Industry Interview: Ian Thomas, Marketing Director, OnBoard Pro.
OnBoard Pro is a professional software company that uses the latest technology to equip busy Letting Agents with cloud based applications that transform the complex processes that are associated with a tenant application and move in. The result is more robust and much quicker than current methods.
OnBoard Pro is challenging the lettings industry to take a step back from their older ways of working and embrace the way in which new technology can bring a step change in the way they manage and grow their business and profits.
If you had to pick a USP that sets you apart from similar services out there, what would that be?
There are many USP’s I could choose from (and as software technologists we want to shout about all the clever features!) but if pressed I would say improved yields for landlords.
For a letting agent, finding and keeping new landlords is fundamental to the success of their business. The ability to show that they can deliver a higher yield on their properties is a vital differentiator in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market.
So how does OnBoard Pro help increase yield?
- The ability to complete an application at the property with a tablet device enables negotiators to sign more tenants up more quickly.
- Tenants are robustly checked and referenced on both their ability to pay and their previous behaviour. Thus avoiding default and damage – both serious impactors on yield.
- The whole “move-in” process is automated – removing valueless admin work and cutting times down from days to hours. This means tenants can be placed quicker – reducing void periods – another drain on yield.
- Removing admin work releases staff to spend more time focusing on growing the business.
With OnBoard Pro there is no capital investment or upfront fees. Agents simply pay a low cost for each transaction and our support desk is always on hand to help and provide advice. Why not give it a try?
What are your future plans?
One of the big advantages of cloud based software is that developments can be carried out quickly and made available to all users automatically. This allows us to keep our customers one step ahead of market changes. A key example of this is the “Right to Rent” module which we will introduce to our customers free of charge when it becomes Government legislation later in the year. They will have the peace of mind that they are following the rules and no longer risk a potential £3000 fine.
Our first release of OnBoard Pro was aimed at the general letting agent market. We have recently launched 2 new products – a Student version which is tailored to the specific needs of the student accommodation market and a Lite version which is less comprehensive and lower cost. Other versions are in the pipeline too – watch this space!
We aim to become the supplier of choice for Letting Agents and other organisations involved in the tenant “move-in” process. We want to make setting up a tenancy as robust, easy and as quick as possible for letting agents and we will continue investing heavily in our product to allow us to do so.
Do you embrace feedback from the industry to better your service?
This is an important part of our DNA – we actively seek feedback for improvement from existing and potential customers. We conduct product updates on a regular basis and the majority of these are as a result of customer feedback. Agents are using OnBoard Pro every day and it is important to us that they are confident that our product is constantly being developed to support the health and growth of their business.
What are your thoughts about the Estate Agent Networking concept?
We find Estate Agent Networking to be a really useful tool to keep up to date with what’s happening in the property world. We also like to measure our activity against competitors using the social media leader boards on the site.
What should people do to find out more about OnBoard Pro?
If you’d like to find out more, why not drop us an email info@onboardpro.co.uk or give us a call on 08452 26 26 06.
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