Home > Blogs > Kristy Morrison > Kristy Morrison's (capitalhome) Blog

Target Area, Should you have one or go anywhere?

By Kristy Morrison

Home Stager with Capital Home Staging & Design

January 05, 2009 01:48 AM

When working should you have a specific area to work in and not do any jobs that are outside of that set area?

I say NO! I feel you should go to whom ever wants you to work for them! If they took the time to look into you and your business then you should return that gesture with the job getting done! Now with that said I dont mean travell the world to get a Staging Job or home listed because were all licenced to work with in a specific province. BUT, if you live in Ottawa and someone in Kemptville wants your services and it's 1.5 hrs away.....then do it!

Now the 2nd question comes into play. Do you charge a trip charge fee? I figure real estat agents wont because if they get the job then they are likley to make lots of money, but for the small business like Staging or Home Inspecting should they charge a trip charge?

I am sitting here with this thought. Other people charge trip charges, especially when gas was $1.40. but is that right? I know when I found out people were charging trip fees I was blown away! (but they were charging $25 for anything over 25km from her office....which was EVERYTHING!!)

If your going to have a trip charge it should be for LONG distances not something small like 25 km from your own home/ office that is unnecessary! many people who live far anyways kind of expect a trip charge it seems to have become the norm but when your living in Ottawa or a subdivision of it and your thrown a trip charge, your business wont go very far if you keep that up! I know I wouldnt hire you!

what do you think?

Re-Blog

Comments(4)

Comment

Show All Comments Sort:

Jerry Murphy, CRS, SRES

Long Realty West Valley - Anthem, AZ

Anthem, Phoenix, and Scottsdale AZ Real Estate

I agree with your contention that you should take the job when it is presented. In this market, specialization IS NOT the name of the game. You won't be working much if you just stick to a specific area. We have several agents in our office who won't go outside a certain area. Needless to say, many of them didn't do much business in 2008.

As for the trip charge. As a Realtor, no, we can't realistically charge a trip fee. It's just assumed that driving is part of the job. A business related expense. However, for a home staging job I would say it's up to your discretion. It might be a nice negotiating tool and waive it when your clients do utilize your expertise. It's also a good safeguard against spending a lot of money on gas for prospective clients who may just call you out to "gather ideas" and never use your services. Best of luck this year.

Jan 05, 2009 02:03 AM

Tony Grego, 317-663-4173 #1 Trade Association for Alternative Inv

REISA - 317-663-4173 - Indianapolis, IN

While I am in a different field I would say it is based on what you bring to the client. If they believe you can do a better job than local they may pay the trip charge.

This only thing I would add is that all fees are disclosed at time a deal is made. Not a addon after contracted

Tony

Jan 05, 2009 02:06 AM

Kristy Morrison

Capital Home Staging & Design - Ottawa, ON

that is an EXCELLENT idea to have a trip charge and then waive it should I need an extra boost to get the job! and the point about the clients just gathering ideas is very true! if it's 1-1.5 hrs one way then I'd lost 2 hrs or more in driving time for no pay..... It's a case by case situation I guess then!

Now I agree never to add a trip charge suddenly after the contract is made it shouldbe discussed first most defenatly! people do not like surprises!

Jan 05, 2009 02:16 AM

Loren Johnson

White Bear Lake, MN

CMPS

I would say that I'll work with anybody....but I first see how committed they are to working with me. If they won't pre-qualify, or give me specific information, then I won't drive out tom see them. If they give me info. up front, I'll do it for my normal fees & charges.

Jan 05, 2009 02:20 AM

Comments(4)

Kristy Morrison

Recent Posts