Cheap PR stunt backfires on online agents

A PR stunt in the form of a slow drive funeral procession through the streets of London, supposedly marking the death of the high street estate agency sector, backfired on the online agency who staged it, confirming that their unprofessional and cheap marketing methods bring their own business nothing but damage. Founder and CEO of eMoov.co.uk, Russell Quirk, branded the stunt “dead wrong” and while he believes that the property industry “needs a kick”, he insisted that online agents should aim to “improve” the home buying and selling experience, and “not to ‘kill’ estate agents”. Russell (left) said “They clearly have their own view on marketing strategy and this particular style may work for them. But the business of selling someone’s family home with care and at the best price is a very serious business.” Adam Male, Founder of Urban.co.uk, felt that the PR stunt was “effective” but insisted that “it’s in no way the end of the high street.” He commented, “I believe both online and traditional agency has a place in the industry. Much like John Lewis and Thomson Holidays have proven over the last five years, it’s achievable to have a successful high street operation, complemented by…