Mike Griffiths, founder of cloud software firm Expert Agent, last night said that many independent agents will want to stay with an independent software supplier.
Griffiths also said he has had first-hand experience of this type of deal.
In 2000 he sold GMW Systems, his estate agency software business, to Norwich Union’s Assertahome portal.
Griffiths said “Assertahome bought GMW to gain control of agents’ desktops so as to influence and maybe control their online advertising as well as to get access to valuable consumer data.
“The policy failed – independent agents saw through it and were not prepared to give a ‘big brother’ corporate access to their client data.
“Discounting combined software and portal listings deals didn’t prove attractive to agents – they preferred to keep both separate. Vociferously independent agents such as Hunters soon left for independent solutions.
“A key factor here was that Assertahome already lagged behind Rightmove in terms of website traffic and consumer recognition.”
Griffiths added that he is not expecting PSG’s acquisition by Zoopla to have any negative effects on his business.
He said: “This is a big opportunity for us.
“Many independent agents will want an independent software supplier to ensure they retain control over their data and their online listings choices.”
Comments (15)
If I remember the thing that did for GMW was when M2 was launched it didn’t work with XP. Estate Agents moved because it didn’t work not because of a fear of big brother.
Just step back and think this take over seriously as your business is seriously at risk as highlighted by the lead story. Zoopla will have access to your data just as RM have with their current system which has also been designed to stop you using third party data feeds starting this June. Since the introduction of “RM Pro” agents have seen a marked increase in their data being used for mailshot canvassing by the corporates (a particular call centre name keeps popping up on the postmark!) is that just a co-incidence that the agents exact client data appears on the envelope?
If you want to loose business then this how they are taking advantage of the independents, most not having a clue that it is happening. It is about time DATA protection was policed and agents contracts should have restrictive clause to prevent third party using your data. However the contracts are drawn up by exactly those that are taking advantage, so read your contracts with a software provider and web hosts, you will be amazed. Thesaurus Technology software and web hosts are certainly independent.
The industry is evolving … but in the wrong hands?
There are other property portal feeds out there – including the one cleartarn produces: http://cleartarn.com/property-manager.html (end of advertisement – sorry!).
Completely agree Mike, given that Expert Agent aren’t independent since you sold out to Metropolis that rules you out.
I’m pretty new to commenting (although it does keep me entertained), but I can’t help but point out that Expert Agent has tried to be sold a number of times, but to no avail. So agents may think EA is a good option, but it doesn’t mean they’re under guarantee.
We’re sticking with PSG to see what will happen – certainly until we can see a more viable option.
*Positive thinking*
How will independent agents react – with absolute horror! Mind you it could have worse. Wrongmove could have been the buyer.
I use PSG – for now, but will be actively looking elsewhere which is a shame because I like their product.
Let’s see if there is something better out there. Maybe it is time for Expert Agent after all.
Bit like Russia controlling Europe’s gas. No one worries about that !!!!
Only it doesn’t.
We’re in a different world. Technology is so much more advanced than what it was then and it’s only getting better. There’s no denying that Vebra Alto is a revolutionary bit of software and now it has more funding and Zoopla is on board, we’re all going to have access to even more amazing technology!
I’m genuinely not sure if you are being serious or sarcastic.
Robert – you need to add something to that list of options:
‘…or under the influence.’
‘…or working for Zoopla/PSG.’
ha ha ha revolutionary. In the same sense that the Bay of Pigs was
I’m sure that any possible downsides to this deal would have been factored in. I just wonder if this may turn out to be an un necessary risk.
Did Mr Griffiths hmention what would happen if an offer for £75,000,000 was presented to the board of Expert Agent?