Estate agents using several major CRMs can now automate the ordering, movement and removal of For Sale and To Let boards. The service follows a partnership between National Independent Board Services (NIBS) and proptech firm openmoove.
Partnership and CRM availability
NIBS is a recently formed national network of independent board companies. The integration is currently available through Alto, Street, Rex, Loop and Apex27. Other CRM integrations are expected to follow.
Once connected, the system monitors changes to a property’s status within the CRM. It then automatically triggers instructions relating to the board. This removes the need for agents to place separate orders or manually request changes and collections.
How the system works
For example, the system can trigger the removal of a board following completion. NIBS said this should reduce the number of boards left outside properties after transactions have concluded.
The network serves more than 5,000 estate agency offices. It brings together a number of independent board businesses. Members include Cannell Signs, SD Boards, The Board Guy, The Boardman, CH Signs, Signsense, The Board Company and JT Display.
Benefits for agents
The arrangement gives participating agents access to board services across different parts of the UK through a single system. Agents can also receive photographs confirming board installation. The service includes reporting, stock management and consolidated invoicing across branches.
Sue Low, director of Cannell Signs and a member of NIBS, said: “Independent board companies have always given agents a better service, with local teams, our own print and our own vans. What held us back was not having the systems to work as one nationwide.
“Now, an agent updates their CRM and NIBS takes care of the board, from the day it goes up to the day it comes down, wherever they are in the country.”
The integration also provides participating agents with material information supplied through openmoove at the point of instruction.
Ross McKenzie, co-founder of openmoove, said: “Every home sale in the country starts with a board, yet ordering one has always meant keying the same details twice and logging in to another system.
“We’ve made it automatic, inside the CRM agents already use, and it costs them nothing. The board is the first step. Our aim is a home move where nobody has to chase anybody for an update.”
