Business is way down - jump ship or hang tough?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Cesario

Thomas,

Hey how long have you been in the manufactured home industry? What area of the world are you located in? When you say buisness is down, is the traffic down as well as the sales, or do you still have decent traffic, just not getting the sales you were getting this time last year? When you do get a prospect what do you find to be your biggest objection?

With a little more insite I may be able to offer you some advice/sugestions thanks,

~James

I've been in the business a couple of years here in Nevada. Traffic has really slowed down and the sales are just as bad. Objections aren't the problem right now it's the traffic and the sales. It's scary because over half of the competitors closed shop.

Thomas,

Only the weak bail out in these times. I understand you've been in this for two years but speak with anyone who knows how to make money and has been in it for decades - they will tell you... it's just a cycle like any other. Every 10 years, the real estate industry goes through something similar and each time the strong come out even more profitable. If the phone doesn't ring, find what does to make it ring! My co. sells real estate advertising and yes, we've had to make adjustments and our sales have been growing and will continue to do so by adapting to the market as needed.

Mike Whitty,

10k out and nothing in return? I don't understand that. My industry has taken a harder hit then the automotive industry and we repeatably get a 2.4-3% return with our direct mail. I have never heard of a zero % return. I realize you're an "expert" on these boards so what have you come up with and what adjustments have you made?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas

I've been in the business a couple of years here in Nevada. Traffic has really slowed down and the sales are just as bad. Objections aren't the problem right now it's the traffic and the sales. It's scary because over half of the competitors closed shop.

Thomas I have to say that I totally agree with blue note in general, but in your case as i see it you have two two problems: (1) a tough real estate market and (2) a product that is becoming obsolete daily.

The first of the two is easy, for every dip, there is always a rise, and it will get better trust me, I sell new homes for a major builder and the hardest hit market has been California, we are getting reports that it's starting to turn around over there, typically it takes 6 months before confidence is regained and life is good again.

Your second problem is a little tougher, Trailers are becoming obsolete, not because there not pratical, because there not cheap, trust me I've sold many of things in my life, and mobile homes is on the list, (I sold Palm Harbors) the problem is when they started to think they could get 100k plus for them it killed them, the site builders steped up their game and as a result they are selling brand new homes on a concrete slabs that start in the 80's. it is my opinion that unless the manufactured housing industry does something drastic you will see fewer and fewer around.

I feel your pain, there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of helping families into the american dream of home ownership. I would sugest that you stay in the real estate industry because it will get better, but sugest you move over to new home sales, typically I would never say jump ship, and I am not telling you to do so just simply sugesting that you consider another side of it.

Either way I wish you the best but homes are still being sold everyday, I sell 1-2 a week here in Texas and I can't wait until it gets better

~James

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Cesario;

Your second problem is a little tougher, Trailers are becoming obsolete, not because there not pratical, because there not cheap, trust me I've sold many of things in my life, and mobile homes is on the list, (I sold Palm Harbors) the problem is when they started to think they could get 100k plus for them it killed them, the site builders steped up their game and as a result they are selling brand new homes on a concrete slabs that start in the 80's. it is my opinion that unless the manufactured housing industry does something drastic you will see fewer and fewer around.

I feel your pain, there is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of helping families into the american dream of home ownership. I would sugest that you stay in the real estate industry because it will get better, but sugest you move over to new home sales, typically I would never say jump ship, and I am not telling you to do so just simply sugesting that you consider another side of it.

Either way I wish you the best but homes are still being sold everyday, I sell 1-2 a week here in Texas and I can't wait until it gets better

~James

Thank you James. I think the MHs are going the way of the Dodo too. That's part of what scares me. I'm going to be getting a real estate license soon because I know I can't count on the MHs in the future. The second part that scares me is starting out in real estate right now with the market in turmoil. Real estate will be my future but I just need to make some money now!

Business is way down - jump ship or hang tough?

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