Online estate agencies are the centre of attention right now - but one of them seems to be seeking publicity in an unusual way.
While the Bruce Brothers behind Purplebricks appear in the Sunday Times Rich List and Emoov and Tepilo buddy up with a possible £100m merger, both earning themselves mention on news pages of national newspapers and industry newsletters, HouseSimple is seeking attention through a distinctly different route.
Instead it is offering free listings to ... sellers who happen to be called Derek.
An announcement from the agency, coinciding with a TV campaign featuring a character called Derek, says HouseSimple will drop its standard £995 No Sale No Fee price tag for anyone called Derek currently living in the UK and signing up before the end of June.
The agency says the name Derek was once hugely popular and was amongst the top 20 in the UK 80 years ago.
“For all those Dereks out there who dream of one day seeing their name rise to prominence again, we’re delighted to do our little bit to help raise their profile” says Sam Mitchell, chief executive.
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Said differently, don't use us because we're inspiring. Or that we do things differently and make your experience a joy. Or that our beliefs, values and convictions are all out there in plain sight.
No, use us because your name was considered obscure enough to get free press.
I always under-estimate how crass some firms can be in their attempts to manipulate.
Wait until the Wimmin's Lib get's wind of this one... Sexist they will cry and a storm in a B-Cup will follow.
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