Special offer

What would you do with a client who's consistantly late?

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties CA DRE#01874007

Clock Running Late.Ever had to deal with this issue with a client? It's never a pleasant thing to have to tell someone they need to be on time. Recently my last two buyer clients have had issues making it to appointments on time and I really have to tell them that my time is just as important as theirs. Consumers seem to have this perception that real estate agents are simply sitting behind a desk waiting for someone to call them but in reality there's so much more that has to be done in order to generate business.

As agents we have to plan out our daily activities and hold ourselves personally accountable to ensure that we're successful running our business. Though it is an advantage not having to clock in you can also waste tons of time and accomplish nothing which makes you zero dollars. Having said this clients need to understand that when they disregard our schedule it can be a costly thing for us agents.

I would love to hear some of your solutions to this problem because this is disrespectful of clients. I can completely understand that traffic and other issues can arise but when a client never makes on time that's just not acceptable. Please tell me some of your more memorable stories and how you solved the issue.

 

Comments (5)

Jeremy Moore
Century 21 United Realty* - Peterborough, ON
www.century21.ca/jeremy.moore

It is true we are very busy, but without clients we have nothing to do, and therefore sometimes must just accept that some people are consistantly late..after all, I would rather have a late client than no clients at all!

Oct 04, 2010 07:43 AM
Brin Realty Associates Team At Bean Group
Bean Group | Brin Realty Associates - Amherst, NH
Amherst NH homes and Southern NH real estate

If its a buyer client, you can point out that you have a schedule to keep and its important that we get started on time.

Good luck.

Oct 04, 2010 07:52 AM
Ryan Halset
Boardwalk Real Estate - Lake Forest Park, WA
Realtor | (206) 930-7959

So, I had a client who showed up at least 20 minutes late for our first two appointments. I gave a pass on the first, and was irritated after the 2nd one. On our 3rd appointment, I had warned the client that I had another appointment right after this showing - so I really didn't have any time to spare and needed the client to be on time. After 10 minutes, the client hadn't shown up yet.

I probably could have waited 10 more minutes...but considering the fact that I gave fair warning - I decided to leave and prepare for the repercussions. I gave one last call to the client's cell - no answer - and left to my next appointment.

Apparently the client had left their cell at home...never got my call...showed up after I had left, and ended up waiting there for 20 minutes before leaving. Later that day - I got an apology, and for the next several showings - this client has been EARLY! Now this client knows that while I will work hard, my time is also valuable, and that when I say something...I'm serious!

Oct 04, 2010 07:53 AM
Jay Schmitt
Keller Williams Keystone Realty - Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg Real Estate Agent

In this market I think I would just be happy to have more clients. I always have paper work along to keep me busy or make phone calls.

Oct 04, 2010 08:09 AM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I always tell them the appointments are 15 minutes earlier than they really are!

Oct 04, 2010 01:14 PM