I recently had a new enquiry from a potential start up RICS
surveyor client looking for audio typing services. We discussed my reasonable rates per audio
minute and he asked my advice about how to produce the RICS Homebuyer Surveys. I explained that the easiest way is to use
the ISURV online software. He had hinted
that he wanted me to send him a list of standard paragraphs from one of my
current surveyor clients, but I wouldn't do this – as it would be in breach of
my confidentiality agreements, so explained that standard paragraphs are
available online using this ISURV service which also allows surveyors to add in
their own company specific standard paragraphs.
He signed up straight away.
A few days later, I chased him up to see how he was getting
on, but he replied saying that they had now taken on a temp to do all the
typing. I found this very frustrating,
as I know that I can provide a much more reliable and efficient service than a
physical employee. I also know that a
remote audio dictation service is much cheaper than a full or part time
physical secretary. I don’t take
holidays (well when I do I provide experienced reliable cover), I don’t call in
sick, I don’t turn up late, I don’t have family commitments that affect my work
and I don’t require a contract.
I decided to do some calculations. My busiest client can only manage to visit 3
properties in a day. So taking him as an
example, and assuming he is at maximum capacity, he would produce 15 surveys
per week, averaging 30 minutes of audio dictation each.
A temp or audio secretary would be paid a minimum of say £10
per hour and working 40 hours per week this would work out as MORE EXPENSIVE
than using Property Typing on a weekly basis.
But on an annual basis, lets say you go on holiday – your temp
or audio secretary probably won’t be away – so you would still have to pay her
£400 per week, to sit in the office and do nothing. And if she (or he to be PC) goes on holiday –
you still have to pay her. And while she
is away, you will either have to pay a temp, or outsource your work to someone
like me anyway which means you will be paying £800 per week for your typing
requirements.
So by my calculations, over the course of a year, and
assuming standard holiday entitlement – using Property Typing, a
remote audio dictation service will save you in excess of £4,000 per year. And that’s assuming
you are at full capacity the whole time.
We all know there are slow weeks and even months where the work just isn’t
coming. Why pay someone to sit there and
do nothing!