A site visit is often the moment a buyer decides whether a project is real. The request that leads to it should be easy to send, and the team should know what to expect when it arrives. A long form that asks for everything usually gets abandoned. A request with no detail leads to a stream of messages that take days to sort out.
This article explains how to find the balance, and how to set expectations before the visit.
Ask for the basics only
Ask for the buyer's name, a phone number, the project and the configuration they're interested in, and two or three preferred days or times. That's enough for a team to plan. Add one optional question about the buyer's purpose, such as buying to live in or to invest, if your team finds that useful, but don't make it compulsory.
Keep the form to one screen on a phone.
Be clear that a request is not a booking
Say on the page that a request is not a confirmed visit. Explain that the team will reply with a time, and that the time depends on the site, the weather and the progress of the work. A buyer who understands this is much less likely to feel let down.
What the visit covers
Describe what a visit includes: a walk through the site, the show flat if there is one, the floor plans and a conversation with a sales representative. Say how long it usually takes and whether a family can attend. If there are areas that can't be visited during construction, say which ones.
Safety on site
Construction sites are not always safe for visitors. Say what visitors must wear, whether children are allowed and what the site rules are. A short note on safety protects the buyer and the builder, and shows the team takes visits seriously.
Confirming and rescheduling
Explain how the team confirms a visit, how a visitor can change a time, and how much notice is needed. A visitor who knows they can reschedule is more likely to come at all.
Follow up after the visit
Say that the team will follow up after the visit, and what the follow-up includes, such as the price sheet, the payment plan or the documents for the next step. Buyers appreciate a clear next step, and it helps the team keep the conversation focused.
Quick checklist
- Ask for the name, phone number, project, configuration and two preferred times.
- State on the page that a request is not a confirmed visit.
- Describe what the visit includes and how long it usually takes.
- Set the site safety rules for visitors, including children.
- Explain how a visit is rescheduled and how much notice is needed.
- Say what follow-up the buyer receives after the visit.
What to do next
The builder and developer websites page shows how the site-visit section sits alongside the project pages. The layout behind this is covered on the business websites page, which suits any builder building its first site. Write the request form last, after you've agreed what a visit covers and how the team confirms it.