Challenger portal NeedAProperty.com is to offer 5,000 agents who do not currently use the site a free trial for six months, aiming for a rapid doubling in size.
The portal, launched in June 2012, yesterday announced that it has recruited its first 5,000 agents and said it has seen a large rise in traffic and enquiries sent to subscribers over the last six months.
The site claims that traffic has doubled since the beginning of the year and the number of leads sent to agents increased by 80%.
From 2014, prices will £150 per month per office. The large majority of those already signed up had free trials before converting to paying subscriptions.
Scott Green, founder and CEO of NeedAProperty, said: “We are delighted with the success of the portal since the launch and we have had very positive feedback from estate agents nationwide, many of whom are looking for a more cost-effective return on their investment.
“In this difficult economic climate we are delighted to be able to offer a comprehensive alternative at a fraction on the cost of our competitors. This has been well received within the industry.
“We want to show agents who have not yet registered with us that NeedAProperty.com can be of value to them.”
He said the offer also includes free listings on sister sites eastwestplc.com and needavaluation.com
From next week, NeedAProperty will be launching a new advertising campaign on national radio stations.
It is stepping up the ante after Zoopla announced that it is considering a float on the stock market, where it would join rival Rightmove. NeedAProperty says its prices come in at around one-sixth of its larger competitors.
info@needaproperty.com or call 0203 603 9140.
https://www.needaproperty.com
eastwestplc.com
needavaluation.com
Comments
One thing that estate agents are so good at is ......moaning !! . I don't think anyone gives anyone a chance and we are all to quick to damn a new idea or business with "they must be joking" or " no one can ever take on RM" . Have to admit that this site doesn't look too great and neither does propertypropertyproperty but at least these guys are "trying" at least to break the monopoly. We can't "moan" about high prices of RM, if we are not prepared to give others a chance, I won't be trying agentsmutual because I won't pay before it's been proved, but I have taken a free trial with needaproperty.com to see if they can impress me before I start paying a full subscription ....
Anyone wanting to take on RM are deluded. Anyone wanting to take on Zoopla and RM are deluded. Anyone wanting to take on Zoopla, RM, Needaproperty etc etc
Its like me trying to take on bp and esso. They found the oil years ago by getting in early. Move on and think of something else you cheeky techie hedge fund dupers.
Burgersnbeers - it does say that the existing subscribers had a free trial to start with also .... I'm with the AA , and they are always doing special deals for new punters....
So what happens to current paying customers? Do they get free trial?
I mean if I was already a loyal customer and non-customers were getting things gratis then I'd be asking some pretty tough questions - is there reward structure asking me to stop being their client and get a 6 month trial?
I think Kevin, you have it all wrong.... RM and Z have taken advantage of us by their price increases and we all moan, but when someone comes along with a new portal or idea, everyone's so quick to criticise. Yes, it's hard to break any monopoly but God loves a trier.
I actually heard an advert on the radio for needaproperty, so seems like they are trying.
I am a small independent, and I for one will give these guys a try, as the website looks pretty decent to me. Nothing to lose really !
I had an email from another one today.
Paul, Our own research would suggest that you are not correct...ZPG and RM would of course like you to think otherwise
Trevor - I think people now just type in 'Rightmove' or 'Zoopla' the days of searching for a 'property for sale in ......' are long gone.
I cancelled our subscription the other day as we had not one lead of any quality during the last year. Interestingly there was no offer of a free 'trial'
@Kevin
I wonder if your corporate competitors feel the same way about you?
People are not going so direct to portals thats why main portals are doing more real world adverts on taxis, billboards, TV. People are moreso going to google and entering searches fof areas and types rather tgan brands direct.
So lower cost portals with content that big portals dont have will be found regardless. Only difference is the agent has more in their pocket to dol other advertising as well.
No I don't work for Zoopla or RM, I run an independent. Anyone wanting to take on Zoopla and RM are deluded, they have it locked down.
Kevin - do you work for Zoopla or RM by any chance? Portals historically get off the ground with free trials. It's what they do. The formula is build your agent customers first, get your property inventory and then market to the consumers. At that point, you start charging the agents. This portal is not doing anything different from how most, if not all, the others started. And by the way aren't agents keen to see at least one more portal in the market, giving the other two a run for their money. I'd be happy to see this one and Agents Mutual up and running.
May have doubled traffic and leads but from zero that isnt very hard. So they now have 20 people visiting their website and are send 2 leads instead of 1? We took a free trial and was a compete waste to time and would never pay for this. NeedARealitycheck.com?
Never mind all that, it's the Super League semi final tonight Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos. Nice pies there.
Live on Sky 8pm KO.
Floodlit Rugby League !!!
Good products and services don't need to be offered free, people see they are good and worth having and are happy to pay for them.
YAWN .....