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Inna Ivchenko, Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA (Barcode Properties)

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Rainmaker
5,104,806
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

To me, this is about as bad as putting an ad on a supermarket cart or the back of a sales receipt! In my area, where there are bus benches (and there aren't many) they are not in neighborhoods where I look to generate clients. I think money can be spent better elsewhere. Besides, I don't need anyone sitting on me.

Nov 15, 2017 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
1,052,056
Candice A. Donofrio
Next Wave RE Investments LLC Bullhead City AZ Commercial RE Broker - Fort Mohave, AZ
928-201-4BHC (4242) call/text

I don't know. There's something unmagical about advertising where people can sit on you.

Nov 15, 2017 02:44 AM
Ambassador
3,164,119
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

no, no bus stops, no shopping carts... just no.

Nov 14, 2017 09:46 PM
Ambassador
5,229,243
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I've never advertised on one and don't think I would - nothing wrong with it if you want to do it but, I would personally spend my money elsewhere!

Nov 14, 2017 09:27 PM
Ambassador
6,392,889
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

Unfocused marketing seldom pays off, but when the phone is not ringing and they dont know how to lead generate they will throw money anywhere to try to get the phone to ring.

Nov 14, 2017 10:00 PM
Rainmaker
4,456,325
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Inna I have targeted a pocket many years ago with bus benches, followed up with targeted postcards... anyway it is good for name recognition... if you pick an area ...try not to pick an area where there is a handful of established agents... I got morsels out of it... did it pay for the advertisement yes, did it cost me a lot of upfront money yes... hope this helps...Endre

Nov 14, 2017 10:52 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I have not.

Nov 15, 2017 06:42 AM
Rainmaker
1,844,171
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

It does not bring in business. The fact that people put their butts on your face 24/7 doesn't seem professional to me.

In fact, just yesterday, some guy called about putting my face all over food store carts in my area. He'd give me a deal.

Nov 15, 2017 06:16 AM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I haven't personally done it, but seen it done by some agents for brand awareness in their geographic target area.

Nov 14, 2017 10:54 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I advertised on grocery carts once. Every one did see my name and would mention it, no one said they are hiring me because i was on a shopping cart, but it did bring name recognition.

Nov 15, 2017 05:26 AM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

I did as a retailer but that was over 28 years ago. I don't think it is something with decent ROI now.

Nov 15, 2017 04:58 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I never have and think there's much better ways to spend $$.   IMHO this kind of marketing is just about brand exposure. 

Nov 15, 2017 04:31 AM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

People out there are very willing totake your money on all  kinds of frivious things !

Nov 15, 2017 04:29 AM
Rainmaker
911,228
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

No, and never will. No shopping carts either.

Nov 15, 2017 03:45 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Never have - doubt we ever will...

Nov 15, 2017 02:06 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Inna Ivchenko This is right up there with advertising on shopping carts or the grocery dividers at the checkout counter. Does anyone pay any attention to these ads?

Nov 15, 2017 06:44 AM
Rainmaker
7,834,961
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I have never done this kind of marketing. 

Nov 15, 2017 06:29 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Listen carefully.

Such advertising creates validation. approval, social awareness. 
Then when you appear on their door step, for some reason they don't perceive you as a stranger, but they don't know why?

That is why so many incumbents get reelected. The public is familiar, (likely not knowledgeable) with the name and go with what is familiar.

There is another type of marketing that these same resources can be used to compel immediate response. For example here in the Tampa Bay area you see on the national news a serial killer is on the loose. 

Do you think a bus bench with 'Security Solutions' would create interest?

Share my expereince? Hmmm, I was cashing a check at Wells Fargo and the agent was about to ask for ID when his eyes went to the bench across the street. No ID needed. 

 

Nov 15, 2017 06:19 AM
Rainmaker
1,502,848
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

When I was in the valley, I always laughed at them.  Inevitably the ones by the schools always had fun graffiti on them.  Mustaches on women, horns on some of the guys, "For a good time call" written and sometimes stuff more sexual in nature.

 

Not an advertising mode I'd go with.

Nov 15, 2017 02:54 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

it's an ego trip....you're not likely to get business...if it paid for itself, there would be no changing of faces on the bench!!! 

Nov 15, 2017 09:38 AM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Inna,

Since you are in the greater Los Angeles area, think about who looks at benches?  Are they qualified buyers...and people get to sit on your face or learn against it....We would never advise it, NEVER,  You should be seen in the RIGHT places and benches and bus butts are not. 

As far as brand exposure, it shows ignorance on the subject..  A

Nov 15, 2017 07:05 AM
Rainmaker
2,781,013
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

If it was "working" as intended, you would know about it. 

Nov 15, 2017 06:29 AM
Rainmaker
5,215,498
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not a fan of the bus bench. If used properly, your message is covered!

Nov 15, 2017 05:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,343
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Not a fan.  I would spend my advertising dollars on direct mail.

Nov 15, 2017 05:07 AM
Rainmaker
542,913
Sean Casey
Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate - Newark, DE
Greenville, Hockessin, Newark & Bear Homes

No, but I would be surprised if it brought any business.

Nov 16, 2017 02:21 PM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I have never had any interest in doing this.

Nov 16, 2017 06:32 AM
Rainmaker
2,707,721
Lisa Von Domek
Lisa Von Domek Team - Dallas, TX
....Experience Isn't Expensive.... It's Priceless!

No, never used benches or shopping carts for advertising!

Nov 15, 2017 04:54 PM
Ambassador
3,344,906
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I have not nor would I ever spend money on bench marketing. 

I have no idea what the returns are on bench or grocery cart marketing.

Nov 15, 2017 09:07 AM
Rainer
117,135
Christine Kankowski North SD and Temecula
House Match Inc - Poway, CA
Excellent Sales and Property Management

I have not used this, but I do see several on a ben ch at a huge intersection and i definitely know those names.   ALthough we think everyone knows someone who is a real estate agent, there are a lot of people who dont and just want to ind someone they think is in the area.  They may be moving to the area, have to sell a family home, etc.  They work

Nov 15, 2017 07:22 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

No.

Sep 08, 2018 10:11 PM
Rainmaker
4,935,551
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I know of two brokers that fight over benches and both say they work.  Never try it myself.

 

Nov 17, 2017 04:13 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,372
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I have never advertised there, and wondered how someone riding the bus, or driving by would have a pen and paper for their phone number.

Nov 17, 2017 07:15 AM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

We don't have bus stop benches. we don't have buses. My only option is a billboard.

Nov 16, 2017 06:47 PM
Rainmaker
1,525,616
Sybil Campbell
Fernandina Beach, FL
Referral Agent Amelia Island Florida

I have never done that type of advertising.

Nov 15, 2017 10:32 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I just can't bring myself to advertise on anything that someone with put their bottom on and that includes grocery carts. How does it do any good if people can see it and are sitting on it?

Nov 15, 2017 08:52 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

   The City of Tallahassee lets you advertise on the entire city bus.  Most of the buses are covered with advertisemets from ambulance chaser attorneys.

Nov 15, 2017 04:10 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I have not, but anything that keeps your name out there...

Nov 15, 2017 03:02 PM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

no

Nov 15, 2017 12:35 PM