By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, January 7, 2009-As the lackluster economy drags on and agents continue to scramble for both business and a way to distinguish themselves, a partnership has been brewing that may help with both needs. Lowen Sign Company’s recent pairing with WhamMobile, a mobile real estate listings tool, offers agents the opportunity to purchase reusable yard signs that feature a phone number to call for their mobile listings with WhamMobile.
Previously, WhamMobile had been using a local company for their sign printing. However, when Lowen came to them and showed them what they could do-all very easily-it seemed like a natural fit.
“It immediately seemed very attractive,” explains Jeff Lerner, EVP/CTO for Houston-based WhamMobile. “They had all the logistics in place to deliver all over the country.”
However, as their association grew, it changed from purely a vendor relationship to more of a mutually beneficial partnership, now offering Lowen customers-or referrals who purchase WhamMobile’s real estate listings tool-a 25% discount.
“Of all the sign companies we talked to, Lowen seems to have, by far, the best handle on technology in their signage business,” explains Lerner. “Their printing, ordering, handling and shipping processes all utilize technology to expedite and optimize the customer experience and their equipment is state-of-the-art.
“It’s only natural for us to partner with a sign company that already understands the cost and consumer benefits that come from leveraging the best available technology,” adds Lerner.
Another plus for WhamMobile: Lowen’s storied history in the real estate market, offering their product instant credibility. It’s not about fancy technology, he says, just simply a new way for agents to generate leads from yard signs.
“Mobile technology is still somewhat new,” explains Lerner. “It’s great technology and has so many values and benefits; however, technology, by its own nature, can be intimidating to real estate agents. For us, it’s about educating people on mobile listings and angling to be a trusted leader. When we appear alongside someone like Lowen, it brings us a big stamp of approval, authenticity and reliability.”
A demonstration of what this unique listing tool will provide to consumers and Realtors is available by texting LOWEN to 555999 (standard text messaging rates apply). Property codes loaded into the WhamMobile system are transferrable to new listings and the signs and riders are reusable.
For more information, visit www.lowensign.com/whammobile.
