How Can Property Sellers Avoid Drip Pricing?

As Rishi Sunak has ordered a review of drip pricing, we at Gaffsy think it would be useful to explain what drip pricing is and how drip pricing can affect you when it comes to selling your property. 

What is drip pricing?

Drip pricing refers to a pricing strategy where the full cost of a product or service is not initially disclosed upfront. A company will instead tell you one part of the price, and then gradually add more costs as you go along. It’s like a drip of water falling one by one. The problem of drip pricing arises because the final price you end up paying is much higher than what you were originally quoted and therefore expected at the beginning. This obviously leads to customers being surprised and misled by hidden costs. So, it’s important to be aware of this strategy as the final cost can be considerably higher than the initial advertised price. Carefully consider all the costs before signing a contract and or making a purchase.

Whilst the practice is not illegal it does appear deceptive and misleading.

Property sellers need to be aware of drip pricing

When you sell your house, sell your flat, you expect the company you go to assist with this to provide clear and upfront information about the total fees for this service. However, with drip pricing there is often a lack of transparency in the pricing.  Here are examples of drip pricing from across the different types of institutions you may use to sell your house:

1. A traditional Estate Agent advertises a low commission rate, say 1%, to attract sellers. However, as the selling process progresses, they introduce additional charges for marketing expenses, professional photography or administrative fees. Some Estate agents may offer a free “For Sale” sign as part of their service, but they may later charge for additional signboards, maintenance fees, or removal costs. When you add up all these extra costs it significantly increases the overall commission fees paid by the seller.

• An Auction House may initially advertise competitive or low seller’s fees to attract property sellers. However, as the auction process unfolds, they may introduce additional fees, such as cataloguing fees, advertising fees, or commission on the final sale price. These costs may not be fully disclosed upfront and can catch sellers off guard. 

• A Cash House Buyer may offer a free property valuation initially to attract sellers. However, as the process continues, they may introduce charges for additional surveys, valuation reports, or legal fees. These costs can significantly impact the final amount the seller receives.

Another problem with drip pricing is that property sellers are unable to make a fair and accurate cost comparison between Estate Agents, Auction Houses, Cash House Buyers.  In turn this discrepancy can lead sellers to unknowingly choose an option that appears cheaper initially but ends up being more expensive due to hidden costs.

1. An Estate Agent may advertise a low commission rate, making their services seem cheaper compared to others in the sector. However, during the selling process, they introduce additional charges such as marketing fees or administrative fees. In this scenario, sellers may select the seemingly cheaper option based on the initial commission rate without realising the additional costs involved.

• An Auction house may advertise lower seller’s fees compared to others, making them appear more cost-effective. However, during the auction process, they gradually introduce fees such as cataloguing fees, advertising fees, or commission on the final sale price. Sellers who only consider the initial fee might choose this Auction House without realising the accumulation of extra costs.

• Drip pricing Cash house buyers can also lead to an unfair comparison for sellers. Some cash buyers may advertise a quick and hassle-free sale, making their offer seem more appealing. However, during the transaction, they may introduce unexpected charges, such as covering the buyer’s legal expenses or incorporating legal fees into the overall cost. Sellers who compare based on the absence of legal fees may unknowingly choose a cash buyer without recognising the hidden costs involved

How to avoid drip pricing

In order to navigate the house selling process smoothly, it is crucial for sellers to thoroughly review contracts and request a comprehensive, detailed breakdown of all costs involved. This proactive approach helps house sellers steer clear of unexpected fees and gain a better understanding of the complete expenses tied to selling your property. By doing so, property owners selling a flat can avoid surprises or unanticipated charges associated with drip pricing in the property sector. It will also enable property sellers to make a fair comparison of the costs companies charge and have asked to sell your property.

Gaffsy says  … to avoid falling victim to drip pricing be vigilant and ask for a breakdown of all costs involved in your property sale. At Gaffsy we buy any house without any hidden fees.

Gaffsy’s Solution solves drip pricing

To avoid the pitfalls of drip pricing when selling your house choosing Gaffsy an industry-leading cash house buyer that prioritises transparency and customer trust to sell your property will solve any issue you face of drip pricing. Here’s how:

1. Transparency: Gaffsy believes in providing complete transparency to its customers. They are open and honest about every aspect of the selling process, ensuring that sellers have a clear understanding of the costs and fees involved.

• Free Cash Offer: Gaffsy offers free cash offers to sellers, without any obligation to proceed. This allows sellers to explore their options and make an informed decision without incurring any upfront costs.
• Free Comparable Valuations: All property sellers working with Gaffsy receive free comparable valuations. This enables sellers to have a better understanding of the market value of their property, aiding them in making informed decisions.

• No Hidden Fees: With Gaffsy, there are no hidden fees. They do not charge for surveys or valuation reports, ensuring that sellers are not caught off guard by unexpected costs.

• Seller-Friendly Approach: Gaffsy takes care of sellers by covering their legal fees. This means that sellers can avoid the additional expenses associated with hiring a solicitor or covering legal documentation costs.

By choosing Gaffsy as your cash house buyer, you can have peace of mind knowing that the sale price agreed upon is the exact cash amount you will receive. Gaffsy’s commitment to transparency and fair practices ensures that landlords can sell buy-to-let property, homeowners can sell houses, flats, land, and sell garages without worrying about hidden costs or falling victim to drip pricing.

Contact Gaffsy today for a free no obligation cash offer.