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David dOrton-Gibson

Training for Professionals MD

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my expertise in the industry

over 30 years

David's Recent Activity

I agree, but have spent years pointing out what the law says (currently the Consumer Rights Act, section 84 (3)(c)). This is where being a fit and proper person when licensing comes in will simply increase risk as not including it could jeopardise your right to hold a licence. It is the usual story, many don't do it and because they get away with it it causes more problems. For good agents, enforcement against those breaking the rules is essential to have a level playing field.

From: David dOrton-Gibson 16 November 2020 17:33 PM

Surely no reputable agent could support underhand fee display and declaration? However the problem with fees in adverts is you have not spoken to the customer so you don't yet know what you are doing for them. If you sell a standard product it is fairly easy, take petrol, few people differentiate between the actual petrol they put in their car (in many cases the tankers all fill from the same depot!). However, if you are offering a micro site just for that property, or a comprehensive full colour brochure, or you research the historical past of that interesting property, these are factors that need to be discussed about the merit and value before a proper pricing can be given. It is the classic criticism about sales people that they try and ram down your throat what they have to sell and don't listen to you. That is exactly why pricing should be clear, but cannot realistically be on the advert, as the professional does not yet know what services they will be providing and therefore what it is appropriate to charge. I suggest the problem is that those writing these rules don't actually understand the market (and indeed the different markets) that agents can be serving. To be professional we should be allowed to go and listen to what the customer wants, assess what that will cost and then offer them a solution to their specific needs at a clear, VAT inclusive, price. I still am looking for the solicitor or accounts adverts (and hundreds of others) where the advert includes a price. Why target agents and not have a universal policy one way or another?

From: David dOrton-Gibson 16 November 2020 12:19 PM

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