Inventory clerk

[peter227]

Hi

I worked as a property inventory clerk for the last four years, and the company I worked for went through many changes which resulted in me having fewer jobs, so eventually, I left. I would like to start working for myself but I am having trouble finding jobs (I'm covering London) I went to some estate agents (even some that I dealt with before) but they either have contracts with big companies or have someone already...I really like doing that work and would like to stay in the industry. Any suggestions of where to look for the jobs, or where to advertise my services is welcome. Thank you

 

[WaveJumper]

Welcome to the forum my first thought was I can see the property market has stalled somewhat and with very limited movement in the rental or even house buying market opportunities must be very slim, not what you want to hear.

Talking to an estate agent at the weekend he only had one house for sale in the area and kept his head above water by managing rentals for clients.

In answer to the question though I would keep knocking on doors and leaving your CV, possibly even advertise your services on social media there maybe some private landlords out there who could do with your assistance. Might even be worthwhile contacting your local councils housing department.

Hopefully others here can be more constructive but wish you all the best

 

[fisicx]

@peter227 - I'm not so sure you will have much luck finding work. As you say, estate and letting agents already have someone doing inventories. most do it themselves as it a very minor part of the process.

Maybe get trained up as an estate agent to keep yourself in the industry.

 

[Mark T Jones]

There is no obvious / easy answer - it will be a mix persistence, Insight and a bit of cunning.

Insight - what is the basis of their current arrangement - the first answer will invariably be price, which is unlikely to be entirely true. It takes some digging. The bit they won't tell you is the 'under the counter' element, that will require some thought!

Persistence - nobody is going to dump an established partner for you - you need to be there when that partner dies, retires or lets them down. Or when a new manager comes in and wants to be clean.

Cunning: What can you offer that is different/interesting? (Your USP). Where do these guys gather to drink & exchange stories and knowledge? There is usually one pub or club, on a fixed night.

Also, look at online like OpenRent - they are likely to be more clinical in their approach.

 

[peter227]

There is no obvious / easy answer - it will be a mix persistence, Insight and a bit of cunning.

Insight - what is the basis of their current arrangement - the first answer will invariably be price, which is unlikely to be entirely true. It takes some digging. The bit they won't tell you is the 'under the counter' element, that will require some thought!

Persistence - nobody is going to dump an established partner for you - you need to be there when that partner dies, retires or lets them down. Or when a new manager comes in and wants to be clean.

Cunning: What can you offer that is different/interesting? (Your USP). Where do these guys gather to drink & exchange stories and knowledge? There is usually one pub or club, on a fixed night.

Also, look at online like OpenRent - they are likely to be more clinical in their approach.

Open rent is a mystery to me. Once I finished with a company where I worked for four years I started for another company that was getting jobs from the Open rent and they were very busy. I was doing at least two jobs per day but there were some red flags and eventually, I realized it was a scam. They were getting jobs from the Open rent and employing contractors such as myself who were doing jobs for them. They would get paid by Open rent but they wouldn't pay to contractors. I contacted Open rent, told them what was happening, and asked them if I could work for them. I think they terminated their contract but didn't give me a job.

 

[peter227]

Inventory is a really specific industry. I worked for four years for a big company and never met anyone from that company. We regularly talked about the jobs over the phone but that was it. They offer you the jobs, you do them and wait one month to get paid. When I moved to another company, the same thing. They were getting me jobs, I was doing it but I didn't get paid as they were scammers. I guess it's the perfect setup and opportunity for the scammers. After this experience, if I would carry on with inventory work, it would be only working for myself.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Which prompts me to mention that letting/estate agents are notoriously bad payers. Something you will need to be on top of

 

[fisicx]

After this experience, if I would carry on with inventory work, it would be only working for myself.

Why do you think you will have any more luck getting paid working for yourself?

You are more likely to spend most of your time chasing invoices

 

[peter227]

Why do you think you will have any more luck getting paid working for yourself?

You are more likely to spend most of your time chasing invoices

You may be right, I didn't come to that point yet

 

[JonWhite_Adler]

Hi

I worked as a property inventory clerk for the last four years, and the company I worked for went through many changes which resulted in me having fewer jobs, so eventually, I left. I would like to start working for myself but I am having trouble finding jobs (I'm covering London) I went to some estate agents (even some that I dealt with before) but they either have contracts with big companies or have someone already...I really like doing that work and would like to stay in the industry. Any suggestions of where to look for the jobs, or where to advertise my services is welcome. Thank you

Hi Peter,

It is a tough one but from my experience of going independent.

Rather than go to estate agents I would approach managing agents. Surveying firms who manage large blocks or portfolios for clients. They have a larger need than high street agents and will work with self employed specialists and will pay properly. Look for the midsized firms.

I would suggest setting up a Ltd Company to operate through, set up a basic website and LinkedIn profile. Also, take a look at fiverr and Bark for promoting yourself and looking for contracts, however these can be expensive to get started but you can then go direct later.

Take a look at new_home_quality_control on Instagram and their website for ideas on marketing.

I would also look at training for EPCs as this a good complimentary service and much in need service. I have known a few people who have also taken on brochure photography as well as the 3 work side by site.

Jon

 

[peter227]

Hi Peter,

It is a tough one but from my experience of going independent.

Rather than go to estate agents I would approach managing agents. Surveying firms who manage large blocks or portfolios for clients. They have a larger need than high street agents and will work with self employed specialists and will pay properly. Look for the midsized firms.

I would suggest setting up a Ltd Company to operate through, set up a basic website and LinkedIn profile. Also, take a look at fiverr and Bark for promoting yourself and looking for contracts, however these can be expensive to get started but you can then go direct later.

Take a look at new_home_quality_control on Instagram and their website for ideas on marketing.

I would also look at training for EPCs as this a good complimentary service and much in need service. I have known a few people who have also taken on brochure photography as well as the 3 work side by site.

Jon

Hi Jon

Thank you for your advice. Very helpful.