Are you just engaging the services of a managing agent?

I had to buy a new TV last weekend, so off I went to one of the leading electrical wholesalers after deciding on the internet which one I wanted. I arrived, went straight over to a salesperson and told him I would like one of those please.

 

Went to the check out, waited for him to get back from the warehouse then just wanted to pay for and get it back home and set it all up. Not too much to ask is it? Instead I was being asked whether I wanted the latest new HDMI socket or their piece of mind insurance policy.

 

OK I guess they have to ask but between entering my address details for TV licensing purposes and handing over my debit card the salesperson asked a further two more times to the point where I nearly said stuff the TV and walked out.

 

I guess they are only following orders and trying to increase the company's income but it did make me wonder if this is one of the reasons many shops are closing down and people prefer to order online?

 

It also got me thinking about the business of managing agents and how for some residents engaging the services of a managing agent could also lead to other associated companies coming on board at least with the electrical wholesaler the salesperson did give you the option but for leaseholders before they know they are being insured by the managing agent's broker and having the cleaning and gardening done by an associated contractor.

 

It might not even end there all the services provided to their development or resident company could be being carried out by contractors or organisations who through some means pay the managing agent and make no mistake it is you who will end up paying for it with increased costs.

 

Managing agents are getting more and more crafty in finding ways of earning extra revenue and not declaring it to residents and even seem to stick to industry regulations.

 

I heard only the other week of one managing agent who are making a charge to contractors and service providers for appearing on their website but what they were in fact doing was charging a fixed fee for allowing a contractor to work on a site they manage, the more sites they worked on the higher the fee but it looks to get over the anti-bribery laws  they make a charge for them to have their logo on their website on the contractor section.

 

Feel rather guilty now for giving that poor salesperson such a hard time.