Cold Calling

[db281]

Hi

I'm in the process of starting a property portal/marketing business.

To pad out our e-newsletter and site - I need properties to advertise. I assume it's not good practice to just take properties from agents/landlords sites etc and advertise them on their behalf? They might not want associating with ourselves.

Opinions on calling sellers/landlords (from the number on their advert) and asking whether we could advertise their property for free? I've got a short and sweet pitch, plus it's free advertising for them.

My main intention is to pad the website out with a variety of properties before I seek to charge for new listings.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[db281]

I've move this topic to the general section for a varied response - I would still be interested in hearing whether there are any legal aspects to this I need to consider.

 

[smallclaimsassistance]

Your instinct is correct. You can't advertise their properties without their consent. There is however nothing to stop you asking them. If you're happy to take the "no's" in the hope of the odd "yes" (as you say, more free advertising for them), go for it. In the event that they agree, You will have to make sure that they have cleared it with their agent, especially as you've got the number from the agent's details. You're not likely to hang on to the property if the agent threatens their (and your) client with legal action for breaching an exclusivity clause.

 

[db281]

Super advice. So far so good - a very positive response. Just to add, I've initially contacted private landlords - so no agent to consider.