THE internet has undoubtedly changed the way in which we shop.

Many of us now do our weekly grocery shop, buy clothes, book holidays and do our Christmas shopping online.

The lure of convenience combined with more competitive pricing is strong and the High Street is having to think of new and interesting ways to attract customers and encourage them to shop in-store rather than online.

It’s interesting to note, however, that against this background popular retailers like John Lewis continue to open new stores, where customers are not only able to see the goods prior to purchase but also benefit from face to face customer service.

However, it is more difficult to envisage certain ‘service’ industries - where customer service is paramount - proving successful online only.

Recently some have ventured to dip their toe in the water - including a number of new online only property businesses.

The promise of seemingly low fees is enticing.

The success and impact of these ventures, however, is relatively small.

Only five per cent of vendors have opted to market their homes in this way and less than two per cent of completed sales have resulted from online only marketing.

If you want to achieve the best price for your property and enjoy great service throughout this complex and sometimes emotionally charged transaction, we at Perry Bishop and Chambers believe that full service estate agency should always be your preferred option.

We would never encourage anyone to gamble with what, for the majority of us, is our biggest asset by choosing to go down the online only sales route.

Here’s just some of the reasons why we recommend full service estate agency: 1. Fees: Online only property business charge their fees upfront and if they are unable to sell your home this fee is non-refundable.

Full service agencies only bill clients once a successful sale has been achieved.

A ‘No sale no fee’ arrangement results in more motivated agents with a stronger incentive to sell your property.

2. Sales progression: Various parties are engaged when selling and/or purchasing a property.

As well as the vendors and purchasers involved in what can be a lengthy chain, solicitors, surveyors, mortgage providers and local councils who organise searches have a significant bearing on both the speed with which your transaction progresses and indeed on whether or not your sale completes.

A full service estate agent is highly experienced in sales progression - communicating with all relevant parties in your chain to ensure your sale and/or purchase exchange and complete in the fastest possible time.

Online only providers are not experts at this - once an offer has been accepted, there is little impetus for them to follow through on sales progression and consequently the likelihood of your sale falling through is much higher.

We have experienced first hand the difficulties encountered with sales progression when one of the parties in the chain is selling via an online only property service.

Communication is poor and motivation low.

3. Local knowledge: Most estate agents, like Perry Bishop and Chambers, employ only local agents with an in-depth understanding of the market in which they work and the community they serve.

They provide accurate and up-to-date valuations for vendors and are able to sell the benefits of the area in which their properties are located to potential purchasers.

Online only businesses can never match local expertise on the ground.

4. Reaching the whole market: An online only service taps into the online market only.

Here at Perry Bishop and Chambers approximately 50 per cent of our enquiries come in via the internet - from a combination of Rightmove, OnTheMarket and our own website.

We appreciate the value of this market, but by choosing to sell your home online only you are missing out on 50 per cent of the market who respond offline.

Online businesses don’t, for example advertise in the local press or have a presence on the High Street.

They don’t boast a database of thousands of applicants looking to move with whom they communicate on a regular basis, via email, text and telephone.

Unlike online only providers, full-service providers bring people and property together that may not yet be on the market as well offer vendors the choice of low-key marketing.

Online only services can’t advertise everywhere online either!

They can’t, for example, promote your property with OnTheMarket.com - a new online portal, used by five million+ home hunters.

5. Value added services: By choosing to market your property via an online only property service, you won’t be able to take advantage of numerous services and marketing tools proven to maximise viewings and secure the best possible price for your home.

At Perry Bishop and Chambers these include: Professional photography Home staging service Video tours Accompanied viewings Open Days

For further information contact Eliza Dunlop on 01285 646794 elizadunlop@perrybishop.co.uk .