For some reason, it seems like more and more of my day to day experiences are providing me with blog topics....as well as business lessons!  For example, the simple act of going out to lunch the other day inspired this blog...a lesson for sellers, agents, and Pizza Hut! 

It was a crazy day and we decided to slip into the Brunswick Pizza Hut to hit the buffet.  It seemed like a good decision at the time...fast...hot...and involving pizza. What could go wrong?

Well..it started with waiting 10 minutes to be seated.  There was no one in line in front of us...tons of empty tables...but no-one who worked there could find the time to seat us.  That should have been my first sign. We were finally seated, ordered our drinks, and headed to the buffet.  Only half of the buffet table was filled and the pizza that was there was cold and tired looking.  We selected a few pieces, headed back to our table, and just as we finished eating we received our drinks. To make a long story short, the food was cold, the service was terrible, and we left with a bad taste in our mouths.  Literally.

Needless to say I felt cheated.  There were a dozen restaurants I could have spent my money in. So my question is...during a tough economic time when people don't have  a lot of money to throw around, why isn't Pizza Hut doing everything it can to attract diners? They should have the biggest selection of the freshest, hottest, pizza around to lure people in.  Their service should be top notch!  Even if they're rolling in the dough...pardon the pun... they should be at the top of their game!  I know I won't be going back there.

 So Sellers..here's a lesson for you.  Like restaurants, there are quite a few homes on the market for buyers to choose from!  Talk with your agent and make sure you're both doing everything you can to make your home stand out among the sea of homes for sale! You can't put cold, tired pizza out on the buffet and expect buyers to come back and spend their money on it. Get rid of the clutter, clean the carpets, paint the laundry room, cut the grass, plant some flowers! In other words..put your best pizza on the buffet! If you don't, buyers will take their appetites and their money to the buffet around the corner.

And Agents, this should be the time when you provide better service than any other restaurant agency in the area!  Return calls promptly, answer your e-mails, communicate with your clients, be kind to agents who bring their buyers...do everything you can to prove that you've got the best service in town! Because like buffets and homes for sale, there are a lot of agents to choose from!

So there you go...two good lessons that emerged from a bad dining experience. I for one plan to revisit my business plan and my  listing buffet to ensure that I have the best service and the freshest, hottest listings around!

If you'd like to receive tips on preparing your home for sale, contact The Hershey Home Team!

If you'd like to experience top-notch service from a Realtor, contact The Hershey Home Team!