reconnect with existing or past clients in order to generate quality referrals and to get real estate leads.

Typically, these gifts are given in person, in which the agent pops by a client’s home to say, “hello.” As you are showing up with something special for your clients, it’s easy to open the door to further communication. This in turn makes it almost effortless to ask for referrals. As there’s often a feeling of reciprocity when receiving a gift. It also helps to nurture your existing relationships and ensures that you aren’t forgotten.

A practical gift-giving strategy, these small gifts are also a great way to build your brand. Promotional gifts with your logo and contact information make it easy to reconnect and reinforce your word-of-mouth marketing message as a real estate professional.

Often these gifts are combined with an amusing pun that relates to the gift in some way. While optional, using puns as part of your marketing message is another great way to reinforce camaraderie and open the door to referrals.

Benefits of Using Pop-Bys for Real Estate Marketing

These are the benefits of utilizing pop-gifts as part of your real estate marketing plan:
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  • They work great as icebreakers to get the conversation started
  • In a hot market they can help you stand out from the competition
  • Pop-bys ensure that you stay top-of-mind and aren’t forgotten
  • It’s an effortless way to ask for referrals from past clients
  • They help to build relationships and promote brand loyalty
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What Small Gifts for Pop-Bys Work Well in Real Estate?

Whether you’re looking for ideas for small, seasonal gifts for spring, summer or fall, or need Christmas REALTOR® pop-bys, we have solutions for every occasion! While we delve deeper into specific pop-by ideas for real estate below, here are some other common suggestions on what to gift your clients:
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  • Flower seed packets
  • Dog treats
  • Ice cream paddle or scoop
  • Pizza cutter
  • Baked goods
  • Memo boards
  • Coffee shop gift cards
  • Wine or wine accessories
  • Smore’s Kit
  • Grilling set
  • Cake and pie knife
  • Gardening trowel
  • Hand soap dispenser
  • Kitchen scrapers
  • Hot cocoa kit
  • Pumpkin carving tools
  • Magnetic notepads
  • Popcorn
  • Honey jar
  • Magnetic photo frames
  • Bottle opener
  • Custom coasters
  • Personalized key rings
  • Magnetic calendars
 
You can also pair these pop-by gift ideas with cute slogans or pop-by puns to make your gifts fun! For example, some agents will give a container of mints with a pop-by tag that states, “This home was mint to be.” Or they may gift a package of marshmallow Peeps with phrasing such as, “Have your peeps call my peeps.” for the perfect spring pop-by!
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Pop-By Gift Ideas for REALTORS®

There are so many great pop-by ideas for real estate! If you’re looking for the best suggestions for your gifting strategy, then be sure to check out our top ideas for REALTORS® and agents below. We’ve even created a list of fun puns you can use for each gift type.
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Promotional Pizza Cutters

We introduced our promotional pizza cutters at this year’s industry trade shows, and they were an instant hit! One of our top pop-by ideas for real estate, agents and customers alike are totally in love with this product.

Here’s what makes this marketing item so successful:
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  • The mini pizza box gives the perfect presentation
  • The wheel blade is kid-friendly and pops out for easy cleaning
  • We provide FULL-COLOR personalization of this promo product
  • It’s easily customized with your favorite pizza puns

These branded pizza cutters are great for closings! Bring these custom pizza cutters with a pizza to when your clients close on a home. You can also include a gift card for a local pizza joint inside the box!

​You can explore our designs as well as learn more about these pizza cutter wheels here.

Real Estate Pizza Puns

Once you have your promotional gifts in hand, consider pairing them with one of these fun real estate pizza puns:
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  • I’d love a pizza your business. Call me for your real estate needs.
  • No matter how you slice it, you’re awesome. Thank you for your business.
  • Sending you a pizza offering for your referrals.
  • Unlike this pizza, you can’t be topped. Thank you so much for your referrals.
  • Have a slice day! Thanks again for the opportunity to serve you.
  • Thank you so much! You really delivered for me.
  • You’re the greatest thing since sliced pizza. Thanks for your business.
  • It’s the yeast I could do. Thank you so much for your support.
  • Thanks for being such a fungi!
  • It was slice to meet you! I can’t wait to reconnect.
  • Your referrals are the greatest thing since sliced pizza.
  • There are some things in life that can’t be topped. Your referrals are one of them. Thank you.
  • Sorry if I sound cheesy, but I crust say, you melted my heart with your kindness. Thank you so much for your referrals.
  • Happy home anniversary! May the sauce be with you as you venture into a new year.
  • Olive that I could help you find your dream home. I hope you enjoy this new and exciting journey.
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Custom Seed Packets

If you’re in the market for spring pop-bys, custom seed packets are an affordable and effective option to grow your business through referrals! Customized with your business information, our bulk wildflower and forget-me-not seed packets deliver your marketing message with a lasting experience in tow.
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No time to “pop-by” with a gift? We can also deliver these for you! Simply take advantage of our direct mailing services to reconnect with existing clients or reach new prospects in your farming area.

Spring Seed Packet Pop-By Puns

To assist you with creating the perfect spring pop-bys for your clients, we’re providing messages you can use on this marketing. Here are some ideas for cute real estate puns you can use:
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  • I’m ready to spring into action for your referrals.
  • I’m ready to spring into action for all your real estate needs.
  • Forget-me-not for all your real estate needs.
  • The spring real estate market has blossomed. Please keep me in mind if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home.
  • Thank you for helping my business grow. I’m always happy to help your friends and family spring into a new home.
  • Plant the seeds for a brighter future. Home ownership is within your reach. Call me today for more information.
  • Your referrals make my business bloom.
  • Look for some garden space? I’d love to help you find a new home!
  • Peak selling season is here! Let me help you get the best price for your home.
  • Spring has sprung! Call me for all your real estate needs.
  • Spring means homes are now in higher demand than ever. Couple that with a seller’s market and low inventory and you have a formula for success. Let me help you get the best price for your home today.
  • Spring is here! Are you ready to hop into a new home? Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, I have the experience you need for the results you want.
  • Plant some positivity this spring. Looking for some garden space? Grow your roots in a new home! Let me help you find the perfect plot to nurture your future.
  • Put down roots with me.
  • It’s prime real estate selling season. Forget-me-not when you’re ready to spring into action! Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, please keep me in mind. I’m always happy to provide a free market analysis to determine your home’s value.
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Custom Tumblers

Custom tumblers are one of the hottest pop-by ideas for real estate right now! These laser engraved travel mugs are the perfect way to display your real estate branding and generate leads in real estate.

As a promotional product that is used regularly, you’re practically guaranteed repeat exposure. Drink ware has an average of 1400 impressions over the product’s lifetime. Couple that with the fact that 78% of USA consumers own personalized drinkware, and you have a winner!

Gift recipients love the double-walled, vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for up to 6 hours. In addition, the upgraded, air-tight snap lid that prevents leaks and accidental spills makes all the difference.

Real estate professionals, on the other hand, love the high return on investment as well as the increased brand likeability and visibility this product provides.
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If you’re looking for a pop-by gift that delivers, you simply cannot go wrong with our engraved tumblers. They make a wonderful addition to gift baskets for a home anniversary or closing gift. Or partner with a local coffee shop to provide these with a bag of specialty coffee or even a gift card.

REALTOR® Puns for Tumbler Pop-Bys

Some coffee and tea related real estate pop-by puns you can use are:

  • Words cannot espresso how much your referrals mean to me.
  • Thank you for being a mug-nificent client!
  • Thanks a latte! I couldn’t do my job without you.
  • Your referrals mocha me so happy!
  • Here’s a small token of my gratitude. I hope you have a fa-brew-lous day!
  • Thank you for bean a great client!
  • Latte me handle your real estate woes!
  • You and your new home and meant to bean.
  • Is the housing market mocha you crazy? I can help!
  • Let me provide the perfect blend to sell your home.
  • Your referrals are the cream in my coffee.
  • Ariana Ground-de has nothing on you! Thank you.
  • All I want for Christmas is to mocha you a homeowner.
  • Don’t procaffeinate! Call me today to see how I can help you find your dream home.
  • Bottomless thanks for your business.
  • You warm my heart with your referrals.
  • Let’s get this par-TEA started. Thanks so much for attending my open house.
  • Let me bring some inner tranquili-TEA to your home buying experience.
  • The reali-tea is that I’ve love to be your REALTOR®.
  • It was so nice tea meet you!
  • It’s a brew-tiful day to go house hunting.
  • I can’t wait to chai with you again. Thanks for being such a joy to work with.
  • Your new home is a matcha made in heaven.
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Stainless Steel Soap

Stainless steel soap is a fun and unique pop-by gift idea for real estate! If you want to get creative with kitchen gifts, then this option is a must. These customizable gifts are a must for every kitchen as they deftly remove odors like garlic, onions, and fish from hands.

​Personalized metal soap bars can be included as part of a gift basket. Or gift them individually with a custom GiftNote™.

Soap Puns for Real Estate Pop-Bys

You can also include one of these fun soap puns with your pop-bys:
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  • What a nice soap-prise to receive a referral from you! Thank you so much.
  • I feel soap happy to have you as a client.
  • I was soapin’ you’d be here! Can’t wait to reconnect.
  • Looking to buy a new home? I’m here to soap-port you every step of the way!
  • I’m soaper happy to be your agent. I can’t wait to help you find your dream home.
  • I soap you enjoy this small gift of appreciation.
  • Don’t let your dream home slip through your fingers. Let me help you make a clean sweep!
  • Soap-prise! I just wanted to swing with a small token of my appreciation.
  • You’re a soap-er teacher!
  • I soap you have a great day! Please let me know if I can be of service.
  • You’re in good hands with all your real estate needs.
  • Here’s soapin’ I can help you find your dream home!
  • I’m not soapin’ around! Let me help you sell your home for top dollar today.
  • Are you ready to make a move? I think we’re in sink!
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Magnetic Bottle Openers

Magnetic bottle openers also make great pop-by gifts for REALTORS®. Customize these stainless-steel bottle openers with your REALTOR® branding and contact information. Then simply pair them with a six pack for the perfect presentation.

Beer Real Estate Puns

Want to make this real estate pop-by even more unique? Couple these bottle openers with magnets with one of these real estate beer puns for a fun marketing twist:
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  • Don’t worry. Be hoppy! I have the experience you need to buy or sell your home.
  • Your referrals are pitcher perfect.
  • No challenge is lager than my ability to find you the perfect home.
  • Struggling with selling your home solo? I have the expertise to tackle what ales you.
  • I’m extra hoppy to have you as a client!
  • In the pursuit of hoppiness, I’m available to help you find a new home.
  • Everything I brew, I brew for you.
  • Ever the hoptimist, I have zero doubt that I can find your dream home.
  • Looking to buy or sell your home? We can brew it together!
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Watermelon Slicer

Need ideas for summer pop-bys? This engraved, metal watermelon slicer is the secret ingredient for all your spring and summer closings. Designed by LifeLong Gifts™, this revolutionary kitchen tool beautifully slices watermelon, honeydew and more. Your clients will wonder how they ever made it through backyard barbecues without one.

Watermelon Summer Pop-By Puns

Here are a few ideas for watermelon puns for your summer pop-by gifts:
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  • Thanks a melon for your business!
  • Don’t be melon-choly. I’m here to help with all your real estate needs.
  • You’re one in a melon! Thank you so much for the referral.
  • Your referrals make me feel like a melon bucks!
  • Water you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to buy a new home!
  • I’m losing my rind over these homes for sale! Let me help you find the perfect one.
  • I cantaloupe thank you enough for your generous support.
  • Want to be a melon-aire? Invest in real estate. I’m here to help!

How Often Should I Do a Pop-By?

While some real estate agents tackle their gift giving strategy with monthly pop-bys, you don’t have to go overboard. We recommend that you deliver one of our real estate pop-by gift ideas at least once per quarter.

You can save money on these small gifts by purchasing in bulk. Reserve the more expensive gifts for clients who deliver qualified leads. Then give smaller client gifts ($5-$10 in value) to customers who do not engage with you as often.

To help you make the most of this real estate marketing strategy, you can also use a pop-by tracking sheet to help you gauge your return on investment (ROI) so you know where to focus your efforts.
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What If No One Is Home When I Deliver My Pop-By Gift?

While the goal of a pop-by is to deliver it when the recipient will home, sometimes this isn’t always the case. In this instance, you want to be prepared to attach your gift to the client’s door.
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In order to prevent someone accidentally tripping and falling over a gift left at or inside a door, we recommend that you keep door hanger bags with you in your car to attach your REALTOR® pop-bys to the door knob of your client’s home. Not only are these bags a convenient way to secure your gift, but they also help to protect your marketing products and materials from the elements.
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More Ways to Distribute Pop-By Gifts

Alternately, we have an amazing solution for sending pop-by gifts by mail. If you can’t visit every home that you’d like due to time constraints, you can send a pop-by gift through the postal service.
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Our greeting card service, Minute Mail Gifts, is a fast, fun and easy way to deliver small gifts by mail. Our mailable greeting cards with gifts are a great way to stand out from the competition. They are also a timely solution to sending gifts on the go!

No time to head back to the office? No problem. Schedule a home anniversary card the day you close a sale right from your phone. You can include a photo of the listing right in the card and send it with a gift of your choosing!
We hope these pop-by ideas for real estate help forge the way to building successful, long-term relationships with clients. You can explore more ways to say thank you for a referral here. Also, be sure to  subscribe to the Magnets USA® newsletter. Or give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Knife Care and Maintenance: How to Properly Care for Knives

1/7/2022

 
With regular maintenance, it’s easy to take care of your knives. Discover our top tips for knife care along with a handy guide for sharpening and honing your blades for the best performance. ​
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How to Take Care of a Knife

The quality collections of kitchen knives from LifeLong Gifts™ are carefully crafted from high-carbon German steel to last a lifetime. Superior to stainless steel in that they hold a sharper edge and resist deformation, the blades of carbon steel knives do require regular care and maintenance for the best performance.  

Learn how to care for a knife the right way with these kitchen knife care tips. Plus, discover how to sharpen and hone your kitchen cutlery to keep the blades sharp and in premium condition. 
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Kitchen Knife Care Tips

Regardless of what type of kitchen knives you own, basic knife care and maintenance is paramount to extending their life and keeping the blades sharper longer. 

Following are our top knife care tips to keep your blades in optimal shape. Whether you own Damascus kitchen knives, Chef’s knives, Santoku knives, an Ulu knife, or simply an everyday set of kitchen knives, these valuable pointers will ensure you always make the perfect cut! 

  • Avoid using your knives on metal or concrete surfaces. 
  • Wash your blades by hand with gentle dish soap and a cloth or sponge immediately after use. Never put your fine cutlery in the dishwasher to clean. 
  • Dry your knives thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust. 
  • Oil the blades regularly as carbon steel rusts easily if left in water. 
  • Store knives properly in a knife block, magnetic knife block, roll bag or sheath. This prevents them from rubbing against other materials and dulling the blades. Proper storage also prevents accidents and ensures kitchen safety. 
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  • Use wooden cutting boards, rather than glass or ceramic, to maintain the blade edge longer. If a wood cutting board isn’t available to you, then a plastic cutting board is the next best thing. 
  • Regularly sharpen your knives. We recommend a good ceramic electric knife sharpener for effortless results. 
  • Hone your blades with a honing steel to keep the edge straight. 
  • Use your kitchen cutlery correctly. Take care not to scrape the edge across your workspace. 

How to Keep Knives Sharp

A sharp knife is a safe knife. In addition to the knife care tips previously mentioned, you can also keep your knives in tip-top shape with regular honing and sharpening. 
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How to Hone a Kitchen Knife

You may recall having seen professional chefs using a honing steel. This rod is made of either steel, diamond-coated steel or ceramic. Unlike a knife sharpener, a honing steel won’t sharpen the knife blade. As no steel is removed from the edge when it is used. Despite this, honing does play an important role in regular knife maintenance and care.

So, what does honing do? And why is it associated with knife sharpening? 

With regular use, the edge of your knife blade will start to bend. A honing steel straightens the edge back to the correct angle for proper alignment. 

To hone a knife blade, place it against the base of the honing rod. Then place the blade along the steel at a 20°-22° angle. Slide it diagonally away from yourself while holding the honing rod in a fixed position. This action is then completed between 5 and ten times per side of the knife blade. 
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Using a honing steel correctly, however, does require some level of both skill and practice. For this reason, LifeLong Gifts™ offers an everyday sharpener for your kitchen knives. This tool hones the blade of your carbon steel cutlery. It also sharpens the blade at the same time, by removing a very small amount of steel to account for small nicks. 
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How to Sharpen Kitchen Knives

The everyday knife sharpener makes it a breeze for even beginners to sharpen a knife. This fool-proof method eliminates the need to hold the blade at a precise angle. It also takes the guesswork out of trying to figure out the proper way to use a whetstone. 

To sharpen a knife with a handheld knife sharpener, follow these easy steps: 
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  1. Wet the knife. You should apply a sharpening fluid, such as water or a light honing oil, for smoother sharpening and to assist with heat dissipation from the friction. As you aren’t using a whetstone to sharpen the blade, you can simply rinse your kitchen or carbon steel knives under water. 
  2. Run the sharpener under water. Like the knife’s blade, you also want to apply a fluid to the ceramic wheels of the sharpener for best results. 
  3. Sharpen the knife. To sharpen the knife, insert the blade edge into the opening on the handheld knife sharpener. Then use light pressure to pull the blade back and forth slowly, but steadily through the sharpener the entire length of the blade. (Each pull should take about 5 seconds.) Repeat up to five times. 
  4. Rinse and dry. Once your blade has been sharpened, you should then rinse the blade and pat dry with clean paper towels. 
  5. Oil the blade. Oiling the blade will help to prevent rust and corrosion. Therefore, this step is recommended for proper knife care and maintenance. 
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Knife Care and Maintenance FAQ

Have additional questions on how to properly take care of a knife? We’ve got you covered! Following are answers to common questions on knife care and maintenance.  

Why Won’t My Knives Stay Sharp?

There are several reasons that your knives won’t stay sharp. The angle you use when making cuts as well as the surface material you are cutting on both determine how quickly knives may dull. 
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When sharpening knives on a whetstone, it’s important to sharpen them at the proper angle. Otherwise, your kitchen cutlery may take longer to sharpen. There's also the potential to dull the blade. If the angle is too high, it will take longer to sharpen the blades. Additionally, if you rock the blade during sharpening, you’ll end up with a dull rounded edge. 

Likewise, not using a cutting board, or using the wrong type of cutting board, can also dull the blade faster. We recommend using a wood cutting board, like these cherry cutting boards, to extend the life of the blade between sharpening. 
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Further, the materials in which the blades are made also impact how quickly it dulls. Stainless-steel knives, for example, dull faster than carbon steel knives which are made from a harder material than stainless. 

In general, knives forged from harder materials hold an edge longer. Therefore, if you find you are having to sharpen your stainless-steel knives more often than you like, consider upgrading to a higher quality set of carbon steel kitchen knives. 

Will a Dishwasher Dull Knives?

The harsh detergents, water and extreme temperatures of a dishwasher will not only damage the handle of your knives, but they can also dull and warp the blade. We therefore recommend that you always hand wash your kitchen knives. 

Do Knives Dull in Water?

Leaving your knives soaking in water is never a good idea. Not only is it dangerous to leave a knife in a sink, but the water also has the potential to damage the blade. Not only is there an increased possibility of the blade rusting, but it will almost always cause the handle to degrade. In addition, most stainless-steel blades result in microscopic loss of metal when left to soak. 
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Leaving a knife in water may cause the blade to dull more quickly. However, it can also cause more serious damage — and safety issues — that you want to avoid.  
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Should I Oil Kitchen Knives?

It’s a good idea to oil your carbon steel kitchen knives a few times a year to help prevent rust and corrosion. Oiling knives can also help to condition the metal and keep the blade sharp depending on the type of oil used. 

How Often Should You Oil A Knife?

To properly maintain an expensive kitchen knife, it’s recommended that you oil carbon steel knives after each use. Stainless steel knives, on the other hand, can be oiled once or twice weekly. 

What Oil Do You Use for Knives?

There are several types of oil you can use on your kitchen knives. We recommend that you use synthetic oil as it lubricates the blade, resists dust and won’t go rancid like natural oils, such as olive oil. Food grade knife oil is non-toxic, odorless, and flavorless, making it the best option. You can also use food grade mineral oil. 
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If you prefer to use a natural oil, then we suggest using camellia seed oil. This natural oil is similar in composition to fractionated coconut oil. It is odorless and flavorless and has a lengthy shelf-life. However, unlike other natural oils, it won’t make the blades feel greasy or go rancid. Nor will it leave behind a sticky residue.
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Are Dull Kitchen Knives More Dangerous?

Using dull knives can be more dangerous than using a sharp knife. While you can get cut with a sharp blade, these wounds are generally not as deep or as serious as those caused by a dull knife. The reason being is that you need to use more force than usual when making cuts. Therefore, should the knife slip, the resulting injury is more severe due to the additional pressure that was used. 

Can You Clean a Knife with Rubbing Alcohol?

As most steel is non-porous, it’s not necessary to sterilize a knife after use. Typically, rinsing and drying a knife before food has a chance to stick is sufficient. However, you can use 70% isopropyl (or rubbing) alcohol to clean and sterilize the blade if desired.
  
To clean a knife with rubbing alcohol, just wipe the blade with alcohol, then put it away. There’s no need to rinse or dry the blade afterwards. 
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However, it is important to note that alcohol is a solvent. As such, it will remove any oils from the surface of the steel blade. Therefore, you may want to oil your blade after sterilizing to help prevent corrosion. 
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Why Do High Carbon Steel Knives Discolor? 

The blades of carbon steel knives tend to tarnish and develop a blue-gray or purplish patina over time. This happens when the blade is exposed to either air or acids. This type of oxidization is common and no cause for concern. While rust will damage your blades, patina does not. It can also aid in the prevention of damaging rust. 
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Foods that promote discoloration include fatty fish and meat, fruits and acidic or alkaline vegetables. 

How Do You Remove Oxidation from a Knife?

Sometimes, despite all precautions and proper knife care, high carbon steel knives do rust. If your blades develop rust or tarnish, there are several methods you can employ to remove oxidation from your knives.  

Here is how to remove oxidation from a knife: 

  • White vinegar: This is a common method for removal as the acetic acid found in white vinegar reacts with iron oxide and separates it from the metal. To remove oxidation from a knife with vinegar, soak the blade in the solution for up to 5-minutes. Then rinse with water and dry. If there’s any discoloration left behind, you can then use baking soda to remove it.  
  • Turpentine: Turpentine is another alternative that works similarly to vinegar. Wipe the blade down with a sponge soaked in the solvent to remove rust or white spots. Then rinse and dry. 
  • Baking soda: Sodium bicarbonate is perfect for light staining or rust spots. Simply apply a thick paste comprised of baking soda and water to a freshly cleaned blade. Allow to set for an hour. Then use a toothbrush or steel wool to lightly scrub away any rust. Rinse clean with water, then dry with a paper towel or soft cloth. 
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  • Potatoes: The oxalic acid content found in potatoes also make them a cleaning powerhouse. To remove oxidation from a knife using a potato, you only need to place the blade into a large potato. After it sits for several hours, remove from the potato. Then wipe the blade with an approved knife oil.  
  • Onions: Onions are another natural option for cleaning your knives with food! The sulfenic acid found in onions that makes you cry, is also ironically miraculous at cleaning. To effortlessly remove oxidation or rust from a knife, you only need to slide the blade back and forth through the onion when cutting. 
  • Lemon and salt: Just as you use a combination of lemon and salt to sanitize wood cutting boards and remove stains, this combination also works on your stainless or carbon steel kitchen knives. First, coat the rusted areas of the blade with salt. Follow with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, then allow to rest for two hours. After time is up, scrub the affected areas with the rind from the lemon. You can also use steel wool or a wire brush as a an alternate. Then rinse and dry. For black spots on your carbon steel knives, soak the blades in a 1:5 ratio of lemon juice to water for several seconds, before cleaning. 
  • Cork and powder cleanser: Polishing your kitchen cutlery with a cork is a great way to remove rust and even older stains. First, run the knife blade under water. Then place it flat onto a cutting board. Coat the blade with a powder cleanser, paying extra attention to rusted or discolored areas. Next, dip a wine cork into water. (Another variation of this is to dip the cork first into water, and then into wood ashes from your fireplace.) Then use it to polish the blade, while holding the knife stationary. Once the oxidation has been removed, rinse and dry. Then follow with an oil designed specifically for knives. 
  • Burnisher: A burnishing steel is ideal for tarnish or patina that may develop on high carbon steel knives. Mechanical burnishing will restore the original shine to tarnished knives with a yellow, blue or gray tint. 

Regardless of what method you choose to remove oxidation from a knife, we do recommend that you apply a lubricant to the blade afterwards. Oiling your knife is an important step in knife care and maintenance to help prevent future or further rusting. ​
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Where to Buy Custom Kitchen Knives

We hope these knife care tips instruct you on the proper use and care of a kitchen knife. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a new kitchen knife set, or if you need personal or corporate gift ideas, be sure to check out the line of custom kitchen knives from LifeLong Gifts™. 
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Just as the name implies, LifeLong Gifts™ offers superior-quality, heirloom-worthy products designed to last a lifetime. Fall in love with our engraved kitchen cutlery, custom cutting boards, wood wine gift boxes and more! Shop this unique line of luxury gifts today. Or sign up to receive the latest deals and promotions. 

Magnetic Baseball Schedules: A Home Run for Real Estate Marketing

12/20/2021

 
Baseball schedule magnets are a great way to connect with your target audience over one of their favorite pastimes. Not only do these custom fridge magnets familiarize clients with your branding through repetition, but they also keep you top-of-mind. After all, what better way to make sure your message is seen every day than by having it displayed on your customers’ refrigerators?
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Keep reading to learn more about our line of personalized baseball magnets and how they can help you grow your business. Plus, explore the many ways you can distribute our real estate baseball schedules to new prospects and existing clients to get the sales and leads you need for your best year ever!
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Baseball Schedule Magnets

Baseball is back! While sports fans have been thrown quite a few curve balls recently, we’re all ready to get back into the game.
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Don't strike out and miss this amazing opportunity to stay top-of-mind as we embark on the new year. Instead, share that new season excitement with our custom magnetic baseball schedules.
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This easy marketing solution keeps you top-of-mind when clients are ready to put their own ball into play. An effortless way to keep your business ahead of the game, magnetic baseball schedules are a key component of our 12-month real estate marketing plan.
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Why Baseball Is the Perfect Real Estate Marketing Opportunity

It’s common knowledge that the majority of homes sell during the months of May, June, July and August. This time frame accounts for 40% of annual home sales.

While baseball starts around the end of March or the beginning of April, the average season lasts about 6-months overall. This aligns perfectly with peak home sales during the same time frame. Thereby, setting up baseball schedule magnets as the perfect product to promote your real estate business the second, and into the third, quarter.

That our sports schedules are magnetic is just the icing on the cake. As most custom magnets end up on the refrigerator, this gives you a branded marketing product with both high visibility and repetition.

It’s been shown time and again that sticky marketing is your best choice for generating leads. So, why not take advantage of this gentle marketing opportunity? Make this the year that rivals sales goals of years past.

Ways to Distribute Real Estate Baseball Schedule Magnets

There are many ways that you can distribute your real estate baseball schedules to clients. In addition to sending them as part of a direct mail marketing campaign, there are also lots of other ways to reach new prospects.

Following are our top ideas for getting your branded baseball magnets into community members’ hands.
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Local Businesses

Coffee shops, your doctor's office, a favorite sports bar — you're probably visiting these locations anyway. So, why not leave behind some awesome marketing pieces? Our baseball schedule magnets are like prime real estate for sports bars.

Friends and Family

Give a stack of your branded sports schedules to your biggest supporters. Friends and family can help you distribute them while they're out and about. They can also gift them to coworkers.

Hair Salons and Barber Shops

Barber shops are especially great for distributing sports and baseball schedule magnets. Their core customer base is male and men tend to be huge sports fans.

Elementary Schools

Send magnetic sports schedules home with students, their parents become your new prospective clients!

Chamber of Commerce

Leave a stack of baseball team magnets at your local chamber. This is an easy and effective way to get your name out there to everyone who visits.

Social Media

Post a photo of your team sports schedules to your social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram. Then ask followers to contact you if they'd like one of their own. Don't underestimate the power of a real estate social media post!

Minor League Baseball Teams

As minor league teams usually have very tight budgets, most are happy to partner with you to distribute their minor league baseball schedules for the season.

Neighborhood Canvassing

As spring makes its way to your town, going door-to-door with your magnetic baseball schedules is a tried-and-true way to interact with potential clients.

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations

Next time you fill up at the gas station, leave a stack of baseball schedules by the register.
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Personalize Your Baseball Magnets Even Further

We know how important it is to make the most of the marketing materials you buy. You not only want to them to fit within your budget, but you also need them to be effective. That’s we also offer several options to upgrade your custom baseball magnets and sports schedules to help boost your ROI (return on investment.)
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Small touches like full-color envelopes ensure your advertisements are being opened. While custom written notes help you establish the personal relationships that the real estate industry is so reliant upon. We can even help you canvas the neighborhoods you serve through full-service direct mail.
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Magnetic Baseball Schedule GiftNotes™

Upgrade your marketing with personalized GiftNotes™ and turn your sports schedule magnets into more than just an advertisement. It's so simply to use them as an opportunity to make personal connections!

GiftNotes™ are essential business builders designed to help you connect with clients and prospects on a more personal level. These lightweight, greeting card-style notes allow you to introduce yourself to your mailing contacts and subtly ask for their business. They can also be distributed in person.

Not sure what to say? We provide pre-written copy that you can use. Make changes to customize it for your audience. Or create your own message from scratch to accompany your branded baseball team magnets.
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GiftNote™ Messages and Writing Samples

If you need ideas for messages you can include with your baseball schedule magnets, here are some writing samples that you can use:
Dear neighbor,

Spring is finally here! I’m so excited to see nature bringing so many bright colors back into play. Not to mention a new season of baseball! Enclosed you’ll find a magnetic baseball schedule to help you keep track of your favorite teams.

With that, the end of spring into the beginning of summer is the best time to buy or sell a home! If you’re thinking of making a residence change, please give me a call to discuss your options.

I’m also happy to mail out additional sports schedules to your friends or family members. Simply email me their address and I’ll make sure they don’t strike out and miss a game.

Best regards,
Your Name
Dear neighbor,

Baseball is back! While sports fans have been thrown quite a few curve balls recently, we’re all ready to get back into the game.  To share in the excitement of a new season, I’m sending along a magnetic sports schedule to make it easy to plan out game night with family and friends.

In the meantime, don’t strike out when it comes time to sell or buy your next home. My expertise is exactly what you need to hit a home run in today’s market. So, feel free to call or email when you’re ready to but the ball into play! (I’m even happy to pass on more baseball schedules if you need them.)
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Your neighbor and local real estate agent,
Your Name
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Full-Service Mailing for Baseball Marketing Magnets

Your time is valuable as a real estate agent. And let’s face it, sometimes marketing falls to the wayside as a result. There’s simply not enough time in your work week to stay on top of every task.

Fortunately, we offer a solution that saves you time and keeps you on top of your marketing game — full-service mailing.

If you don’t have the time to distribute schedules yourself; we completely understand. That’s why we offer full-service mailing. This benefit is available for not only our real estate baseball schedule magnets, but our other magnets for marketing as well.

From stuffing and sealing to addressing and shipping your envelopes, we mail your custom magnets directly to your mailing list. Don't have a mailing list? Need some fresh contacts? Our direct mailing service can help with that, too!

For about $1 per contact, we can take the stress out of your next magnetic marketing campaign. So, you’re practically guaranteed to hit a home run for your real estate sales goals from spring into summer when the market heats up.
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When Should You Buy Baseball Schedule Magnets?

You should purchase baseball schedules as part of your marketing plan for real estate as early as possible in the first quarter. Not only does this allow adequate time to customize your sports schedules and ship them, but it also guarantees you the best pricing.

Pre-orders for our baseball team magnets start around mid-December with the absolute best product deals. If you need to increase your spending before the end of the year, this is a great opportunity to get additional tax deductions along with significant savings.
 
Otherwise, baseball team sports schedules for the current year officially launch in January. As the season starts around the same time as Q2, we advise you purchase these products in January, but no later than February, in order to reach customers at the start of the new season.
 
Ready to hit a home run with your marketing? Order your magnetic sports schedules today!
Shop Baseball Schedules Now
To stay abreast of new products and promotions, subscribe to the Magnets USA® newsletter now! You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more real estate marketing tips and ideas.

Custom Keychains: Promotional Gifts to Grow Your Business

11/22/2021

 
Increase your referrals with our line of custom keychains! The perfect promotional gifts for your marketing strategy, personalized key rings make a great client gift when you want to stay top-of-mind. Get year-round advertising for a low, one-time investment when you choose our key rings for your business.
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Promotional Keychains

While using magnets for marketing is a great way to get new leads, promotional keychains are another wonderful alternative to help you grow your client base and gain referrals.
 
Welcome clients and new acquaintances home with our collection of high-quality, custom keychains. Our lineup of promotional key rings come in either stainless steel or eye-catching carbon-fiber for lasting durability.
 
Our carbon fiber keychains are professionally personalized in full color with the option to add your business or real estate logo. We also offer stainless-steel keychains engraved with your logo and contact information.
 
Bulk discounts are available on as few as two keychains. This makes them an affordable marketing solution for REALTORS®, sales professionals and other small businesses who rely heavily on business relationships and referrals.
 
Whether you choose to engrave a traditional oval shape or a house-shaped design, these keychains for marketing are great to have on hand for those moments when a business card doesn’t make the right statement.
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How to Make Custom Keychains

If you’d like to know how to make custom keychains, we have a simple tutorial to guide you through the process.

Select the Design and Quantity

First, select the keychain you’d like to engrave from LifeLong Gifts™. Then choose the quantity. (When customizing keychains in bulk, you’ll receive additional discounts based on order size.) Once you choose the quantity hit the Continue button.

Personalize Your Keychain

Now choose you personalization option but click on Enter Your Personalization. To change or add a design element, click on that part of the keychain.
 
To add a logo, click on the logo example in pink box. Then click the Replace Image button. You can either choose from one of our existing logo options or upload your own. If desired, you can crop the image to size.
 
In addition to the logo, you can also personalize the text the same way. Simply click on the text you’d like to change. Then enter the information requested. You can also adjust the text size, if needed. However, take care that all the information you enter for engraving fits inside the pink guide box.
 
For keychains that offer customization on two sides, be sure to click on page 2 of 2 to personalize the back with your contact information or message.

Save Your Changes

Once you’ve personalized your promotional keychains with a logo and text, hit the Save button to keep your changes.

Review Your Proof

Review your custom keychain design you just created. Double check to make sure everything is spelled correctly, and all personalization is contained within the pink guide box.
 
For two-sided designs, verify both pages for accuracy. Then click the box indicating you accept the conditions and hit the Continue button.

Add Instructions

If you have further instructions, you can add them in the text box provided. You’ll also need to initial that you own any images you uploaded or have permission to use them. Then click Submit Personalization.

Complete Your Order

Your business keychains should now appear in your shopping cart. To finalize your purchase, simply proceed to checkout and follow the instructions provided to place your order.
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How Do I Make a Logo for My Keychain?

If you are creating a logo for one of our personalized carbon fiber key rings, save your logo as a VECTOR (.ai or .eps) file. Otherwise, raster .tif and .jpg files will print with a white box behind them.
 
For our stainless-steel key rings, choose a black and white logo with no gradients.
 
If you don’t have a logo to represent your brand, then you can hire a professional to create one for you. There are also various platforms that make it easy to design your own such as Canva, LogoMakr or Free Logo Design.
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Where to Buy Personalized Keychains

You can buy single or bulk custom keychains for your business, personal use, or personalized gifts from LifeLong Gifts™.
Looking for more promotional gifts? Visit Magnets USA® for a huge selection of custom magnetic marketing products. Or explore more of what LifeLong Gifts™ has to offer including premier kitchen knives and cutlery, custom cutting boards, and other personalized gifts for clients, friends and family.
 
You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay abreast of new products and sales promotions. Or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more exciting ideas!

Sticky Calendars: Custom Promotional Products for Every Business

11/10/2021

 
Introducing our new stick-on calendars! While they may not be quite as fun a Christmas advent calendar, this fresh product line is still an exciting way to market to your customer base. Not only will these promotional products last well beyond the holiday season, but you’ll also receive year-round advertising from a small, one-time investment.
 
Learn about this wonderful line of pad calendars and how they can help give your marketing a boost. Plus discover great tips for distributing promotional calendars to prospective clients and customers.
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What Are Stick-On Calendars?

Stick-on calendars are promotional calendars that display your business information on a useful product that consumers love.
 
Our personalized sticky calendars are a budget-friendly solution to your marketing needs. Unlike our tear-off calendar magnets, this stick-on version adheres to any smooth surface – even if it’s not magnetic!
 
Featuring our Stik-Anywhere™ adhesive backing, these pad calendars are repositionable and can be reused multiple times. Choose from our most popular themes including quotes and recipes as well as our New Year and welcome home designs.

What Are Promotional Calendars?

Promotional calendars are used to advertise a business year-round. As they are often printed with a business logo and contact information, they help to increase brand awareness and keep your contact details within easy reach.
 
Overall, the biggest advantages of using promotional calendars are their cost effectiveness and constant reinforcement of your company over a 12-month period. Stick up calendars are an easy way to ensure your calendar is displayed and used on a regular basis.

What Are the Uses of Calendars?

People love calendars for their many uses. It’s part of what makes getting them into the hands of clients so easy as a viable way to generate new leads and drum up business. They are used for a number of reasons, but most importantly, they provide an easy reminder of important events. They can also help users visualize their schedule at a glance.
 
Calendars are a tool often used for:
 
  • Keeping track of upcoming meetings or appointments.
  • Marking important events such as birthdays, holidays, vacations, and other important events.
  • They help us to prioritize tasks, so we stay on track with schedules. Thus, increasing productivity.

Why Choose Sticky Calendars?

Here are the benefits you get from our small sticky calendars:

  • Our custom stick-up calendars are the perfect alternative to magnet. Especially if you have customers with a stainless-steel fridge that won’t hold a magnet.
  • They stick to any smooth surface so it’s perfect by your desk where it’s most handy. However, this press and stick calendar can also be used on your refrigerator the same as our magnetic calendars.
  • Stick-on calendars have a special adhesive back that won’t damage surfaces. Unlike tape and other adhesives, our Stik-Anywhere™ backing can be used over and over. Unstick it from one spot then move it as often as you like into a new location.
  • Just like our tear off calendar magnets, these stick-on calendars can be personalized with your custom contact information. These 14-page calendar pads also feature 13 full months beginning December.
  • Sticky calendars are great promotional product for REALTORS® and real estate agents, medical professionals, mortgage agents, healthcare providers, dentists, sales professionals, and other related industries.
  • Like our other promotional calendars, our custom stick calendars are printed and assembled in-house in the USA.
  • They are a simple solution to year-round marketing for any budget.
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Why Are Sticky Calendars Great for Marketing?

In addition to all the great features our promotional pad calendars provide, they also provide some amazing marketing benefits. Here are some of the ways that press and stick calendars can help your business grow:

  • It’s a high visibility product that customers actually put to use.
  • Unlike other promotional products, calendars provide longevity and are used for the entire year.
  • They make great client gifts for the holidays or customer appreciation. As it’s a functional product everyone needs.
  • Better than business cards, they literally stick around and help build brand awareness. And, because your contact information is right there on every personalized sticky calendar, it’s easy for clients to reach out when they require your services.
  • They offer quick reference anywhere in the home or office -- even when a phone or digital calendar isn’t available.
  • Stick on calendars are incredibly easy to distribute. Many customers will even ask for extras to pass out to friends and family.
  • It’s a cost-effective marketing solution. These pad calendars offer a great return on investment (ROI) as they cost just pennies a day for year-round advertising. They’re also an up-front budget friendly purchase.
  • Small sticky calendars are a popular product among consumers. 29% of US households have a promotional calendar in their home. While 76% display them where they’ll be seen every day. They are even more appealing to those ages 45+.
  • Customers ask for new calendars each year boosting your chance of endorsement and referrals all while keeping them engaged.
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Where to Distribute Stick-On Calendars

Sticky up calendars are really easy to distribute. Here are some of the ways you can get this promotional product into the hands of your customers:

  • Hand out sticky calendars in person as a thank you for attending an event or open house. Or simply give them as a customer appreciation gift.
  • Include this promotional product in retail shipments as a bonus so you always stay top-of-mind.
  • They are also a wonderful reminder of your services when they are handed out by delivery drivers. This works great for those in the restaurant industry.
  • Place them by a cash register as freebies at a local coffee shop or small business.
  • Provide them at a reception table when attending a conference or trade show.
  • Use a direct mail service to canvas large areas and local neighborhoods to reach new clients based on their demographics. Here at Magnets USA® we offer upgrades to include business building GiftNotes™ with your purchase in addition to envelopes and mailing services.
  • Use them as handouts in favor or swag bags at community events.
  • Mail them out with your client Christmas cards.
  • Distribute them through other local community businesses such as churches, hotels, restaurants, medical offices or even the library.
Now that you know about our great new product line, be sure to explore our other quality promotional products. Plus, discover more helpful marketing ideas to help you create successful advertising campaigns for your business.
 
You can also subscribe to our newsletter for updates on sales and new promotional products. Or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for more engaging solutions.
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