Doing Business With Subcontractors: Tips on Choosing Your Match

Ever wonder how some businesses choose subcontractors? When talking to current or potential property management clients we often get the question, "Who do you use to clean carpets, re-key locks, etc..." Most of the companies we subcontract work to were screened by our management team. We are a smaller company and we like to work with similar small businesses. Here are some things we look for:

Responsiveness: Can you get the owner on the phone? On his/her cell phone? How long does it take for them to call back? Do they provide good information over the phone or through email? How quickly can they get to a job?

Reliability: Can they give you any references on past work done? Do they keep rescheduling?

Pricing: Are they comparable to other companies in town? Are their prices so low that you wonder how legitimate the company is?

Personality: You may not agree with me on this one but we enjoy working with people and companies we like. What is their attitude or mission? Schedule a face-to-face meeting and see if you click.

Sometimes we'll try a company out a couple times and then not use them again. Maybe they're a new company and don't have a track record yet. Everyone has to start somewhere!

I will say that we appreciate feedback from our clients. Think about giving the company some constructive criticism so they can either fix their mistake or learn for next time.

Submitted by Oxford Property Management

To Flip or Not to Flip?

HUD just changed the rules on how long properties have to be held in order to qualify for an FHA loan. Looks like they're trying to get residential sales moving...but will the new rules stifle movement? We shall see!

See the new HUD regulations.

The Secret to Outstanding Customer Service

It's funny that a lot of people just assume they should be treated well in any retail environment. That's true to an extent. Yes, sales associates in department stores or fast food restaurants should always deliver superior service. I think the rest of us don't do enough to help them give us even better service. What's the secret?

Smile! :)

That's right. Next time you step in line at the local taco joint or furniture store...smile at the person helping you. Be nice. Engage them in conversation (not too much, you chatterboxes out there. They still need to do their jobs!). You'll be amazed at how much more attentive most of them will be.

So let's make customer service a two-way street...and be nice to someone today!

Show me your fees!

Ever get frustrated calling a company to get an estimate? All you want is to plan whatever project you have and you keep getting the runaround? Who hasn't?

Sometimes it seems like some businesses make a business out of being mysterious about their fees? Why? What are they trying to accomplish? Maybe they have a super secret formula for their basic services!

Oxford's policy is to give an estimate over the phone whenever possible. The exceptions are, of course, when we have to get eyes-on the project (ie. extensive repairs or one-time large cleaning).

Here's what some companies are worried about:

- Competition: Sometimes competitors call around to find out what everyone else is charging. My question is, if you're priced properly, why hide it? They're going to find out anyway.

- Proper Pricing: Others are worried about giving out bad estimates and losing money. Ok. This is valid...but, you should always leave the job of giving estimates to those who are authorized to do so.

If a company can't even give you a swag estimate, you may want to think twice. Why can't the following questions be answered over the phone:

- How much is your standard real estate sales commission?
- How much do you bill hourly for your maintenance staff?
- How much would I have to pay you hourly for a cleaning crew?

Really folks. At least give us some idea! And maybe post it on your website!

Updated Services

If we haven't talked to you in a while you may not know that we've grown...just a tad. As we've grown we've tried to expand our services in order to better serve our clients. Here's a list of what the Oxford companies now do:

- Leasing
- Property Management
- Cleaning and Maid Service
- Maintenance and Repairs
- Vacation Rental Management

Just remember, we're here to help make your life easier.

Reset

So we've decided to combine our blogs instead of having one for each division. Whew! That's a load off for the one updating. So....more to come soon.