What would you say to a customer that asked if you would be willing to give them referral fees for referring clients to you?

This person is not an agent.


I know referral fees are illegal, but I am looking for how other people would handle such a request?

What would you say?

I ask because a customer I have been working with asked me this.

I would be interested in seeing what other agents might say to such a request

"I'm sorry, it's against the law to pay you a fee for referring customers to me."

Ditto

Thanks for the replies. I was surprised a client asked me about it. And it made me uncomfortable. Not sure if I want to continue working with the client at all. Of course I told them it was illegal, but it was ackward.

If your gut tells you its wrong it usually is. Referrals should be based on service. The best referrals will come from those expecting nothing. Put yourself in the shoes of the referred person.

Were you referred because of the money (something that has to be disclosed here and cant be paid to an unlicensed entity) or because you provide awesome service

My standard response: "Are you kidding? Do you know that's one of the fastest ways for me to lose my license?!?! Then I'll be out of business and have to start hitting YOU up for money."

I kind of make a joke to keep it light, but no one has ever brought it up twice.