What is an apartment manager to do when there are too many no-show appointments made?

Question

I rush out of meetings and other places to get to my appointments on time, only to find that the persons who've said they wanted to see the apartments haven't shown up--and never do! My time is valuable, too! Is there anything I can do (besides make reminder calls) to these people?

Answer 1

I hear ya. I had the same thing with no-shows at my office.

What I do that has helped tremendously is add the human element to it when I make the appointment.

I say "If you cannot make it for whatever reason, please call and cancel. I don't need to hear your reason ... I just need to know you aren't coming so that I don't skip my lunch break so I can get all my work done or tell someone else that I don't have time to see them. If you can't make it, it's not a problem. Just please have the courtesy to tell me."

That way if they aren't serious or found something else or whatever, they can call and cancel without the self-induced pressure of having to explain "why".

It really does help a lot.

Answer 2

Do you have a office? If so have the persons who call for a apt. come to the office 1st, speak with them give them all the info about the apt.location, amenities, rental amt. etc. since u must have properties indifferent locals why not have photos or floor plans made so they know up front. Then u could have them fill out a rental app, and charge a non refundable application fee. all properties I have worked for in Tx. do this, believe me only the serious prospects do this and u can prescereen that way, what if they dont qualify? Income may be to low, bad credit etc. u still would have wasted time. The app should be filled out and ran, if they do not qualify they get the app fee back, if they do qualify there is no app fee refunded .In most cases these r serious people, get their move in date all info! When they view the apt.ask is this what u want, if they say yes have the lease with you, have them sign and put down their security deposit, I never take app fee or deposits in checks only money orders which I explain upfront so they r aware to have it, the main reason the cks can bounce or be stopped! Once you get the deposit they are made aware if they do not move in they are not entitled to a deposit refund. Hope I have helped.

Answer 3

First of all why are "you" rushing out of meetings and other places to get to your prospective renters appointments? Don't you have staff that does that for you? And, why would you be making reminder calls anyway?

How we do it here any callers to stop by the office and fill out an application. When they apply they either have enough money to get into an apartment (if one is available) and then their credit is checked, and background is checked, and immediately they become renters (or if the credit check takes a day or so then you set an appointment for them to return but having had them already put down their deposit via check and you check the bank to see if their check is good and immediately deposit it).
Or, if apartments are always filled, then a person comes in and fills out the application and puts down their deposit (you check their credit and backgroundand call the bank to see if their check is good and hold their check) and then when an apartment comes available you simply call them to notify them that you are depositing their check for apartment number ? which has come available (and which is what they asked for, and describe where it is, what it has, etc). Either they will say yes or no.

Answer 4

I think the time window is the best idea. A fee or deposit for what people are used to getting for free will put them off and make them think they have a demanding landlord. If you can set aside two hours or so a day for showing, and not schedule any meetings during that time, you won't have to worry about conflicts. Also, I wouldn't be afraid of group showings. It may seem odd, but if I'm looking at an apartment and someone in the group thinks to ask a question I hadn't considered, I'd be pretty happy about that.

Answer 5

Sales is a great job, no matter what field you in!
You need to pre-screen the customer! When they call for apartment, ask few question to see what they are up to, weather they are real or just looking? if your apartment is right choice for them or if they can afford it? Ask questions like what they do, where they are living? what made them move or how did they found about your apartments etc. ..

May be you have too much competition, find out weather you guys in reasonable price range.

Answer 6

No, there isn't anything you can do to the no-shows. It happens in most businesses.

People don't show up for an appointment with their doctor or dentist. Don't expect them to keep an appointment to view an apartment. It's human nature.

Answer 7

a fee would be a good idea. or just go ahead and set a time limit for your appointments, like from 3-5 or something.

Answer 8

Ask ahead of time if this really is the size and rental price they are looking for. Ask them to think about it and call back if interested. Many people feel pressured to say "yes" when the inquire.

Answer 9

you will desire to not have paid the value. you have a complicated time getting the money returned. My take is that by paying you have admitted fault. they'd take lots of tenants to courtroom. those courtroom dates are not day after today or perhaps the subsequent week.... You had lots of time to paintings out the placement with the valuables administration corporation.

Answer 10

Charge a tiny fee. Like ten dollars. You'll weed out the crap.