As anyone with rental properties will know, you sometimes have to rely on external suppliers. Obviously, calling in an expert is a great way to keep on top of all the maintenance needed to keep the property in good condition but using some external suppliers out there can come with issues that can cause you more hassle than the actual problem you had in the first place!

So how can you create a more effective working relationship with suppliers to ensure you get the job done and, in turn, keep a good relationship between tenants, landlords and agents? We have identified five of the most common problems with external suppliers and how to solve them…

 

PROBLEM 1: SLOW BOOKING PROCESS

THE SYMPTOMS: WASTED TIME CHASING THE SUPPLIER FOR A SLOT

STRESS DUE TO NOT KNOWING IF YOU CAN GET THE JOB BOOKED

UP TO 5 OR 6 EXTRA EMAILS & CALLS TO CHASE THE SUPPLIER & REASSURE YOUR CLIENTS AND FINALLY BOOK THE JOB

SOLUTION: A DEDICATED BOOKINGS TEAM ON PHONE AND EMAIL 6 DAYS PER WEEK. A SUPPLIER OPEN WHEN YOU ARE OPEN

THE PROMISE: TO SEND INSTANT BOOKING CONFIRMATION SO YOU KNOW THE SLOT IS SECURED

 

PROBLEM 2: NO FEEDBACK FROM THE SUPPLIER

THE SYMPTOMS: ANGRY TENANTS OR LANDLORDS SHOUTING AT YOU

TIME PRESSURE AS YOU WEREN’T AWARE THERE WAS AN ISSUE AT THE PROPERTY

LESS TIME TO DEAL WITH ISSUES AS YOU DIDN’T GET A HEADS UP

WASTED DAYS GETTING LAST MINUTE PROBLEMS RESOLVED. THAT COULD LEAD TO 50% LESS TIME TO DO OTHER DAILY TASKS

THE SOLUTION: A SUPPLIER WITH A TEAM TRAINED TO ALWAYS FEEDBACK TO THE CUSTOMER. A SUPPLIER WHO ONLY EMPLOYS CLERKS WHO OPERATE UNDER A DUTY OF CARE ETHOS

THE PROMISE: CLERKS WILL CALL YOU, 100% OF THE TIME, WITH ANY MAJOR CONCERNS THEY FIND AS SOON AFTER THE JOB AS POSSIBLE.

 

PROBLEM 3: CUT PRICE QUOTES

THE SYMPTOMS: VERY HAPPY LANDLORD & AGENT AT FIRST

ANGRY LANDLORD & AGENT LATER

SUPPLIER DOESN’T SHOW UP OR CANCELS APPOINTMENT

THE QUALITY OF THE WORK PROVIDED IS SUBSTANDARD

LEADING TO EXTRA COSTS TO REDO THE JOB OR DEAL WITH ISSUES DOWN THE LINE

STRESS, ANXIETY, NOT WANTING TO GO TO WORK

THE SOLUTION: A PROVIDER THAT IS NOT NECESSARILY THE CHEAPEST OR MOST EXPENSIVE BUT ONE WHO GIVES VALUE FOR MONEY

A PROVIDER THAT IS FOCUSED ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND QUALITY OF WORK OVER UNDER CUTTING COMPETITORS BUSINESS

THE PROMISE: TO BE AFFORDABLE YET ALSO FOCUSED ON THE QUALITY OF THE WORK UPHELD BY IMPECCABLE BACK OFFICE SUPPORT

 

PROBLEM 4: SLOW REPORT TURNAROUND

THE SYMPTOMS: EXTRA EMAILS & PHONE CALLS FROM TENANTS AND LANDLORDS CHASING THE REPORT

ADDED TIME PRESSURES AS YOU HAVE LESS TIME TO DEAL WITH DEPOSIT RELEASE OR RESOLVE PROBLEMS AT THE START OF A TENANCY

20 % LESS TIME TO DEAL WITH OTHER DAILY TASKS, THAT’S 1.5 HOURS OF YOUR DAY

THE SOLUTION: A GUARANTEE THAT ALL REPORTS WILL BE SENT BACK TO YOU WITHIN 24 – 48 HOURS

THE PROMISE: TO REFUND THE COST OF THE JOB IF THIS DOESN’T HAPPEN

 

PROBLEM 5: KEYS NOT BEING RETURNED

THE SYMPTOMS: FRANTIC SEARCHING OF THE OFFICE

FRANTIC CALLS CHASING SUPPLIERS

UP TO 20 % WASTE OF YOUR DAY TRACKING THEM DOWN & REARRANGING OTHER SUPPLIERS UNTIL THEY ARE RETURNED

THE SOLUTION: ONLY WORK WITH SUPPLIERS WHO WORK TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS

THE PROMISE: TO ALWAYS RETURN KEYS AS SOON AS A JOB IS DONE

TO ALWAYS BE CONTACTABLE DURING THE JOB

TO ALWAYS LEAVE A NUMBER SO YOU CAN REACH THE SUPPLIER

TO NEVER KEEP KEYS BEYOND THE JOB BEING DONE

 

You should find that the outcome of following these 5 simple solutions will provide you with;

  • A much less stressful working life with time to get your daily tasks done
  • No dread of dealing with your chosen suppliers
  • A team of suppliers you know your customers will be 100% satisfied with
  • No ‘Monday morning blues’ because you know you have to deal with the mess left by external suppliers
  • Improved productivity and up to 20% more time to do what you need to do each and every day

…and maybe even time for lunch!!

 

If you’re looking for an inventory supplier who ticks all the boxes and provides the solutions you need for a smooth and reliable process, get in touch with Eclipse today.