2023-10-20 06:00:07
«We have twice as much blues as our brothers and sisters!», entrusts to Figaro a regular at Stéphane Plaza Real estate. In the midst of a crisis, the 4,000 agents must face a investigation targeting the founder of the eponymous network. Nothing to cheer up! Because it also has an impact on their activity: if customers frequent the 700 or so agencies that make up the network, it is often because they know Stéphane Plaza and appreciate it. If he were to get into trouble, there is no doubt that his image would deteriorate and that the network’s activity would be less flourishing than today.
Even before the result of the current investigation, some people have desires elsewhere. “Better a bad transaction than bad publicity!», summarizes a current franchisee. But the business is far from easy. Quite the contrary. The agents who make up the real estate network are franchisees. In other words, they signed a contract, lasting 5 years. If they decide to leave before the deadline, they will have to pay a deposit of 50,000 euros and 30,000 euros in exit fees. “To leave the network, it’s very complicated. It takes courage and recklessness“, says a former franchisee, however “very enthusiastic” upon his arrival at Stéphane Plaza Immobilier, and who left at the end of 2022. This is why certain agents contacted their lawyer in order to attack the network for “moral and financial damage».
A very embarrassing clause
Others seek to find a place elsewhere. “I received more than 20 calls in 10 days from Stéphane Plaza agents worried about their futuresays a former employee who left the network five years ago and has since joined a competitor. Most are at the end of their contracts and hope to join us at the end.» Problem: many have forgotten a detail that could derail the deal. A clause prohibits franchisees who do not renew their contract from joining a competitor for one year. They can only work independently during this period. “It was another blow! Half do not plan to complete this process and either plan to leave the profession or hope that this clause will be removed. The other half is welcome with us», continues this real estate expert who assures “not take any action that could further destabilize Stéphane Plaza Immobilier” more “simply respond to requests from their hard-pressed franchisees».
But all these rebels are not necessarily at the end of their contract, yet they are “sure they don’t want to continue the adventure with Stéphane Plaza“. They then do not see themselves waiting the year or even two years that remain before turning the page. “They envision the post-Plaza», entrusts to Figaro a competitor who also declares having received “about ten phone calls over the past week». «They ask questions and make dates with us. We are ready to welcome them and offer them optimal conditions to best practice their profession.», says this other rival of the network Stéphane Plaza. Another takes less tweezers to talk about one of the French’s favorite presenters. “Real estate is not just glitter but also substantive questionshe emphasizes. Especially during this time of crisis. The French also need reassurance.» Proof that while some competitors are already rubbing their hands, others are more cautious.
#received #calls #days #disappointed #Stéphane #Plaza #agents