Feb. 16, 2009 - Cost Savings for MLSs (number 19 of 21)

In advance of Clareity Consulting's sold out MLS Executive Workshop I asked MLS executives from around the country how they have either cut costs while maintaining the same level of service or kept costs the same while increasing the level of service they provided.

I received twenty-one great ideas that will be shared during the Workshop, and I'm sure others will come up during the Workshop itself.

One idea that I'm looking forward to discussing is 'unbundling' products and services to reduce costs to those that don't utilize much service.  I can see how this could reduce the cost for some people to belong to their local/regional MLS, especially those who cut back to the absolute basic MLS package. But I believe that the subscribers that would do this are doing wrong by both their industry and consumers by decreasing their own use of the information tools that  enhance their professionalism.  The whole industry can be painted with the broad brush of unprofessionalism based on the actions of these subscribers. Further, this decreases the buying power of the MLS for providing those professional-grade  tools that the subscribers need now more than ever to show value to the consumer.

I can see where unbundling makes sense - it seems logical that people should only pay for those resources they use - but I have those more strategic concerns. I am really looking foward to  the Workshop!  

Feb. 16, 2009 - RE: Cost Savings for MLSs (number 19 of 21)

Here's an interesting article: "Want to sell value? Bundle. Want to create value? Unbundle."


I loved this comment: "Half of all marriages end in unbundling. Value Creation? Perhaps. Bummer just the same."