Welcome services are locally owned small businesses, designed to assist newcomers in familiarizing them with local businesses and thereby helping them more effectively establish buying habits based on their recent move. 

Originally, personal home visits were made to each newcomer with the greeter bringing welcome gifts and certificates for their use.  Most services continue to operate this way; however, many have made changes in their delivery method and other standard operating procedures. 

Welcome services now offer church directories, baby programs, business-to-business programs, elaborate publications, promotional item sales, newcomer clubs, etc.