A Message From Our CEO - Saul Klein
Dear Point2 Members,
In December of 2007 I was offered the CEO position at Point2. After thorough consideration, I determined the best way to fulfill my long term personal goal of bringing agents and brokers the most powerful, cost-effective technology tools, was to take the job and commute 1,500 miles twice a month to Saskatoon, SK. Point2 had a tradition of innovation and excellence and I looked forward to becoming part of that tradition.
After changing the strategic direction of the company and rechanneling development resources to allow for a single point of entry through MLSs in February of 2008, the time has arrived to take the hard step of asking all of our members who receive a value from our products and services to share in the costs, a move that will allow us to offer even more value.
Delivering you the tools and services you need to succeed in real estate is our mission and Point2 will continue on that mission. This step will help us do so.
Your understanding is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to delivering you more business in 2009 - and beyond, as the industry and world continue to change.
Sincerely,
Saul Klein
Why are you making this change?
Charging a nominal amount for all Point2 Agent Standard accounts will help Point2 to constantly improve its services, to continue to build new features, and to devise new ways to help members succeed in their markets and generate new business. Additionally, this adjustment will help to ensure that all members are enjoying an equal and fair level of service for their dollar rather than having some members pay to access the same services others are receiving for free.
I thought my membership would always be free?
Rather than restricting or inhibiting free accounts, and rather than increasing third-party advertising presence on free sites, Point2 has opted to charge the same small fee for all Standard accounts. $9.95/month is highly competitive, and we are utterly confident in our ability to deliver many times that amount in value to you each and every month.
Why will this change help to ensure an exceptional product?
First, it will enable us to develop and deliver more business building features to all our customers including Standard Point2 Agent, more aggressively. Second, we will be able to remove all advertising from your website, rendering the sites even more professional and more effective for you. Third, it will allow us to further expand our customer support capabilities to serve you better.
Is Point2 in financial trouble?
Absolutely not. 2008 was the most successful year in Point2's 12-year history. 1000 new subscribers continue to sign up to Point2 Agent each week. The company continues to grow and anticipates a very strong 2009.
When does this change take effect?
As of March 9th, no free accounts will be supported. A payment of $9.95 per month will be required to keep Point2 Agent sites enabled.
My marketing dollars are precious these days. Are you doing anything to compensate me for this adjustment?
All advertising will immediately be removed from your website. Formerly, free Standard accounts displayed third-party advertising. Additionally, your account will be credited with four free Point2 Homes spotlight ads. These ads have a total value of $100, equivalent to a full year of Point2 Agent Standard at the annual rate ($99.95/yr).
How do I set up my account for payment and what is the
drop dead deadline?
From within your Online Office simply click on the Upgrade button located in the upper left area of the page. You can select which package you wish to upgrade to. Standard is just $9.95 per month or $99.95 per year.
You will be able to set up payment for your Standard membership up until March 8, 2009. As of March 9, 2009 all accounts which have not set up payment will no longer be publicly accessible. You will still be able to login in order to set up payment.
What if I don't pay immediately? Will my website be lost forever?
Your website will be disabled as of March 9th if no payment has been made. However, your website will not be lost permanently. Once you begin payment of $9.95/month (or $99.95/year) your website will be restored exactly as it was prior to being disabled on March 9th. Setting up payment prior to March 9th will ensure there is no interruption to your website service.
Where can I access information about the benefits of keeping my Standard account?
We are pleased to offer all our Standard members a series of special Education Sessions outlining the benefits of using the features found with your Point2 Agent account. These sessions are being held throughout the month of February and into March. We encourage you to register and attend each session. Education Sessions are provided free of charge.
Register here: http://exclusive.point2agenteducation.com
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