The Sales Center Diaries
Posted on September 1, 2007
Filed Under Corporate News, The St. Clair at CityFront Plaza, The Fairbanks at CityFront Plaza |
Given my job at Centrum, I’ve toured quite a few condo sales centers in the city. In doing so, I’ve been able to pin down design trends, buyer profiles, price variations etcetera. All this is—admittedly—a bit boring. However, on occasion I find myself in a sales center that doesn’t posses the monotone vibe of most others. Sometimes this is a good thing and other times, this is a very bad thing. For instance, a month or so ago, I visited a sales office I’ll call Lola.
First of all, Lola’s staff was in the midst of an identity crisis (categorically speaking, this is bad for business). For instance, the receptionist was actually a librarian. I know this because each time I picked up a business magazine in the waiting area, she gave me a brooding look over half-moon glasses which suggested that I best not re-stock it amidst the fashion publications.
When I was finally introduced to my sales agent, I was shocked to find that he was actually an auctioneer. He sputtered half-hazardly about dog-parks and deals that were running out while I concentrated on dodging the tiny pellets of spit he was tossing out with each half-formed syllable. One can only withstand so much of this kind of thing before surveying her exit options. So, once I could get a word in, I told the guy I had was running late for a movie and needed to see the model so I could be on my way.
As I walked in the three-bedroom unit, I was virtually assaulted with pink-ish floral print. It covered everything from the lower-half of the walls to all SIX of the over-sized arm-chairs (which looked much more like medieval thrones, stripped and re-upholstered by my grandmother). Beyond that, everything was gaudy dark wood. I noted built-in book-shelves supporting nine sets of the Encyclopedia Britannica, an over-sized claw-foot desk complete with brandy sniffer, and a gold-accented globe the size of your average St. Bernard. I spent a good ten minutes in the model for purposes of mere gawking. It was like a car accident—I couldn’t quit staring and contorting my face into variations of “ohh” and “eeekkk”.
In any event, the whole experience made me reflect on what exactly constitutes a “good” sales center. Here’s what I came up with:
-A warm and comfortable reception
-A cushy waiting area (preferably with sweets)
-Interior design (in both the sales center and model) that has a clear theme and presents it in an unobtrusive manner
-Agents who are confident in their knowledge of the building and feel comfortable working with people
-Complimentary parking (this may seem frivolous but in the city it’s a necessity)
As I review this list, I’m proud to note that the sales office I work out of—CityFront Plaza—meets all these requirements and more. Clients can be assured that their agent at CityFront will make them their top priority as they browse the center. Plus, the model will keep you gawking the right way. In fact, I think you’ll find this to be true of all Centrum sales centers. Check them out!
Article by: Carly Pribyl
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