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Sample THIS!: Sample Flates, Developers Are Getting More Conscious Of This Marketing ToolBy ugesh sarkar, Section Gurgaon Real Estate Property
Developers are getting more conscious of using sample flats as a marketing tool to woo investors in the current slowdown but it is important for buyers to keep the basics in mind
 Sample THIS! This is for those of you who think that the picture perfect sample flat that you've just seen would be the actual product that you'll get when moving in. You definitely need to consider the fineprint after being shown a glamourous model flat and before taking the big decision to buy. If you don't take an informed decision, chances are that you can experience glaring differences between the sample flat and your dream home. Sample flats or mock-ups are setting new trends and being packed in with features these days given the backdrop of a slow real estate market now. Developers are getting more conscious of this marketing tool, often enhancing its appeal with various add-ons. The presence of model flats as a sales strategy is also more conspicuous now against earlier times. Hence it is important to keep the basics in mind so that one can make a sound judgement. Mrunal Duggar, associate director, Homebay Residential, Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj (JLLM), says there is little sense in being either carried away or prejudiced by the appearance of a sample flat. "Once a buyer gets a fair idea of how furnishings and colour schemes have been used, he or she should draw a mental picture of how it could be done differently. One always has the option of asking for some or all of the showcased features to be included in the flat one wishes to purchase, but these will come at an extra cost. What matters at this stage is not the visual impact of the sample flat, but an understanding of how the available space in an unfurnished flat could be used."  Developers too agree that a consumer must not come to any hasty conclusion. "The consumer must check what all will be given in the end product. He can assess the quality of construction, finishing, quality of flooring, bath fittings, electrical and light fittings and furniture from the sample flat itself. This is a key determinant of the final price which he pays," says Harinder Dhillon, GM, marketing, Raheja Developers. Source: Economic TimesSample THIS! Click On "Full Story" For More...
What must also be kept in mind are the prices quoted. Often there may be hidden costs which a consumer does not factor in after seeing a sample flat. So what exactly are these hidden costs? Duggar of JLLM adds that there are no hidden costs, apart from the usual registration charges and other mandatory taxes that are often perceived as `hidden'. "Regardless of the sample flat's appearance, the developer will quote for the unfurnished flat, which means that the price includes the flooring, balcony area (if any), ceilings and walls. In sample flats of less spectacular midbudget homes, the basic fittings are usually included in the quoted price. The buyer must specifically request for any additional features shown in a sample flat to be retained in the purchased unit, in which case these will appear in an annexure to the agreement as additional charges to the cost price," she says.
Developers on their part realise that this is a profitable marketing tool and hence are doing innovations in this segment as well. The 3C Company, a Delhi-based real estate firm, shows options of four mock-ups, right from the smallest to the biggest size. Vipul has been introducing sample flats for every project over the last one year against its previous practice. Ansal API recently constructed a sample flat in a shopping mall for their project in Jaipur so that it could be more accessible to the public. They are also considering such options in other towns depending on availability of indoor spaces. Raheja Developers too showcases sample flats for all sizes. Says Brijesh Bhanote, senior V-P, sales and marketing, The 3C Company, "Mock ups are the biggest marketing tool for a developer in the residential segment. Moreover, the current environment is such that showing what one will get becomes extremely necessary. We are doing options of showing all sizes from 1,000 sq ft to 1,500 sq ft. Also we will highlight by pasting stickers on whatever is not present in the standard specifications." Agrees a senior official of BPTP who says that customers nowadays always want to see sample flats, as they want a feel and look of the property that they will own in the future. "It certainly helps in decision making. But customers should keep a few things in mind. They must always carry the original specifications announced by the company at the time of prelaunch/launch and compare it with the sample flat. In most of the cases the developers use expensive interiors to make it attractive. The customer should cross check with company executives to clarify the actuals." A fully furnished sample flat may look extremely appealing and attractive. But don't be too taken in by the artful decor. Take a look at your overall budget and make sure that you ask for details of other payments which are not mentioned such as EDC, IDC, club membership, car parking, power backup, fittings, flooring, security or maintenance. After all, you don't want any surprises springing up later!
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