Virtual Configurator Leads to 4X Increase in Upgrades: A Case Study
In the highly competitive real estate market, developers are always looking for ways to differentiate their properties from others. One way to achieve this is by offering customizable upgrades to homebuyers. However, the traditional method of recording and fulfilling these upgrades is fraught with problems, from misplaced paperwork to misinterpreted instructions. This is where the Scelta design configurator comes in.
The Scelta design configurator is an innovative tool that allows homebuyers to design and visualize their home upgrades before construction even begins. This tool was put to the test in a real-world scenario, when two identical buildings were constructed in the same year by the same developer, in the same city, with the same specs. The only difference between the two was that one building was equipped with the Scelta design configurator.
The results were striking. The building that used the configurator had 4X the amount of upgrades ordered by customers than the other building. What makes the Scelta design configurator more effective than the traditional method? The answer is threefold.
Firstly, the traditional method of taking orders requires a customer representative to be present with paper and a pencil to record all of the choices of the customer, who then has to relay that information to the customer. This is a cumbersome and time-consuming process that can lead to errors and misunderstandings. Scelta eliminates the need to schedule a time in the future to meet with the customer and show the around the unit. Rather, customers can now visualize their dream home instantly, while allowing full transparency for all parties.
Secondly, the customer must then select the upgrades they want for the home without necessarily seeing what they are paying extra for. This can make the customer less willing to spend on extravagant upgrades, especially with the representative waiting by them. By recording the upgrades digitally, not only did Scelta sell 4X the upgrades, but also collected a valuable set of information on which upgrades sold the best, and what deals were the most effective at converting to sales. This will allow Scelta to inform the developer on what add ons to apply for the next upgrade.
Thirdly, the traditional method of handing a checked-off paper to the contractor is prone to problems if it gets lost or damaged, because the contractor has to read instructions from that paper carefully to provide the resources. If the contractor misreads that paper or if the customer representative does not mark the paper correctly, there is a big problem. The time it takes from the order being placed to the contractor work being completed is also tracked, which provided valuable insights into where the bottlenecks were in production.
The Scelta design configurator overcomes all of these issues. By allowing customers to see their upgrades before they are built, it increases their willingness to spend on premium features. It also streamlines the ordering process, reducing the chance of errors and misunderstandings. And because everything is recorded digitally, there is no risk of lost or damaged paperwork.
The magic behind the Scelta design configurator is the high return on investment (ROI), paired with a low upfront cost. Scelta allows developers to organize their orders much more efficiently, and sell 4X the upgrades in the process. The fee for the configurator to be customized to the specific development is very small compared to the massive increase in upgrade spending. In fact, traditionally, in the home buying process, the most profitable items are the add-ons and upgrades.
But customers are hesitant to purchase upgrades before they can visualize them. The Scelta design configurator equips developers with this visualization tool. And because it is flexible, it can be built for different types of buildings, such as townhomes or apartment buildings. The tool was so successful for the previous client that the subsequent developer has asked to advertise Scelta’s services to potential home buyers.
In summary, the Scelta design configurator is a game-changer for real estate developers. It simplifies the ordering process, reduces the chance of errors, increases customer satisfaction, and leads to a significant increase in upgrade spending. It is an investment that pays for itself many times over.
Visit Scelta at sceltabuild.com.
