Too close for comfort. Your imput needed.

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Virtual Access Tours Monmouth and Ocean County NJ

In the state of New Jersey,  we have more people than we do square feet. As a result ,  we tend to trip over each other quite a bit on the Turnpike, Parkway and the lovely back roads too. New Jersey tends to get a bad wrap for not being too friendly.   Everybody  seems to be  related to Tony Soprano in some way. Another thing about New Jersey is if you don't know Bruce Springsteen, you do know someone who is a Real   Tour Vision dealer. We seem to have an overabundance for  such  a small state. You may think that we have a lot of Realtors, but if you actually research the list from the Multiple Listing Services,  you'll find that there is a large percent age   of members  that are inactive .   You also need to take in   to account all  or  the non Real Tour Vision virtual tour / slide show providers. A recent survey was sent out about a code of ethics .  The survey did not  mention  anything about territories. I don't know about you,  but I would have liked the option to have requested a territory, even if I had to pay a premium for it. Free range can make marketing and growing my business a bit frustrating. I would have liked to work  together  with other Real Tour Vision dealers  and  not compete  for the same business.  It's hard enough to compete with other providers such as CirclePix, Tour Factory, etc.   It would be nice to be able to share trade show tables, refer overflow business and joint market together . Unfortunately, without protected territories,  it seems improbable.  

Your input may help to create the option to  bid on protected territories  either monetarily or by guaranteeing a  volume commitment. This way we can truly network to increase business for Real Tour Vision dealers wherever you are.  Please let RTV know how you feel  about  this topic.

Comments (5)

Sandra Gibson
powerplaymmp - Allen, MI

Hi Cathy,

Isn't limited competition the exact opposite of free market?  Shouldn't we embrace the challenge of competition?  Shouldn't we look at it as a way of encouragement?  Aren't we suppose to look at it a way of measuring our development?  Isn't this part of the basic principle of NAFTA?  Is the short-term IRS stimulus plan a waste in the long run? 

Excuse . . . I digest . . .  :)

I feel the same way . . . it would be nice to have someone in my neighborhood to work with, plan and develop this marvelous product presented by RTV

Sandra M. Gibson
Power Play Multi-Media Productions
South Central Michigan RTV Virtual Tour Provider
http://www.powerplaymmp.com
ODERA AT TOUR TOAY!
517-869-2707

May 02, 2008 06:05 AM
Cathy Williams
Virtual Access Tours Monmouth and Ocean County NJ - Freehold, NJ

Hi Sandra

It's not the idea of competing for business amongst the other manufacturers of virtual tour technology.  What I'm specifically looking for is an RTV franchise model.  I don't mind paying for a franchise license, as long as I have a territory that is protected from people selling the same exact core technology.  With RTV placing their branding all over the tour, even with our company's logo placed within the frame, realtors that have yet to do business with us, are confused at the multiple messages being sent.  If we had a clear protected piece of geography, all efforts and hard work would be rewarded, regardless of RTV's message.  In addition, having a franchise adds more value to the business when considering reselling the company.  There's obvious "good will,"  but that's an intangible.

Thank you for your insight and responding to my blog. If you ever want to work together and bounce some thoughts at each other, please feel free to email me at any time.

May 02, 2008 06:25 AM
Cathy Williams
Virtual Access Tours Monmouth and Ocean County NJ - Freehold, NJ

Andrew,

Thank you for the testimonial. We really appreciate you taking the time to write.

Thanks- we look forward to working with you in the near future.

 Cathy and Mike

May 06, 2008 12:56 PM
Lisa Castro
Pro360 Virtual Tours and Photography - Arlington, TX

Hmmm, I like the process of working with another dealer to bounce ideas and help one another.  The problem with a geographic territory comes in when realtors work in different areas of the city.  Who gets the business? The person who has the realtor as a client or where the home is located?  I have been in sales for many years and sometimes had a protected territory and sometimes I was able to work all areas of the metroplex.  In my opinion, I enjoyed the freedom to work all areas.  I am sure the market in Dallas-Fort Worth is very different from where you are.  I do know another dealer, but she is pretty far north of me.  It would be a pain for me to work her area anyway, so I don't actively pursue in her area.  I am sure there must be other dealers near me, but I have not ran into them.  If they are not out prospecting the business, I don't think they should be given it simply because they are there.  That is why we own our own businesses instead of everything channeling through a corporate office like our competition.

 One of the things I liked about RTV was the ability to work anywhere.  If I go on vacation, I could provided a tour for the resort if they wanted to barter for my stay.  While I haven't used that option, I like the fact that I can.

I can appreciate your situation.  If there was a way to compete with other VT providers, but step back if another RTV dealer was already working the project, that could be a solution. 

May 08, 2008 09:05 AM
Chris Grumley
Florida Eye Tours, LLC - Anna Maria, FL

RTV doesn't do anything about a dealer moving into another dealers area. They will not sell a kit to someone in the same area as a dealer, but they allow a dealer to continue to operate, if they move into anothers territory, (Hi Lance, beer soon?) Lance moved from Michigan to 20 mins from me and is operating. Onwards and upwards....

TGIF... I think 'Group Hug' is still around so hop on in and give me one... :)

Chris Grumley
Florida Eye Tours, LLC
PO Box 69
Anna Maria
FL 34216

www.FloridaEyeTours.com

Call Chris on 941 219 2106

www.TheBrit.Voice123.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 09, 2008 05:30 AM