Bribery in the Biz

In our office we have other vendors who do lease office space from us and yes, I'm sure part of the calculation on the part of the vendor is that as a supporting business to real estate, they just might pick up more business with the visibility that comes with being at our office and immediately available to help/meet/answer questions etc... So getting a call from a Real Estate office offering to lease space is one thing but calling to discuss "preferred vendor" status and then requiring financial return?  Doesn't sound right to me.

When I work with clients, I let them know that the company in our building is an option and NOT the only option. They are convenient for sure and that doesn't matter in the long run if they aren't the right vendor for the job.

As for the advertising, I can actually offer add space on my individual website as well and haven't done it yet. It would help defer costs associated with having the website/domain names & work done to improve SEO. Someday, maybe I'll use it.

I agree with Paula, Vendors should be preferred when they earn it through action, not through $$

I've not heard of this in my area (although it could be happening) and would not appreciate a bought referral. If someone does a good job for a client, they are on my list for another future opportunity. I think it really has to be that simple.
Bruce

It is one thing to require money for advertising space, it is quite another to require money to be on a preferred list. 

How seedy is it when a client is being referred to a provider, because of the provider paid for inclusion on a preferred list, and there is no gauge of quality.

Indeed it is a fine line, but a line indeed between the two.

As a locksmith I have turn down paid list since the customer I have keep me busy and i give them priority.  Why pay to be on a list the I have to turn down the work for a few hours before I can get to them.

Te old pay to play. Yes this is against pretty much all Home Inspection Association Code of Ethics. I do get asked to buy ad space. I ask them if I don't by ad space can I still get on your office list? Because if I can't then call it what you will but it's still pay to play. I get about 25% of my business coming directly from buyers and it's growing. They don't trust that the "Agents Inspector" is impartial and programs like this are why.

Karen Anne Stones #1 summer cubicle above comment  got me laughing...To leave your home dressed the way you like and to have to be dressed the way the jails prefer it is reason to really pause....However, some people insist on that change of clothing...

You should start your OWN Network (ask me how)

Good Morning, I'm sure this practice goes on. I totally disagree with any company that has a policy regarding having to buy ones way on to their list of preferred vendors. Thanks for the post. 

I was unaware of this practice, but then I have my own list that I use. Never received a dime to get on it.

This is news to me, but I guess I can see how that could happen. In Arizona you get a pink jumpsuit for both men and women.

I have never had an inspector or any other service provider imply a gift or perk as a means of enticing more business.  The best I can expect is better treatment when I have a rush order.

A good inspector is worth his or her weight in gold.  I have always stuck with the 2 or 3 inspectors I've been using for the past 20 years I've been in the business.  It also says something good that these inspectors have been around in the business as long as 20 years.

Dang, it never ceases to amaze me what some companies are using as ways to make a dime, even if it is unethical or illegal.

When asked, we tell our buyers about the inspector that we normally recommend.  But, it is their call. 

And, no, we don't ask for anything in return.  (A referral sometime would be nice, but...)

I will not work with anyone that I know that takes a bribe. 

I had never heard of this...I dont practice any such thing but I am sure a lot of companies do.

It seems there are always people who try to get ahead by bending the rules. Greed can make people do strange things and beings out the bad in a lot of people.

Betty

JJ:

That is common practice in my area that I know of.  I certainly would not recommend someone who paid me for an endorsement.  Not a good practice.

It would seem to me that such a process would REQUIRE that they disclose the "business relationship" they have between the realty office and the inspector.  Of course, then the client is probably going to be less likely to choose them, as noted above by Rob (#24).