Poser for all you rental owners

This year unlike other years has not been as good for renting. This is inspite of me advertising with one of the largest sites on the internet that provided me with over 200enquires. And two smaller ones that sent me between 20 and 30 each.

Now here is what I want to pose to you people.  I only managed to convert 4 enquiries from the larger site but 5 and 6 from the two smaller ones.  Which has got me thinking. Are the larger ones sending out enquiries via some kind of remote system to make it look as though they are doing really well for me?

I am working on my computer most of the day and therefore can respond to an enquiry as soon as it comes in.  I write a nice polite email answering any questions. Another thing I noticed is that most of the enquiries from the large site are for the peak season. Yet the smaller sites are spread all over the year.

I am not alone in this. Several people I know are also begining to question things because their conversion rate is not that good compared to the volume of enquiries they get.

Personally, I am going to drop the big site and maybe take on another smaller one just for 2009 and see how that pans out. Because to take only 6 weeks bookings does not warrent paying out nearly £300 a year. Whereas £300 over three small sites and hopefully 20+ weeks makes more sence.   What are your thoughts on this? Cliff

I use one of the big companies and results have been very disappointing for the cost involved. I have had about 10 enquiries and no conversions, but I am in the middle of a lot of competition for my area. My best results were from sites where I either paid nothing or a nominal fee was involved. We managed 10 weeks this year, which wasn't bad for our first year, but all were peak season.

I don't know about the auto emails as wouldn't that count as fraud? There is a representative registered on the forum for one of the big lettings agencies, although I haven't seen her post for a while. I am sure she could give you a definitive answer.

Mark

Our neighbours manage a large spanish rentals company which has numerous branches throughout Spain it is mainly reliant on bookings being taken over the internet. they assure me that, unlike other years, the rentals market has taken a helluva'  of a beating!  Both the spaniards wishing to holiday by the coast and other nationalities have chosen to remain "at home" leaving many properties empty even during the high season.

It is not only the property owners who are finding it tough, spare a thought for the other people reliant on your properties rental, they too are suffering as a consequence of the "down-turn".

Let's hope that the current economic depression is short-lived and that a brighter outlook can be enjoyed in the new year!

Regards,

Pedro.

Hey, Markfish that's very common to all of the business owners like you.. Starting a business will cost too expensive so you should be prepared about it. If you know how to handle it you'll be successfull.