Frequently Asked Questions
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By now, there are many, many questions you may have about the Lindal Cedar Homes dealership opportunity. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions:
Do I need to have a real estate license or building/construction experience? |
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Q: Do I need to have a real estate license or building/construction experience?
A: No, you won't be selling real estate property such as land. Some of our top dealers came from other fields of endeavor and had no prior experience in the housing industry. However, it does help to have some sales and marketing experience.
Q: Do I need to leave my present career immediately?
A: No, you will need some time to orient yourself, get your model built and start to build a list of potential clients. If you are financially able to start full-time it is a plus, but we will allow a reasonable time to make the transition.
Q: Can I have my spouse help with the day-to-day business?
A: Definitely, some of our most successful dealerships are run exactly this way.
Q: Other than Seattle-based personnel, does Lindal have any regional people to help the dealers?
A: Yes, we have area managers who are available to help you. Although they are always available by phone, they
also make regularly scheduled trips to visit you several times a year.
Q: Is there a franchise or dealership fee?
A: No.
Q: Is there a large cost to getting started, other than the model or design center?
A: No, an initial cost of a few hundred dollars will buy you the recommended marketing materials that you will need
to demonstrate Lindal products; the sale of the plan books usually provides the replacement funds for ongoing purchases. All dealers are expected to participate in a cooperative advertising program as well.
Q: Do I need to build a model home?
A: No. You have a variety of dealership options. They include:
- Commercial Model Home Center: You will build a model in an approved commercial location, and set standard business hours to staff your office.
- Lindal Design Center: In an upscale shopping center you will have an approved retail location.
- Home Sales Office/Subdivision Dealership: These dealerships are in residential areas and can be more readily sold at the conclusion of the program.
- Subdivision Dealership: This program is designed for builders, developers and investors who see the value in speculatively offering our product as a stand-out alternative to local market offerings.
Q: Is there a training program?
A: Yes. First, you will start your Lindal career with an initial orientation. Then you will be given the opportunity to receive additional training at the regularly scheduled week-long "Lindal University," which occurs several times a year around North America. We also provide more training at one regional meeting and at a four-day annual dealer meeting each year. The annual meeting is usually held in January.
In addition, area managers will regularly visit your dealership and provide local training throughout your Lindal career.
Q: Can I choose any location I want?
A: Although we are open to any location that you may have in mind, we are actively recruiting new dealerships in select areas.
Q: Do I get a protected territory?
A: Yes, an area of primary responsibility is assigned to each dealership and no other Lindal Cedar Homes outlet will be set up in your area. Leads are provided by Lindal and result in inquiries by potential customers currently residing in your territory.
Q: Can I sell to people who want to build in other states or provinces?
A: Yes, you can sell to anyone in your country and you can advertise in other areas as long as you use your home
address. This is sometimes done in cooperation with other dealers and ads are placed in magazines, etc. which are circulated throughout the state or even the country.
Q: What products can I offer?
A: Our dealers can carry just our cedar home line, or our sunroom line or both.
Q: If I build up a business, is it my asset and can I sell it later?
A: Yes, as a result of your efforts the business is definitely yours, and Lindal will allow you to sell it to an approved person.
