This software runs daily on a Vultr Virtual Private Server (VPS). It uses two separate Software as a Service (SaaS) companies, My +Plus Leads and Mailbox Power. Both of these services have well designed Application Programmers Interfaces (API) that allow our software to automate postcard marketing campaigns.
My +Plus Leads
My +Plus Leads is a service that sells real estate leads to Realtors. Their services are more extensive than the needs of this software. This software uses their expired listings and For Sale By Owner (FSBO) leads.
Expired listings are leads that were recently listed on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Unfortunately for the sellers, the properties didn’t sell in time and their listings have expired. When that happens, the sellers are almost always going to try again with another Realtor soon. The property is already prepared to sell. Any extra down time will force the sellers to do more work and cause them to lose more money in holding costs.
FSBO sellers have not been on the MLS. Instead, they are trying to sell properties without Realtors to avoid paying commissions. This is a lot of work that most sellers really aren’t prepared to do. They usually say something like, “We will try for a month or two. If it goes easy then great. If not, we will hire a professional.”
FSBO listings are a beacon for unqualified buyers. Realtors represent qualified buyers. They screen buyers to ensure not to waste time. Realtors know they won’t be paid as expected by FSBO sellers. They steer buyers away from FSBOs. Some buyers target FSBOs because they plan to keep the commission difference for themselves by paying less. Many others are just wasting time looking at properties they won’t qualify to buy. All of this is often an exhausting experience for the FSBO seller.
Mailbox Power
Mailbox Power is a service that ships a catalog of products in the traditional mail. Their services are more extensive than the needs of this software. This software uses their postcard services.
They have a very nice user interface for postcards. The customers can design their own postcards or even upload an image they made elsewhere. They can also create campaigns that send several different cards out with user-defined intervals.
We chose to create separate campaigns that are each triggered by this software. The campaigns can be altered at any time, independent of this software. We have done this many times.