Every child knows the house giving out the good candy on Halloween.

Y’know, the one house on the block giving out full-size candy bars. Or gift bags with assorted goodies and plastic knick-knacks.

Sure, kids will go to any lit porch for candy. But they’ll make their parents drive out of their way to visit the house giving out the good stuff.

But it’s not just on Halloween. Kids know which businesses give out the good stuff, too.

In a Facebook post, my cousin once wrote:

Two sick kiddos today. I told Sam this morning that we were going to the doctor and he said, “I want to go to a different doctor’s office because I want a lollipop”. He was protesting because their new doctor doesn’t give out lollipops but I will say the kid is persuasive. He had a discussion with our new doctor and ended up leaving with a sticker and a lollipop.

See? Even kids know which doctors give out the good candy.

More and more, children are influencing parents’ buying decisions. A recent study found that a whopping 90 percent of parents get their kids’ input before buying something.

And, hooboy, those little whippersnappers can be persuasive.

McDonald’s learned this years ago when they started telling kids, “Hey! We think you should have a TOY with your meal!” Ever since, kids yell, moan, beg, and cry until mom pulls into the drive-thru.

So, what about you? Do you give kids a little something extra to help persuade the parents to stop at your shop? If not, are you willing to give it a try?

You may be saying, “I don’t sell stuff for children. What can I do?”

Good question. Here are a few ideas:

  • Financial institution/planner: Play money or bank
  • Outdoor equipment dealer: Seeds and a flowerpot
  • Eye doctor: Funny glasses
  • Paint store: Finger paints, kid’s smock, or a paintbrush
  • Appliance store: Magnetic children’s picture frame
  • Barber: Temporary mustache tattoos
  • Western store: Toy Horse or sheriff’s badge
  • Pet store: Animal finger puppets
  • Electrician: Anything that glows in the dark
  • HVAC: Small hand-held battery-operated fan
  • Contractor: Free custom built swing set with every new home

Bonus Idea: Give out kids-only punch cards. After ten visits, the child gets a special prize. Don’t be chintzy. Give ‘em something nice. Kids will want to fill those cards as fast as they can.

But please, for the sake of your business, Do NOT give away items that make a lot of noise. Noisy toys = Irritated Parents.

Most of these items are sold in bulk and can be found on the cheap. If you must, take the money out of your marketing budget.

Believe me, kids talk. Word will get around.

Soon everyone will know that you’re the house that gives out the cool candy.

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