I received this email the other day from a potential seller:

"We are considering hiring a broker and property manager to assist us with disposing of 4 - 5 properties in Columbus.  Please send us your fee structure and list of references."

I get this type of a call or email a couple of times a month.  To be honest with you, I am always reminded of a scene in Full Metal Jacket where the recruit states to the drill instructor "the private believes that any answer he gives will be wrong".  

My response is always the same:

Thank you for your interest in working with me.  To properly answer these questions it would be helpful to understand the project and your needs.  We can accomplish this over the phone if you wish.  Following our conversation I will be pleased to provide a list of references that can speak to my expertise that relates to your need.  If I do not have that expertise, I will let you know and try to guide you to someone that does.

Most people will either hang up, tell me that all they need is the fee quote or not respond to my response email.  If they push for the quote, I push for the conversation.  I won't quote the fee without discussing their needs no matter what.

The people that do actually take the next step usually end up engaging our services.

I also participate in an auctioneer forum.  The general feeling on that forum, one that I totally agree with, is that people only interested in your fee are not the kind of clients you are going to have a good experience with.

On the other hand I could just whip off a response " xx % and call Tony at xxx-xxx-xxxx"

I like option A better.  That's just me, but it seems to work.

Not sure why I brough this up.

R