What does “Bringing the London Standard to Bangkok” mean? Read on to learn how one company in Thailand is offering the same (and better) service than what you’re used to back home
There’s no denying that the type of apartment you can rent in Bangkok for your budget could be much nicer than what you could rent for the same amount in London.
Modern Bangkok is chock-full of newly-built condominium buildings, many of which practically come standard with elegant swimming pools, fitness centers and lobby receptions; and they’re all a fraction of the typical rental prices in London. While the actual units that renters in Bangkok are looking at are generally of a higher quality than what they would be considering back home, the quality of service that they receive to find an apartment is often quite the opposite.
As Bangkok continues growing into an international metropolis, the demand for a higher standard of service is growing ever more prevalent. This is precisely why London-born Jamie Nettleship, CEO of the new real estate agency, AsiaRents, opened his business last October.
After a few negative experiences working with some less-than-accommodating agents during his own property search, Nettleship discovered there was a gap in the market for an agency offering the standard of service he was used to back in London.
“I felt that I was constantly being met not by agents but by ‘door openers’ who sometimes had the right key, and sometimes did not.” Nettleship said. “I rarely received explanations of the benefits of living in a particular condo, and there was hardly ever any follow up after my visits. As I come from a strong sales background, I became poignantly aware of the low standard of service, and I knew I could offer the foreign market better.”
It’s a simple idea, really, to bring the London standard of service to Bangkok, but getting to the point where a company can offer a full range of top-notch services takes a deal of effort. From digital marketing to training and staffing, AsiaRents is now ready to shout about their services to the foreign market, which is expected to be all-ears.
Allow your agent to give you a lift
AsiaRents has invested in a fleet of branded cars for the sole purpose of chauffeuring property-seeking clients around to their viewings. There’s no need to wait under a specific BTS exit for an agent when he or she could swing by and pick you up in their comfortable and air conditioned vehicle. This is a convenient and complimentary service offered to anyone working with the company.
Spend your day looking only at the right properties
There’s always a risk of wasting an entire afternoon looking at properties you’ll never rent if your agent does not listen to what your requirements are. Because AsiaRents trains their staff to only show four or five properties in a day, this encourages their agents to be more selective and strategic about selecting listings to show.
Minimize mishaps at property viewings
Nettleship recalled times when he would go to see a property and it was clear that the door hadn’t been opened in weeks, or the agent wasn’t able to access the unit. In order to prevent and minimize the occurrence of similar mishaps, AsiaRents is now building rapport with building managers all over the city. By sending welcome packs with an introduction to their company, AsiaRents is establishing relationships with the necessary people; those who can assist in small but impactful services like opening up the curtains and turning on the air-conditioning of a unit before the agent and client arrive.
Communicate effectively
As AsiaRents is focusing on both the local and foreign market, they are constantly catering their hiring needs to meet Bangkok’s international demographic. With much of Bangkok’s expat community consisting of Japanese, Europeans and Americans, AsiaRents will have staff that can fluently speak with clients of these backgrounds and more, in addition to their ever-present Thai staff.
Make your online search more efficient
Anyone who has searched online for a property in Thailand would likely agree that the quality of images and listings information available could be better, as fuzzy pictures put together in YouTube slideshows, or amateur iPhone photos with dull lighting and messy rooms seem to be the norm. Now acting as an exception to that rule, AsiaRents employs a full-time professional photographer and videographer to create stunning media that will accompany every single listing; and that’s not an add-on service to property-sellers.
“It’s a bit of a strange industry, in that the agency gets paid by the landlord but it’s the tenant who must be made happy with our face to face interactions,” Nettleship said. “The fact that we recognize this is really what will set us apart from our competition in Thailand. Just like back home in London, we will stay efficient, effective, and service-oriented.”
To find or sell an apartment with AsiaRents, www.asiarents.com or contact [email protected] or 080-11-666-22.
*This article originally appeared in the March 2015 issue of Thailand Property Magazine. Read the rest of the issue online, here: http://www.thailand-property.com/press/
