It is tempting to assume that the larger and more established a commercial property company is, the better it is. This is not strictly true. If you are looking for a commercial property agent in the South West, an independent has many advantages.
* A more personal bespoke service
An independent commercial property agency in South Devon can offer a more bespoke service compared with a larger corporate company, which is often restricted by shareholders and corporate bureaucracy which means the client isn't always the priority. Smaller independent companies do not have the large overheads either which means their fees are likely to be smaller.
Some of the larger companies have certainly struggled in the recession. Having expanded rapidly during the boom, it was harder to pull their business back in during the bust so vast redundancies were made and company growth stagnated. This situation puts pressure on the remaining agents who find themselves having to manage a larger portfolio of properties and clients. Your agent should be able to give you the necessary commitment, keeping you up to date and being available to answer your queries. An independent agent will have more control over their caseload and be able to offer you a more personal service.
* Independents have often built their businesses from their experiences in bigger companies
It is a common story to hear of people being inspired to start their own business due to the failings of companies they work for being unresolved. Trying to feedback to middle management is often a waste of time, so you can be left thinking, I could do this my own way.
Many independent commercial property agents in the South West have gained experience in bigger companies where they will have learned all the best most effective practices and recognized what doesn't work. However, it is important that for ongoing improvement to service, a company records all feedback and complaints and take them seriously.
* Independents are more open to new methods of working
Some more established companies have become too comfortable from the boom years, where there was plenty of business to go round and a different sales approach was effective. They have been slow to realize that they can no longer rely on traditional methods and their brand as much as before. Those that adapt with the rapid changes from the recession will have success in the current market. Commercial property agents now need to compete for business and utilise the advances in mobile and internet technology to offer the best service to their clients.
Mobile technology and social media have changed working practices significantly. Consumers have more access to information creating a greater transparency in all aspects of sales. Mobile technology has created instant transmission of information and communication with customers, whilst social networking sites such as Google +, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have provided great platforms for advertising and marketing. Independents are more likely to use these methods and have more open and honest agents.
* A more personal bespoke service
An independent commercial property agency in South Devon can offer a more bespoke service compared with a larger corporate company, which is often restricted by shareholders and corporate bureaucracy which means the client isn't always the priority. Smaller independent companies do not have the large overheads either which means their fees are likely to be smaller.
Some of the larger companies have certainly struggled in the recession. Having expanded rapidly during the boom, it was harder to pull their business back in during the bust so vast redundancies were made and company growth stagnated. This situation puts pressure on the remaining agents who find themselves having to manage a larger portfolio of properties and clients. Your agent should be able to give you the necessary commitment, keeping you up to date and being available to answer your queries. An independent agent will have more control over their caseload and be able to offer you a more personal service.
* Independents have often built their businesses from their experiences in bigger companies
It is a common story to hear of people being inspired to start their own business due to the failings of companies they work for being unresolved. Trying to feedback to middle management is often a waste of time, so you can be left thinking, I could do this my own way.
Many independent commercial property agents in the South West have gained experience in bigger companies where they will have learned all the best most effective practices and recognized what doesn't work. However, it is important that for ongoing improvement to service, a company records all feedback and complaints and take them seriously.
* Independents are more open to new methods of working
Some more established companies have become too comfortable from the boom years, where there was plenty of business to go round and a different sales approach was effective. They have been slow to realize that they can no longer rely on traditional methods and their brand as much as before. Those that adapt with the rapid changes from the recession will have success in the current market. Commercial property agents now need to compete for business and utilise the advances in mobile and internet technology to offer the best service to their clients.
Mobile technology and social media have changed working practices significantly. Consumers have more access to information creating a greater transparency in all aspects of sales. Mobile technology has created instant transmission of information and communication with customers, whilst social networking sites such as Google +, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn have provided great platforms for advertising and marketing. Independents are more likely to use these methods and have more open and honest agents.
About the Author:
For more information about a forward thinking company with reputable independent commercial property agents in the South West, visit Charles Darrow's website. Details regarding their agents' knowledge and experience can be found by clicking here.